June 9, 2019 Father's Day in Brussels

This morning after a sunny breakfast of coffee, croissants and peaches, we attended church with Dan and Paulette.  The church is located in a neighborhood not far from the Dumas house simply in a building that is part of a neighborhood. It is a simple setting with an altar and rows of chairs set up in semi-circle around it.

Altar at Saint Esprit church

Today the small gathering of faithful was celebrating the dual holiday of Pentecost and Father's Day, but especially Pentecost. Their former priest, Father Phillip, was visiting from Lièges and performed the service. With Marc playing guitar and lots of songs, with Dan and Paulette reading parts, and a reading from Acts of the Pentecost story, we were all prepared for today's homily. Of course, the service was in French and I could understand and even sing the songs.  David, however, had little idea of what was happening, but was attentive and didn't fall asleep. Luckily, we stood often for parts of the service which I'm sure helped him stay awake.

Father Phillip's homily brought tears of hope to my eyes as he spoke animatedly and powerfully about how the Holy Spirit was given to unite all humanity in one community that cares about and for all the others. Color, gender, nationality, even different faiths should not separate us. Those who think Us First (He mentioned Britain, the conservative party of Belgium, and Trump) go against the Spirit given freely and out of love for all humanity. He shared that God loves us so much and believes that we are capable of living in love and harmony with respect for all people and for the natural world. He encouraged us to be engaged and without fear in living as the Spirit was given. Le souffle d'Esprit. The breath of the Holy Spirit. Very moving.

It is clear that this church is a community of friends who are engaged with helping each other and their communities, living in faith that we are one people of God. We met and visited with almost all who were at the service. From the little I've seen and the bits I've heard, this church is an example of
how Christianity is meant to live and act. I left feeling hopeful about the future. That's not easy these days of turmoil in so many countries. So I was very glad to have shared this service with Dan and Paulette.

When we got home about 12:30, it was time for final preparations for the Father's Day celebration. Within an hour, there were 13 adults and 7 children. Paulette's mother came too. At age 95, she still lives on her own with help from her two daughters who live near her. Her memory is unclouded and she beams with joy with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

The oldest and youngest at the party

3 generations of 4 - Jonathan is missing here.

The weather was warm, so we were able to have appetizers outside.

A father and his son

Granny and her Granddaughter

There was a Father's Day gift for Dan (footprints of his 4 adult children - to go with the handprints of the 4 adult children they gave to their mother for Mother's Day). An appropriately silly poem was needed to deliver the gift (still wet from the freshly painted footprints). Dan and Paulette will need to find an appropriate wall to display their new masterpieces.

All the fathers

And since it is also David's birthday, a Heineken bottle-shaped piñata had been fashioned by Maeli (David's niece) which took many blows to open and pour out its candy, confetti and streamers. Luckily this happened in the backyard and was easily cleaned up. 

Birthday boy and his gift

Not a good place for Lucy to sit - 

Then in for dinner - Waterzooi - a Belgian chicken stew that was so full of flavor - and that took Dan hours in the morning to prepare with lots of chopping of vegetables. Once again, we are amazed at Dan's skill. He wasn't quite satisfied with the sauce, so we volunteered to come back again so he could try again.

It has been such a joy to get to know these grown children whom we only met once in 1987, when they were tiny. We know their progress through our exchange of Christmas letters, but talking in person is so much more fun.

It's now late afternoon, everyone's gone, dishes are done and we've played a couple of games of Qwixx, a fast-moving dice game. I need to look for this as I think it looks like a fun game to add to our collection.

It's hard to believe our adventures in Europe are ending. We have one castle left on the itinerary tomorrow before heading back to Paris where we will turn in our car, re-pack suitcases, and straggle to the airport on Tuesday morning.

As usual, we've learned so much - from politics to Flemish words. We've increased our appreciation of the diversity among us - different ways to think and experience the world. But at the same time, everyone we've met has the same basic needs and goals. Home, family, jobs, safety, health, and respect are part of everyone's list. We are grateful that we have had the opportunity to learn these things first hand. We hope our health will allow us another opportunity in the future.

Today has been a perfect way to end our trip - a reminder that friendship is worth pursuing across the world.