When we Came Together

Each day of our "gathering" saw food responsibility land on a different cohort. We, or more precisely, Jo, got Christmas day.

This did not involve her preparing and doing it all. Perhaps it was more of a designation of prime coordinator and responsibility. What was on the table came from all those present, and showed a representation from many parts of the world.

Here are most of us.

Myself and Jo need no introduction.

Annett and Adam, the absolute best hosts in the world. The former representing Germany, her town, her region, her country. The latter an ambassador for truth, community, understanding, and fun. Opening up the Kerkermeister accommodation for us all, and creating such a beautiful atmosphere of joy and celebration for the near-on-a-week get-together was a great blessing. More than 20 years has passed since we first crossed paths with Adam in Hanoi. Since that encounter, we have met on many occasions in a variety of countries on 4 different continents. This friendship with the two of them is one we especially love and cherish.

Ann and Charlie sit towards the front. Ann directs dumpling production, being one of the world's leading producers of high quality Chinese food. Charlie never lets the language barrier stop him from smiling, laughing, and participating in it all, augmenting his stories with pictures and charades and occasional Google translation help. They are Melburnians, and although our relationship with them was ignited by Adam, they are truly in our special friends circle.

Abbey and Hannah , their delightful daughters. So many laughs we had, especially when the games came out. My goodness, the plots these two seemingly sweet lasses are capable of, Due to the awesome time, I now feel we can say they are friends, elevated from being the children of friends!

To the right, Mariia and Matvii, mother and son, displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Circumstances leave them far from home away from family and friends. Annett and Adam now form part of their new friendship circle.

Absent from the photo due to juggling multiple engagements: Grace and James, siblings. Grace is involved in the ministry with Annett and Adam, and James was visiting his sister. They dropped in and out during the meal, and whipped up a mean tiramisu.