Traveling to different countries means exploring variety of food for my tongue's delight. As much as I love to get to know people, their beliefs, culture and values, I also love to discover different spices that make up a delicious food.
But more than enjoying the food, it's the deep conversations that I actually look forward to when meeting with people over the mouth-watering specialties--- specifically with those that I'm privileged to journey with in this leadership calling from the Lord. Meeting individuals with the food we love to eat sets a safe, comfortable and meaningful conversations. This has been proven to be a good experience on my part. It's not about bribing them with sumptuous meals in return for something, but this is my way of appreciating them for a job well done or even for a job that still needs to be done well. I want to motivate them and communicate that I value them no matter what.
Few months and weeks ago, we invited our teammates in ASEO Finance, Mapua & PCCC Finance teams for a dinner in our house. I cooked Ilonggo specialties as my way of appreciating their labor of love for our fellow missionaries in crusade. Divine, of course, took charge in table arrangement. PCCC and ASEO Finance teams are doing a good job to serve us (campus missionaries) well and it's our way of appreciating them and likewise building deeper connections as we work together in seeing movements of multiplying disciples in the Philippines and beyond. Mapua team has been part of our journey of christian growth too. I was assigned in this campus for almost 6 years while Divine was there with me for 4 years. That was such an awesome experience being with the Mapua team--- the food trips, travels, getaways, team efforts in evangelism & discipleship, trainings, and many more to mention.
Speaking about our accountability group and our children's playgroup, we had good times of fellowship too. Each couple had his own menu to prepare for everyone. Our next-door friends and soon-to-be neighbors plan to hold an Ilonggo Fellowship in the next few weeks. For sure, food will be our most effective way of making deep connections. So we can conclude that food is the best way to any man or woman's heart. Through this, we can pour out our hearts. Through this, we can be ourselves as we listen to and encourage one another.
How about you, my friend, when do you plan to be with someone you wanted to have deeper conversations with? Don't forget to bring food or bring them to a resto or to any food station they like. Better yet, cook for them.
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento