I just wanted to share our amazing experience this weekend meeting Amkaa's parents from Mongolia. They came to our house for dinner where we fed them an "American Breakfast." They then sat us all together as a family & spoke to us (using Cadence & Amkaa as interpreters) about the importance of family & the uniqueness of this wedding.
They then presented each of us with Mongolian gifts as a symbol of love, friendship, & family. We each stood one at a time & accepted out gifts with 2 hands, then hugged. Instead of kissing in the Mongolian culture, you pull someone close & "sniff" them as a form of endearment. (the kids thought it was strange until they realized that was like a kiss to them). They gave each of us either a cashmere sweater or scarf, personalized chopsticks & silverware, & then Mongolian food & candies. Amkaa's parents also presented us with a painting of 8 Mongolian horses symbolizing strength & 8 members of our family. We also got some sheep ankle bones (they play games with them) & a few other fun things.
We too presented them with gifts. They are currently serving an LDS mission in Mongolia so we bought them CTR rings, pictures to help them with teaching the gospel in Mongolia, & more church helps to assist them.
It was a culturally beautiful evening & I absolutely love this new family joining ours. We are so excited to see our children get married.
