Recently, Kindermusik Educators Christa Beck, Jessica Hanson, Leslie Edwards, and Rosalind Cross traveled to Jordan to share their music with 40 kids and their parents. Christa shares the experience with us here at Minds on Music. Who knew they’d change lives? Well…we did! Who knew…four Kindermusik educators from three states, Jessica Hanson and Leslie Edwards from Wisconsin, Rosalind Cross from South Carolina, and Christa Beck from Pennsylvania, would venture on an outreach trip to share the benefits of music to children across the world? . Along for the ride, was one fabulous brother, Ben, our fearless driver, encourager and ready-to-fill-in-wherever-needed guy from Indiana. On August 22, each of us set out on a 6000 plus mile journey and met in Amman, Jordan to begin a whirlwind week of connecting, teaching, singing, sharing, loving, and learning. 

Who knew…that we would teach over forty students, ages 0-12 during a week-long music camp filled with singing, instrument play, moving, crafts and games? We connected quickly with the staff and students who attended Alliance Academy of Jordan during our week of camp. We looked forward to arriving at the school each day to see the joy-filled faces of the helpers (kids included) waiting for us to arrive. The “language barrier” never was a barrier; we found ways to communicate through the beauty of music and movement, and especially through the blessing of students who knew English so well. The children were eager and excited to learn. In four days, we were amazed at the ability of the children to grow in inhibitory control, playfulness, and musicianship.

Who knew…that over 25 teachers would come to our teacher training workshop? We spent one evening with a roomful of educators soaking up the principles of Conscious Discipline, Brain Gym, Kindermusik and child development and how music is so important in the midst of it all.  How fun to see the teacher’s excitement as these new ideas began to take hold!

Who knew…that one child named Adam would make particularly remarkable strides in his learning during the week? It was such a delight to see Adam’s mom experience positive changes in him as he explored and learned throughout the week. In her eyes, we could see hope.

Who knew…that we would experience mutual encouragement, love and support from the local Kindermusik educators in the Middle East? These connections continue to grow through social media. Our Kindermusik family is never far away, even if they are living on the other side of the world. The world is smaller when you spread kindness and love and music. Who knew…that we would experience so much GOOD that is happening in the Middle East? The amazing work of the AAJ school, sincere and open conversations between Christians and Muslims, a sing-a-long in the Dead Sea with Muslim women, and the fascinating history and beautiful country that is Jordan touched each of us!

Who knew…that we would see one of the seven new wonders of the world, Petra, sleep in the Arabian desert, climb rocks, hike river canyons, slide down waterfalls, float in the Dead Sea, and ride camels? We had no idea the incredible beauty or adventure in that country.

Who knew…the sweet connection that would develop between the four of us? The way we worked together, our flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump in where needed was an essential component to this trip. We used wonderful social constructivism to create lesson plans, solve problems (our crazy craft suitcase arrived three days late), and build one another up. It is a connection that will last a lifetime. Who knew…that humans are humans are humans are humans are humans? We knew, and we believe it even more strongly now than ever before. The world is smaller when you spread kindness and love and music. It’s that simple. Peace. Christa Beck is a Kindermusik Maestro Educator in Western Pennsylvania. Leslie Edwards and Jessica Hanson share their musical gifts with families at Take Note, a Kindermusik studio in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Rosalind Cross brings music to her community at Kindermusik of Greenville in South Carolina. 

All images courtesy of Christa Beck.