The Global Taste of Hospitality

Around the world, one language is understood. I wondered how we would manage to overcome the language barrier, let alone the culture barrier, between our team and the tribal women we went to serve. But food speaks a global love language.

 

Food demonstrates affection. At our first village ministry, we were invited to the home of a lady we affectionately call “59,” because she was 59 last year when we met her. She served us then while we painted a church, and she offered love in a global language = food. In fact, she nearly killed me with her “first words” of a green mango dipped in something that deserved a poison control sticker! Spicy!!! Our hearts were knit together that day. Last week she invited us to her home. The 8 of us sat on mats around her “message,” and we savored the taste of the fellowship. Loving.

 

Food says “welcome.” After testimonies and music at our second village ministry in the mountains, we were welcomed to a table covered with gifts. Peanuts from the hillsides, mangoes from the trees, rice from the fields, and hot tea. Friends in their finest garb stood behind us, watching for needs, waiting their turn, smiling as their gifts were received. Serving.

 

Food communicates care. Before we left our national partners, we delivered a gift of love in the form of lunch out at a restaurant, provided by a group of young couples who have adopted our partners as “their own.” None of them could go with us, but they sent their love in the form of a food gift. Caring.

 

Food brings people together. We had the chance to enjoy a meal with a team member’s relatives. They welcomed us to their home, spread a native feast for us, and extended hospitality arranged on platters and served with spoons. They shared their local delicacies and so much more. Bonding.

Food meets needs. And while I savored the taste of hospitality and love in foreign places with unfamiliar names, love was served back home in the United States. When Jeff had knee surgery in my absence, people spoke love through food … barbecue, orzo salad, brownies, and more. My heart felt relief to know my man and young man were being fed well, because that spoke love to them and to me. Providing.

• Offering food as love does not depend on how rich you are.
• Offering food as love does not depend on well you cook.
• Offering food as love does not depend on your table scape.

Food is a global love language, a language that needs to flow from our kitchens. Sometimes I feel stressed about my grocery budget, worry about having “good enough” food for my family, and resist being generous. It’s harder for those with a bountiful pantry to speak love liberally with gifts of food. Oh that we would be like 59 who has so little but gives out of all of the little!

The world needs to savor the taste of our love and God’s love. Every kitchen is speaking.

• Have you been blessed by love from someone else’s kitchen?
• What opportunities do you have this week to share the sweet taste of love?