Friday night dinner

 It's 11:24P.M. My stomach is full, but my heart is fuller. Tonight was incredible. 

A few weeks ago at church, I attended the membership class and met a woman who invited me to "Friday night dinner" that she and her husband host. The church has a shared space with a large room and kitchen, and every Friday they invite anyone and everyone to share in a home cooked meal, potluck style. There are no expectations to bring anything, as they always prepare enough food. 

I joined two weeks ago for the first time. There were over 30 people in the room, a wide array of dishes and desserts and a full house.  Not all were from the church, and as the hostess explained to someone - "so many people are not from Luxembourg, we wanted to make sure everyone felt like they had family and a home". As is always the case in these giant event spaces, the dishwasher didn't work. I met several people drying dishes, and then ended up making a new Greek friend as she offered that we could walk to the central bus station together. She asked me if I was up for the shortest albeit steepest route, and I like an American idiot said yes. Straight up the side of a mountain, we continued on the goat path, me nearly dying, and she feeling absolutely terrible for making me walk. But we made it, and she very graciously made sure I made it on to the correct bus. 

This week I offered to come early and help with the cooking. I took a pasta sauce I made last night, and put  in the fridge to solidify. As I'm in temporary housing, I don't have any Tupperware or containers, and the pasta I took last time made quite the mess in my grocery bag. I cooked the sauce on-site this time and it worked way better. I also took my knife, as the knives at the space left something to be desired. I met the host and his colleague, and we began on the food prep. The night was vibrant and full of conversation. People kept arriving, we added more chairs and table settings, and even fixed a late comer a plate of the last bit of salad and veggies. The conversation was so lively we didn't even get to the ice breaker. The kitchen sink ebbed and flowed as different ones took on the mantle of washing and drying dishes, switching out for new friends and new conversations. Pockets of people, old friends and new, met and mingled and fellowshipped- united by the common thread of souls longing for company. The sole kid happily ate desserts and ran in circles chased by a Ph.D. student before going outside to toss an onion around. One woman started the Whatsapp share. Everyone trading scan codes as they connected. Invites were exchanged to lunch after church and other events. Everyone asked the same two questions- where are you from and how long have you been here. The answers varied. I found myself the only American aside from our host, and possibly the newest in Luxembourg as well, though several were only here a few months. 

Eventually, the tables all cleared and the chairs stacked back, the kitchen swelled as everyone finally made there way there to collect their Tupperware, split up the leftover fruit, and figure out how to get back home. Luxembourg isn't a city of cars, and the sole family with a car graciously offered 2 spots. I joined a little quartet. A South African, Bulgarian, Czech and myself. We navigated the incline (though way less than last time), as the Bulgarian expertly guided us to the bus stop. We parted ways as she went one direction and we the other. Our trio hopped on the bus and made our way south. Our sole male very graciously ensured I felt comfortable continuing past the sketchy central train station on my own, and once assured I was OK, I parted from the duet continuing to a different neighborhood. 

There is something cathartic walking down an empty street alone at 11 in the night. You are acutely aware of your surroundings, but also of your footsteps echoing along the way. I was alone, but tonight I feel anything but alone. 

I had an 8AM meeting with my German colleague I trailed last year. He asked me about my social life- had I joined any clubs? He was very worried about my move here, as he knew I would need people in my life. I was able to assure him I was good, and my feelings tonight confirm what I communicated to him. I was invited to join colleagues for lunch, but declined as I had brought my own food. However, I was convinced I needed the fresh air, which quickly morphed into a delicious sandwich from a local bakery, beautifully enjoyed in the perfect sunlight with my colleagues. They extended a gracious dinner invite, which was turned down due to Friday night dinner. However, we have breakfast plans together, followed by walking and exploring in our new home. Tomorrow evening, I expect one of my former students, who kindly is coming to spend the weekend with me. 

Not every day is good or easy or leaves me feeling supported. But today is, and tonight I'm grateful for the wonderful people the Lord has brought into my life and path, and the kindness of the strangers here.