an overflowing plate

Spicy smells burst forth from the pot on the open coals.

Special smiles pass back and forth as they stand close and stir the cooking curry chicken.

Heartfelt discussions sitting on the lawn chairs in the shade.

Girlish laughter as the mothers climb the bread fruit tree.
Pride as they hand Pastor's wife an overflowing plate of lovingly prepared food.

I had our 2nd annual Mother's Day luncheon at my home this past Saturday.

Groceries were bought earlier in the week.  Than everything was prepared and cooked on open fires Saturday morning right outside my front door.  I wish I could describe the tantalizing scents coming from each lady's cook pot.

After everything was washed and cleaned up we settled into my living room for several rounds of games. The favorite one was when I paired them up, blindfolded one partner and than they had to put as many of Pastor's socks on their partners feet in 30 seconds.  Let me tell you, it was a hoot.  They got competitive and the blinded partners were rolling around on the floors trying to find more socks.  This one will be played again.

I'm so thankful my Mother-In- Law is visiting right now.  She made a whole table full of tempting desserts for the ladies.  More sweeties than they've probably ever seen in one place before.  So wonderful.

So much work but very fun to watch the ladies laugh and talk and enjoy each other.

I can see how it strengthens our church as the ladies form special bonds and become closer friends.

I love being a missionary wife.  God has blessed me and giving me an overflowing plate.