One year anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse tragedy

Today, October 2, 2007, the rebuilt ';New Hope'; school will be closed so the families can visit, reflect %26amp; pray with one another.

The family who lost two daughters hosted a picnic yesterday %26amp; invited families of the schoolchildren, neighbors, first responders such as EMS personnel %26amp; even police officials to attend. Hymns were sung and plenty of hugs, tears, prayers %26amp; heartfelt thank-yous were offered up.

Of the surviving girls, only one is still in a wheelchair %26amp; the others have all returned to school.

One year anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse tragedy

The Amish countryside of Pa is one of my favorite places to visit. They are in general such a wonderful, strong community - I think a lot of people could learn from the way that they handle tragedy.

One year anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse tragedy

Those interested may wish to see an update on the effects of this tragedy. The ';Nickel Mines Accountability Committee'; which was formed to process the many donations flooding in, has given an update which can be viewed at www.mds.mennonite.net. Click on the link to the Nickel Mines update. While very private, the Amish do welcome our prayers for continued healing. In the spirit of their response to the One who taught, ';Love your enemies; do good to them who hate you,'; the Amish community has also reached out to the surviving family of the perpetrator. In this spirit, I would also encourage prayers on behalf of the Roberts family--now a widow and her children. Our world has much to learn through the witness of those who have lost so much!