“Children are extraordinarily precious members of society;
they are exquisitely alert, sensitive, and conscious of their surroundings; and they are extraordinarily vulnerable
to maltreatment or emotional abuse by adults who refuse to give them the profound respect and affection to which
they are unconditionally entitled.”
- Barbara Coloroso -
Kids Are Worth It
THE WORLD
There were twelve of us (eleven + driver) who didn’t know where we were going. We knew
that we were going to Christel House Mexico City; we just didn’t know how to find it. When we finally found
Kansas St. it was a one-way street and our driver attempted to solve that problem by backing down the street.
You see, if anyone observed us we would look like we were going in the right direction. After about twenty
feet someone identified that our destination was actually in front of us rather than in back. Needless to say,
we arrived at our destination about fifteen minutes late. I’m not sure that any of us knew what to expect once
we entered the facility. We knew from the schedule that a ‘Civil Ceremony’ was going to occur and had a vague idea
of its contents however, what we found rocked our world.
As we passed through that big black gate into the courtyard, we found the 289 students and 30 staff members of
Christel House MX 6 or 7 deep facing the center from each of the walls. We were lead across the courtyard
to a gap in the rank and file where we were supposed to stand. We could feel every eye on us and the quiet was
discomforting. I could clearly hear and feel my heart pounding in my chest as the Ceremony to honor the Mexican
National Symbols began. The picture at the top is of the color guard as they presented their countries flag
which then became the focal point for the pledge promising loyalty, then the singing of Mexico’s National Anthem.
The center picture is of the kids portraying individuals important in Mexican History. One of those individuals
was Federic Schiller (not in the picture) who wrote the words for part of the Ninth Symphony. At
this time, the fourth grade students came center court to perform and sing parts of that Symphony which concluded
the ‘Civil Ceremony’. Had you been there, you could have seen the pride in the eyes of those students that had
been chosen to play a part. You see, they too were being honored for outstanding behavior and academic results.
The third picture (at the bottom) is just a small part of a picture that rocked our world and will always
remain in the memory of we, the eleven. It began quietly… Those young voices began to sing in a second language
they were learning…
There comes a time when we need a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somehow will soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth - you know love is all we need
You may not recognize those words written by Lional Richie and Michael Jackson and recorded on
January 28th, 1985 following the American Music Awards. You may remember some of those in the
recording session that night. Among that group was Harry Belafonte, the late Ray Charles, Bob Dylan,
Waylon Jennings, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Willie Nelson, The Pointer Sisters, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Rogers,
Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder, just to name a few. Still don’t remember? Add
the Chorus…
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me
 These are not the only two
teardrops that fell as those wee voices reached their crescendo. “We are the World, we are the children…”
– “There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives…” There are tears in my eyes now, as
I attempt to describe the impact standing there and hearing those words. Mixed emotions – Pride that my
small involvement in Christel House and the Open in Scottsdale/Phoenix facilitated some of ‘that choice they
were making’ and Joy that the few bucks we raised were helping them on the road to ‘saving
their own lives’. Sadness that, through no fault of their own except the circumstances of their
birth, they had been placed in harm's way. Heartbreak, just knowing that these 289 are the lucky ones, that
thousands of other children all over the world are in desperate need of assistance in breaking the
cycle of poverty and becoming self-sufficient, contributing members of society. I won’t pretend to have the words
to express all the emotions felt that morning by the other ten standing in that courtyard with me, swaying with
the music, as those precious voices sang for us. I do know that we all felt a Duty to convey those
emotions to others so that they too will join in the effort to sustain the vision Christel DeHaan had when she
opened the first Christel House right here in Mexico City in 1998. Here are some of their words.
Dori Carlson – RCI
“The emotions swelled up and the tears came freely, all at once and a little unexpectedly. I wondered
if the children minded us singing along, then realized that they smiled when they saw that we, too, knew the words
to this powerful song. Their voices filled with pride as ours cracked. I looked over to Patricia, the
Christel House Director, and to Cheryl Wendling, who both provided a reassuring nod that it was okay to join in.
At that point I put my arm around the closest child and began to sing with them, as we swayed back and forth to
the familiar music that had taken on a new meaning. I will never forget that moment and as I write this,
the emotions come back to me as clearly as they did then. Later I wondered if the children understood why
we were crying. I soon realized that it was okay. And it was just the beginning.”
Sunny Bresett – Christmas Mountain Village
“The pivotal moment for me was when, in the midst of the Civil Ceremony, I struggled to maintain my composure
and hold back the tears. Just then, a little boy in the back row next to us began to boogie along with the song.
That broke me up. He was about the same age as my boys back home, one of who celebrates his joy in exactly
the same way! Just a little boy who, at home probably had a pretty horrible existence, but was so happy and
filled with life here at school, that he couldn’t contain himself! He was the impetus that changed our group
from blubbering outsiders watching the children sing, into a bunch of blubbering enthusiasts who now had to mingled
amongst the children, rocking arm in arm, boogieing and singing along.”
Clark Rowley – Scottsdale Camelback Resort
“I have watched Christel speak of the children of Christel House with a renewed enthusiasm, warmth and
with unconditional love. I have seen their faces in countless photos and have read many Outlooks and articles regarding
these children. Nothing captured the moment until I walked through the gates of Christel House Mexico and
was greeted by 289 of the most amazing children. The entire student body was lined around the walls of the
courtyard waiting our arrival and preparing to begin their Civil Ceremony. As we stood there watching the
kids, it made me wonder what stories these children could each tell. What was their Sunday night like within
their homes, what were their mornings like preparing to go to school? Each child, tidy in its uniform,
and so ready to begin their day of learning. As the program began, we watched them celebrate people within
their history who made a difference. We listened to them sing their National Anthem. Then with the
song “We Are The World”, it seemed that each one of them welcomed each of us into their arms like one giant hug.
It was truly an unforgettable experience. Our group joined in the singing, joined hands and all swayed to the music.
At that moment the emotions, the love and strength flowed across that courtyard like an electric current until
it touched all who gathered there…”
Cheryl O’Bryon – Christmas Mountain Village
“I was fortunate enough to share these moments with my husband and two wonderful friends Mark and Sunny,
which only added to the impact. As we arrived at the school and we entered the gate, Wade & I were nervous
and excited, not knowing what to expect. We knew, based on our agenda, that there was to be a Civil Ceremony,
but what was it, and what would it involve? Little did we know …we turned the corner, only to see a sea of
smiling faces all lined up in perfect rows looking in awe at us… 11 strangers, from somewhere far away? All
of the children looked so dapper in their uniforms, seeing them in this setting we would have never guessed where
they go each night when the school day ends. The ceremony was wonderful and they all seemed so proud to be
performing it in front of and for us. As the official ceremony ended and the children broke out in song to
“We are the World”, the tears flowed from both Wade's and my eyes. I have heard the song a
million times, but never did it mean so much as at this time and this place.
Becky Arnett – Christel House
“Because I have known several of you (the eleven) for many years, we have become like family –because
of that, it was for me a very personal experience. The kids and staff at CHMX are also part of my family. For me,
this trip was a chance to have both sides of the family finally meet. It was very emotional for me to watch
each of you go through the range of emotions that I felt myself the first time I visited CHMX. Experiences,
such as the singing of a song like ‘We are the World”, are a bit overwhelming and it takes a while to get your
mind around everything you have felt and witnessed in that short amount of time. By coming to CHMX in person –
you showed them that they are loved and they are important. That is the greatest gift you could ever give
them.”
Mark Krause – Christmas Mountain Village
“My first impression walking into the courtyard was seeing the children all trying to look so serious
in their uniforms, however there were some that couldn’t help themselves and they broke out in a smile as we arrived
and were escorted to at our assigned place. I speak no Spanish and had no experience outside of our country, but
I didn’t need any translation to understand those smiles. When the ceremony started it was a wonderful thing to
see how proud they were of their country and flag. The most touching part of the ceremony was when the children
started to sing; “We are the World.” I cried like a baby! After that the fun began as I jumped into the middle
of a group and swayed to the music with them. First time I remember crying and smiling at the same time. From that
point, I knew it was going to be a wonderful and emotional few days learning from and about the children!”
Maranda Willis – Northwest Airlines
“I was unsure as to what to expect upon entering the school. It was inspiring to see that the children
were filled with such pride and spirit, as they performed their civil ceremony. As soon as the program part
of the morning was finished, the real kid in all of us came out. So many smiles, so many hugs, we were overwhelmed
as wave after wave surrounded us. What a way to start the morning.”
Wade O’Bryon – Christmas Mountain Village
“The most meaningful part for me was turning the corner into the school and seeing all these great little
faces! The ceremony and the singing of “We are the World” took a close second. There was no way to
keep a dry eye… I have been around the world while in the Navy, and since have taken vacations, but I have never
had the opportunity to actually step into the lives of anyone quite like this. At that moment, I began to understand
that this trip will touch my heart like no other ever has.”
Shortly after the morning’s ceremonies were over and every one of us had received a hundred hugs, the children
needed to begin their normal school day. We (the 11) attempted to get our emotions under control as Patricia
Covarrubias, Executive Director of CHMX, directed us to a small conference room for a quick reminder of the
House, its mission and introductions to some of the key staff. She then conducted us on a quick tour including
a visit to one of the 7th grade classes, where we spent a few minutes exchanging Q&A with the students. 10:00
am arrived before we knew it and it was time for the next item on the agenda. This item was a simple statement:
A visit to the neighborhood.
FINAL THOUGHT
Growing up in Western Kentucky, I was part of a neighborhood. I suppose that all of us were. I am sure
that when we think back about our neighborhood we have specific memories, some good and some not so good.
Mostly, I remember the people of that neighborhood. How they interacted and how their circumstances, morality (or
lack of same), culture, and personalities created the fabric or underlying pattern within it.
Chance placed me in that neighborhood. Something that happens unpredictably without discernible
human intention or observable cause is chance.
 It was not by chance
that we, the eleven, were about to make a visit to the neighborhood that chance had placed so many of the
children served by CHMX. This is Mark, (one of the 11); He had the opportunity to choose his neighborhood
near the Wisconsin Dells in the heartland of the United States. Choice is something that is selected
freely and after consideration. His small friend is Daniel Sanchez who had no such choice,
and we are about to visit his neighborhood in Alvaro Obregon Township where almost 115,000 people live.
It is in this neighborhood that Christel chose to intervene, a valiant attempt to break the cycle of poverty
for a few children living here and in other similar circumstances in five other locations around the world.
I wonder what choices we will make after our Visit to the Neighborhood.
THE SAGA Part 5 - The Numbers
The SAGA Part 4 - The Healing
The SAGA Part 3 - The Visit
The SAGA Part 1 - The Beginning
JS 11/05
|
