International Woman's Tea

Saturday, January 21st, my girlfriend and I went to the 6th annual International Women's Tea held at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

When my hubby went to Israel last December, Cynthia Khan, her husband, and her adult son were a part of his travel team.  When Jerry told her about my passion for tea she invited me to attend the International Women's Tea. She is the coordinator of the tea, as well as an executive at Poblo International - an evangelical Christian organization serving to meet the spiritual, physical, and social needs of immigrants and refugees in the U.S. by sharing the love of Jesus in practical and culturally relevant ways.  The proceeds from the tea went to Poblo International. Cynthia was born in Pakistan, but has lived in the United States for several years. 

Hostesses volunteered to set tables using décor from their native country/culture, as well as preparing ethnic foods, and dressing in their native apparel.  I don't know the table or attendance count, but it well supported and attended.  The doors opened at 1:30 p.m. and the tea began at 2:00. The theme of this year's tea was "In God We Trust."

My girlfriend and I tried to see as many tables as possible, but I only photographed a few.   We were seated at a table with an Ireland theme [pictured below].

After the Welcome, Pledge to the American Flag, National Anthem, and Prayer, the "Food Fest" began.  Empty plates were provided to take to as many tables as desired to sample the ethnic foods.  My girlfriend and I went to less than half of the tables, but it was more than enough to fill our plates and tummies.  We didn't know what a lot of the foods were, but it was all very good.

Our table hostess provided a box of Taylors of Harrogate tea bags for us to select our tea from. Large urns of hot water were provided.  I chose a Lemon & Orange Black Tea.

My plate below.  As you can see, I didn't go hungry!

The program began at 3:00 o'clock with a Romanian singer and dancers.

~ Mexican Dance Team ~

Five ladies shared their testimonies of how they were converted from the Muslim faith to Christianity, and as a result they had to leave their homeland and relocate to America.  We take our religious freedoms for granted in America until we hear stories from people in other countries being persecuted and even put to death for their faith in God.

~ Dancers from the Philippines ~

~ Russian Dancers ~

There was a Parade of the Nations [national flags], while music to "This Is My Father's World" was played.  I counted 30 flags [but I might have missed a few].  It was very impressive seeing Christians from around the world. What a great, all-encompassing God we serve!

I had to photograph the flag from Sri Lanka since it's the world's fourth largest producer of tea.

The tea closed with prayer and the singing of "God Bless America."  It was probably the most unique and interesting tea I've ever attended, and I enjoyed it very much.  God and tea span all countries and cultures, uniting all people.