A Korean Birthday

One of my students turned 9 a few weeks ago.  His precious mother invited Michael, Orville, Wilbur, and me to the party.  On the way there, we grabbed some McDonald's because, being the Americans we are, A) we take any opportunity we can find to stop at McDonald's and B) we assumed the party would have cake and ice cream and maybe a few finger foods.  We thought it best to have a small lunch before arriving.

Um... we should have skipped Mickey D's.  My Korean friends are so hospitable and really know how to set a lovely table....

 

The table in foreground has dumplings, sushi (made with crab),
chicken wings, chicken tenders,
watermelon, and a second set of chicken wings.



Each of the two tables in the back were set for four people and each had three platters filled with a variety of meats and vegetables.  We dipped rice paper into bowls of hot water to soften them, filled them with the meats and veggies of our choosing, and then wrapped them up like a burrito.

It was SO good. 

The front left platter contains red, yellow, and orange bell peppers
as well as shredded cabbage and zucchini.
To its right are carrot shreds, red onions,
egg slices (these were the consistency of an omelet),
and shrimp.
The platter to the back right has chicken, ham and avocado.

The next time I go to Atlanta, I plan to stop at the Korean food market and buy some rice paper.  On a smaller scale, this would make an excellent lunch.  I haven't looked it up, but imagine the rice paper is very low calorie and carb.  They are papery-thin, just strong enough to hold a nice amount of fillings, but not thick and chewy like the other wraps I have eaten.  So healthy and so scrumptious!

However, the highlight of this party was not the food.  The company was wonderful.  There was lots of laughter and chatting.  Even though we could not understand most of what was being said, we felt very comfortable, as if we were at a family gathering. 

We took turns talking to each of the moms in English, and God blessed our conversation.  One of the ladies wanted to tell us immediately that "I know God, too." and we exchanged testimonies of our salvation experiences and shared how God is working in each of our lives currently. What a blessing it was to talk about the Lord with believers from the other side of the world.  We may have some cultural differences, but the unity we have in Jesus Christ was apparent.  It was such a beautiful thing to experience that it brought me to tears.

How good and pleasant it is

when God's people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

And, in case you're wondering, there was a birthday cake, too.  We sang Happy Birthday (in English, phew!), but with Korean flair. 

Daume bayo!
(See you next time!)

Dawn