Serving up his African cuisine in his modest Washington apartment, Naphtali launched into questions. Ann and I responded, returning the volley.
“Reconnecting with old friends is like opening a time capsule filled with laughter and love.”*
As we rehearsed memories from our East Africa days of the 1980s, one episode evoked a sudden burst of merriment.
Ann and I had, those years ago, invited the young college student (Naphtali) to our Nyeri home for a meal. After a time of dining, I noticed Naphtali’s plate was ready for a refill.
“Let me bring you another serving”, I offered, moving my chair to rise.
When a person is working to master a second language, the occasional slip is bound to surface,
“Oh, no thank you”, Naphatli offered in a most courteous tone. “I am very fine. . . I am fed up.”
Revisiting the fun memory, the special “glow of friendship” common in happy relationships settled over the simple dining area of the Seattle apartment.
I had gently set right our young visitor’s misapplied phrase. And, chuckling in mild embarrassment, Naphtali had taken the correction in gracious stride.
The evening now with our good friend drew to a close. How sweet had been the visit! After prayers, Ann and I moved toward the door. Naphtali beamed his wide smile. And offered up a parting call,
“I do hope this evening you both got very fed up!”
©2025 Jerry Lout *anonymous