For the first time ever, students decided to be a part of the Thanksgiving dinner preparations. Each prepared at least one of their familys' favorites to share with their new "family" in Mérida. The result was an unqualified success. Parents and grandparents at home provided recipes and advice via Skype; local home hosts and Central staff provided work space and ideas for local products that could substitute for "foreign" products such as buttermilk.
The dinner was a learning experience about customs in the US as the two students from North Carolina prepared fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. The student from Idaho whose family is from Zacatecas produced a fabulous hot punch that was unknown even to the Yucatecans. Iowa students produced a green bean cassarole, an incredible sweet potato dish topped with pecans and brown sugar, scalloped corn, scalloped potatoes and pumpkin pies. Pumpkin pie with ice cream rather than whipped cream continues to surprise me! Our staff and many of the guests requested copies of recipes.
The students were also wonderful hosts. The word went out among them that they were to dress up. They waited to serve themselves until after all guests and staff had filled their plates. They were attentive to their guests by filling empty glasses, removing plates, and circulating from table to table throughout the afternoon so as to speak with all the guests. The musicians played throughout the afternoon. One student commented that this was the best Thanksgiving she had ever experienced. Another said she felt like a grown up for the first time....not just one of the kids! Study abroad. Who knew?
3 comments:
It sounds delightful.
It sounds, too, as though you'll be sending an enthusiastic bunch of ambassadors home with a great message about their experience in Mexico.
I sincerely hope so.
love it! sounds like a perfect day.
Post a Comment