Late Night Dinners
We knocked on the door, anticipated a foreign welcome, and took in the unfamiliar smells of the hallway. We heard the sound of conversation and laughter from neighboring apartments, but in transoceanic languages. Within a few minutes, a petite girl with a hijab covering her head answered the door with a bright, but shy smile, overjoyed to see blonde and brunette foreigners who waited to come in. We walked into the Afghan home, being sure to take off our sandals caked with desert sand, and the smell of fresh baked bread and fragrant spices still lingered in the air. We were immediately invited to follow the girl into the sitting room. There was a considerably large rug in the center of the room, ornate with a culturally pleasing design of burgundy and tan flowers. Traditional seat cushions that matched the rug lined the wall. The seating was cozy and inviting.
I was excited for conversation to begin.
No more than five minutes after sitting down, snacks were brought to share with tea: pistachios, peanuts, almonds, chocolates, sugar cookies, and raisins. Tea was obviously the initiator of good conversations. The younger sister, who was soon introduced, set out four small teacups and began to pour from a beautiful silver teapot. Sugar cubes were provided in a jar, but this hot beverage was enjoyable without any additive. The flavor was distinct and suggested a blend of earl grey and unique spices that calmed the stomach and body. During the visit my cup was refilled at least six times. If the nuts, fruit, or sweets were not being enjoyed, the women would appear troubled and encouraged us to “eat! eat!” The sipping and snacking continued for at least two hours.
Four hours later, the family was hard at work on a traditional dinner. By 11pm, the mother, who spoke only in her native language, began to lay a tablecloth on the floor. The aroma of delicious rice, seared lamb, and bread filled the air. With all the appealing food laid out, the sisters explained that their mother wanted to serve us. Tears welled-up in my eyes. The depth of hospitality was beyond what I had ever experienced or understood to be possible, let alone from a family who did not know or believe the Truth. How much more so would this special family make an impact if the love of the Son and the power of the Spirit was what characterized their household? God’s love is still displayed in those who are lost, calling out for the worship of the One True God: “Sing a new song to the LORD, let the whole earth sing to the LORD” (Psalms 96: 1). Therefore, we must pray that this love would penetrate hearts and result in relationships that bring Him glory from around the world.
I met this family two years ago, and this story continues to stand as a reminder of the urgency of the good news. God used this family to open my eyes to His heart for the nations and affirm that He was leading me to one day serve overseas. Saying goodbye is always difficult and was especially so with this family, but God calls us to pray. When I came home after a summer in the Middle East, changed by the awareness of great spiritual needs in this part of the world, God comforted me with the power of interceding for those who need the truth.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come” (John 16:13).
Take some time to pray John 16:13 for the Afghan world…
Emily Anderson is currently working on a bachelor's degree in English at the College at Southeastern. You will often find her at one of three jobs or at a coffee shop with a book in hand, writing, or catching up with a friend. Emily loves God, the church, different cultures, and people. She has spent the last two summers sharing Jesus in the Middle East and Central Asia. These experiences have inspired the stories she writes today and hopes to write in the future. God willing, Emily hopes to serve internationally in the near future.