Do you know YOU?

My six year old niece came home from school today asking a LOT of questions about where she is from. I have been trying to explain to her about her back culture; she's Guatemalan. So I've been researching foods, attire, traditions, and other fun facts about her heritage so that we can have a "Guatemalan" day for her to help her learn more about herself and her heritage.

I found information on the history of Guatemala and many of the cultures of the people there. I also found out about lots of different foods. The Guatemalan people are of a Hispanic heritage and love to use fresh exotic fruits such as bananas, papayas, and mango's along with many others. Corn, cocoa, and rice are some of the primary foods used to make many different stews, coffees, and light dishes.

This would be a fun project for any family. Even as Americans, we forget to remember how we got to where we are today and what a better way to remember than to celebrate our past. My family has lots of Italian, German, and French, but your family may have Indian, Mexican, Irish, Swedish, etc. Research and learn how much you really know about yourself. I can't wait to have our Guatemalan day so my wonderful niece can learn more about herself.

Remember, just because you have a past heritage, doesn't mean you aren't American. Americans are made up of all types of people including Guatemalan. I hope that I can help her learn and grow but also make her understand that no matter where she is from that she is where she belongs and that she IS an American.