Emmanuel, A Place to Call Home

Dear Friends,

Recently at our March EDS Open House Registration for Sept'08 I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many people from the Newport community. They came in to see EDS, and our church on a very stormy Saturday morning, (you'll be happy to know most signed on before leaving). I spoke of curriculum, toured the facility with them, allowed them to pick the teacher's brains for awhile. I met deeply passionate folks who embrace our academic environment so tightly. and others who have heard how committed we are to nurturing our young friends. I met with a strict orthodox family who came to visit us from DC. Local families who have heard nothing but the greatest reviews of EDS from the community. I also heard a very warm and yet disturbing story about a military family that I now want to share with you.

A lovely couple in their late 20's early 30's come to visit EDS. They are friendly and unassuming. Mom is expecting her second child. Mom and Dad come in and tour. They ask questions and then ask to speak with me about our overall program and availability for the Fall. I sit down with them and begin to ask about their lives. I immediately detect an accent indicating, "out west" to me. I notice a few outward physical appearances on dad and immediately sense, a serviceman of some sort. So I inquire where are you folks from? No anwser..readily...we change subjects and then they tell me that an in law is visiting and minding their daughter, whom will begin in Sept. I try to skirt my initial question and rephrase it..trying to be friendly and welcoming and talk about traveling..which is one of my favorite topics! Still evasive. But they are lovely...one of the nicest families I have met in some time. We "sign-on" as I say...and I give them my soliloquy about receiving their welcome packet in August...enough said. I shake their hands extend my thanks and then I am hit with the "confession". I am asked by dad if he can be honest with me...he clearly couldn't leave without this piece. So, of course I turn and assure him him that I am listening. I am concerned now..thinking, "what have I missed?" He then states, "Dawn, I am in the military." So...I am now waiting for the "......" moment, and then nothing! He is just staring at me. I said, "Great. I love military families". He remains panic-stricken. "Is that going to be okay with you?" Now, I am floored. I assure him that this is wonderful and where were we going with this? He states..."Your competition gave us a terrifically horrid time in trying to register our child when we first arrived here in Newport". They don't want military." Outrageously, I retorted..."My father served our country for 30 years before his retirement. I cannot believe that someone would turn away the very people that let us sleep peacefully at night." He says, "So you don't mind..really?" "Mind..I say..Military families are one of the best customers we have at EDS! I cannot believe, that happened to you, and I am sorry....You have come home now!" They smiled at me ear to ear in relief. All I could think of was Mary and Joseph finally finding shelter after being turned away so many times in Bethlehem.
What a lovely way to describe who we are at EC and EDS. Our table welcomes all. I was so proud of us that rainy morning. And I thought about how desperate some are for money and what they are willing to do, or say, in order to profit! You see military/war college families rotate about every year. I guess, the belief is that they are not a good investment because of that? I am not sure about the reasoning. One thing I do know is that they are kind and respectful! They read my handbook cover to cover. They love the education offered here.They applaud our patriotism and observances of cultures/religions around the world. They never step outside of the guidelines in that handbook. They do not fuss about the uniform...and they never "not know" what is going around here...because they read all material. They are in similar positions where the same matters apply. But most of all, they are just looking for a welcoming smile! A place to safely send their child to school and get the very best education. Aplace to worship during their stay in an old yankee town. They love our warmth and welcoming doors. Yes, they may not stay forever...but hey send their friends! What more could you ask? I have enjoyed the most wonderful experiences with our military families here at Emmanuel, both at church and school. I am proud to say that we are a friendly face and an open door to community that has committed themselves, and sacrifice themselves to help our country.
Isn't that what Jesus would have done? Welcomed the lonely, the unknown, the new kid on the block! We are truly living our Christian message here at EC and EDS!

Miss Dawn