Rhymes with Wowza
Jiaozi.
Unintentionally, we landed at a foster home facility in China at the beginning of a five-day weekend. Thus, we have enjoyed the slow pace of the national holiday and have savored the opportunity to spend time with the incredible, multinational families of this “instant community.” We have been warmly welcomed by this built-in support network of extraordinary locals and expats who have dedicated themselves to caring for orphans with special medical and mental needs.
Because of the extra time, yesterday we experienced the ultimate mid-day Chinese potluck. A cafeteria full of families gathered to make far-from-instant Chinese dumplings called jiaozi (rhymes with wowza). Amidst the flying flour and dicing knives, we got to try our hand at rolling, cutting, stuffing, and sealing jiaozi — nearly 2000 of them — and then of course eating them.
Our patient teachers, through plenty of hand signals and surely those were Chinese expletives aimed at the stuffing falling out of my poorly-sealed seam, awarded prizes for the best foreign-made jiaozi (we didn’t win), and the best sample made by a child. The lunch extravaganza was topped off by several hours of musical talent and group sports.
Delicious fun with new friends — I think the Wildpeople have a new word for it…. Jiaozi!
Love it! Brings back yummy memories!
Yum!! If you go to Shanghai be sure to try the dumplings with broth in them. To die for!
I love the pics of your kids working alongside the Chinese kids. Beautiful!