The first time I was a guest for a meal in the home of someone from another culture was in April 2000. My student was a kind elderly man from Afghanistan. He had a long white beard because in his culture men did not shave after their first son was born. He was 71 years old when we began lessons to help him understand English better for day to day life.
He had a heart attack and a quintuple bypass, so I did not meet with him for five weeks. I called his son and offered to have lessons in their home. They all quickly agreed.
The first time I went to their home, while we were studying, I heard the noises and smelled the smells of food being prepared. His son came out to talk with me saying, “My mother wants to know if you would like lunch.” Never being one to pass up a home cooked meal, I said yes.
The son left. The daughter left. The wife brought out the food, a big plate of rice that had raisins, almond slices, and carrots in it, chicken, beef, and a plate of veggies. Then she left. It was only my student and me.
I began to eat realizing that my student could not eat any of it because he was on a restrictive diet. After I finished my first plate, yes first plate, he laughed and filled it again for me without asking. I finished that plate and he filled it again for me. I finally put my hands on my stomach and said I could not eat anymore food. He laughed.
When I got back to my office, I told the receptionist I would be busy and to hold calls. I went into my small office, locked the door, turned my chair so the back was facing the door, and opened my pants because I was so stuffed. I worked on the computer for several hours.
Hospitality in other cultures is wonderful to experience. Whenever I visit people from other countries, the meal is an experience to cherish. I also think about how Jesus spent a lot of time in the homes of people. Often he was criticized for doing so.
Sharing a meal is a wonderful way to build friendship and connect with people. Jesus understood that when he was on earth and understands it now. In Revelation 3 Jesus says”
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
For now that eating would pertain to the spiritual food of the Word of God, the bible. But in the future there will be a huge feast for all who believe in Jesus. We will sit down with Jesus for the feast.
Jesus longs to come into our homes and share life with us. The question is if we will let him in.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
What a delicious meal to enjoy while teaching English. Got a chuckle when I read what you did when you got back to your office after 3 plates of that delightful food!
It was delicious 🙂
I am sure it was!
I laughed when I read how full you were. Sharing a meal definitely helps with building relationships and connecting.
Thank you 🙂
Sharing meals are great
I look forward to that banquet in the sky. 🥝🥕🥒
It will be wonderful and we can meet each other there 🙂
Yes! All us Christian bloggers together 🙂
I love experiencing hospitality from other cultures! Plus, the food is delicious, too! On mission trips, our group has had the opportunity to visit in the home of locals and to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Before going, we were told that it is impolite to not take seconds when offered and to not leave food on your plate. Like you, after being served a generous first serving, it is very difficult to eat the second helping! I tried my very best not to catch the eyes of our host after the first serving because I knew I couldn’t finish a second plate! As I recall, I think that worked! 😂
Sharing their food is a great way to learn about their culture 🤗
You made me hungry again. 😊
🙂 🙂 your stories are always funny 🙂 Sounds like a dish I may have to try at home 🙂 Great days are coming 🙂
Thank you little sister. I would share the recipe but I don’t know it. I only eat 🙂 haha
The rice sounded good! You’ve had meals from around the world.
I am blessed with the meals 🙂
I hope one day you get to sit with a Caribbean person and try our foods. Great story.
I would love to sit with you and your family and enjoy your food 🙂
Wow. You were really in on a treat. 😁
That is really great!.
Yes He seeks for us and He is willing to be involved with us, if we yield ourselves to Him.
It was a treat 🤗
Smiles. 😊
Love this sweet story! And laughed at how full you were!
What a great way to tie it in with our Heavenly feast one day!!
Thank you 🙂
How is the marathon training?
Absolutely awful!! I did my first outdoor run today and it was horribly pathetic😂😂😂🙏Up until today I have been treadmill running…huge difference between the two!!
Do you run in the snow?
No I did last year and wiped out on a patch of ice🥶🤪….but yesterday it was in the 50s over here and the snow has melted away, there was a bit of mud here and there: we live out of town so I was running gravel roads! I’ll only get an outdoor run in if it’s 50 or warmer ….so I’ll surely end up back on the treadmill before long with our crazy Nebraska weather 😂
Have you had much snow?
In the fall yes but since winter actually hit no….and honestly I don’t mind the snow, so I’m ready for it if it comes!!😊