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Quote of the Week
"What we really hoped in our soul is that we could, just for a moment, have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet in a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have, what we have been gifted." - Reid Wiseman, Artemis II Commander
Planet Earth, You Are A Crew: The Meaning And Impact Of Artemis II
"More than half a century after the last Apollo astronauts left the Moon’s neighborhood, four human beings climbed aboard Artemis II, rode a pillar of 8.8 million pounds of thrust into the Florida sky, and flew farther from home than anyone in history. When they came back nine days later, splashing down in the Pacific southwest of San Diego on April 10, 2026 — they brought with them something the world had been quietly starving for: proof that we can still do hard things, together.
This crew was selected for one reason: they were the right people for a mission of extraordinary complexity. That it also included the first woman and the first person of color assigned to a lunar mission reflects the depth and breadth of today’s astronaut corps, richer in experience, talent, and perspective than ever before. Jeremy Hansen asked the crowd at their welcome home to look at the four of them standing together. “When you look up here,” he said, “you’re not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you.”
Watching the scientists respond with such visible excitement was a reminder that exploration is not only about machines and mission timelines. It is also about discovery — about the thrill of seeing something new and immediately understanding that it matters. For those of us following the mission, it was a joy in itself to watch that enthusiasm unfold. You could feel the years of preparation, the professional curiosity, and the sheer wonder of science happening live. It was one of the most uplifting moments of the mission.
As Orion emerged from behind the Moon and communications were restored, Christina Koch’s voice came through from deep space with words that may become one of the defining reflections of the Artemis era: “When we burned toward the Moon, I said that we do not leave Earth — but we choose it. We will explore. We will build ships and visit again. But ultimately, we will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other.” From that distance, borders disappear. The divisions that seem so large from the surface become invisible. What remains is one fragile, shining world. That perspective may be the greatest gift of lunar exploration — not simply what we learn about the Moon, but what we rediscover about ourselves."
This week we feature inspirational reflections and words from the journey of four incredible astronauts, which remind us of what a gift it is to live on Earth and how life-changing these experiences of awe and wonder can be. Upon returning to earth, the four Artemis II astronauts' first press conference was filled with joy, tears and raw emotions as they shared open-hearted reflections about their experience together. We highly recommend watching this 15 minute video of their deeply moving first words back on Earth together with the children in your life! If you're short on time enjoy this 3-minute highlights video. :)
Reading Corner
 Title: A World of Wonder
By: Laura Wifler
Ages: 4-8
"Ever since she was a little girl, Cora has dreamed of designing truly fantastical things, awe-inspiring structures that everyone recognizes as world wonders...and that's exactly what she does!
As Cora ages and her accomplishments and acclaim grow, she returns to her hometown to fulfill her childhood dream--to transform the house on top of the hill into a true world wonder. In the process, Cora learns that living a meaningful life isn't all about amazing achievements or always making bigger and better things, but about building community, giving generously of your time and talents, and loving others along the way.
Vividly illustrated and imaginative, A World Wonder helps parents and educators encourage children to dream big but also to value wonder and beauty in the ordinary. Most important, young readers will learn that in a world of limitless possibility, it's the bonds we form and the people we love that bring real meaning and satisfaction in life." -- Publisher
Enjoy this read aloud video with your children!
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be The Change
Take a moment to pause and appreciate something ordinary around you this week, which you normally might overlook in your hurried life. Enjoy soaking up every detail, colour, sound and emotion that arises as you tune into this ordinary moment filled with beauty and awe.
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