Making connections

Last month, after tragedy struck the Georgia National Guard units serving in Iraq, students from King of Peace Episcopal Day School created artwork for soldiers serving in Charlie Company of the Georgia National Guard's 48th infantry. The church also sent some phone cards, DVDs and other small gifts as visible signs of our prayers and concern.

On September 8, Tommy Carter, a Sergeant in that unit who was home in Folkston for a brief break, came by The Preschool to say thanks in person. The kids mobbed him, happy to put a face with the idea of creating art to send halfway around the world. Making connections between the world of a child's experience and the things they study is part of what education is all about. For example, our students had worked on a unit on geography in the summer and learned about different countries, then they had this opportunity to send packages to Iraq and finally meet someone in person who came to thank them for the gifts. Sergeant Carter is back in the Middle East and our kids now have a connection with a soldier serving our nation, as some of their father's serve on submarines.

Making connections is also what Christianity is all about. For in getting connected to God, we can't help but be drawn closer to the others whom God loves (and that's everybody). We learn that that which connects us is greater than that which seems to separate us. It is natural for Christians to care about soldiers serving in Iraq and families suffering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and anyone else in need of God's loving care.

In the archives is a religion column Support our troops with more than ribbons and a sermon Koinonia—a deeper connectedness.