A talented group of young artists showed off their skills at Paint the Town this month. We had much activity the week before during Halloween, so this quieter event hit the spot for us. Wonderful to have so many put paint to pottery and create gifts for themselves or their loved ones this holiday season. Grateful.
What a fun event. Nearly 40 of us submerged ourselves in the town that was the town before the town of Seattle. Most came as witches, some as animals, one as a flight attendant and many came as they are (so very Seattle). Beneath the Streets https://www.beneath-the-streets.com never disappoints on the fun facts and historical look at our community from the starts of our community.
Our cultural fair and APIA Family Day was a great success with over 100 people in attendance! Au pairs hosted an amazing cultural fair, greeting the touring kids as they traveled the virtual world with their fake passports, getting stickers from the countries as they went. We had representatives from Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain and Thailand. We ate donut holes, made flyers, did scavenger hunts and tossed some wet water balloons. Fun times with an amazingly supportive global community. We are all feeling grateful.
Great to gather so many countries on one hill in Gasworks Park in Fremont. We played ice breaker games, Seattle trivia and got to know one another just a little bit more over pizza in a park.
Delightful day at the ballgame this past weekend with nearly 70 au pairs from around WA in a multi-cluster ball game. Not everyone knew the rules, and we started the day pretty wet from our atmospheric river running through it, but by the end, we were all smiles with a Mariners win and a nice day of hot dogs and Americana.
Thanks to all the au pairs who shared in our culture share and sculpture walk this past May. We learned more about one another and about what makes our cultures unique.
Great night bowling with so many au pairs. Making new friends and speaking only in English was the challenge and they were up for it…along with learning a new sport for many. This crew was competitive and encouraging and this CC enjoyed watching it all.
This cluster event is close to my heart as a former participant, turned practitioner, in cultural exchanges. Decades ago, while living in Spain, and later, while living in Japan, I was followed and attacked. Luckily, walking with a partner freed me from the first attacker and later, my wits and my legs got me out of the second incident. I’m one of the lucky ones. And as one, this particular cluster meeting’s contents are full circle moments, empowering the next generation.
The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in every 3 women in the world experience violence and these stats have not improved over the past decade. While overseas, young women are an especially vulnerable population to acts of violence. It is the world we live in and it is happening everywhere. The good news is that people like Officer Craig and the Bellevue Police are doing something to help combat these statistics in a real way.
Over the weekend, a group of au pairs from Poland, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, France, and South Africa learned the techniques. From using our strong voice, to standing firm so as to not fall and in the right direction leaving the option open to run, Officer Craig reviewed the jiu jitsu mechanics that could help if we are overpowered. Using frames with our arms, the power of our strong legs and closing the gaps (getting closer to an assailant when needed) to lessen impacts.
We are so grateful to the Bellevue Police Department and to people like Officer Craig who work in this proactive way “to protect and to serve citizens” and visitors of WA. These young women are just starting their practice and it’s because of free workshops such as these that women might be safer, walking the streets of any town.
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The community of Au Pairs in Washington gathered up to watch another group of strong women – the UW women’s basketball team. Basketball, like cultural exchange, is full of lessons in teamwork, pivoting, communicating, and adapting. A fun day was had by all with close to 100 Au pairs joining the fun.
We’ve got gamers, hikers and readers. Au pairs will be finding their special interest groups for 2024. The things they love will be more fun with friends this year!
