hospitality in practice

our still-unfinished kitchen

the concrete slab for a counter-top is getting old.  But at least it works!

These past few days have been busy ones for me. I've been in the kitchen mostly, creating, baking, planning, writing grocery lists.  We've had people over for meals often lately, and I really enjoy it.  It gives me a chance to do what I love (cook!) and be with friends (or soon-to-be friends), all while still taking care of my son in our own home.  How perfect.  And how amazing to think that this is (at least part of) the ministry He has called me to, in this season of life!?  I love it.

Here's a glimpse of what's been on our plates and who's been around our table lately:


Tuesday supper - Charlotte and I made calzones and pizza sauce and shared them with our neighbours who were not feeling well (not exactly around our table, but still busy in the kitchen).
Wednesday lunch - our friend Lisa and two of her American friends came for lunch (Minestrone soup and a variation of Olive Cheese Bread) and homemade Chocolate Ice Cream for dessert.  So nice to get to know some more amazing women here!
Wednesday supper - we shared our chicken pot pie with two local guys that Stewart knows from English Club.  They didn't like it, but oh well.  It is pretty "out-there" compared to local food! Stewart and I really enjoyed it nonetheless.  :)
Yesterday - I made Flourless Chocolate Cake (from Real Simple magazine, November 2010) and sent it to a little "Welcome" party for a friend who just arrived in the country (while I stayed home and went to bed!).
Tonight - we are having our newly-arrived friend over for a supper of Thai Green Curry and the rest of the Flourless Chocolate Cake.  I also made Mocha Sherbet to go with the cake.
Tomorrow morning - we're having our friend Lisa and some of her new housemates (a young couple with a two year old little girl) over for brunch.  Mmmm... Wifesaver Breakfast and fruit salad.  Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and I am so looking forward to this!  Yummy breakfast plus more new friends.  What could be better?!
Last, but not least...
Sunday lunch - the youth group student leaders are coming over for chili and cornbread.  And chocolate sheet cake for dessert (using the cake and icing recipes here).  Yum!

Seeing this written out, it seems like a lot.  But you know, at the time, it really doesn't seem like a big ordeal.  I cook three meals a day, whether or not there are extra people around.  Being in West Africa, there are very few "easy meals" that I make.  I cook from scratch, and I enjoy it.  And I almost always cook more than we need, so we can have people join us spur-of-the-moment.  And if not, we eat leftovers for lunch.  (And most weeks aren't really this busy with guests in and out.)

We often don't make big elaborate meals when we have guests in our home.  Sure, I might make a dessert that I wouldn't otherwise, or add an extra side dish.  But for most part, Stewart and I want to simply include people in our lives, our everyday lives, even if there are toys on the floor, the bathroom needs to be cleaned, or the food isn't exactly gourmet.  People care more about you and your interest in them, than the state of your house.  Or so we've learned.  (Besides, you can always do a quick five-minute clean/tidy of your house and get the worst of it!  Like last night when we got a call at 9pm that Stewart's friend was outside our gate to visit us.  Stew went to meet and welcome him in, while I quickly cleared our dinner dishes off the table!)

Of course, we do sometimes have big elaborate meals with friends.  That's fun too.  But that's not our usual way.  (In fact, we're planning a "Julia Child" French dinner party soon, with our friend Shari!)

I am so thankful for these opportunities to open our home, share our life and family, cook good food, and do it all in the Name of Jesus.  I know it often doesn't happen as easily in North America, but can I challenge you to open your home this week?  Even just one time, have one person/couple/family over for a meal.  If hosting people for a meal intimidates you, just keep it simple.  Make an easy brunch (I love Wifesaver Breakfast for that!) or put some spaghetti sauce in the slow-cooker and serve it with noodles, garlic bread, and caesar salad.  Easy and delicious!  Or even just have some friends over for dessert.  What matters isn't what you serve, but that you do it.  Share part of your life, your family, your home, your food.

If you do decide to open your home this week, leave a comment and tell us of your plans, or how it went.  Or what you made - I'm always looking for new recipes and meal ideas!  Maybe you already have people in your home on a regular basis.  If you do, please leave a comment with some of your tips and tricks, or a favourite recipe you make for friends.