Saturday, June 27, 2009

Tea for the Japanese Students

The girls and I invited over the eight Japanese students enrolled at the local university. We didn't know any of them, but my good friend, mother of the curly redheads, teaches them at the school.


They were an absolutely charming group of young ladies (especially the one with freckles!) and one young man who was sitting pretty as the only male. We chatted rather carefully over tea and goodies--I would ask a question, they would consult with each other in Japanese making sure they understood correctly, then give me a carefully worked out English answer.

My favorite moment came after a lull in the conversation, when I invited them to go back for seconds. As a group they immediately stood up and rushed to the table with their plates. Some things transcend cultural differences, and one of those is the appetites of eighteen-year olds!


After we talked and ate, I herded them out to the pool for an hour of swimming. Their reserve disappeared and they joined right in the diving contests, water tag, and big game of Sharks and Minnows with my children.

Tea was our Standard Menu: scones, cookies, cucumber sandwiches. Then, at the last minute, because it was so very hot, I made a cold punch bowl of grape juice and Italian lemon soda, which was all I had in the way of punch fixings, and a big bowl of cut-up watermelon.

19 comments:

Lisateresa said...

Ah!!!! Italian lemon soda! I recently bought the last 2 cases of that at our local store at half price - they're discontinuing it. So good! No corn syrup for the Italians, and 18% juice!
As for your party - sounds like fun. AND, how intriguing that you know a mother of curly redheads.

Le said...

I look forward to your posts every night. tonight was no exception. sounds like a great time. you can't go wrong with a tea party and an evening by the pool.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

How delightful!

I bet this will be a highlight of their time in the U.S. and a neat way to teach your children to reach out by using their gifts - as I am sure that Bella was in on the tea planning!

Sharon said...

What a blessing for everyone Anna! How fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Sharon

lesthook said...

How fun! In the late 80's we lived in Germany for 3 years. There was an exchange thing where the elementary children would have lunch at the German childrens house and the next week they would come to our houses. We always had 3 children(some mothers worked) and made american hot dogs and hamburgers. We did this for 3 years and it was really fun!

Polly said...

That is so perfect. One of my goals this year is to learn to make truly good scones--before I throw my best friend's baby shower tea in the fall!

Polly said...

I also love the *consulting each other* bit. My husband and I have done that in another language as well, when at a business dinner! Funny to see that we're not the only ones.

Sue said...

What a beautiful blessing you bestowed on those kids! 

YayaOrchid said...

Beautiful pictures, Anna! And what a culturally friendly way to welcome the youngsters into the community.

Oh, how I would l♥ve your recipe for those cucumber sandwiches!!

Nadine said...

Sounds like a wonderful day!

Rhoto said...

Oh, how RHOTO enjoys inviting international students into our lives!!
We've especially enjoyed sharing Easter and Christmas customs (secular & religious) with "overnights" with our new friends.
How nice of you to do this!!
Warm greetings,
RHOTO

Kyla Jean said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Martha said...

I love the punch idea. Sounds perfect for summer.

I have been reading your blog and just recently started my own. I hope you don't mind that I link to your

Linda said...

What wonderful blessings all the way around - using the gift of your warm hospitality, reaching out to those kids, and teaching your children a valuable life lesson.
And you've blessed us besides!

Anonymous said...

I love watching how God uses you to minister with your kids. Sewing and tea are the two I'm thinking of lately. Using the things you love to draw people together!

Love you, Carol

Tracy said...

Your tea party sounds divine. Those students were certainly very blessed to have been the recipients of your hospitality.

I adore those teacups. They're like little pieces of China Heaven!

Anonymous said...

hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....

Hana said...

Those cucumber sandwiches remind me of The Importance of Being Earnest and the theatre "company" of my Grammar school... I still imagine the characters as all those people I knew.
It sounds like a nice day. I hope you'll get a chance to repeat it!

Lisateresa said...

Hana - I used to read "The Importance of Being Earnest" whenver I needed a real good laugh. It's brilliant.

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