Food and Friends

This month marked our 1 year anniversary of living in Hong Kong and we completed our second full year in Asia. It's been an amazing Asian adventure! Our year in Hong Kong has been very different from our year in Macau in so many ways (work, school, church, living arrangements, transportation, food, activities - the list could go on and on but that's another story). Not that living in Hong Kong or Macau is better or worse than the other because it's really too hard to even compare them. Both years truely are very near and dear to our hearts, primarily because of the wonderful, wonderful people we've met and call friends. 

So often when we get together with people there is food involved. Over the past 2 years, I've realized more than ever that the food we share with one another is much more than nutritional sustenance for the body; it's a compelling way to express gratitude, concern, friendship, and love.

If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him...

the people who give you their food give you their heart. 

- Cesar Chavez

With opportunities to mingle with people from many parts of the world with different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs, I've learned that food speaks a language everyone can understand. There's an unwritten note accompanying food that says "made with love", "baked with love", or even "bought with love". I really believe that when we share our food, we give a little of ourselves and friendships blossom.

This month we had a few memorable moments when friends gave us food but really shared their love.

Our sweet, Indonesian friend (who we knew in Macau and who always brought the kids a bag of goodies each week) we found out now lives not far from us in Hong Kong. On a recent visit to our apartment, she and her friends made us a delicious meal. We enjoyed the food but more than anything we enjoyed building and strengthening our friendship. It was also fun to learn more about their country (Leah now wants to visit Indonesia).

One Sunday after church, we joined our dear Filippino sisters for a Family Home Evening activity. They made some yummy food, including the traditional Philippine birthday food, pancit and we taught them how to play Reverse Charades. The Filippinos have a sincere heartfelt generosity and love that I always feel. Good food and lots of laughs is a great combination for strengthening our friendships and love for each other.

Another evening, a wonderful Chinese friend took us and another family to a traditional Chinese restaurant. Although Kyle's been to many like this with work associates, it was a first for the kids and I. Kyle, Cade and Leah helped to pick out fresh seafood from the aquariums while Abby, Ian, and I learned to wash and disinfect the chopsticks, glasses, and bowls with the hot water (or hot tea) at the table. We had an enjoyable evening sharing an array of different dishes including goose, pork, fried rice, choy sum, and fish. But most of all, we loved spending time with good friends.

Thank you for the food before us,

the family and friends beside us,

and the love between us.