Living on a small island doesn’t mean living in a small world. News, change, and the weight of global events reach us here just like anywhere else. But the rhythms of island life—tides, seasons, animals, gardens—offer a kind of perspective.

Last Saturday my mom and I spent the afternoon learning to make dumplings from scratch with Ger Liang Tysk of Red Kettle Kimchi through Partners in Island Education. Dough, filling, pleats, and plenty of laughter filled the room.