Last Thursday my nine year old friend Isac picked up the phone to ask me one question, "Can Flat Stanley stay with you?" For those of you who know me, I was THRILLED to get this question and my answer was obviously YES. Of course I would embrace having Flat Stanley be a permanent house guest for awhile. I gave Isac my work address, and he finally arrived today. I was amazed to learn that a lot of my co-workers didn't know who Flat Stanley was or the purpose of this little man. They thought is was a "Nebraska" thing...clearly some of them were deprived of a childhood.
The Flat Stanely Project provides students like 9 year old Isac to learn about geography in a fun way. They create paper "Flat Stanleys" and send them to a friend of family member in a different state. It is my job to take pictures and keep a journal of his Minnesota adventures. After a certain period of time, I will mail Stanely back to Isac and his classroom & they will read about his travels.
Tonight is Stanley's first official night here, and he is already starting his trip on a high by attending a Minnesota Wild Hockey game with one of my co-workers. On Sunday, Stanley will see one the biggest rival games when the Vikings & Packers face off. While this fun project has been something that constantly makes Isac smile (according to his mom), I am quickly discovering that it is something special for myself as well. It has been over four months since my arrival in Minnesota, and each day I learn that "Minnesota Nice" is a real thing. My co-workers have been quick to jump in with this project; making lists of must do Minnesota things, helping to laminate the little man so he can survive the winter with a plastic coat, and volunteering to take him any and everywhere. My excitement has translated into their excitement. How lucky I am to be surrounded by people like this each day. I am happy to be host Stanley & excited to see what a paper doll teaches me.
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