Eating out with 25 people is… ambitious.

There are very few restaurants that can handle that many people comfortably. And even when they can, it’s usually so loud you can only talk to the two people right next to you. Coordinating food for that many personalities and preferences? Not easy.

So when I called Rise in Salt Lake City to ask about a reservation for 25, I wasn’t expecting much.

But to my surprise, the gal on the phone said, “We actually have an events center next door. Would you like a private room?”

Yes. Yes, I would. 😊

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Why Polish Food?

I chose Rise because they serve authentic Polish food. My mom is 100% Polish. Her mom (my grandma) lived in our house with us. We grew up on pierogies, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage and all the wonderful traditions that go with them. In fact, Polish food has made an appearance at nearly every wedding in our family.

Food has always been one of the ways we stay connected to our heritage.

And Rise did not disappoint.

But the surprise favorite?

Kopytka.

We had never tried them before. Polish potato dumplings, lightly fried, golden on the outside and soft on the inside.

Let’s just say… they did not last long.

And the pastries for dessert? Absolutely incredible.

Best of all, we had our own private space! The toddlers could run and play and we could all talk loud (some would say "yell") to each other without worrying about bothering other guests.

Excitement was in the air!

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What Was the Occasion?

When dinner ended, we all piled into cars and headed to the airport.

We were waiting for someone very special.

Our son Andan was coming home after serving a two-year mission in Mexico for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you’ve followed our family over the years, you know this moment has been two years in the making. We’ve written about his mission call, his farewell, and the incredible experiences he’s had serving the people of Mexico.

But the last few days before his return were… intense.

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A Few Days of Worry

With the recent unrest in parts of Mexico, missionaries were placed on lockdown. They weren’t allowed to leave their apartment.

When we spoke to Andan on Monday morning, we asked, “Do you have any food?”

He said, “We have two bananas and some Mint Milanos.”

Oh boy.

The buses weren’t running. Roads were shut down. Communication was limited.

Kathy was deeply worried. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t tears. We sent out a message on our family “Super Bowl” texting thread asking everyone to pray for Andan and for Mexico.

And this is where faith becomes very real.

On Tuesday we learned things were quieting down. The buses were running again. Andan was able to travel to Querétaro. The next day he boarded his flight home.

Our prayers were answered.
Praise Jesus.

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The Airport Doors

After dinner, all 25 of us stood there waiting… watching those sliding airport doors.

Was Kathy excited? You better believe it!

Two years is a long time.

He has nieces and nephews he had never met in person. Brothers. Sisters. Friends. Grandparents. Hugs that had been waiting 24 months.

We weren't sure what to expect. He sent us this photo last week and said "six days to sexy!"

And then he walked through.

Whoa! After proselyting in Mexico for 2 years, Andan's shoes took a beating!!

The question is...can he still do a back flip?

There are moments in life that you'll never forget.
This was one of them.

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The After-Party

Even though it was late when we got home, the celebration continued.

Andan's buddies were the first to show up. The boys ate punch-bowl-sized bowls of cereal (now I remember why we had to buy 6 gallons of milk each week before he left on his mission). Stories were flying. Laughter filled the house.

Then more family & friends showed up! At some point, I realized this party wasn’t ending anytime soon, so I quietly put pizza rolls and chicken nuggets in the oven.

Missionaries may return home spiritually stronger…
But they’re still hungry. 😄

Kathy and I finally went to bed around 11:30.

The boys?
Apparently 2:00 am.

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Why This Dinner Meant So Much

So yes, the Polish food was delicious.

Yes, having a private room made it comfortable.

But that dinner was more than a meal.

It was:

• Heritage.
• Gratitude.
• Family.
• Relief.
• Faith fulfilled.

Food has always gathered our family around a table. But faith is what anchors us when life feels uncertain.

We are so grateful Andan is home safe. We are grateful for his willingness to serve and sacrifice for two years. We are grateful for the people of Mexico who touched his life. And we are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears prayers.

Moments like this remind me why I’ve always loved combining food and family in this newsletter.

Because at the end of the day, recipes matter.

But people matter more.

God bless,
Dan