Hello Alpha Rho,
Some of us are getting ready for school to begin, while others are glad they are
retired. I will be heading to Africa on July 29 and returning on August 9. This
year I will be working with the children from the village to make crafts, sing, and
share Bible stories about Jesus. I want to thank everyone who has helped me to
prepare for my trip.
Kathye and I recently attended the International DKG Convention in National
Harbor, Maryland the week of July 9 – 13. We heard from some great speakers.
First: Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures: The American Dream and
the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space
Race. The film adaptation of her book—which became the number one movie in
America was nominated for several Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best
Adapted Screenplay, and Octavia Spencer for Best Supporting Actress. My
favorite part was when she talked about her collecting research and interviews
she had with the real-life heroes of Hidden Figures. Second: Andre Bradford,
a.k.a., S.C. Says, an award-winning slam poet. His poetry covers a gamut of
topics ranging from being mixed-race, to social justice, to mental health
awareness, to never settling relationships. My favorite poem he shared was
centered around a lady in Walgreens taking too long to check out. He described
all the things she was buying, and he talked about his frustrations about having
to wait on her. Then the change in his attitude when he followed her out of the
store, and she gave all that she purchased to a homeless man outside the store.
On Friday afternoon of the convention, I presented my workshop on “My One
School in Africa.” I was surprised to have about 35 people in my presentation. I
asked the attendees to give me some ideas that I could share with the teachers of
Compel Hope Academy in Webuye, Kenya on how to engage their students in
learning other than lecturing. I got some great ideas.
We will be starting meetings soon. Our first meeting will be Bossier-Caddo
Coordinating Council Joint Fall Meeting at Johnny’s Catfish and Seafood on
Saturday, August 24. Other meetings include “Frauds/Scams” from Bossier
Parish Sheriff’s Office, “Art with Kathleen” (which is always fun), Honoring Local
Educators/Cumberland Farms (Our project this year will center around
Cumberland Farms.), Christmas Brunch at Janet Bouso’s home, World Fellowship
Program/Learning about Upcoming Legislation from Dodie Horton, State
Representative from District 9, “Potting Flowers/Plants According to Species,
Size, Color, etc.”, then concluding with the Bossier-Caddo Coordinating Council
Founders’ Day Luncheon and New Member Induction.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Martha
