This great retro chair is not only stylish, but sits great. In fact, it’s so comfortable, it’ll be your go to with your favorite book. It’s available in hundreds of outta sight fabrics or simplify it with some solids. The flared legs come with an Espresso or Driftwood finish that draws the eyes up to the playful curves of the body. 291 Fore Street, Portland 773-1789 900 Main Street, Westbrook 854-9419 $499 as shown GROOVY MADE IN AMERICA H H H H H N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 7 3 5 head of the department came in one day, furious. She slammed a big, complicat- ed book on the table and said, ‘You want a challenge? Here you go.’” Like Hawa, Khad- ija wasn’t afraid of making her voice heard. “I told her I just wanted to learn. I wanted someone to actually teach us something.” Despite a late start and significant interrup- tions, in 2013, Khadija graduated with her year group. That summer, she attended a career course for teaching and enrolled at Central Maine Community College. As she talks, a flying figure leaps over her shoulder, catapulting into her lap with a roar. Her sons Muhammed Aden, 4, and Iiyase Aden, 3, are tireless, capering balls of energy. They dance among the rows of veg- etables, springing back to show off a hand- ful of milkweed or field daisies. Now that she’s put down roots, does Maine feel like home? “Yes and no. I’ve been here a while, and I know it well. I know where to turn if I need help. But at the same time, there’s always someone to remind you this is not your home.” She recalls a class vacation in high school, when she and a friend walked in- to a grocery store. They both wore hijabs. The store fell silent as the girls entered. “My friend told me we should just run, leave. I said, ‘Why should I? I haven’t stolen any- thing. Why are they staring like we’re aliens?’” This same streak of courage would make Khadija turn to confront hostile chil- dren at school who’d tell her she didn’t be- long and that her family was just here to collect food stamps. “I’d say, ‘Yes we do be- long. And you’re taking food stamps, too. But we’re here because war drove us from our country.’” Despite her youth, you get the impression you’re in the presence of a tireless force of will. Khadija will go back to CMCC to fin- ish her degree this winter. She’ll continue to help Hawa with the farm, selling the last of the fall harvest. Mother and daughter sell their produce at farmers’ markets, pan- tries, schools, restaurants, and CSA shares through Fresh Start Farm food hub. She’ll also cook for Viles Arboretum, the Augus- ta market stand where she and a group of women sell Somali food. Looking ahead, Hawa dreams of a farm and land of their own where she can raise animals and crops. “We’re trying to save for a home and some land,” Khadija says. “I hope for more than we have now. More for my boys.”