(April 2009. Shiraz, Iran)

They spoke only Farsi but wanted to sing my husband Ed and I a song…in English. The kindergarten class, wearing their pretty pink uniforms and white hijab were enjoying a field day in Shiraz, Iran when their teachers overheard us talking.  They asked us where we were from. “America” we said. “America?!  Welcome to Iran!” Then they asked if the girls could sing for us. Who doesn’t love Barney and his tolerance promoting song…I love you…you love me… so we said yes.

When the singing was over I asked the teacher if it was ok to present the class with a gift, a token of love from the U.S.A., a couple of little ambassadors for peace, two of our dolls. (Ok, I didn’t say all that but I would have if I’d thought of it sooner!) The grins and wide eyes said it all. They immediately stroked the doll’s hair, ohhhhed and ahhhhed and fell in love with the dolls. 

And I fell in love with them.