LFFP Peace Programming

In December, both students from the Perry School and from Sursum Corda had the opportunity to visit the New Peace Oasis! There, they experience Peace in Nature, in outside games, and even in trips to a Colonial Farm down the road! Highlighting the peace experience for the children from Sursum Corda was the Christmas story told by the children to special guest Fr. Larry in the Mother Theresa Room. Also exciting for the children was braving the cold to ride bikes, play in the field, and swing on the tire swing. LFFP is very grateful to Maryland’s Just Faith group who came out to prepare lunch for the children, fueling them for their fun-filled day in nature. MS MJ led the Perry School children in a nature exercise, having everyone face the forest in a moment of silence, to practice suing their sense. Afterwards, each person described what they had seen, heard, or smelt. . Nature’s magnificence is an important stimulant for taking in information, while reflective practice leaves a calming imprint. Throughout their Peace Oasis adventure, the children were excited, happy and full of exploratory energy. Their peace experience was rich with opportunities to connect with each other and nature in a safe place designated for sharing and caring. We look forward to many more times this coming year of Peaceful exploratory times at the Peace Oasis!

We began the New Year this past January by exploring Pathways to Peace, through storytelling, role playing, the examples of live visitors, co-operative games, singing, journaling, and sharing. We had many guests come in and share their story of their pathway to Peace with the children and invite them to think about how they can make Peace.

One of our visitors was our Ghanaian partner, Kweku, who came to the US to support his youth project in Ghana by selling handmade drums. He taught the LFFP children how to make use of the drum for peace by creating and dancing to the rhythms of the drum beat.

Another guest was Pastor Brian from the Mt Ranier Christian Church, who shared his Pathway to Peace through helping people and bringing them together. Unis, from Ethiopia who now lives in Mt Ranier, shared that she makes Peace through her studies and efforts to learn about and understand others.

The Georgetown Medical Student Service Learners were interviewed by the Peace children about why they chose to make Peace by becoming Doctors. The Medical students then asked the children what they want to do and how they will create a path to get there. It was a day of sharing that was impactful on all present, building relationships and self-esteem for all.

Finally we have our University Volunteers: In addition to our growing Georgetown and George Washington volunteer groups, our University of Maryland students have doubled their presence in the Peace Room! Recently, we had so many volunteers, that they were able to pair one on one with the Peace Children – together, they each drew a picture of their favorite activity. It was an awesome afternoon of self-esteem building as the children were receiving the care and attention that they so deserve. Von was very taken with one of the volunteers named Matt. They drew pictures of their favorite activities and then exchanged drawings. Matt declared that he would post Von's picture in his dorm room and Von said that he would post Matt's picture in his bedroom.

Throughout this month, we have seen and heard about a variety of Pathways to Peace and the Peace Children have been sharing their own dreams. As we move into February, our theme will be, “A Force More Powerful: LOVE.” The Peace Room will be redecorated and in the coming weeks we will explore through activities, games, and visitors this life-changing and Peace-building force of Love.

Also very exciting is that this January, MJ and Jerry Park, our co-Directors, won the “The Planting Seeds of Peace Award” from the Washington Peace Center!

We thank you so much for your support in all the ways that you give it – donations, time, thoughts, and prayers! We look forward to continuing to build Peace with you – please share your dreams and thoughts with us for Little Friends for Peace as walk this road together.