This morning we went to the center so I could make the apple crisp. It came out of the oven too sweet, too soggy and too cinnamonny. Looking at the dismal dessert I concluded that we could not serve it. Then we went to our Danish class.
Right after it was over, we headed back to the center where we took a taste of the very large deep-dish apple crisp. SK thought it was fine, but I was dubious. One of the young men came in so I gave him a taste. He is a cutie, and wouldn't hesitate to tell me not to serve it. He liked it! So SK went out to buy some vanilla ice cream and I decided to use it as a topping. It worked.
I made dill potato soup, and tuna sandwiches on small round buns. SK spent some time peeling and cutting carrots into sticks. When all was said and done, I looked at that humble little meal and felt pretty bad about it. Something wonderful happened though....divine help ....because everyone liked it, and ate nearly everything!
One young woman said that everything I fix is so different and that she has enjoyed each dish. Another young man told me he doesn't usually eat soup, but that he loved the potato soup, and had 2 helpings. Another said that we are spoiling them. Most amazing of all is how much they liked the apple crisp. They loved it.
I went from feeling bad about the meal to feeling like it was pretty good, without ever having sat down to try it out.
With all of the stress about the meal mostly gone, after everyone had eaten, I just sat down on one of the couches and enjoyed visiting with several different young people. I am amazed a how many of them come from so far away to attend. Some spend well over an hour on busses and trains and/or bikes to get to the center....and of course that means another hour getting home. That is a serious sacrifice.
My conversations with them are always interesting....they are interesting! As a group, they are knowledgeable, fun, spiritual and funny. Spending time with any of the YSAs is always...by far and away...the most enjoyable thing I do.
It really is a great mission!
The Lord works in mysterious ways - His wonders to perform. You need to give yourself more credit. The young people and Stan liked it - so what more could you ask? Keep praying over those meals. It seems to be working. Most of all - keep loving Stan, your family and those young people! L&P
ReplyDeleteThanks so much...you are always so encouraging.
ReplyDeleteL&P