rather than really interested.
We had a newcomer to the knitting group at the library. It was a smaller group yesterday. The change of location probably had some people confused. Half of the library is currently housed in the community centre and it will be for some time to come. The building work doesn't seem to be progressing at any great pace.
But a male turned up. Having a male as part of the group would be interesting.
This male though was young. He had come on his bike. He didn't have yarn or needles - but he said he wanted to learn to knit. Fine. If he really wants to learn we are happy to teach him.
But I wondered if he really wanted to learn or whether he was just lonely. Did he just see the little group and think, "Maybe...?"
Nobody had any spare needles but I passed over a crochet hook and gave G a ball of wool she could take a length from and she proceeded to show him how to crochet.
He did extremely well. He pulled it undone several times and did it again...and again. At one point he stopped and went and got himself a cup of black tea. I wondered what he thought of the library tea. It's hot and wet and well...library tea.
We talked to him and to each other.
I hope we made him feel welcome.
You see, he's Japanese. His English is good enough for him to make himself understood but it is a long way from perfect. He is living with a family from South America. They speak Spanish at home. He works here but in an area where he would have very little need to communicate with people during the working day.
And he said he didn't have any friends.
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3 comments:
What an amazingly varied group people you come across!
I hope he returns. It seems brave (but sensible) to join your group. He may turn into another Japanese knitting/crochet designer (with Spanish possibilities).
LMcC
If you see him next time, encourage him to investigate Point A at Gunson Street in the city. I'm not sure when the parkour enthusiast meet but it is a very inclusive group with friends to be found. The young man who runs it, Travis Ranson, is all about providing positive role modelling for vulnerable young people. He encourages the young men to "use your strength/power for good" and to channel their energy into healthy activities. He is all about developing communities. I admire him because he is trying to be the positive change he wants to see in the future.
Here's just one article that came up when I did a search on him:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/city/parkour-sa-president-travis-ranson-lends-support-to-ywcas-rise-above-the-pack-safety-campaign/news-story/feb8d1da0a143e0950511f79920ff19d
There are just an awful lot of varied and interesting people in the world!
And thanks Jodie - I hope he comes again. We really did try to make him feel welcome.
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