Waves

Yesterday, we sent our December Update to Reach's mailing list. Many of our loyal supporters sent congratulatory notes; they were so pleased to hear all our good news. Our donors were happy, everyone was pleased with our progress, and I was really proud to be able to share such good news.

Everything seemed to be going so well. Then...

On Thursdays, I usually have three teachers assisting with program implementation. Today, for various reasons, all of them were absent. In addition, we had two - count them, two! - fights between boisterous elementary school students. Bad days happen, but handling them alone is difficult.

Today was the first time I left Hyde Leadership with an aching head. It was a strong reminder of the journey that remains. Today made it feel like the entire program was held together with scotch tape and rubber cement, like an elementary school arts and crafts project.

Despite all these difficulties, there is always a silver lining. DaJohn learned deescalation techniques - and implemented them well - while working with one of the fighting students. Binetou effectively lined up our elementary school students and walked them out to their waiting parents. And, for the most part, our tutors and students ignored the distractions and continued working hard.

Perhaps the universe felt that yesterday's update was too positive. Lesson learned.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark