World Refugee Day and Mpls Mosaic

I was bummed that my volunteer painting project fell through, but after I learned that Saturday was World Refugee Day, I figured it was probably for the best. I was told that Helima was expecting me to pick her up so I went over there in the afternoon. Her phone wasn't working, so I yelled her name up to her apartment a few times. She finally heard me and I went inside to find the 2 kids sleeping on the floor. I asked her if she wanted to go to Minneapolis for World Refugee Day.. and she didn't quite understand. She said.. 'sleep.' I had to say it a few times before she woke up the kids and we got out the door. The little girl walked away with my umbrella and her mom chased after her. I buckled the little boy up in his seat and then waited for at least 5 minutes. I had no idea where they randomly walked off it. The boy was saying 'friend.' I thought he was saying I was his friend, but what I actually figured out that they went to get one of Helima's friends. The woman's name was Hamdi and she brought me 'Somali tea' as they always call it. They are always so concerned with bringing me tea, must be important to show hospitality. Hamdi asked me if I was married. She seemed surprised to find out I wasn't. I said I was too young and laughed.. and that confused her even more. ;)



I don't think they knew what to expect. The kids did a craft and had balloon animals made. We watched the outdoor entertainment where they got to speak with other Somali families. I got to meet Helima's English teacher. I didn't even know she was taking classes, but am happy to know that she is. I bought the kids corn on the cob. I'm sure they appreciated it, but Helima doesn't seem like to like handouts.

When the folk group came on, they said that they wanted to go home and we made our way back to St. Paul. They had expected that I stay and eat, but I instead went back downtown to see the rest of the Minneapolis Mosaic shows with Rajesh and Venkata. We went to the talent show and then danced it up with the world dj area with a few others. I haven't danced that much in a long time and it made me really miss dancing. I ended up dancing for the rest of the night which felt great.. especially without drinking anything.

Vision board

This week has been a sleepy one for me. I normally work late at night and sleep in, but I've had to watch Ruby earlier.. so the time adjustment has been rough. I'm also trying to fit in all the things I normally do in less time.

Today after Ruby shot me in the eye with a Nurf gun, I decided not to take her to 'Shoots and ladders', where she wanted to go. Since the weather was so nice, we couldn't stay inside the whole day, so I took her in the burly around Lake Calhoun. What a work out for me.. I needed it.

Now it's back to focusing on the website...

Goals at the moment are fixing developmental issues, SEO, and hiring an Intern. I'm planning on a trip to the UMN campus tomorrow to speak to some of the directors and put up some fliers that Randy has printed and fixed designing issues... which I am so grateful for.

Tonight I went to a vision board night with Rajesh and Lynn hosted by Jenna Gebeke (Facebook group- True Sanctuary)It was nice to be around like minded people as always, and refocus my goals and manifestations. I only wish I couldn't had more time, but the board I did tonight was an overall vision of what I want in my life. I'm sharing my ever so private vision board...

But maybe it'll inspire someone to do their own. ;)

Language Night - the 3rd

Another successful language night with interesting people. It was nice to hear people speaking different languages and interesting reasons why there were here... like Michel, who has created a device to clean the oil out of the water and is on his way down to New Orleans. He's originally from Belgium, but has been living in South Africa. We all hope he can help out!



It was also nice to see some new faces... Janos and Sabino were a nice surprise. :) There are always people wanting to practice Portuguese attending.

There was a huge group of CSers this time, which was awesome and got some of the non CSers wondering what they were missing.

Melody won the $25 gift certificate from the drawing for ExchangeALangauge members.

JOIN NOW SO YOU CAN ENTER NEXT WEEK! :) ExchangeALanguage.com

Thanks to Rebecca for all of her help and for making the drive from St. Cloud every week. :)

I'll be sending everyone an email soon, but our next event is June 15th, 6-9pm. :)