Greg Mortenson tonight at Moby Arena

Greg Mortenson did not disappoint tonight as he spoke to a packed Moby Arena. He remains a humble man earnest in his convictions, hopes and gratitude despite the fact that many nights he stands before a huge crowd with no less than 5 jumbo screens on him and on this particular night an elite little circle of Fort Collins' civic celebrities hanging on his every word. It meant so much for me to see him tonight and I was grateful for the company of Crystal and Missy. You cannot underestimate the power of inspiration. His book, "Three Cups of Tea", which recounts his personal journey in building peaceful and respectful relationships on the other side of the world and schools which specialize in educating girls in places where it was never before allowed, has inspired the masses. It truly is a must-read book and in fact, has become so for the Pentagon and military in Afghanistan. And yet, it is a book that speaks to me in my minuscule little city trying to spread the same ideals and understanding for respect, cooperation and communication. When I first began reading the book I was trying to finnagle the exit strategy of my beloved Language Exchange. I was at the end of my rope. Over and over I ask myself "Why, why is the work of creating opportunities for our community to learn from, interact with and benefit from the richness of each other's heritage and language like trying to bathe a cat"? I am so tired of hitting my head against the brick wall with the community-at-large. In a city of more than 186,000 people are you seriously telling me that the number of folks who value, really value language acquisition, multicultural interaction and diversity in their day-to-day lives is only about 200 people?
This, unlike tonight's speaker, does not inspire hope.
A year and a half ago I read "Three Cups of Tea" and cried through the entire thing because my cause, my school, my city means just as much to me. I understood again that the work and purpose of Language Exchange of Northern Colorado is bigger than my 60 hour weeks without pay, bigger than not seeing my children in their formative years, bigger than my financial well-being and bigger than any one popular language or culture.
By the end of the book I decided to dig in and keep swinging as Greg Mortenson had done so many times.
I came to Fort Collins 13 years ago and even then I knew this place was special. It wasn't perfect but it came pretty close. My belief then and now is that if you love a place, the way I love this city you should preserve those things which are important to you, those things which are good about it and work to change the imperfections. That's what the school has been for me; a missing piece in this city that I could be responsible for filling.
As I talk to Crystal I know that it is so deeply appreciated by some, that my heart floats knowing that I have some part of it. Vicki says that I have to get the word out because this is so important. When I watch our students interact with their Chinese teacher during Tai Chi or see people making lasting and impressive relationships at our cultural events for the community I feel in my soul that I am in the right place, that this school must survive. But when I listen to parents complain about paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars a month in tuition for schools where they are dissatisfied but can't see spending half that on immersion education, when I get phone calls from city offices who don't want my business to dawn international flags I can get more than a little discouraged. Today unfortunately was one of those days. But I got through it. Parents of our students get me through it, my family gets me through and today Greg Mortenson got me through it...again. Thank you to everyone who gives me the reason to do it all over again.
See you tomorrow.

Rosh Hashana begins Sept. 19th. I would love to receive some links to information or personal explanations from the Jewish community here in Northern Colorado. Also if there is someone who would like to give a tour of a Temple for non-Jews please contact the LEXNC office.

Ramadan began on August 22, there will be information for adults and children who aren't very familiar with the Islamic holiday. From my own experience with it as a non-Muslim, it is a hallowed time of thoughtfulness and reflection and the Eid celebration is a celebration for the taste buds alone. Keep an eye out on the calendar for information regarding when and where the Eid will be. This year we hope to have an open invitation for each of you to learn about and even experience the feeling of community which revolves around this Islamic Holy month.
If you have any information regarding Ramadan events here in the communtiy please post them on this blog or contact the office.

Next Monday, August 31st at 7pm Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea will speak at Moby Arena. Tickets are sold out and folks are clamoring to get a hold of one. I have one ticket that I have saved for any enrolled student of Language Exchange of Northern Colorado,LLC. You are eligible if you have a child enrolled here as well. Simply submit your name to our email and I will pull a name out of a hat on Monday morning. The winner will be phoned. You must be able to attend that night. Doors will open at 6pm. This lecture is not to be missed and I look forward to going with you.
Submit your name to: info@languagexchangeofnoco.com
by Monday morning no later than 8am. I will pull the name at 8:30 before the start of Language Sprouts class.
Good luck!

Well, summer came to a close and the Fall semester is upon me without warning. I could not be happier. We have a wonderful new location, great sized rooms and a stone's throw from some of my favorite places...the park, Tortilleria, Oasis Mediterranean Market, the Taqueria and my son's favorite Chuck E. Cheese. I think however the most votes go to Dairy Queen!
Monday morning, the first day of classes here at LEXNC was glorious. It was one of those days when I knew that I am where I am supposed to be.
Our preschoolers stood in the park with their Chinese teacher, Mei, learning Tai Ji in Chinese!! Is that not the best? Thist morning I had the whole Kindergarten class practicing Yoga in the same park taking deep breaths with eyes closed, the sun rising behind them and they just look like little(international) angels. Our children are so truly amazing! I am blessed by their presence.
Right now we have Spanish Afterschool going on in the room to my left and Teen Japanese to my right and we're making copies for tomorrow's Rusian class. There is absolutely no where else in this world I want to be than right here in the heart of Cosmopoitan Colorado. Thank you Language Exchange, you give us so much!