I feel very blessed and appreciative right now!
I'd like to share a truly wonderful experience I recently had with the Turkish community here.
I've worked in education for a long time and have encountered a lot of interns from different programs.
We are pleased to have recently welcomed international interns and volunteers.
Searching for a place to study the Dutch language and a method to get in with the locals.
These people are trying to settle down in the Netherlands and bring a variety of experiences and viewpoints with them.
One such individual is a kind woman who helps us each week at school.
She is an amazing colleague, a priceless asset, and a genuinely nice person.
Honoured were my co-workers and I, and that's an understatement.
This invite, to celebrate Iftar with her and her family and friends from the Turkish community, was truly amazing.
I was very moved by the invitation, even though I'm not Muslim.
And without hesitation I accepted.
Excitement and nerves were racing through my body. I was clueless what to expect.
To show our gratitude, I bought a grape hyacinth.
A symbol for our growing friendship, sincerity, and bright futures.
We were welcomed with smiles and handshakes even before we stepped inside the community center.
We instantly felt included and couldn't wait for the evening to unfold.
Inside the main hall, we met my friend and her husband.
(The children were having a blast playing with their friends!)
We were escorted to our table, where a delightful starter awaited us.
While I can't name the dishes due to my limited knowledge of Turkish cuisine, the explosion of flavors and spices was unforgettable!
It definitely made me realize how much I enjoy a bit of a spicy kick in my food - Dutch cuisine can be a little bland in comparison!
Following a warm welcome to the 150 guests, we enjoyed a delicious soup.
Unfortunately, I was too captivated by the experience to take a picture.
Making new friends was one of the objectives of the evening.
There was an extra place at our table, and as the evening wore on, more Turkish hosts and guests joined in on our talk.
We enjoyed prayers and lovely poems read aloud by folks of all ages in between classes.
This was deeply touching.
I was so moved that I questioned whether I would even be able to eat!
The main course was a true feast for the eyes and the stomach.
The countless variety of dishes displayed the incredible effort and time invested by our hosts.
I shamelessly admit to filling my plate twice, savoring each unique flavor.
Sadly, I was too busy talking to enjoy dessert, but fortunately, my friend came through with a delicious piece of Trilece.
The evening went fairly quickly, with polite conversations on viewpoints and cultural differences mixed with touching tales of people's travels to the Netherlands.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared in all of it.
As if the wonderful experience wasn't enough, I received a thoughtful gift that contained some delectable Turkish delight and a scented candle!
Even better, my friend brought some food for me to eat at home.
I was greatly enriched by this experience.
I was so appreciative of the Turkish community's hospitality, prayers, and delectable food that I shared when I departed.
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@meraki7578💚
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