The faces are hopeful, curious, patient, enduring. The soccer team inspires me, I have this very powerful feeling they will succeed. If you wish to help, you can send a donation in any amount to me, Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected].
It sometimes tears at the heart to learn of the suffering and sorrow these kids have known at an age when most children are just beginning to figure out who they are. The life of the refugee child is different, their lives were upended, often in violent and terrifying ways. They are trying very hard to navigate a new culture that is alternately hostile and indifferent to them.
At the Army Of Good, we are showing them the other side of America, the one they have not always seen, the generous and compassionate and welcoming side. Their faces tell so much of their story, I love photographing them, and they are happy to be photographed.
Fate was overjoyed to be part of the retreat, she is a teenager at heart and raced around with the boys for two days, she ran up and down the hill with every sled. She came home and collapsed. Next time, she’ll stay over with them, she would love it.
The RiSSE soccer kids at the weekend retreat did not need to be asked to help clean up or wash the dishes. After each meal, three or four kids volunteer to wash and dry the dishes, they left the room spotless. Nobody needed to be asked or hounded.
Studying the fish, Soccer Retreat.
