Cross Cultural Meatloaf

I hope you're not laughing at the title of this post. 

That would make me really sad. 

What I want to tell you about is so much fun.

We were blessed to welcome this Czech family for a return visit to our home yesterday. They're some of our favorite guests because they enjoy the diversity of God's people as much as we do.

There's no better way to explain that than meatloaf.

As we were planning their first visit earlier this year I explained to Jane* in an email that I would like to offer her family a bit of American cooking while they were with us. Since she is brave and gracious she said that would be lovely. I did my best not to be too ethno-centric with my menus. 

My Honey and I decided that meatloaf might be a good choice for a main dish. We introduced dinner by explaining what meatloaf is and why we'd chosen it. It was obvious that the children had been encouraged to enjoy whatever they were served - hesitant looks and small bites. 

As the meal progressed we noticed faces relaxing and conversation increasing. When John* accepted an offer of seconds we figured we'd made a good choice, but it wasn't until the next day that I learned how good. Jane asked about the recipe.

After our visit when life slowed down I dutifully wrote out every detail I could about how I make meatloaf in the Czech Republic. Some of the ingredients are a bit different than in the USA. Some adjustments have had to be made for dietary needs. I admit that I sent off the recipe with a bit of trepidation. 

All of my apprehension disappeared when I received an email from Jane the following week. She let me know that she'd made a meatloaf that her family really enjoyed. John was even encouraging her to buy a loaf pan so she could make it regularly. And that's just what happened.

Fast Forward

Last week Jane sent an email offering to bring some food for us to enjoy together. When we let her know that would be a blessing she wrote and asked if we might like to try her Czech version of meatloaf. We said we would be delighted.

We enjoyed God's delicious provision which you can see in our photo. Jane's meatloaf did have a Czech twist or two which is just the way it should be. For one, it's much more appetizing to look at than my meatloaves are. For another, the herbs seemed to be a bit more savory - a delectable change.

We enjoyed our meal and our fellowship along with the view of a spectacular sunset. It was a collection of gifts well worth remembering - brothers and sisters around a table in the Father's presence revelling in the unity and diversity of lives united in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

How loving and gracious God is to grant us so many blessings and so much joy through simply following His directions.

"Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13b

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2

*names changed for privacy