Evening of January 1

'Well, what a feast we had today! -- a multiple course French meal with Barb's turkey. First we had foie gras (a very special sort of chicken liver pate), cheese, salmon and tripe! When I tried the foie gras and the tripe I was amazed at how delicious they both were. Then there was the turkey. We ate and ate. For dessert we had a yule log cake and an apple tart. And there was a bordeaux vin magnifique.

The company included the pastor and his wife, their son, and two daughters. One of the daughters had several children. I got out my jax and played with the two girls, ages 8 and 5. The younger was named Ashley, and the older Carol!!!!!! Then there was also Ruth's sister Doris and her son and daughter.

The conversation at the adults' table was very lively. The amazing thing was that when the pastor said the grace in French I understood nearly the whole thing, while during the conversation, translation was always necessary. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that one expects certain phrases in a prayer; perhaps it was that he spoke quite slowly, perhaps because God was in the mix. Ruth and Raphael and the pastor and I, with comments of others, engaged several questions like creationism vs. evolution, and the conflict between the two creation stories in Genesis. I was simply amazed. We were in accord on practically everything. And he was a Baptist.! Ruth and I marveled at how, through the years, our theology has moved in a similar direction – and so has the theology of the Baptists here, or at least of this man. It seems that the Baptist church here has moved away from the conservatism that remains in the U.S.

Before I forget, I must remember to tell the story of my Congolese dress. In college Ruth and I made matching Congolese dresses. There was a simple wrap-around skirt and a tight fitting bodice – no sleeves. They had a pleated ruffle sort of decoration from the waist, five or six inches long. At home I have a picture of us together in these dresses. I wish I had brought the photo. But I did bring the dress. When I saw Prisca, Doris's daughter, I knew it was for her. She is a petite young woman. I was afraid it might be too large for her, but it was OK. I can't believe I was ever that small. She said with delight, “It is Congolese?” She was so pleased and that pleased me very much.

Well, now we've all taken a nap and we're sitting around watching TV. The situation in Gaza is very fragile, very grave.