CLOWNS WITHOUT BORDER BAHAMA RELIEF TOUR, #1 THURSDAY 12/19 Morning

The principal of the school asked for a volunteer. Many hands shot up in the air, eager to be chosen. After a brief survey of the eager hands in the air, the principal picked one. It was a young girl. We had seen this girl earlier today. She was one of the volunteers Clay had chosen for his lasso routine. During the routine, she was a willing volunteer. However, she was a little shy. Her shyness did not prevent her from wanting to be recognized yet again. Her effort to get the principal’s attention had paid off.  

I should mention that the principal had asked for someone at this Episcopal school to pray. The principal handed the microphone to the 15-year-old girl named Brianna. Brianna took the mic in her hands. She asked everyone to close their eyes and bow their heads, and she began. Her words were simple, and her emotion was sincere. She said she was grateful that the clowns brought laughter to the school during these troubled times. She wished us a safe return to the United States, and she hoped for a happy holiday season for everyone.

The honesty of her prayer moved me to tears. I briefly caught a glance of Leora, one of the other clowns on this tour. The look on Leora’s face reflected the way I was feeling as well. This moment has been one of my favorites on this tour. Today is our last day of shows in the Bahamas.  Brianna came to symbolize the grateful spirit we experienced here.

Principle Cheryl Wood with students and staff from Bishop Michael Eldon Primary School, Freeport, Bahamas.