Christmas Eve at the Rzeczyckis

A truly remarkable expierence as we shared this Xmas Eve with a wonderful Polish family who, after climbing 81 stairs met us at the door of their 400 sq ft. 2 br, 1bath apartment that in years gone past when the communists were running the country was designated as 6 person flat and this was before they added on to the kitchen taking it from 350 to the 400 it is today. The only reason they were able to live there with four in the family was because his grandfather was in the governmnet and as we know in America the Gov.can do as they wish. We were immmediately seated by their HS age daughter who speaks good English to a table that was beautifully arranged and with enough 'starter' or cold food as they say, to feed the Branch. However, before we began we took part in a traditional Polish pre-meal event which started by each of us taking a thin, flour-baked waffer, (much like the communion waffers in the Episcipal Church), then turning to your spouse and while each break a small corner bite off you tell the person something special about them. Then your partner does the same to you before moving around the room doing the same with all who are at the meal. A really wonderfull and spiritual way to begin the evening. Then onto the begining foods which were mostly unknown to the American eye, (and taste). But of the 15 or so mini dishes we did recognize pickled herring, marinated mushrooms, and of course about 4 types of sliced bread. The drill is for everyone to have a taste of each item and if necessary you can wash it down with my least favorite vegitable in the U.S. (or anywhere for that matter), beets! My only problem was that the drink was heated beet juice more commonly known as Borsch. Next it's time for the hot foods or the main course (s). Lots more breads, perogies filled with mushrooms and cabbage, pastry filled with more mushrooms and a golosh of some sort that among other items in it were mushrooms, of course. A quite good ocean fish, (not Carp) which was fried and had some fine bones in it much like trout does and on and on. Then, when it was enough already, the desserts were brought in and it was PLURAL desserts! All that we tried were great which we think, along with the yogurt and vegitables are as good as you can find. And let it be known my waistline is showing it. Just before leaving, sitting around the table talking with this sweet family we learned that in all the years they have been married they had never had anyone but family with them on the first day of Christmas (Eve), so we felt honored to be with them to share the evening. Then the daughter started passing out the gifts which is when they do it here and each got 2-3 only and very inexpensive at that. Jean and I also got a Polish Xmas CD and a hand painted picture of the old town area much to our surprise. We then took turns reading from the Bible in Luke chapter 2 and the evening after about 4 hours was concluded. As we said goodnight and returned to our vehicle in the cold and wet evening we commented how this
had been the highlight of our stay here thus far. How meaningful to spend Christmas in such a humble way and with such a warm and loving family. It really has us thinking how in the future a more conservative Christmas can be so much more heartwarming allowing the real Christmas spirit to come forth. We feel blessed to serving here.