A Bundle of Letters

A series of eager gasps followed by a moment of absolute silence filled the classroom. The students' attention was captivated by the bundle of letters that I held in my hands. These letters, written in English by students in the United States, traveled nearly two thousand miles to Barranquilla as part of a pen-pal project that I coordinated with family and organizations in my hometown of Circleville, Ohio. 

In June, the students at El Instituto Educativo Distrital para el Desarrollo del Talento Humano wrote their pen-pal letters at home as part of a special project. In July, they received a reply to their letter.

As I distributed the letters throughout the classroom, the Colombian students asked for special help opening the envelope without ripping it. These second-grader students took great care in meticulously opening their letter, written using simple vocabulary about family, weather, and greeting. 

Some letters even included photos, stickers, coins, pencils, and bracelets.

Other letters including colorful drawings and descriptions of life in Ohio.

Each child loved pouring over the contents of his or her letter. Seeing the joy in their spirit as we completed this project affirmed by purpose in Barranquilla. Not every day is easy, but this experience is beautiful in so many ways.