I have always associated American hospitality with asking Uncle Google and also assuming it was something that resembles giving others personal space, including no hugs and not calling on family without announcing beforehand. Let us just say, I did not get it nor see it.
I keep my bread in a refrigerator and microwave it for 10 seconds before eating it. If you ask me why, I’m not sure, but I think it tends to taste fresher. One morning I thought I had set my 10 seconds as per the norm. I went to my room to prepare my bag for work. I returned with a terrible suffocating smell. I turned on the fan so that the foul smell could be sucked out, but it did not work and I had to leave. I texted my host to report what had happened, though I knew they would find out anyway. I predicted their wrath.
I am usually very worrisome but I had been meditating on Philippians 4:6-7.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I said a popcorn prayer (as my facilitator of the Master Life Discipleship series calls it) and did not remember the incident until I got home that evening. On trying to fix the issue, the lady of the house, instead of scolding me, just gave me a hug and shared with me that something similar had happened with her daughter. That is the first time I experienced a connection with her and saw true hospitality in her. I saw grace and Christ-likeness.
Meanwhile, another facilitator who God has used to take me to work each day, has been generous with me. I hate soup usually, but I was also trusting God to show me ways of eating healthier. Karen packed healthy lunch soups for me to have at the office. Since the Ganda culture associates hospitality and good manners with sharing food among other things, I felt a sense of connection with this American lady.
More than ever, I am very thankful for the gift of hospitality wrapped fellowship.