About MyHATT "It was in 1962 and Fin arrived around 5 PM and as he walked from that plane in Bakersfield, CA we didn't quite know how to react. Mom and dad had heard about a week before that there was a substite student and the papers were coming so we didn't even know his name. In addition to that, 'Indonesia' could very easily have been a sleep medication for all we knew. But here we were in 103 degree weather greeting a young man about the size of my 12 year old cousin who spoke no more than 10 words of English. That first evening was more than uncomfortable for everyone involved. Fin sat in the corner of the couch in our living room with his patek jacket and black hat not saying a word - just listening - as everyone else made polite conversation, nodding from time to time in his direction as a way of including him in the conversation." This was the first of 35 exchange students over the years. Being the first, it was difficult for everyone but I must say that obviously the experience was a successful one because 34 students follow from there. Fin was in Bakersfield, in his mind, as an Ambassador from Indonesia. He absorbed and shared with equal abandon. He wanted to learn everything he could about our culture, our way of life and every chance he got to share a traditional dance, or get into a discussion about his country he was ready at the drop of a hat.
This experience was the inspiration behind MyHATT. In 2006, I shared my vision with my partner Arlene whom has served on Missionary assignments in various countries and is an avid cook whom even had a catering business for a short time in the Seattle corridor. She saw the vision immediately and was inspired by the fit of her background and thus MyHATT was born. HATT is the acronym for Hands Across the Table with the slogan "getting the know the world better with every bite." Our objective is to spread greater understanding to help all of us to appreciate other cultures and to be more tolerant of our neighbors and our differences. We invite all of you to come on board and get with the MyHATT spirit. Over a wonderful authentic menu each month, groups of MyHATTers gather all over the world to enjoy a great meal and learn about other countries, their cultures, their traditions, their history in a fun and relaxed way. It is FREE to join but fun is not optional. Home - Featured Countries - About Us - Member Login - Join Here
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Fin and I shared a bedroom in the back of the house and every night we would talk endlessly about most anything. He was either asking questions about America, religion, observations, perceptions or answering questions about his culture, his history, Indonesian traditions...most anything I could think to ask. When that year was up, it was like seeing a brother leaving never to return. He had become the 5th member of our family and still to this day we are brothers in every way possible.