To think I’ve only lived in New Zealand a little over a week, with a brand new group of people and they’ve already opened their arms wide to the bit of culture I have to offer them. It truly amazes me how giving and open-minded my host family has been and continues to be.
Yesterday they decided to throw me a 4th of July party. Not only was this a casual family gathering, it was a full-out themed party equipped with some elaborate decorations, American-brand food, and family and children all around. There was laughter that filled the room, patriotic balloons that covered the floor, and continuous food to feed every guest from head to toe throughout the night. I definitely did not see this coming.
A couple days before, my host mom asked what would normally occur at a 4th of July party. I answered her with, “Well… a lot of eating of the basic american barbecue foods, some chips, soda, desserts, beers, and then maybe some fireworks at the end.” Seeing as how it is currently a cold cold winter in New Zealand I figured finding a pool for some 4th of July swimming was not going to happen. However, I can safely say that that was the only thing missing from the event.
Julie (host mom) went out Thursday night to three different grocery stores to stock up the kitchen with burger meat, hot dogs, hot dog buns, hot chips (french fries), cherry coke, “American Mustard”, ketchup, ice cream, hot fudge, popcorn, brownies… the list only gets longer. And on top of that she brought back red, white, and blue balloons, streamers, and ribbon to decorate the house. And of course… although NZ only sells fireworks 5 DAYS OUT OF THE YEAR some time in November, she managed to find a neighbor friend to bring some sparklers and small fireworks over for the grand finale.
Their family was called and invited, and there were aunts, uncles, grandparents, and family friends ringing the doorbell by 5 pm.
This was by far the most American 4th of July New Zealand could have ever produced and I feel so blessed to be welcomed into this host family with such loving hearts.
Of course we had some mixed in NZ culture with the rugby game on, and the different tastes of the food that NZ has to offer. And this only made it an even more unique event. I really had such a wonderful time!
Joyful Thinking 