Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) kickstarted the new academic year with an inspiring chapel led by Paul Leaman. Leaman asked for student volunteers to taste different components of salsa. The students’ hilarious reactions to the separate salsa ingredients highlighted an essential lesson: while ingredients alone (salt! cumin! tomato! pepper!) aren’t so exciting, they can create something delicious and unique together.

Leaman’s main message to the students was to be courageous and work towards discovering their identity this year as God’s image created in them. He urged them to embrace their uniqueness and bring their diversity to EMS daily, as the school needs their varied perspectives to be the fullest picture of what God has called us to be. Leaman concluded by reminding students that they are at the right age to fail, test themselves, and start again and that EMS teachers, coaches, staff, and other students are here to support them through every step of their journey.

The first chapel of the year at EMS reminded students that self-discovery is a lifelong process and that courage and embracing one’s uniqueness are vital to creating a fulfilling life. With inspiring messages like these, EMS will indeed have a successful academic year ahead.

Mr. Leaman’s Salsa Recipe – Makes 2 Quarts

4 ripe tomatoes

1 red onion (quartered) (½ of a large red onion)

3 garlic cloves

3 jalapenos

1 sweet pepper (Not part of the original recipe)

⅓ cup of fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (~2 limes)

2-3 teaspoons ground cumin

2-3 teaspoons sugar

1.5 teaspoons salt

NOTE – I use 2: 10 oz cans of RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies instead of the next 2 ingredients.

15 oz. crushed San Marzano tomatoes:

4.5 oz. diced green chiles

Pulse blend fresh ingredients, then pour in canned tomatoes and chiles & pulse blend again..  Refrigerate until ready to eat.  Can be frozen.

Watch the full chapel on the EMS Chapel channel.