Do you have profound moments? You know the type of experience where you are able to be 100% in the moment, on the outside looking in? I had one last week in Worthington, MN. I traveled there to present a two hour workshop on using social media to aid early childhood educators and child care providers (and related fields) in their work of reaching people and accomplishing goals. While everyone who participated had wonderful attitudes and embraced the materials, my profund moment is related to arriving at the class.

I grew up in Southwest Minnesota, have friends in Worthington, and have traveled there many times. I was aware of the diversity of the community, but had never taken the time to let reality wash over me like it did on Friday. Having a trans-racial family myself, I am accustom to looking past differences to see similarities. That’s not to say we don’t celebrate differences too. I guess I am saying that I didn’t realize how diverse Worthington had become, and how amazingingly “welcomed” I felt driving up to the facility where I was scheduled to teach.

The building was a buzz with activity, families, and kids. Since it was a facility that housed Early Childhood and Family Education classes, it made sense that kids were all over. I arrived at lunchtime, so kids and parents were chattering over dinner. There were many other collabratives housed in the facility as well. The front door was a popular place as people made use of the facility more than any other public place I’d visited in a long time. Everyone was friendly and seemed to know each other by name; even if they didn’t speak the same language.

The halls were adorned with posters and artwork that reflected the idea that everyone was welcome. I snapped this photo with my phone, as I loved the little painted faces each child had created of themselves. While it was art created by children, it was truly a breath taking piece of artwork that represented diverse cultures and celebrated differences. Even though I was working, I couldn’t help but wish my kids were with me to experience the inviting warmth I felt.

The class I tought shared space with a really nice computer lab used for ESL classes. I felt bad making people wrap up their lessons so that we could use the room. Across from where I was standing, I could see men waiting to meet with what I guessed to be a employment consultant. One man had a young child with him, holding his hand. They looked to be Laos. The little girl looked like one of my little girls.

After I was done teaching, I asked about the local Asian grocery store. I got directions and headed downtown. What a vibrant downtown, full of people running errands. Since I cook ethnic food at least once or twice a week, I needed quite a few supplies. I spent over an hour in the store looking through their vast options. It was the largest ethnic grocery store I’d ever been in, with dozens of brands new to me.

Since many of the Laos people fled to Thailand before coming to the US, many picked up Thai language and foods. Therefore, there were many Thai food options. The clerk spoke English and had a wonderful sense of humor. I enjoyed my time there, and again felt welcome. Before I left, I was told to try the sticky rice from the deli in the back. Another bilingual patron helped me order, and I left with the most delicious sticky rice topped with hot chili/fish sauce I’d ever tasted.

I went to Worthington, MN to teach and left having experienced a very profound moment that is hard to explain. I love to write, but I’m having a tough time reducing the day into written words.