A couple weeks ago I got this email from my friend, Clare Fader:
"I wondered if you happen to be in town this coming Wednesday."
"I have an enormous favor to ask. I have gotten fairly involved with the refugee community in our city in the last few months. I've learned that many of them are painfully isolated. The agency bringing them here is overwhelmed and being asked to do too much with too little. They rely heavily on volunteers and simply don't have the resources to aid with integration.
I am determined to raise awareness as I think there are many people who would like to help if they knew they were here and how to get involved. "
"I am looking for a photographer who would be able to make story telling images during a special cooking class and gathering of friends in my kitchen. Shereen is an amazing woman from Egypt who is determined to use her cooking skills to create cross cultural understanding and also support recently arrived Syrian women. She wants to volunteer her time to do this type of thing as much as possible to promote dialogue and friendships across cultures"
Of course it was an automatic yes from me. I love when the opportunity arises to document community, and I am lucky to live in a community with such a big heart. Being able to be present with my camera at this event was one of my highlights for the year.
I've always wanted to see how traditional baklava was made. and yes, it was delicious.
