Coming-Home Food

Pacita's Pa-Kape was full and very noisy that Saturday morning. There was a lot of teasing and loud laughter all around.

"Oh, Mateo, come over here!" Manang Pacita waved Teo in. "These are all balik-bayans - guests of Mayor Belisario!"

Teo was so fascinated by the jolly chatter: "No coffee in the US can match rice coffee, Umingan style! Gulp."

"Patupat, hmmm, the best delicacy!"

"And tupig! Chomp, chomp. Pacita, can I order two dozen pieces of tupig for next week? Pasalubong for my apos in the US!"

"You know, Teo, when people move to live in other places, they long for the food of their childhood," Manang Pacita said.

"No wonder why my five Lolas keep eating tupig and patupat when they visit me!" Teo exclaimed.

"Oh, yes, there's nothing like having food in the places of your roots, Teo. This very happy day reminds me of God's gift of… home sweet home," Manang Pacita choked, her eyes watering.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for all the goodies I can eat and drink at home. Thank You, most of all, for giving me a home sweet home. Amen.

Memory verse:

"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

“Quiet Time with Mateo – 52 Weekly Devotions for Children” is published by OMF Literature, Inc. and available at leading bookstores.