I visited a family from Bhutan this week that has left an imprint on my heart.  This family has been in America for a few years and seem to have settled in a bit and developed some hobbies and life routines.  One of the hobbies the mother, Chandra, enjoys is gardening.  She has planted flowers all around the front door of her apartment and around other areas in the apartment complex.  Most of the flowers she has planted are orange merigolds because they are her favorite.  Chandra and her daughter Indra walked me around the grounds of their apartments showing me their own vegetable gardens and their neighbors gardens.  In about 2010 I worked with a team of people to help make the raised gardens happen at these particular apartments so it was so good to see the gardening successfully all over the apartment complex!  The many refugees in this complex have done such a great job!  I am thankful for Urban Gardens and others who helped to get this kicked off a few years ago.  

The plants have produced so many fruits and vegetables for the people.  It saves them a lot if money on food I am sure.  The refugees are able to even give back to others.  As a matter of fact, Chandra, Indra and her father gave me a sack of goodies to take home and share with my family.  Some of the produce was new to me such as bitter melon which they tell memis good at reducing blood sugar levels for diabetics.  Since myhusbandis diabetic, I was eager to let him try it.  When he got home he ate one and I tasted it.  It ofcourse was bitter, hence the name.  It had a very strong grassy taste.  

I also received some striped zucchini and a lot of hot peppers which I will have to share.  The zucchini they say can be sliced and used in the shower as a natural scrub.  It is good for your skin!  Well I may have to try it.  

Working with Asha’s Refuge has rewarded me in many ways.  The home visits are my absolute favorite.  God has shown me over and over that if I am ever low on money that I can trust him to be sure I am fed.  My friends from all over the world will be sure I enjoy a variety of teas, coffees, fruits and vegetables and other cooked dishes.  It is fun to work with so many different cultures and they are all a real blessing to me.   

Also… This father worked in construction in his country and is said to be really good.  We are currently trying to find work for him.  If you can help, please let us know.