Normal life clothes

This past week, I was in charge of our annual foreigners clothes-swap. The clothes-swap is a great thing - because on the first day, we turn in all the clothes that our kids have out-grown or that we adults have gotten tired of. Then, on the second day, everyone comes back to choose clothes for their kids or themselves. It is very difficult to get American/European style clothing here, so this helps everyone outfit their kids in styles they prefer. Unfortunately, this year, there was very little in the older childrens sizes. Ellie was a little sad that I couldn't find much for her, but I did get her one skirt and for her, that was better than a roomfull of pants.

This year, the women's room was the most popular. I think everyone gets tired of the clothes they bring over here - so we swap! It is funny to walk around town and see another foreigners dressed in the clothes that you previously were wearing.

At 11am, all the foreigners are welcome to invite their househelpers to come and choose clothes. For many househelpers, this is a highlight of the year. Several days before the swap, my househelper told me all the things she was going to look for at the swap. Her son, sister and husband had all put in orders for things that they wanted her to look for. Her son is especially fond of the American tennis shoes that she has found for him in the past. My househelper later told me that when she got home from the swap, she was surprised to find her son was waiting eagarly by the door to see what she brought him. (I guess he is usually out playing basketball on Saturday mornings- not at home waiting on his mom.) At the end of the morning, the left-over clothes are gathered up and given to poor people in the countryside.

All in all, the clothes-swap may sound a little funny for those of you who can run out to Old Navy to buy clothes, but over here, where there is no Old Navy - it certainly is a fun way to get bigger sized clothes for our kids and different clothes for ourselves.

--Laurel