Holidays 2011...week one

This is our second holiday season away from the USA. Last year we had just moved here and were not used to the Trinidad holidays...so we did our own thing.

But this year...since we are now Trini...we had (are having) a much more Trini Christmas/New Years.

Those of us in the school have 3 weeks off from classes. We had/have much planned for this time...places to go...friends to lime with...and food to eat...and most importantly lots of wonderful Christian fellowship!

Our week began with a few days at home...then our first stop was to learn to make Callaloo, a delicious Trinidadian dish. It is made from pig tail, dasheen bush (a type of greens), a bit of pumpkin, peppers (hot and sweet), the right combination of spies and a bit of okra. Mix it all up and cook it until all done...mash it up good with a callaloo swizzler and eat! It's one of my favorite dishes here in Trinidad...that and salt fish.

We also learned how to make stewed chicken and see some real Trini cooking take place. We had a blast...learned a lot...ate some good food, and enjoyed a good time of fellowship!

Our next stop was actually two. We were invited to spend a day with another family we have grown to love very much. They live out in the country...so in many ways it's like being at our old place in the US. It's quiet, you can see green for a long ways, it's very homey, and the fellowship is always great! We were served a lovely meal, made jam, played cards, laughed, and did not want to leave. We proved that you can play Dutch Blitz...and sing at the same time! It was one of those days that I wish I could relive. But...I can't...so I will just treasure the memories.

Then, the next day, we joined the students at the dorm for another great day with the same family again! This time the father was in for a brief one day stay from his off shore job. We were so blessed to have two days in the country, away from the noise of the city, fellowshipping and enjoying the company of our brethren.

We enjoied more good food.....

and played some of our favorite games...Rummy (Trini style), all fours and a family/student favorite of Dutch Blitz.

It is a very fun game....that includes lots of hands.....

....and lots of colorful cards.....

....and gets very fast and crazy! But it's SO MUCH fun....especially the part where one team yells "BLITZ!!!!" and the rest of the players all yell "NNOOOOOO!!!!"

Yeah...it's fun.

Then, after a day of rest, we made our own special meal. We got a ham (it's cheaper at this time of year...), sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, broccoli and cauliflower salad, five cup salad, sorrel and tea. Then for desserts we had orange rolls and coconut cream pie...with fresh coconut! It was good...and my favorite part was that I found fresh cranberries...REAL fresh cranberries. And I made my favorite salad...with apples and oranges....it was good!

I am so thankful for all the I have been blessed with...so may good friends and precious family. I have loved the last week...and look forward to the next two!