A Taste of Home

When I was in college only those students whose family lived within a 2-hour drive were allowed to leave campus for Thanksgiving.   We had classes on Friday and rumor had it there once had been terrible accident involving students rushing to return to school.

For freshman that meant that this was the first holiday we were not with our families.  Conversations over Wednesday supper in the dining hall were unusually subdued.   Every dorm had its monthly meeting that night as soon as the doors were locked at 10pm. 

We were pretty quiet as we gathered in the main living area of Williston, the oldest dorm for women at Wheaton, a castle-like building complete with turret.  The agenda for that evening’s meeting included the usual business – reinforcing some rule, reviewing the calendar for the next month, etc. – and some holiday devotion.  As soon as the meeting was over and we returned to our rooms, the screaming and shouts of joy started.  During the meeting the Resident Assistants had put a package on everyone’s bed, a package from home.

Brown wrapping paper was quickly torn off and boxes opened.  “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” could be heard.  “Look!” a roommate would say as she lifted out a picture of the family, or a new pair of gloves, or a drawing from a younger sibling.  Enclosed letters were skimmed and set aside for later devouring.  The most common phrase, however, was “Try one!”

Almost all boxes contained a taste of home, some favorite cookie or pastry that meant family, good times, and holidays, treats that evoked traditions and lovely memories.  We gathered in hallways and lounge areas.  Conversations were lively as we shared stories as well as sweets.  Fashion at this impromptu party included new ski caps, fuzzy slippers, and, in my case, a brown and white silk scarf which remained in my wardrobe until just a few years ago. 

New types of bonds were forged as we discovered more in common and many worldviews expanded as we heard about diverse customs.  Sure there were tears and feelings of longings to be with loved ones, but the surprise taste of home made us realize that we were simply spending that particular holiday with a newly formed family. 

What would you want in your box from home.  Or, perhaps more important, think of a surprise gift you once received.  Anne Morrow Lindbergh said, "One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay "in kind" somewhere else in life."  What would you send to someone who needs a reminder of a special connection?  It’s not too late to ship off a box or a card or extend an invitation.  And if you're concerned about people traveling, you could even follow the 2-hour rule.

Marilyn

 “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is.” Psalm 34:8