We knew about Sequim because of our friend, Ankur... who I met in India about 15 years ago! We haven't stayed in the closest touch since then, but it was amazing to be able to reach out to him, and for him to open an invitation to us. This is about the PEOPLE we spent time with, and the connections we made.
Playing banana tag in Eden's backyard! Tapping into Ankur's network and community, we were able to connect with some creative, active, fun kiddos!
Ankur-bhai tries to go on hikes/outdoor adventures with his little one Jasmine every Friday, and then usually does a hike on his own or with friends over the weekend. =)
Nephews, Anshal and Harshal, from Seattle came to visit! We had an awesome two days with them - apple pressing, hiking, crossing rivers, etc.
Amaani is with here with Olivia and Zoe under this spectacular rainbow. Olivia, Zoe, and their parents, Balyn and Ellie, live on their family farm with a couple of horses, some goats, and chickens; and homeschool/unschool their kids. It was amazing spending time with kindred souls weekly.
So grateful to the Bridge's family! Lisa and the kids were so warm and welcoming from the moment we met them. And so was Joe once we met him as well. We hung out outside their home, had game nights, and went out numerous outdoor adventures. Much love to Olive, Ivan and Charles (or the "Runny Boys" as Amaani likes to call them) and Joe and Lisa.
Because of the wonderful connections made, we were able to organize an outdoors, socially-distanced, masked Diwali celebration with story-telling, rangoli, and diya painting!
We met so many wonderful families and kids, and we painted these rocks with the kids' names on one side, and a word that comes to mind when we think of that child on the other side. It was our way of saying good-bye and letting them know they touched our hearts.
When I compare their childhoods (kids in Sequim) to the childhoods of the kiddos in inner-city Oakland that I've gotten close to over the years, it's such a stark difference. I know that this isn't something that people don't know... but the opportunities the Sequim kids have to be outdoors, to be free, to be safe.. is amazing... it's what leads to healthy kids.. mentally, physically, and emotionally... and eventually healthy adults. "School reform" is spending so much time, money, and effort to help these "inner-city" kids get to college... and not only are they failing at that goal as so many students are being underserved... but they're not doing anything to help save their childhood... all socio-emotional work and everything is in service of succeeding at school, not in service of being a happy and healthy human being. This Covid situation and virtual schooling is another ridiculous thing.. expecting kids to just sit at screens all day.
My next step, after this year, is to partner with like-minded BIPOC and design a Natural Learning Center where our Oakland kids can be kids, can be free, can pursue their passions, can have fun, and can learn and grow.
Many families that we met in Sequim are trying to make sure that their kids have the above opportunities that I just mentioned in different ways. I enjoyed talking to parents to see how they're making it happen, and learning a little bit about the different education opportunities/schools that exist there.
Overall, it felt really good to be able to quickly form pretty deep connections with people in Sequim and have regular outdoor hang-outs and adventures. Sequim feels like a place we can go back to and be in community. THANK YOU
