Taking a step back - I want to share some of the comments from teachers about our collaborative project building a Garden of Eden in the back of our building. As you can see from the comments, the teachers have already begun to use our sacred space. Sacred - because of how it was created, because how it looks, because it is outdoors in God's nature, and because of the opportunities it will now afford our students.

-- "I'm inspired to expose my own daughter to nature, now that I've had this experience."

-- "Nice team work! We were on the mulching team. "The Mulching Madams."

-- "Working on a small team was fun! Being part of the greater team was awesome!"

-- "I was humbled and inspired by the hard work and dedication of all. What a priviledge to be a part of this talented group of professionals."

-- "I was inspired to share a walk in the woods with my children (JCC pre-school students), together with the gansters (kindergarteners from Hebrew Day School)."

-- "It was great to learn some gardening/ecology skills. What immediate gratification for us all!"

-- "It was great to see how teams intermingled and pitched in wherever needed, with any task."

-- "It was amazing to see the overgrown paths transform into an accessible space, labeled and ready for kids!"

-- "I learned how to build a bird house."

-- "I learned that the more you do something, the better you get (referring to building a bird house)."

-- "We learned how to collaborate. Now I will have my kids (students) inventory the animals."

-- "How inspiring to see and experience the joining of hearts, minds, and souls in a glorious collaborative venture: the creation of the Garden of Eden!"

-- "(Digging) 2-3 feet holes! Oh my! Arbor to the sky!"

-- "It felt like Adam and Eve - working and watching over the land. L'Shomra U'l'ovdah!"

-- "More than words can say."

-- "Team work, great attitudes, physical labor, communicaton skills, camaraderie, feeling of accomplishment, and coming together to purchase a bench for our Garden."

-- "I had fun."