Sixth Annual Popcorn Party
My popcorn party for my church is an annual tradition to celebrate my January 13 arrival in Africa. Conflicts in January of this year necessitated its postponement, so I prayerfully scheduled it for March 4 and invited the congregation. Then I realized that many might be unable to attend on that weekday because March is during the school year whereas January, when I usually hold the party, is during summer break. To make matters worse, Cyclone Jude required yet another delay, to the following week. By that time I had lost my excitement in the event, didn’t know whether anyone would come, and just wanted to get it over with.
But my faithful Lord had other plans! A dozen guests from my church arrived at my home that Tuesday afternoon, along with a handful of neighbor children I’d invited to join the fun. We munched to our hearts’ content on the two basins full of popcorn, one salty and the other sweet, that two friends had prepared that morning. Teque peppered me with questions about my life as an American Christian worker in Africa, prompting lively discussion of the cultural challenges I’ve encountered along the way and filling me with fresh awe at God’s amazing grace. Everyone shared 2024 accomplishments and 2025 goals, then after singing, prayer, and a game of Capture the Flag, I bid them goodbye. Thanks be to God for His blessing on a twice-postponed party that I had all but given up on!
