Hospitality
posted by on 12/20/07
Last night I witnessed Taiwanese hospitality once again.
Mr. and Mrs. Liu invited Lucas and I to their home for a visit/Christmas party/birthday party all at once. It was wonderful. Even though I didn’t get the chance to wash dishes I still felt right at home.
Lucas and I first helped make a fresh garden salad (a Western dish) and then dumplings (traditional Taiwanese food).
The dumplings reminded me of both Mongolian “bootz” and Chinese egg rolls.They tasted great and best of all they were homemade! Then we cut the cake. It was a tremendous work of art by Mrs. Liu. It too was homemade–double-layered and decorated with fruit.
Josephine was turning ten but mature and wise for her age. Mr. Liu was glad to tell me about the competitions she had been in and how Mrs. Liu had been able to teach her Chinese well enough to read before she entered first grade. They also had a slideshow with many pictures from the places overseas they had been together which included both America and Europe. Throughout the time (along with four-year old Joseph) we all enjoyed shooting off the party poppers and wearing party hats. Mancala and Monopoly were the games of the night.
Towards the end of the time I took the chance to play a little on the stately upright piano they had. It certainly produced a different sound than the keyboard and though I could only play a couple songs it was enough to hear on it the vibrant melodies of Bach’s Minuet in D Minor and the Doxology. After that my hosts requested pictures and stories from my family, and it encouraged my faith as well to recount time after time that the Lord has done His wonderous works in our family.
One more surprise came when the Liu family insisted on driving me back all together. It was enjoyable to the last minute and I hope to see them again often. Thinking back on their love, generosity and the comments that they made, I am reminded of home once more because I see in them the same family-building faith that I have seen so often in my own parents. Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Liu! You have been such an encouragement.
HOSPITALITY
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter & spiritual refreshment
with those God brings into my life
Sounds like a wonderful evening Donald! We are very appreciative to the Liu’s invitation for you to join their party.
I’m glad you were able to go Donald. It must have been fun to play a real piano after being used to just a keyboard. The other night when we had one of Dad’s co-workers over, he commented on how long-lasting the musical talent you develop when you are younger lasts. He had started to learn the violin when he was younger. I am glad you are still able to build on/enjoy the work you have put into learning the piano!
I’m so glad you are able to celebrate Christmas in such a special way and with such special people.
[…] it was my honor and joy to teach with Jonathan at two outstanding schools and then join him for dinner with a godly Taiwanese family. This led to the opportunity to visit their dental clinic the […]