KOM Gala

The Karen are the most resilient people I have ever met. Despite generations of tragedy, they arrive here, not defeated, but grateful and eager. They work hard and put everything they have right back into their community. They have a saying that perfectly explains their outlook: "The first generation plants the seeds. The second generation gets the shade. The third generation gets the fruit."

KOM (Karen of Minnesota) is run by leaders in the Karen community and some of the most selfless Minnesotans I have ever met. Jim has been a part of this amazing organization since it's early years and this year is the director. Tonight was their 4th annual gala. Jim's clinic purchased a table. It is really fun to get to hang out with the docs in a social setting. They are a bunch of selfless people too.

The gala starts with a silent auction. I donated a photo to the auction and was honored to see that it was one of the hot items for the night. There was a bit of a bidding war over it and it ended up raising $140 for KOM!

After dinner we were treated to a traditional music demonstration. One of the instruments was this frog drum which is considered extremely valuable and highly spiritual within the culture. The musicians also played a Gweh (a reeded horn made from buffalo horn) and a Thana (a small harp, usually with at least 7 strings.) The music was followed by the story of a refugee.

This man and his family originally settled in Arizona. They found very little support there and struggled to find work. Their struggles led to one of their daughters being taken away by protective services. This daughter has down syndrome. They have not been able to get her back. You must understand that in the Karen community, nobody becomes homeless. If somebody is struggling, the community pulls together and finds a place for the person to stay. If a family is struggling, others come to help. In Minnesota, the Karen community is supported by the structure of KOM which has made partnerships with the Minnesota Department of Health, HealthEast Clinics, Bailey's Nursery, Minnesota Food Association, the public schools, Metro Transit, the police departments, and churches.

As Jim stood up and thanked KOM's sponsors tonight, I thought about how thankful I am to have the Karen community in my life. When we give a donation or money, buy a ticket for a table, donate an auction item, or give clothes or household items to KOM, we are impacting the Karen Community's success. And since they are a part of our community, their success is our success. Their healing is our healing. I feel grateful to live in a state that welcomes and embraces others in such a manner.