Since 2003, we First Graders at Greater Portland Christian School in South Portland Maine, send a bear around the United States or sometimes the world! When the teddy bear returns, students of the first grade then write a book about their bear's adventures. The book is then published and the children all get a copy.

Missions Trip 2011- Haiti!

This year Snuggly traveled with the Vocal family to Haiti. I was excited about this trip because not only would we learn about a country, but we would also learn about missionaries. Snuggly would give us a first hand look at what it means to be a missionary.

  While Snuggly was on his mission trip, we studied Haiti. We located Haiti on a map and found out about what kind of country it is.  We read books about Haiti and learned about the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010.  Even with all that we had learned about Haiti, nothing prepared us for what Snuggly would teach us when he returned.

  Snuggly spent so much time with children from Haiti.  Some of the children were from the orphanage. Children that didn't have a mom or dad that could care for them. The street children that lived on the streets and often the only meal they would get would be the 1 meal that the orphanage provided 3 times a week.  Yet, all of these children were grateful for the things they received and had a positive attitude. They praised God with songs of worship and thankfulness. This is something that our children can learn from and they did.  My students, your children, felt for the hardships that these children had. They prayed for them and wanted to help. I have no doubt, that as they read their book, they will look into the faces of these Haitian children and remember their stories.  They will remember their day to day hardships and also their grateful hearts.  Children are the same everywhere, they just want to be loved.    

  Each of my students wanted to pray for Snuggly, the Vocals, and the children.  My prayer, for each of my students, is to listen to God.  As you grow older, spend quiet time with God so you can hear His voice.  Last but not least, when He tells you to go out into the world and tell others about Jesus, go.

In 2010- Japan!

Well, Snuggly has been sent on his adventure for this year. He is going to Japan. Snuggly will be visiting Andy Marston (class of 2005) and learning all about Japanese culture. You can keep track of Snuggly by becoming his friend on Facebook. Search for “Snuggly Bear”.

First grade is excited to hear about the sights, the food, etc. of Japan!

Off to Merry England!
This year he travels to England! Snuggly is traveling with the Meek family to England! The Meeks are from England and were willing to take Snuggly with them as they went home for a visit. Magdalene Meek and her parents are new to GPCS and first grade this year. They are excited to be given this opportunity to share with the class the country where they still have family. The Meeks plan on taking Snuggly to see the Horse Guards Parade. This is the ceremonial mounting of the guard that takes place daily. Snuggly will visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Windsor Castle, Nelson's Column and the Tate Art Gallery. Snuggly will cruise down the River Thames, ride in an open top double decker bus and a London taxi. The Meeks will also take Snuggly to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge to see the Ravens and the Crown Jewels. Some of the photo opportunities planned are Snuggly in front of the Wedding Cake Statue and at St. James Palace with the bear skin soldiers who are not allowed to move or speak. The first grade class also hopes that Snuggly will get to meet and extend his stay in England with a first grade class in England. The Meeks are hoping to have Snuggly visit the Titchmarsh Primary School in Northamptonshire. This is the school where Magdalene's dad went when he was a young lad. First graders here at GPCS hope to write letters back and forward with several students at Titchmarsh Primary School. WOW! Can't wait to read their book this year! Read L Magazine for more about Snuggly's UK adventure.


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