Professional Foodie

The last thing I wanted to do in my last months of seminary was make new friends. I knew I was leaving Texas in December to move back to Chicago, so I tried to just keep to myself and get through the end of school. I had a friend who was going to be out of town for the summer and he graciously agreed to let me store my stuff there. Unfortunately, he left before I could move everything over there, and I forgot to grab the key. One day after church, this girl, Allie, stopped me in passing and says this friend of mine had left a key with her and could let me in to drop off my stuff. I agreed and we exchanged numbers. Later that night, I begin moving my stuff while she is there to let me in.

One of my many flaws is I desperately want to be seen as someone who is self-sufficient; that I don’t need help, but am willing to help others. I love it when people come to me for help or advice. However, in times of need, like moving a ton of heavy boxes, I kind of assume that others should rush in and help without being asked, because, well, that is what I would do. So when people don’t rush in, I instantly become annoyed that they didn’t read my mind that I would like some assistance.

Over time, I would still get annoyed when people wouldn’t step in, but I knew the chances of someone helping were slim when I wouldn't ask. When this girl that I had maybe ever spoke five sentences to, opened the door, she ran out to my car to grab boxes. She organized them with me inside the apartment, helped me locate specific boxes I needed and even came over in the middle of the night when I accidentally threw away my glasses to find my back up ones somewhere stashed in the sea of my belongings.

Slowly our meet ups to drop off and pick up my belongings turned into planned meals out, treat drop offs when we were sad, pool and firework parties on the Fourth of July and incorporating me in her friend group with another girl, Meredith. Pretty quickly we were dubbed as “squad” and any time we had free time we were together. Allie and Meredith became my go-to’s in Waco. They taught me the art of treats (treats are very important and if you need a treat-preferably chocolate-you get it and don’t be ashamed of treating yourself), of vulnerability. They taught me how to be myself without apologizing for it.

What I admired most about this woman, though was her ability to host a party. Her attention to detail continuously floored me. She had a table in mind that she wanted and when she didn’t find it, she found someone to make it. When you arrived at her apartment, the candles were lit, the record player was on, the drinks were out and chilled and the food was prepared, waiting to be consumed. All that was left was the people. It wasn’t just a usual party, but an overall experience. Allie’s art is hospitality and you can clearly see it as soon as she invites you into her home. We play games, watch comedians, all in the comfort of her personally reflective, open and inviting space she thrives to share with those she cares about.

Please watch out for Thursday as we dive deeper into this idea of hospitality being more than providing for your party.

Cheers!

Sam Jo.