So many things have been happening here at Create Common Good!  I recently attended my first graduation at which 3 of our students completed their training with CCG.  It was rewarding and fun to see their pride in the accomplishment, and their overall happiness in the moment.  Plus, the food was delicious!  It was a combination of popular cultural dishes from the home countries of each graduating refugee.  The three women showed no fear when giving their speeches to the audience, and I felt such admiration of their courage.  I look forward to the next graduation!

I have been going to the farm to harvest on Thursdays…I think it’s my new favorite thing to do.  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Devi, Khada, Guru, and Indra, the refugees who run the show!  I think they have the magic touch because I’ve never seen zucchini that big, honestly.  On my first visit, Devi taught me a couple Nepalese words that I was determined to remember but realized I’d forgotten by the end of the day.  I’ll keep trying though...

In relation to STIR, I helped serve at an event CCG held out near the farm.  It was put on to build awareness in the community and for people to taste some of the desserts we make.  It was the first time I had seen the CCG desserts…and I had to try every one.  Miho and I thought we had found our favorite up until we tried the next one.  At the end of the night I had decided it was the Tiramisu.  Under Michelle’s instruction, I took one of the desert trays outside to the pool area and got a kick out of all the kids making a mad dash to grab a treat.  It is fun to see how genuine and personal CCG’s connection to the community is.  Tara and Brent do such a fabulous job networking and creating relationships with people and local businesses. Every day I continue to be a part of this organization I see real results of its mission and the enormous potential it has in Boise.  I loved being one of the faces representing CCG and I enjoyed working next to the kitchen staff and seeing the precision and pride in their work.

It hasn’t taken long to feel completely a part of the CCG family.  Everyone is so welcoming and eager to get you involved.  I went to the kitchen a few days ago to grab a few pictures and didn’t want to leave!  Brent had the music going in the kitchen and everyone was in good spirits.  While Emmanuel and I put labels on a few of our products, I learned that his favorite food is chicken and that he likes country music.  I poked a bit of fun at him for that.  Maybe I’ll get him a cowboy hat so he’ll really look like an Idahoan!

Coincidentally, I’m up in Sun Valley at the Massv Music Festival and CCG was asked to run a booth here as well.  Last night was the first round of musicians and I had the best time hanging out at the booth and seeing Tara, Brent, and Tyler.  Those guys know how to get down…it was a really good time!  Create Common Good has turned into one of the best experiences and I continue to feel like I’m in the right place.  I have learned so much and can’t wait to further develop upon my relationships here