Phone: 1.800.775.1797

The author of A Cab Called Reliable, Here I Am, It’s Girls Like You, Mickey, and I’m OK, Patti Kim emigrated to the US from Korea with her parents in 1974. I’m OK is a middle-grade novel that tells the story of Ok Lee, a twelve-year-old boy who moved from Korea to America at a young age. As his family strives to build a life in America, his father tragically dies in a freak accident at work, leaving Ok and his mother with a traumatic loss, as well as their daily struggle to survive in a country that doesn’t yet feel like home. As Ok straddles the cultures of his Maryland middle school and his Korean home and church life, he works hard to belong, to be good, to be useful to his mother, and to be “the man.” Will Ok Lee succeed? Will Ok Lee be OK? 

 Although the book “I’m Ok” comes from a different cultural background, the message presented is something of value to everyone. The story dramatizes the sentiment that wherever you are in life, whatever childhood you’ve been dealt, you are worthy, worthy of love. We will discuss the book, and Kim will also speak with our children about seeing themselves and their lives as remarkable. Kim will also help our children learn how to begin telling their own stories.

Joining us straight from Ethiopia, Master Marshet will be interviewed to discuss with our parents and children about perseverance and never giving up despite challenges! Master Marshet will then lead our group in a family group fitness class (no equipment necessary)! So put on your workout gear and grab your water!

 Master Marshet was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where she currently resides.  She holds a diploma in Health & Physical Education from Kotebe University College and a Bachelor of Sports Science from Kotebe Metropolitan University.  She is an Ethiopian World Taekwondo National Team Assistant Coach, and a former National Team Athlete (2008-2011).  The former team player turned assistant coach is also an exercise trainer and coach.

 Master Marshet holds the 1st place in four (4) Addis Ababa Taekwondo Championships, along with many other honors and awards.  In addition, she holds many certificates such as the Certificate of Health Related Physical Fitness Coach, the Certificate of 3rd level Taekwondo Coaching Training, and the Certificate of Sports Medicine Course from the Olympic Solidarity.

 As noted, Master Marshet is very accomplished in her field.  However, this didn’t come easy, rather, it came with many challenges.  She will be interviewed so that she can share some of her personal experiences and challenges, but also how she overcame those challenges. There will also be an opportunity for parents and children to ask her questions.