My quality controller (aka my IT expert hubby) has helped me to finally dish up this very slowly cooked blog. Enjoy!

No Random Lunch Challenge this week as we had an early trip to our market to purchase the makings of a weekend of meals, or meal contributions, as well as our own weekly supplies.
An early visit of course involves breakfast–which can be slightly random, but is a bit more predictable than the RLC. We have been known to enjoy egg and bacon pies, big buttery croissants or a tub of Greek rice pudding…

We then attended a memorial service for a cousin who died last year, followed by a luncheon. It was emphasized that the food served was some of our cousin’s favourite types of food that she was happy to share with others. Food can have such strong associations.

Anyway, the weekend  focused heavily on gatherings of people involved in   Heal Africa–an organisation working to eradicate poor health, poverty and the oppression of women in DR Congo.

Meeting and greeting some representatives occurred over a pot luck smorgasbord dinner on Saturday, guests contributing an item towards the meal. My contribution was a huge tray of grilled/roasted red capsicum, zucchini chunks, sweet potato, red onion, eggplant, smoked paprika and Spanish sherry vinegar. The hostess kept the left overs which was a nice unspoken compliment.

On Sunday morning, a church gathering of all the congregations to hear from the Heal Africa reps culminated in a buffet pot luck lunch of an array of tasty sandwiches, soup, salads and dessert. The chilli lime chicken wings I roasted flew off the table and people seemed to like my sticky date pudding and toffee sauce. Have been asked for the recipe and am seriously contemplating whether to divulge this secret!!!!!

I am impressed with some of the younger guys approach to food, cooking and hospitality. I am encouraged that many see the provision of appropriate meals as a caring ministry. It’s delightful how food can help link people.
I am also mindful of others poverty and how good we have it and how to hold that tension……

The weekend ended over a meal and Communion with another group of Christians we know.
That’s right–it was our turn to do mains.
Which was a Moroccan lamb tagine, warm with ginger, cinnamon, paprika, Ras el Hanout, preserved lemons, olives in a tomato rich gravy……served with nutty brown rice.

And then communion–the breaking of bread, the drinking of wine. The simplest yet greatest meal of all–the symbol of the greatests act of caring ever.