Video by Maria Wulf

I am eager for you, the Army Of Good, to see what you have done at RISSE through your many generous gifts to the RISSE Amazon Wish List. I couldn’t begin to list all of the gifts you have sent to RISSE, the school is transformed into a busy and colorful and exciting space.

The drums and cymbals you sent are new, and very much loved. Come and see above.

There are only two items left on the wish list, some recycling containers and some Lego Batman Coloring Books. The children have many educational and creative tools to work with. This week, the teachers sent up a drum room so some of the kids let off steam and also play music that is  traditional and culturally important to them.

Maria decided to join me at RISSE today, I was grateful for her company, the kids love her. She took the video about of several of the RISSE students beating the drums you purchased for them on the wish list. They just arrived a few days ago. If you want to feel good about the world, just take a look at their faces while they play.

One of the boys, I won’t mention his name, has been suffering awful taunts from the American-born children in his school, they constantly make fun of his dark color. Ali has talked with him and told him to tell the children he is grateful to God for the color he has been given. He never smiled when I first met him, he is smiling now.

The drums have connected him to his world and given him strength and pride. Thanks, you can support these children by donating to the Gus Fund (a/k/a) the Children’s Refugee Fund, c/o Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., or via Paypal, [email protected]. Thanks.

The Wish List has been a godsend for RISSE. Small acts of great kindness. I want you to see what you have done.