Sweet Smells....

I slowly put the car in park and took a deep breath before undoing my seat belt.  I glanced up in the rear-view mirror just enough to catch a glimpse of my little boy playing with his cars in his carseat,  as he has done many times before.  One more breath and out we came.  We all got out of the car and headed toward the door of this beatiful home.  I was reminded that it was again spring as the lush lawn was so thick and green and the signs of spring were popping up from beneath the freshly turned ground.  As if that weren't enough of a reminder, all you needed to do was look around and see the greenish/yellow hue of the cars and roads as pollen of all varieties add a distinct pigment to the landscape.  Oh yes, it is allergy season!  But in spite of my olfactory system operating at only 20% capacity, I could smell a distinct aroma emanating from the house we were approaching.  Usually aromas from homes aren't usually the best thing to smell before entering the home, but this was different.  A bit of ginger, a touch of garlic, some spice....and this house did encompass everything nice. 

So much good food, and I can't even tell you what its called!

This was not to be an ordinary dinner....As I approached the door I was greeted by our associate pastor in a "skirt".  But before you jump to any conclusions about our pastor's wardrobe choices when not at church, this was not just any skirt!  The patterns and material all suggested a different culture, and not the culture you are thinking of!  We were greeted "Selamat Malam" (good evening), or at least I think that is what he was saying even if it was in English.  Suddenly it hit me we were stepping into a little piece of Indonesia!  It was special to be here as Indonesia had shaped so much of this home- the lady of the house grew up there for the first 18 years of her life.  Who better to give us a taste of what will one day soon be home!
As we progressed further all of the smells became associated with beautiful sight!

Always a delicacy. Just close your eyes, so you don't see theirs!
And no they weren't done in with the Donkey Kong mallet.

Each smell represented by something delectable and equally pleasing to the eye.  We had a wonderful kick-off to a great weekend celebrating with friends and family, the work that the Lord is doing. 



 


Jaars latest design mod!

What's more is that as the weekend continued we had a great time to share and connect with many people.  As we recognized partnership between the local body and the work going on throughout the world.  We celebrated with those from all over the globe and had a great time to visit as a family. 

3 Generations of Service on 3 Continents

It was also a great time to be together as a family.  Thanks for all of those who took part in and put this great weekend together.   We have renewed vision, knowing that as we go, we don't head out alone!  And off we go, Tennesee bound!