International Dilemma

As many of you know, I have a LOT of Internationals in my life.  One common thing we've always been able to share is food.  Silly as that may sound, it makes me wonder how I'll deal with some of that after the surgery.


My Turkish daughter is a wonderful cook!  Her dolma (stuffed grape leaves) were some of the best I've ever eaten!  In addition to some other yummy goodness, she also makes a wonderful pasta salad with fresh dill and garlic.  When I'm with my Yemeni friends, food is always part of our time together - sabaya bread, za'atar bread, pita bread (see a theme yet?), hummus, baba ganoush, rice, baklava...the list goes on.  Not to mention the wonderful Yemeni tea that's super sweet or the chocolates that they may serve.  Yes, food is part of those special times with my International friends (and family).  It's also something that we, as Americans, seem to use to celebrate (or mourn) any event.  


I know my Turkish daughter will understand when I turn down her delicious cooking.  I know my American friends and family will understand.  But how will I explain to my Yemeni friends (whose use of the English language is usually VERY limited) that I really cannot eat what they've prepared?  How will I let them know that I'm not trying to insult them by passing up on these wonderful treats?  One friend did mention I could say something like, "My doctor says no sugar at all."  And that will work for some of the foods, but not all.  This might be a tricky one to navigate.


I'm going to have to really pray about what that's going to look like for me.  I will need God to translate for me...for there to be an understanding that crosses the language barriers.  I will need Him to put the words together for me so that I can politely decline.  ________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14