dinner with friends

Haitian Proverb:

"Moun ki pa manje pou ko l' pa janm grangou- those who don't eat alone are never hungry."

Those who share will receive

Most days I spend my afternoons in the village playing, bathing babies, and just having fun being with my friends. Each and every day I'm humbled by how gracious my friends are to me and by their limitless love and generosity. Today, I was once again reminded just how blessed I am to be living in Haiti and in this community. E'tienne and I were asked to stay and join our friends for supper. On many different levels a meal here is a big deal. First, there is no electricity or running water, so imagine how easy it is to just "whip" up a meal that will take hours of preparation and time.

Natacha preparing supper.

Not only that, but most of our friends have barely enough food to meet the needs of their own family let alone guests. And let's be honest, we are guests that have food...plenty of food. It always makes my heart cringe to eat food that I know other people need more than me and yet, there is nothing more that Natacha wants in that moment than to serve us. So tonight we ate supper in Natacha's home. We were served our food on the two best dishes she has and we were prepared a feast of food that included chicken, vegetables, and sauce.

We drew quite the crowd as we sat at Natacha's table and ate the meal prepared for us...I suppose it isn't everyday that our little friends have two white girls in their home eating Haitian food=) Today, I was given not only the best food my friend had to offer but love and service to me. As I walked home I felt that God was reminding me that this is the pattern He has for me. I am to offer my best and am called to serve the people He has brought into my life.

I promise I didn't lick my bowl=)