Lunch

For those of you who like to pray for practical things – we need a cook or a good solution for providing lunches at the training center.  Last week we lost our cook.  This week we’ve been improvising.  One of the cadets, Velta, made a very nice lunch on Monday.  Wednesday was my turn and I purchased right from the excellent deli at the nearby grocery store – salads, meat, cheese and good Latvian bread.  I called it “Slinko Pusdienas” “Lazy Lunch”! (not guaranteeing I wrote that correctly) For today and tomorrow I gave them a few lats (Latvian currency) and said do what you want.  Next week we have to have a more permanent solution.  One of the options suggested by the cadets is to go to the little cafeteria across the road, which is actually for the tram depot employees but also open to the public.  It’s simple and cheap, and I think there is some good food and some maybe not so.  I don’t want to go, as I’d much rather have something light and then have a nice dinner.  That isn’t the Latvian way and I have to respect culture.  They have a hot meal, with salad and most often dessert and then a small supper.  So, today they wanted to try this little diner.  I was feeling kind of stubborn and at first said I wouldn’t go, but then thought “This is part of the adventure and you might be pleasantly surprised.”  I went.  It was OK.  Definitely cheap and hot, with several choices.  So, what’s my problem?  I’m not sure.  Here’s what I’m thinking: 1. Eating in a restaurant every day (no matter what kind) is not a good habit to get into. 2. The corps and institutions have all cut their budgets to support us.  It gives the appearance of extravagance, even though it might be cheaper than having our own cook.  3. The great fun and fellowship we have at lunch will be missed in this diner.   Not sure how to resolve this but it’s one of those pesky little things that seems to be weighing on me and making me very frustrated.