Holidays and Food

Yesterday was a holiday here in Kenya…a Muslim holiday called Id. So Trevor had the day off!! We were invited by James to go to some friends of his for lunch. They’re an Indian family…originally from India, but born and raised in Kenya…they’ve never actually been to India! (Many Indian people have settled in Kenya…having been brought here in the early 1900’s to work on the railroad that was being built at that time.) This is a Christian family, and they attend the same Church that James attends. We were a little nervous to go…meeting new people again and all that…but we had such a wonderful day! When we got there, we were introduced to them…Panjik and his wife Tina, Tina’s sister Cynthia, and another sister whose name I can’t remember! Such hospitable people!!! They were cooking the meal outside over a little coal fire…and it smelled so good! We visited with them…and then the feeding of the visitors started!! Oh my…they made so much food and made us eat and eat!! First they started with Indian cake (it was hot and spicy), and sausages. Then we waited for the main course to be ready, and I went to the kitchen to visit with Tina and Cynthia, and see how they made naan (sort of like tortillas or chapates..only better!!). It was really nice to visit with them, as Cynthia is really involved in kid’s ministry in the Church, and so we had lots to talk about!! Trevor visited outside with James and Panjik. The main course consisted of chicken masala (a spicy chicken stew/sauce…very good!!), rice, and a salad, and everything was eaten with our hands, using the naan to pick up the food. Wow, so, so good!! When they were satisfied that we had eaten enough, (and by the way, we ate far too much but they wouldn’t let us stop!!), then they brought out ice-cream and watermelon. When we had lots of that, then they brought out some sort of seeds/grains that they said helps aid with the digestion…!! We were about ready to leave, and told them that, and they were horrified that we hadn’t yet had any chai masala (spicy tea) and cake!! So….we couldn’t very well leave without eating more, so we stayed for that as well!! What a day! All we could think of when we left was how incredibly full we were, and that we would never eat again!! But we sure have acquired a taste for Indian food!! They made everything really mild, and said they would keep making everything more and more spicy so we could get used to it! I also bought a traditional Indian outfit that Tina was selling for a friend who makes them…it’s very beautiful! We felt so blessed to have met these dear people yesterday, and really hope to be able to continue the friendship with them.