MAY 1-5, 2010 :: We are currently on the road, enjoying the people and places of Portland, OR. Lots of connecting and discovering possibilities for future tour visits (networking & scouting in business terms). Had a great show at Enter Being on Alberta Street Saturday night, got to sing with one of my best friends, Melissa who wrote Jack Riddle, that song I've been singing a lot lately. =)
We are learning more about the history, the back story if you will behind the different neighborhoods of Portland. We are listening and learning from our friend who works at the University of Portland about their work with students in civil rights and service learning.
Wednesday, this morning, as I write, we are getting ready to visit the students and teachers of Roosevelt High School, a place that has often gotten the short end of the stick in terms of resources and support. I'm looking forward to spending time with these young people who are facing many challenges in their lives. Many are pressing on in the midst of poverty and lack of parental involvement - not because their parents don't care, but because, for example, a single mom may be working 3 jobs just to get bills paid and get some food on the table.
High School was one of the most difficult times of my life. I'm thankful for teachers and grown up friends who cared. I look forward to sharing my story and music with them and hearing their voices sing along!
Every young person, every student is a STAR. I hope each student in that choir room today will be enCOURAGEd, inspired to shine on with that unique light and gift they have been given to be a channel of goodness and hopeful change in their school, on their sports teams, in their neighborhoods and far beyond!
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