2004-02-10
When you live with a family that has different cultures and different nationalities than you do, it becomes almost a challenge fitting in. It's full of compromises and challenges, from deciding how to raise your children to what is the best way to prepare dinner for a group of people with diverse tastes and appetites. Make no mistake, its hard work, but along the way it can also be a lot of fun and an enriching experience as you play the part of both teacher and pupil.

Along with my husband and two sons, I share my home with my mother and father in law. United in the space we inhabit, we come from opposite ends of the spectrum. Its a full house, but a happy home none the less. We have found a way to live with our differences, educating instead of arguing. And although none of us is perfect- we do get on each others nerves now and again and often dont see eye to eye- living with my in-laws has given me a respect and admiration for them. This is especially evident not only in the way they care for each other and will willingly drop everything to lend a hand I admire them, especially with the way that they care for each other and will drop everything to help you out if you were ever in need of a hand.

I am proud of my family, and can only hope to raise my children to hold the same ideals and values that my parents and in-laws have. We may not cook chicken the same way, but that doesnt mean we cant all get along.