Create Common Good: the Kitchen

After the Farm I headed to the Create Common Good Kitchen which helped newly immigrated refugees learn cooking skills, english proficiency, and american cultural immersion through a culinary arts class. It seemed interesting, yet I had no idea how profound my experience would be...

When I arrived at the kitchen, it was all smiles and the room was full of energy. Brent the Director of Culinary Training and the class instructor, was charming and spoke intelligently with his enchanting Australian accent. Originally from New Zealand and then Brisbane, Australia he gained extensive culinary and international experience with five-star hotels and restaurants. What an amazing and tremendous spirit he brings to CCG, I thought.

He greeted me promptly introducing me to the kitchen full of student refugees. I was immediately impressed with the amount of enthusiasm everyone had; laughing, playing and their contagious smiles. There were more than a half-dozen students from all over the world from Eritrea to the Congo, from the US and beyond. Several plates sat out on the stainless steel counter with freshly heaping scoops of rice pilaf. The kitchen smelled rich and flavorful as one of the students began telling me the ingredients of the main dish; an Asian stir fry with a variety of peppers and greens.

Brent and I had a brief but meaningful discussion of the program that was unfolding before my eyes. Brent personally teaches and instructs the students in not only the culinary arts, but proper nutrition, and english conversational skills as well. I asked for examples of his methods and he explained further.
The day before he taught the group how to examine a whole chicken and plan for meals accordingly. He taught a nutritional lesson, as well a responsible sustainability aspect by preventing wasteful cooking tactics. This structure of teaching helps the students not only succeed on a professional culinary level, but also allows them to function as independent individuals capable of supporting themselves and their families.

As we gathered at a long dining table in the neighboring room, Brent led us in prayer. It was perfect, and at that moment I realized how beneficial this program was to the students. These students of CCG received educational, vocational, and spiritual guidance all delivered in one lesson.

As we sat and ate I learned more about Brent and the divine intervention which brought him to Boise. Brent described his "calling to serve" the refugee community, and through a series of chance interconnections it was made possible. Brent trusted in something that was more than himself which led him to a phenomenal and meaningful project.

I look forward to spending more time with them in the coming weeks. As a native Australian, Brent is truly a remarkable individual who answers his calling to serve in a country thousands of miles away. His love for the international community, his passion for the disadvantaged, and his ability to touch and change lives make him the epitome of a true Global Citizen.