Don't be shy...

If you have some free time and you know where your adopted family lives... don't be shy to drop in to pay them a visit, that's acceptable in their culture and it builds rapport. Be prepared to eat though as you may be offered a snack or some hot tea : )

Easter Sunday I dropped by some of the Barnwood homes and asked the ladies over at 5p to eat and cook together.

I ended up making three car trips as their entire family's came! I had a houseful! It was fun and the language barrier was minor! The ladies were eager to jump right in and help and even insisted on it! We ate rice noodles and pork, mushrooms sauteed with garlic and onion, fried tofu, broccoli,green onions and baby corn. I had a variety of sauces and spices I use regularly but I was surprised that they inquired which sauces they were to use. I felt sure they would use condiments such as pad thai sauce, peanut sauce, general tsao sauce, rooster sauce, soy, etc. (I don't keep fish sauce bc I don't like it). Anyway, this all seemed new to them? The women enjoyed thumbing through some of my photo albums and the kids played video games, puzzles, guitar, sang and talked. The men watched hockey with Scott. Next time, I want to introduce them to the Wii. I had hoped to do an Easter egg hunt but the weather was to soggy and stormy. Anyway, it was a lovely Easter!

Oo Meh and Bu Meh were very interested in a small shelf I had on my wall. Oo's son told me they would like to get one. SO... the next day we found one at TJ Maxx. It was quite an ordeal showing them how to use screws to mount the shelf. Apparently they are using it to display a crucifix and rosary on. I have noticed these similar shrine looking shelves in other homes. Often a picture of Mary will be on the shelf along with some other special objects of veneration. 

Just thought I'd share : )
Picture is Oo Meh and Baw Meh at the sink. I thought it was a cute pic- so typical of us women, washin' and talkin'... no matter what our culture.