We had a Domincan child live with us for an extended period of time. I am very light skinned, my husband Native American and then we were lucky enough to share our lives with Little Miss Veronica with her big brown eyes, curly hair, dark skin and the biggest heart you have ever seen. We live in a rural area of Pennsylvania with very few people of color. We talked about her heritage, we looked up recipes, we made recipes, we learned some songs, we learned some Spanish but overall, we were just happy to be a family. Sure she had questions sometimes and we did the best we could to answer them or find answers. She joined our family and as such, she learned our traditions...German and Native American combined....and we learned hers...asking questions, listening intently, trying her way sometimes....but you know what? That stuff is important but even more important was that Veroinca had a home where she was safe, valued and loved. Those are the basic needs of every human being and all the rest is secondary.

So Mmario, I'm with you....150%.

Michelle