Laura: Looks like you are going to a Newar family and so they do not practice the culture of baring women during their periods. So you can be safe. Also, it is not true that you will not be allowed to do anything, as far as i have seen, you will not be allowed to enter the kitchen area but you can do all other things and also work as normal. Just ask the woman in the family. Many families like mine in the city no longer practice it. So hopefully you will be fine