Cooking for the boys

Who knew cooking one meal would be such an adventure?

So, as you may/probably know I love to cook. Especially for others because, let's be honest, cooking for only yourself isn't nearly as fun as cooking for a group. About a month ago or so, I thought that one ministry I could do would be to cook dinner once a month for the boy's home (and for the girls home, once that opens). (Have I told you about the boy's home??? I don't think so...okay, coming up soon!! Promise!!)  It would be a way to bless them and I'd love it. So while I was visiting my parents in Arizona, I asked my fabulous co-worker and friend (hi Erin!) to confirm with Saul, the director of the boy's home, what would be the best day to cook for them this past weekend. I was thinking Friday or Saturday but Saul told Erin that it would best if I cooked for them on Sunday (yesterday), after church. Great idea!

The day after I returned home from Arizona, I went out the boy's home to teach a small group some English. I confirmed with Saul, the date, the time and then I asked how many people. I was expecting 15-20...there are approximately 8-12 boys but 5 in Saul's family. So imagine my surprise when Saul informs me that I'll be cooking for 30! I quickly figured out that I must be cooking for the whole church. Everyone at the boy's home goes to a church service that is geared to ministry to them and their families...basically the boy's consist of 1/3rd of the church approximately. Cooking for 30 didn't faze me but it did make me think that I might need to be creative with future meals. I decided on Ham and Potato Soup, biscuits, and watermelon.

Fast forward to Saturday. Approximately 4pm, I darted out to buy the watermelon. I first went to a grocery store to compare prices, when I saw (by the grace of God) a cookie sheet. It suddenly occurred to me that I didn't own a cookie sheet and here I am planning on making biscuits. (Thank you Jesus!!) So I bought the cookie sheet and the watermelon and returned back home. Approximately 7:45pm, I realized that I don't own any measuring utensils and it was pretty much too late for me to get them since I was leaving at 8pm to go to the Independence Day party. So that just meant I'd get to wing it.

Fast forward to Sunday. I used a bowl as my "cup" utensil and as spoon for my "teaspoon" measurements. About half way through my biscuit making, I turned on the oven to preheat it. About ten minutes later, I thought I should check the oven (since I hadn't used it before this) to make sure it was heating properly. Nope...stone cold! Then I realized I probably need to turn on the pilot light, which I haven't done and which required practically dismantling the oven to get to the light. Soooo...the biscuits were dead. The batter was taken to Erin's house where Charly, another intern, made them them up last night. When we go to the boy's home today, for English class, we'll take the biscuits...assuming my measuring didn't ruin the biscuits, which is a possibility (**According to Charly the biscuits taste perfect...hooray!). Instead of biscuits, I stopped at the store to buy some rolls for replacement. Making the soup was okay however it wasn't until I began serving that I started to wonder if I had enough for everyone. After scooping out every one's soup, I literally only had two bowls of extra soup...needless to say, there were no seconds, except for two lucky guys. But praise the Lord that I had enough!! I eventually was able to sit down and eat my lunch. I had the privilege of sitting with some cute young girls. The 3 and 5 year old made my heart swell in delight with their continual "om, om, om...delicious!" after every bite of soup. Seriously??? How cute is that!! They are both invited back next time!

That was my crazy but fun dinner! Can't wait for next month's.