11 March

Signing Their Names: Bring On The May Retreat

by Jon Katz
Signing Their Names

A Powell House retreat is for refugee and immigrant children to sign their names in their original language, there were two large white sheets of paper hanging on the walls. Everybody signed.

Ali told me that on the way home, the kids all wanted to know if they could come to the Powell House sooner. They are booked up and so is the Powell House, it might be possible to get them in for a single day, no overnight. The Powell House is the perfect place for these kids to go for many reasons, one is that it’s only about a half-hour from Albany.

I so appreciated the generosity and sensibility of the Powell House staff, especially Mike Clark, one of the two counselors who will be present during the May retreat. He is special, all of us felt it right away. They don’t just talk the talk, Mike has devoted much of his life to helping children.

11 March

Powell House Retreat: Mohammed Is Happy And Hungry

by Jon Katz
Mohammed Is Hungry And Happy

Mohammed is usually serious and reserved. He was all smiles at the Powell House Sunday when we came to show the refugee kids where they would be staying on their retreat in May. Mohammed has at least three different names he uses, he is bright, articulate and thoughtful.

It was great to see that smile. He said he can’t wait for the retreat. That made my heart sing.

11 March

Visit: They Played Chess In The Powell House Library

by Jon Katz
They Played Chess

We were only at the Powell House for two hours today, their retreat is scheduled for the end of May. It seemed as if they had been there for weeks, they were so at ease and engaged. We had to pry them out of there, one by one.

As I’ve mentioned before, your help in funding this retreat is welcome. Small amounts are much appreciated, they add up. You can send a contribution to Jon Katz. P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or via paypal, [email protected]. We are close.

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