A Sunday Luncheon

Hello dear friends and family!

Life is still very nice here in Hybe, but this weekend we all are getting our "foretastes of the cold to come". While everyone I meet greets the cold with nothing more than a shrug and reaches for another sweater, I'm on the sidelines thinking, "It's not supposed to be this cold until January!" Oh, clearly I'm in for a real shock!

Yesterday I was invited to a luncheon at Vierka's house. I'm not sure if I've told you about Vierka yet, but she is essentially the Slovak version of Martha Stewart (minus, of course, the federal indictments and ankle monitor). She is the epitome of a gracious host...when I received her invitation last Wednesday, I knew things would be looking up! In the picture above, Vierka's the second from the left.

Here are a few pictures from my lovely (and chilly) Sunday luncheon at Vierka's...to all my expectant friends (Laura, Ruthie, Kristin, ...), I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will try to describe the food to the best of my abilities!

Well, you can see for yourself, Vierka always spends lots of time on decorations...and it's nothing compared to the food, so get ready!

The first meal is always soup...and Sunday's is usually a chicken soup with pasta. Vierka's was a homemade chicken stock, with fresh carrots, peas, broccoli, and pork tenderloin (and pasta). Oh, such a delicious treat on a cold afternoon! Imagine the hot soup on a freezing day!! I was actually starting to get a cold beforehand, but I think "chicken noodle soup" may have done the trick.


The second meal was just as scrumptious as the first...mashed potatoes that were almost too beautiful to eat and something I can only describe as "like" chicken cordeon bleu. There were rolls and layers for sure, but Vierka was kind of elusive as to everything in her recipe. Here's my best guess, a chicken breast layered with ham or bacon, soft cheese, red peppers, seasonings I can't even imagine...all rolled together and "breaded" in a meal of potato dumplings and pan fried! My mouth waters just typing this! Also, for salad we had compote made from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

No Slovak meal is complete without coffee and tea - this time we all huddled around the fireplace for time together. Even though there are still some very pronounced language barriers, we never seem to struggle too long. We're able to find translaters or find our common ground so easily! We discussed similarities and unique differences in blessings we sing, worship, fashion, food, you name it! What a great day!!

And for the kids, there is always plenty to do and see after the meal. We had a great time in Vierk'a backyard...much fun being had in (Sarah and Radko) and around (Marek and Samko) the apple tree. Later, I taught Marek and Samko how to swing the baseball bat using -of course- apples for our baseballs. It's only natural right?

It was a perfect Sunday luncheon. I am so thankful for my new (very supportive and loving) friends here in Slovakia - and so grateful for YOU my friends and family at home! Have a wonderful week!