EDUCATE yourself on the accordian

Things are in full-swing and I have begun the process of juggling interviewing, revising and beginning new articles at once. I like the variety and the availability to switch pace when necessary.

Speaking of swing, I was listening to NPR this week and learned that it's accordian appreciation month. And, apparently, the accordian is in dire need of appreciation given its status as most "underated instrument." I actually saw a band on Sat. night that centered around the accordian and loved it, so, I'm sending a little support here: whoo hoo.

I have been speaking with a lot of individuals who are very supportive of what the Foundation is doing to support the BIC. It is nice to hear pastors and congregations members so excited about the growth in their congregations due to the projects funded by the loan fund. Two churhces, so far, have used their additional building space to either start, or enhance, private school programs. This seems like an effective way to engage with the community.

I know given charter school and homeschooling's new popularity, that private education is on the rise in general. Also, the belief in a separation between church and state rooted within BIC theology seems to create a space in which they would appreciate and support private education.

Here is a quote in support of Christian education from an article on the subject:

"Lacking a comprehensive Christian worldview, young people think Christianity is only about personal devotion and "religious" stuff. They don’t understand that Christianity is, as Francis Schaeffer taught, "Truth about total reality, not just about religious things."-Brandon Dutcher

In a class on the role of pluralism in education within the United States, we often debated the pros and cons of private, interest specific, education as opposed to public in forming future generations.( 'melting pot as opposed to brainwashing' types of debates)

I find myself struggling between my roots as a privately educated student, and the opportunities that brought, and my belief in the neccesity for engagement with social institutions that play an active role in the lives of community members. What do you think?