sad farewll

so, did i mention that our somali family is moving? yea, after about 4 years of living in columbia, they're moving to kentucky. their dad joined them in the states a few months ago and i guess he wasn't thrilled with his employment options here. so he found what he feels will be a better job so they're taking off.

on the one hand i'm so proud of them for being able to seek out the best situation for themselves and being savvy enough to take care of their own needs.

on the other hand, i can't help but feel a little selfish and get mad that the dad is "taking them away from us."

so it's with half reluctance that we bid them farewell this week. baldman took the kids to franky's fun park in the morning on saturday and then we had a cookout in the evening. sadly, their mom had already left so we just got the kids (and some extended kids*) and their "aunt"**. we had a great time though.




nicole and the kids dancing to somali music


khadija killing at connect four


if anyone hangs out in our back yard, there must be s'more making


our family (minus hamido). from left to right: hawa, mohammud, khadija, ikra, me, and baldman in the back

best of luck, guys! you'll be missed!

*you can't hang out with somalis without extra kids being around.

**hawa is not their biological aunt, as far as i can tell. but she has helped raise them at least as long as they have been in america. they all came over around the same time. hawa, sadly for them, is not moving to kentucky. so we will still go over to help her out some.