Miracle Maker

Children as young as 3 develop prejudice, noticing physical and racial differences. 1 in 6 children in Northern Ireland are making sectarian comments by the age of 6, that's a comment that relates to a characteristic of being Catholic or Protestant. From this age there is only an increase in discriminatory perception in children. NIPPA, NICIE, and Queen's University are working together on a media initiative project which has recently launched a series of children's cartoons that focus on a group of children, some of whom have physical, ethnic, and background differences. The idea is that through nursery schools, parent programs, and other public awareness initiatives children will be exposed to positive images, be able to recognize exclusion, and be given the tools to begin practicing inclusion exhibited by a willingness to include others.
www.mifc-pii.org (for more on the Media Initiative)

Last week, I attended the "Respecting Difference" seminar at Ulidia Teacher's Centre with at least 20 other participants from Nursery Schools around Belfast. The first day we examined our own attitudes by looking at prejudices against cultural groups that we carry as we seek to introduce a program of respect to our children. The second day we looked at the materials in the packets we will receive. They include the DVD of the 3 media messages, each one dealing with a different topic. We spent time at 3 different tables with the materials associated with each media message. In small groups we discussed the developmental appropriateness of the materials, usability, and other aspects. We concluded the day by talking about how we would implement the program, make the parents aware, and inspire parent support.

Over the two days I noticed some interesting comparisons between the Northern Irish school system and what I know of the American school system. Firstly, all teachers desperately want the support of parents. We truly do believe that parents are the first and best teacher and we want to be unified with parents to help children succeed as people. Second, even in Northern Ireland, teachers feel pressed for time. I heard more than one group say, "I just keep wondering where I will have time to fit this in with everything else." The challenge of implementing all the programs that will benefit our children is something that educators worldwide deal with and it takes humility to discern what to prioritize. I found solidarity in talking with the other teachers and nursery workers there. It reminded me what it feels like to be a teacher and I actually found comfort in discussing some of the same struggles that I was running from when I applied to be a YAV.

I learned about the conflict over the two days as I listened to people from both sides react to the portrayl of the different groups in the materials. In conversation with the people in my group, they taught me about customs of the culture and their hopes for the future. The third media message is entitled, "Playing the Same Game" and it shows one group of children playing with Loyalist/Protestant band equipment like a drum and a baton, while the other group of children is playing with a Hurling stick and ball, usually associated with Republicans/Catholics. Puzzles to go along with the message where intend to portray the cultures of the two groups by showing celebrations or festival photos. There was a photo of an Orange Order parade, which everyone felt looked too busy and most children who had used the puzzle thought it was a funeral. There was also a photo of St.Patrick's Day and the majority felt that photo made it look dull and trite. As an observer and an outsider I tried to make generic observations and filter my comments through an educational lens, but you could feel the tension in the room at times. I was reminded that in all cultures, even in ours in the United States, there are cultural tensions just under the surface. There are wounds of bitterness, stemming from differences in understanding or lack of understanding that permeate all cultures. Yet here I am with the unique opportunity to learn from another culture and how they are positively surrounding children with ways to address difference. Bill told me that because of the Troubles Northern Ireland would have had less immigrants in the past 30 years. Now as the number of immigrants increases and the religious and political differences of the Troubles are coming into the light of open and productive dialogue, there is much to be learned from progress in Northern Ireland.

We could learn to recognize when someone is left out
We could learn to remember the anguish of being excluded
We could reach out to someone in need
We could value others
We could accept religious differences
We could lay bitterness aside, sacrifice it for the sake of peace and progress
We could forgive
We could break the circle and include everyone

The weekend before I attended the seminar, I went to a concert with the youth from Whitehouse to see Delirious. Nothing has inspired me so much about the future of Belfast as when I saw the youth gathered on the floor at that concert praising God. At one point they sang in a unified voice about God at work in their city through them. As I've gotten to know the youth at Whitehouse, the children at the 174, the teachers at the seminar, the other people I work with at church and the Trust, I am humbled by God at work in Northern Ireland.



There are days when it's difficult. Days when I feel more acutely the sting of being separate from everyone I love and the places that defined me. There are days when I feel misinterpreted, because English is not always Southern English and being laughed at isn't always easy to shrug off. Moments of isolation when I want people to know who I am and how much I care, but I'm not sure where to begin. But God reminds me, in all those people I mentioned above and in new experiences everyday, that His power is perfect in my weakness. He doesn't need me to show how good He is, He would accomplish it anyway, but being here is a gift because there is so much I can learn if I only open my eyes to the work of the Miracle Maker.


Miracle Maker

I’m waiting here for my life to change,
When the waters stir you can rearrange me.
Just one touch is all I need,
I’ve nothing much but the wounds I feel,
I’m looking for the hand of the miracle man.

Holy, you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Holy, you are holy, Saviour, Healer,
I’m standing at the feet of the miracle maker.

I’m holding on, with your life in mine,
Living water’s come,
And you’ve rearranged me.

Holy you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Holy, you are holy,
Saviour, healer,
I’m staring in the face of the miracle maker.

Holy, you are holy,
Who was and is and is to come.
Jesus, precious Jesus,
Thank you, Saviour,
I’m walking in the shoes of my miracle maker.
I’m standing with the faith of a miracle maker.

Written by Delirious? ©2005 Curious? Music UK