Testimony from the Middle East

“Will you stay for lunch?” Miss Anna asked us.

My teammate and I exchanged glances. What were we to do? Our taxi would not be back to pick us up for another hour, and it would be rude to refuse their offer of food. So, we accepted and soon found ourselves seated in a place of honor at the head of a long, wooden table. There, set before us was a meal consisting of rice, vegetable curry, a piece of fried fish and a cup of tea. They had brought out, for our benefit, porcelain bowls and even metal forks and spoons.

I looked down the rows of faces of children seated on benches at either side of the table. After an inspection (to see that their hands were clean) and a blessing said over the food, they dug in. They ate out of large, metal dishes in the traditional way … with their hands. I could see that they were delighted for us to share this meal with them. They were watching us; I could tell.

One girl shyly made eye contact with me, waiting to see if I would enjoy their food. I smiled to her, put aside my fork and spoon and began to eat with my hands as I saw them do. Amused, and yet also touched, she smiled approvingly and finished her meal. My small actions had won me greater acceptance in their eyes.”

—student worker

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