Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Door of Hope...continued

You may remember last week I shared a preview table with you. Take a look here if you need a reminder. I was doing a trial run for “Karibu Dada” (“Welcome Sisters” in Swahili), a ladies’ event at our church. We had a great time and I would love to share it with you today on Tablescape Thursday hosted by the gracious Susan at betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com.


This is how it worked. Several ladies volunteered to host a table which means they set a table for eight in anyway their imagination led them. But even though the tables were just lovely, what really made this day special was our guests. We hosted a group of beautiful ladies, our sisters in Christ from Burundian, Africa. These ladies have lived nightmares that many of us can only imagine. They’ve survived the genocide and brutality of their native country and have come to start new lives in America. Some escaped with only the shirts on their backs, leaving mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers behind with the hope of only seeing their faces again in heaven. Allow me to share this day with you and just maybe you will be able to experience a tiny bit of the sweet sweet spirit in this place.



It all began with setting the tables. We had a round table, eight chairs, a white tablecloth and 20 minutes to completely set our table for our guests. WHEW! I felt like I was on one of those HGTV decorating shows where they have to completely decorate a room in three hours or some unbelievable time limit!






And here are some of the amazing tables! I don't know if you will get the full effect of these gorgeous tables because the room was dark and the photos didn't take as well as I would have liked, but these gracious ladies went all out!










Of course, it’s all in the details…







In the next few shots you can see some of their interesting native dress.




“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

If you would like to learn more about the Burundian sisters go to www.africanleadership.org/ or africanleadership-refugeeministry.blogspot.com.

Many blessings, Marsha

22 comments:

ellen b said...

Oh what a fabulous event. I love all the different tables but the one with those sweet blue napkins folded so special is calling out to me!

Kathleen Ellis said...

What beautifula nd creative ideas...and a fun event! thank you for sharing it with us!
;-D

Lindsay @ Peacock Blue said...

That turned out really great! I like the tulip table with the pink stemware a lot.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a lovely event - you all had most welcoming tables set! Hospitality at its best.

The Stylish House said...

Marsha,
What a lovely luncheon and for such a good cause. I recently heard of a program called “little Dresses for Africa”. They need volunteers to sew simple dresses for girls out of pillowcases. They have a website if you’re interested. I visited your daughter Lindsay’s blog! I see talent runs in the family. I liked her choice of colors for the condos.
Also when you can please stop by my blog and look at the post “Twice As Nice”. The reason I am asking is, because I am giving you the “Tag I’m It” award. There is no pressure or rush if your busy, just a fun thing.

Chandy said...

Wow what a night you all had! Beautiful tables! Lovely dishes! Great share for today!

xinex said...

Beautiful tables! And what a lovely event!...Christine

Kammy said...

Marsha,
What a wonderful event ! The tables
look amazing. Thanks for sharing !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Amy said...

What a very wonderful event. How beautiful to have different table settings for each table. I couldn't pick which one I liked the most...they all were gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Happy TT! Amy :)

Fifi Flowers said...

Beautiful tables... GREAT event... thanks for sharing!
ENJOY!
Fifi

Unknown said...

What a story! I'm always amazed that this day and age there is such great suffering in the world!!!

You are right that it is in the details that make the tablescape. Beautiful tables!

Michelle said...

OH how fun!!! I would have loved to do something like this and to involve all the ladies at the church in something so memorable is sincerely touching.

Thanks for sharing. I loved it!

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

That was just a great post. All the tables were spectacular and the story of the African ladies and their lives was very special. Great job.

Mary said...

I really enjoyed your post and the tables looked great! Mary @Boogieboard Cottage

Cass @ That Old House said...

The tables look wonderful. What a great event -- well worth the work!

And thank you for adding the verse from Hebrews about entertaining strangers; I've been looking for it! Our pastor used it at our house blessing last month, and I couldn't remember where it was from!

Cass

Nena said...

What beautiful table settings! They are absolutly stunning!

Lisa said...

What a wonderful idea for a ladies luncheon! And what amazing guests. You girls did an awesome job!

Dream Mom said...

Lowe the tablescape with the pink tulips. Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful tables!

Mary said...

What a wonderful event! Thanks for sharing all those beautiful tables. :)

Robin said...

Wonderful tablescapes.....lovely centerpieces...

Hope your day has been beautiful

Robin said...

How absolutely wonderful! The tables are just beautiful! Such a great event, too!

Thank you so much for following and commenting on my itty-bitty blog! It means to world to me!

{{{{HUGS}}}}

Robin :o)

Anne Marie said...

you are a dynamo....I totally admire people like yourself!
what an inspiration you are!!

have a great weekend!!!!!