Dinner with the VanHauvermats and Jeanine

Our dear French friends, the Van Hauvermats and Jeanine invited us over for one last dinner at their home.  We love it when they have us over. Firstly, because we love this family dearly. Secondly, because it's always such a truly French experience.  The table is always set just perfectly, rather an anomaly in a country where the custom is to eat from a common serving plate without dishes and silverware, a meal with them is always eaten in true French style. The whole dining experience was lovely and refined.

First, we enjoyed an apéritif, which chez Van Hauvermat, that's a delicious sparkling raspberry drink.  It was accompanied by the clinking of glasses and  "bon appétit."  Then came a beautiful salad course of sliced tomatoes and deviled eggs perfectly presented with a homemade vinaigrette. The main course was,  Tartiflette (an au gratin potato that's to die for, and could kill you because of all the cheese, bacon, and cream in it). Dessert was "a la Brent." All Africa knows he loves a good chocolate sundae.


After dinner the ladies cleared the table and then we all visited in their very French home.  It's hard to explain how there's just a French feeling in their apartment that's unmistakable. Their apartment is an exact duplicate of ours, but our decorating style is completely different and very American. 
We'll miss them. The chances of seeing them again are better than with most. Their home is just outside of Annecy, France. That's one of our favorite French destinations and now we'll have an even stronger reason to go there once these good folks return home.  Unlike missionaries, their term of service is not definite. They're indeed brave souls to take on this church employment in construction. The whole evening was just a joy.