Bingo with the Seniors, Conversations with a Principal

Today I had two important meetings with community members. First, I spoke to a principal at An-Noor Academy, a private school down the street from where I live. From 3:30 to 4:30 I talked to the principal about the Remembering Forward program. I discussed the intercultural component of my work, as well as the inter-religious element of the work.  I usually don't emphasize that aspect, but it is definitely a characteristic of my work. The principal said that my program is still PENDING APPROVAL. I am planning to meet with the high school students tomorrow, to answer their questions and just talk tomorrow during lunch time. I also sent out permission slips for parents to sign.

After working from 10AM to 6 (with an hour break to meet with the principal) I came home, changed into a black shirt, grey trousers, donned a vest and changed my scarf.  A touch of lip gloss, and some heels and I felt ready to sell my program to a  30 person  group of seniors on Bingo Night.

When I got to the Senior Residence, the seniors were ready to play Bingo. I had arrived on time-- at 6:28 exactly. Helen, who ran Bingo nights, offered a wonderful introduction. I took the mic, introduced myself, my program, its goals, and then told them why they should sign up. One resident said, "We can't know unless we try it out," and I said yes, that's the idea. We won't know how this group works (or doesn't work) until we test it out.  Everything still feels tentative TWO DAYS before the event which is supremely scary. We'll just have to move full speed ahead and see what happens on Friday!