Shrimp Boil Festivities

Last night I experienced my first ever shrimp boil. We, like most poor seminary students, had to work for our food, so Chasity and I peeled and deveined pounds upon pounds of shrimp. If it wasn't for the great conversation, I would have lost my lunch. *gag* Well, her man (Jason) got the boiling pot filled with water (I assume) and lots and lots and lots of spices. Then in went onions, potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp. It smelled a tad like China, but the taste was out of this world! My lips were on fire and my nose was running, but with good friends, no one minded the kleenex. We ate outside in the cold air next to a fire pit and just fellowshipped. There were 8 adults (and 10 kids inside playing) standing around a fire holding hands praying (blessing the food) and I just started to cry. I tried not to. I really did. But the tears started to drip down my cheeks as Jason thanked the Father for good friends and giving us people who are in exactly the same phase of life that we can talk to and pray with. It was powerful (he is going to be an evangelist and the other 2 men, preachers, and Cam a missionary--we had some men of God there last night!) and heart-felt and moving. Really, the memories and friendships made around my first ever shrimp boil will never be forgotten. Nor will digging around in an ice chest for food...