Bird's Spot: Day 261 - Thursday

The Book Drive was finally here!!

After months of planning and waiting, it was finally time for the book event!
Coming to Macedonia, I knew that I was going to have the experience of a lifetime. I was embarking on a year that would change me as an individual. My hope was that while I was here I would find some way to make a difference for the people that I would be working with. I thought that I might of found a way when I decided to have a book drive at my school back home, Holmes Elementary. The original goal was to celebrate Read Across America Day by Skyping with the students at Holmes Elementary and have them send us at most 1,000 books for the American Corner. I had no idea what this would grow to become... I have been born and raised in Nebraska so I know the generosity and kindness of the people, but this project showed that to the world. Word traveled throughout Lincoln Public Schools, then the community of Lincoln and all the way to Omaha, NE. My goal of 1,000 books turned into 14,400 books all donated and shipped through a safe and reliable shipping company arriving at the door of the American Corner! Because of the generosity of students, teachers, administrators, and community members we were able to make a huge difference in not only the lives of those I worked with, but in the lives of children all across Macedonia! I don't know if I will ever be able to truly understand the difference that was made and the number of lives that were touched.

I want to publicly thank: Holmes Elementary School the staff and students, The 5th Grade Leadership Team of Holmes Elementary School, Lincoln Public Schools: Saratoga Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Eastridge Elementary, Meadow Lane Elementary, Pyrtle Elementary, Zeman Elementary, Super Saver Grocery, Russ's Market, Runza Restaurants, The Ebers and Zulkoski Families, numerous personal donations and Mainfreight Omaha who was responsible for donating many books and the entire shipping process.

With many volunteers from the American Corner and Tetovo community, the event went off without a hitch! We were honored to have United States Ambassador to Macedonia, Mr. Wohlers attend the event. He brought greetings and read a book with Adora, one of my dear friends from Tetovo and an amazing reader! We also were able to Skype with some of the 5th Grade Leadership team from Holmes. This was a moment I will never forget. These kids were getting to make connections with other kids halfway around the world. Representatives from each of the schools in the municipality of Tetovo were in attendance and were able to take a box of books. Each of the American Corners from around Macedonia were presented with 5 boxes of books each to use in their Corners and share with schools in their communities. Each and every student that was in attendance were able to take home a book of their own as well. Following the presentations, there were several activities outside for kids to participate in including making book marks, puzzles, learning about Nebraska, and signing a big thank you note. Today was such a celebration of friendship and literacy. I was so proud to have been a part of this Nebraska Effort to make a difference across the world. This was beyond special and I truly will never forget the faces of the kids and the feeling of excitement throughout the building.