It’s tax time for FORGE.  This is (by far) my least favorite time of year.  Nobody ever starts an organization like FORGE and proclaims, “I’m doing this because I want to lend my hand to relieve struggle, create bonds that will strengthen our world for years to come, and keep meticulous accounting records.”

But alas, I’ve spent the last few hours eyeball-deep in bank statements, receipts, and Excel sheets.

It was a nice departure from the taxes as I head to bed to see some of our university-sponsored refugees’ recent activity on Facebook.  There’s something startling, warming, and hilarious about reading “Facebook Wall Posts” from people who hadn’t touched a computer until a couple of years ago.

The computer blunders are the most special part.

Consider Antoine, for example.  His Facebook network is listed as: US Virgin Islands!

Thom’s “looking for…” status?  Whatever I can get.  I don’t think the husband and father of two knows quite what that means.

And Paul has been “tagged” in more Facebook photos than me!

No – when I started FORGE, I didn’t hope to do taxes.  Nor did I plan to get refugees onto Facebook.  I did, however, aim to create relationships and intercultural understanding.

Even through the massive social network that is Facebook, FORGE’s success in that endeavor shines through.  Vaughn is exchanging photos with Taban.  Kwase is “poking” Annelisa.  And EVERYONE sent birthday wishes to Marisa and Elizabeth.
 
Back to taxes tomorrow, but for now, I’m smiling as I go to bed to get my precious few hours of sleep.