An Experience Never to Forget – Justice Walk 2010
Last week I was privileged to be a part of an incredible board wide initiative organized by local volunteer members in the beautiful city of Sault Ste Marie.
After a day full of presentations at St Thomas Aquinas C.S.S I made the 7 hour journey to the “soo” without any real idea as to what was laying ahead of me the next morning. I was given the opportunity to meet with wonderful local, hard working D&P members that participated in this initiative. I was taken in and treated as if I was family and welcomed everywhere I went with open arms, for that I am always great full.
St Basil’s C.S.S were instrumental in making this wonderful day happen; Justice Walk 2010.
With promotional videos made, posters of truth, and an already burning desire to make a difference we hit the street; with a very special grade 12 class leading the way. As we walked to MP Tony Martin’s office with a solid 200 strong we met up with a few classes from the partnering high school down the road St Mary’s. With us were students carrying a thousand plus signatures supporting our campaign on food sovereignty. Mr. Martin so graciously met us outside and spoke to the students, quoting Martin Luther King Jr’s speech on politician, labeling this generation of youth now “changing the course of the wind”.
I was completely blown away as I watched this day fall into place. After walking back to the school unsure of what was next I learned about a prayer service, but first we had to pick up a large group of elementary school students from down the road to join us.
These young students came walking out of their school with smiles as big as I have ever seen, waving Afghanistan flags (each elementary school chose I country and learned about the work D&P is doing in that country) and singing this year’s theme song; waving flag by K’naan. As we walked back I was so ecstatic I had to run ahead through the school to watch the students walk out together. As the approached the back doors of the school to walk through the honor guard I could hear them without seeing them; singing together “when I get older, I will be stronger, they’ll call me freedom, just like a waving flag”.
Now I am blown away. I was honored to be able to say a few words of thanks and begin the prayer service with the opening prayer. As pictures were taken and thanks of gratitude all around I sat back just trying to soak in everything that had happened in the span of 3 or 4 hours. Wow.
After eating a lovely lunch at the water front, I went to the school board to meet some very influential people in setting up this project. After being introduced and saying a quick thanks to everyone I joined them in watching the promotional video. Then came time for the directors to walk for peace and justice; I of course had to join even for a few moments; this was really special. I was then given the opportunity to speak in a classroom at St Mary’s high school and talk a little bit further about D&P and our campaign for this year. Finishing the evening off I was graciously welcomed into the home of the chaplain of St Basil’s C.S.S to join her and her family for a wonderful meal. The morning was welcomed with a sad good bye to such a great community but full of inspiration and a new challenge for me when I returned home. All that is left to say is THANK YOU to everyone in the “soo” for all their hard work and for making me feel at home; even for one day.
“To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God” – Micah 6:8
Accomplished by H.S.C.D.S.B on April 28th 2010.
God Bless,
Daniel Schultheis
Click here and here for more information about the Justice Walk.
Check out this great promotion video:
