In May, I posted THIS blog so pop back there and read it for an overview and then come back.....
Back?
A lot of this idea birthed after one single experience one Sunday evening. I went for a walk around the neighborhood. Pain and loneliness crept up as I walked down the street smelling dinner cooking, hearing the clanking of dishes and tables being set, and chatter from groups of people congregated within the walls. Those are such sounds of joy to be celebrated. But, as joyous as they are, they come with another side of the coin. Sunday night seems to be the slow time of the week. Families are spending time together. People are preparing for Monday. It seems to me to be one of the most painful nights of the week as a single person. Less is going on that invites you in like a Friday or Saturday. You are anticipating the busy-ness of the work week that catapults you through to the next Friday/Saturday. I began to hurt for others who don't know anyone to share a Sunday night with. I even ached for those who don't know the pain that is out there and that are unaware of the key to happiness they hold. I knew that WE need to create a space to allow both to come together to see what they have to offer. Each can make a change and create a chain reaction.
So after much prayer, preparation and numerous divine confirmations, this group launched September 7! Seven women committed to 5 months of meeting to "do" community at the table. I knew some of the seven, and some I had never met. The group is so mixed with each woman so fabulous in her own way bringing something so unique to the table.
I dare not give much detail regarding the introduction or the upcoming nights for fear of spoiling the surprise for future participants and being able to change as the Spirit leads. I'll give an overview of the introduction. If you are ever interested in doing this and are not local, please email me and I'll share what I have so far and what has worked!
We plan to meet 5 times: introduction & for each part of the book, Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist
table for 8 ready to go....
each person carefully & prayerfully chosen
special home made plates for special people for special occasions: I believe in birthdays. I believe each person should be celebrated. We never get tired of being set apart, right? Why stop traditions at adulthood?
recipe & ingredients basket for South African Smoors
recipe & ingredients for South African yellow rice
recipe & ingredients for dessert (Malva Pudding, a South African dish)
busy at work:
measuring, mixing, simmering serving as a platform for organic conversation & laughter
As of now, this is something that we are planning to do twice a year, each time with a different group of women. The hope is that by learning and doing, women will feel comfortable launching off to do a variation of this on their own. Love will spread, one kitchen at a time. One table at a time.
We all left with full hearts and full bellies.
Invite a friend over for dinner this week. It doesn't have to perfect. They may not accept but I promise he or she will not forget the gesture.
Love,
Danielle
