The Johnson children received many fabulous books for Christmas this year. Though I warned grandparents and aunts and uncles the books would not evoke an enormous amount of hoopla from the boys, like say an awesome LEGO set, I guaranteed them that in the end, these would be the gifts most remembered. Hopefully I will motivate myself and share some of these stories with you, but for now, while it is fresh in my mind (Thomas and I read it today for school), I would like to introduce you to the amazing, true story of how the Maasai tribe of Kenya responded to the events of September 11, 2001.
14 Cows For America
Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrated By Thomas Gonzalez
In Collaboration With Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
"It is June of 2002, and a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya.
An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed on the men, women, and children of America, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unsought and unexpected as it is extraordinary.
A mere nine month have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai alike as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.
Word of the gift will travel news wires around the globe. Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope...and friendship."
-From the jacket cover of 14 Cows For America
1 comment:
it is a really beautiful story... the poor are often so compassionate and giving...
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