International Pot Luck Dinner

The Catholic Parish we belong to is called Mary Queen of Peace and it is held within the confines of a chapel on the base where I work and the boys go to school. It is not exactly the most beautiful of structures, but what it lacks in historical architecture (i.e. Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Sorrows) it more than makes up with its international composition and wonderful sense of community. Because all of the parishoners have been transplanted here in Belgium, we all find ourselves in the same situation; namely away from home and missing our friends, family, and other things which we are accustomed to. So to compensate for this, the parish has been fantastic in hosting some really good social events as well as very in depth religious study programs. Last night we went to the annual international pot luck dinner, which was great. There were sixteen flags hanging over the dinner and buffet tables, so the variety of food was not disappointing. We had tortilla and flan from Spain, wonderful Philipinno dishes, and of course, a beautiful homemade American apple pie courtessy of Jessica. After stuffing ourselves with all this great international food and washing it down with some very good Spanish wine, I told Jessica that at her next bible study class on Monday (with many of the women who were good enough to share their culinary culture with us) she should suggest that the parish compile a cookbook with these and many other international recipes. I'm very much hoping this idea is accepted so we are able to prepare some of these dishes when we please. On top of the food, there was great dancing by some of the girls from the parish. There was a group of Irish Dancers, Philippino dancers, Hawaiian dancers and Spanish Flamenco Dancers. It was a great night with such a great interntional flavor (literally!).