The Bhutanese always serve the tea steaming hot, made with milk and spices. It kind of resembles our idea of a Chai Latte, only much better. They usually offer biscuits (crackers or cookies) or a taste of one of their Nepali dishes to go with it.

Even the children share this generosity and sense of hospitality. Recently a six year old insisted on sharing her Valentine's candy with me, exclaiming "No,no, no - YOU keep it!." She seemed genuinely happy to be able to share it with me.

While we drink tea, they always ask how my family is doing, remembering things I previously told them. Drinking tea together also provides an opportunity for them to share their own experiences and memories, sometimes bringing out photographs they brought with them to America. Seeing photographs of their family and friends helps me understand the sense of community they had to leave behind. It also helps me to see different aspects of their culture -- like their wedding ceremonies, for example.

I think it's important to have this time to learn more about their individual experiences. I am continually amazed by each person's willingness to open up and share their life with me.

Stephanie Wohnlich is a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Virginia Commonwealth University and is an intern at Richmond RIS