Maria and I (and Zinnia) are heading out early to go to Albany to stand with Bishop Maginn High School students as they sell Sunflower pins to raise money for Ukrainian relief in this horrific assault.

The students asked for Zinnia, the school therapy dog, and us. She’s pretty happy to come.

The students will give the pins to anyone who donates a dollar or more, and they will exchange their school uniforms for clothes in the national colors of Ukraine. (Sunflowers are the national flower.)

I hope to thank the students for their caring. Many of them know first hand what the Ukrainian children are going through, both in the beleaguered country and in the growing refugee camps in Europe.

I admire these children. Many come from Myanmar where the Army has been slaughtering people for years without much support from the world. They are not bitter or judgemental, they just want to help people in need.

Maria wants to help paint a sunflower on the patio outside of the school, where the fund-raising will be held.

I hope to return with a pin and some pictures. This touches my heart; I am so grateful to be asked to come.