Tiny Miracles

There comes a time in every person’s life where we find ourselves needing to take a step back to look at the way we are thinking, the way we are living and the way we are loving. The realities of the world can be so harsh, making life so challenging. After a while, it’s easy to lose sight of the ‘bigger picture’ and the blessings in our lives. 

My time here in Pakistan has been simply put, life changing. Each day I find myself in situations that rock me to the very core; causing me to open my eyes and heart more and more. From watching the tears fall from the tired eyes of a mother who is so thankful for the school her children are in, to the young man who teaches out of an old, broken down school bus I’ve been so overwhelmingly touched and willingly moved to take that step back and evaluate my purpose and way of life. 

This past week we visited the Garage School in Karachi. The Garage School has two locations: one in the literal garage of a house near the city center and the other in a 4 story corner building on a bustling street. One may wonder, how can school children effectively learn when crammed into a two or three car garage? Is this a place that is conducive to learning? 

Despite the lack of space, this little school was a paradise for the students we met. Most every student comes from the slums, yet one would never know as each child is supplied with a uniform and back pack. Inside the garage the 4-5 year olds played happily with pattern blocks and laughed with delight when Danny crouched down to their level and started working with them. Outside of the garage sat 20 or so children, aged 6-12, with 1 teacher. Despite the 90 degree temperature, the enormous mix of ages and lack of materials- we could not help but notice that every student looked content, grateful and extremely proud as they completed their math lesson for the day.

The Garage School’s second location is unmarked from the street and at first glance, looks like an ordinary building for business. However, when we walked up the stairs we saw walls covered in colorful student work and photos of smiling children, heard young students singing and dancing “The Hokey Pokey,” and felt an immediate sense that this was a very special place. 

The staff at the Garage School was incredibly welcoming, curious and excited to show us their classrooms and school. Each was so proud of where they worked, and each clearly showed a love of children. It was interesting to learn that not only does the Garage School provide children from grades Nursery through 9th grade with the best education they can, but they administer vitamins and 1 meal of a milk packet, biscuit and banana to every student each day. I also learned that the school ensures medical care, with volunteer doctors providing yearly check-ups and emergency medicine. On three separate occasions the Garage School has covered the cost of students to have open heart surgery- a very pricey and difficult procedure to get in Pakistan. At this point in our tour, I was in wonderment over this place of tiny miracles. 

But the wave of emotion didn’t break there. 

We met a teacher named Rubeena who ecstatically volunteered to take us on a tour of the 3rd and 4th floors of the Garage School. While she proudly showed us the classrooms, library and sewing room, this incredible woman told us her story. 

Rubeena and her family had the opportunity of living in the United States over a decade ago. When 9/11 happened, they felt compelled to leave the country and return to their native Pakistan, which at the time, was a country in upheaval. Rubeena felt the urgency to help her country in any way she could. Although she was not a teacher, she felt this incredible drive to “do something” and dedicated herself to alleviating the challenges of Pakistan through education. Rubeena explained that education is the most powerful tool in helping to create a peaceful and hopeful future for the world. Her duty in life is deeply imbedded in improving the lives of her students by inspiring them to have a different way of thinking, both about the world and about their own potential. It is obvious, from the passion in her voice and the sparkle in her eyes when talking about her work that Rubeena is truly a great teacher and one of the most selfless, driven people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. 

Danny and I were both so moved by our experience at the Garage School. It was a visit we will remember for a long time to come and an experience to cherish. I left the Garage School with a rejuvenated desire to teach and the knowledge that the hope people like Rubeena bring to their students' lives will assuredly change the world.