I remember reading about the English class from Wilson High School in Long Beach, California that became known as the "Freedom Writers" in our local newspaper.
The "Freedom Writers" were a group of At Risk teenagers which had pretty much been given up on by their school system and their society. They were inspired by their teacher, Erin Gruwell to write their life stories after being inspired by the lives of Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic and learning about the holocaust.
Their story and book inspired teachers and students alike all over America and a movie was even made about them.
I read "The Freedom Writer's Diary" during a particularly hard season of ministry to street kids and was very encouraged. The book mostly focuses on the stories of the students but I was interested in Erin Gruwell's side of the story.
"Teach With Your Heart" is Erin's story and she delivers an inspirational testimony of how a preppy, Newport Beach raised young woman, put aside all cultural barriers and connected with inner city youth and changed their lives forever.
Don't read without a box of kleenex!
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My yesterday 's newpaper had a photo of a priest of the Ukranian Orthodox church blessing motorcycles in Kiev.
They bless cars and motorcycles. At first it kind of made me giggle when I saw the ceremony, but now, after living here and experiencing the traffic, I think it might be a rather wise thing to do! ;)
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