Don’t be shy about teaching the Burmese how we do things in America. They are quick learners and will appreciate your help. But, don't just tell them what to do, involve them through demonstration and practice. So many things are different for them, and a kind word of explanation or demonstration is all that is needed to help them succeed. You might notice them doing something that seems unusual to you, but is normal for them. The things that they do, they have always done in Asia. Some things they will be able to continue doing (eating a lot of rice!), other things might not work so well here in America (like using a mortar and pestle to make a "hot" sauce early in the morning or gluing pictures on the wall), and they will need to learn a new way of living.
Here are some ideas for things you (and your kids) can do even if you can't communicate together in a common language. The Burmese need to be listening to English and creating new experiences. Though the Burmese may seem a bit quiet, they can have a great sense of humor. To keep things moving so that you are not sitting there all staring at each other, here are some suggestions:
- Invite your family/ individual to sit with you during Mass and at church sponsored functions such as ECHO
- Introduce your family/ individual to your friends at church
- Meet with your family/individual outside of mass at least 1x per month (can be a house call or go for coffee or a meal after Mass)
- Read children’s stories to the kids
- Play soccer with the kids or men
- Play badminton, throw a Frisbee
- Teach them how to shoot a basketball
- Teach them how to play baseball
- "Concentration" is a great memory game for learning English
- Teach Card games, and easy board games like Candyland
- Do an easy puzzle (i.e. a puzzle of the United States so they can learn the State names)
- Take little children to a park with playground equipment
- Play "Simon Says” with simple English words
- Go to the zoo together
- Take a family to McDonalds to try their first hamburger or hot fudge Sundae and play in the play area
- Encourage your kids to come up with ideas of where to go and what to do.
- Take them fishing—they love to fish, but have likely never used an American fishing pole
- Go see fireworks on the 4th of July
- Go swimming (make sure your family knows that Swimming requires proper attire--no swimming in your underwear, even for kids)
- Play miniature golf
- Teach the adults how to drive (an empty parking lot is a great place to practice)
- Go Bowling
- Assist with Doctor and Dentist Visits
- Teach English in a family home (especially w/women who are home with kids)
- Host your family/ individual at your home for supper, games, fellowship etc.
- Offer to assist your family/ individual with challenging daily tasks (such as shopping trip, accompanying them to health or social service appointments or offering them transportation).
- Engage your family/ individual in American traditions (Birthday celebrations, holidays, sporting events etc).
