5th Annual White Party

    It's White Month here in Buryatia, and a few years ago we started a tradition to have a White Party.  It's been a chance to share and learn more about Buryat culture as well as to share about how we can truly be clean and whiter than snow.  We served white foods, including the traditional Buryat food- pozie!  (it's a meat dumpling)  We also had meat, white salads, white pizzas, white chocolate fondue, and white desserts.  The kids all took part in preparing for the special night.

     These two friends brought a traditional Buryat bread, called Boobyn, that they made.  It's hard to see the design on the bread in the picture, but it was made with a wooden stamp that he carved himself. It's very good- almost like a tea biscuit (but not as sweet).  It can be stored for a long time- over 10 years!


     In years past we have made pozie with friends before the party.  This year we just steamed them.  Zhenya is the expert on how long to steam them!
   


     We enjoyed talking and eating all of the delicious food.  People came in waves, which made it nice for conversation and not feeling too crowded.




     Martina made these awesome white cheescakes with the Buryat New Year's greeting.  We the traditional gifts of tea and chocolates to our guests.  We attached a Bible verse-blessing to each one (written in both English and Russian).  Leif shared about how he loves that blessings are a big part of Buryat culture and how in the Bible, blessings are very important, too.

 Leif shared a bit more as our girls passed them out.

      Then we played a couple of silly games.

      In this game, people had to draw a steppe, sheep, and moon on the plate while it was on top of their head.

     Following the "white" theme, we played a game where we had to put cotton balls into the cup on our heads while blindfolded, using a plastic spoon.  It turned out to be really funny!

    Everyone took a turn, including our kids.  One guy that came is normally so serious, but he kept laughing and laughing during this game.  It was really fun to see.

     We spent time mingling and talking more.  Our friends drove a car load of people back to their village 1.5 hours away and they had great conversation as they traveled.

      We're thankful for these new friends that we've made and for a successful party!