mlk

CTT friend Natalie sent a Martin Luther King book to Rachael, one of our sponsored students at SMK. Following is a letter written by Team 7 leader Jennifer Smith; she is the one who hand delivered the book to Rachael. It's a letter of appreciation to Natalie for giving her a profound opportunity while at SMK last month. If you've ever wondered why some people make the choice to go on a team trip to the orphanage, this will shed some light on at least one person's thoughts:

Natalie,

I wanted to send a quick email to thank you for the Martin Luther King book you sent young Rachael at St. Mary Kevin’s. She sought me out early during our trip to show me the present and ask if we could spend some time together reading the book. We eventually spent more than an hour together on New Year's Day reading Dr. King's words and explaining the history of the Civil Rights Movement. It was a BLESSED time. 

This portion of his “I Have a Dream” speech was especially moving for both of us:  

"...for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead."

I tried to explain to Rachael that many of us who travel to SMK, and especially those of us who return, truly believe that statement. That our destinies are tied together--that we cannot walk alone. As I reflect on the life and contributions of Dr. King today, I am flooded with memories of my time with Rachael pouring over Dr. King's words and vision...that we are all connected and we can make the choice to not walk alone.

Thank you for making that special time possible.

Jennifer