What's a Poonch-key?

First of all, it's spelled paczki. But pronounced poonch-key. Or at least that's the popular, Americanized pronunciation, anyway. 

This post is for my California friends, who, unless you originated from the Midwest, probably are unfamiliar with this delicacy. Okay, it's kind of a filled donut. But if you say that to a Detroiter, you may have started a fight. Because of course it looks like a filled donut, but it's so much more! More delicious. And more fattening! Yum.

I know today is Valentines Day, but two days ago was Mardi Gras (the day before Lent). Also known in Detroit and other areas with large Polish populations as Fat Tuesday, or Paczki Day! And according to Wikipedia, which we all know is always 100% true, it began as a way for the Polish Catholics to use up the lard, sugar, and other stuff that is delicious that people often give up for Lent. (In case you're wondering,you don't have to participate in Lent to participate in Paczki Day!)

Unbelievably, my Polish (formerly) Catholic family never heard of this until we moved to the Detroit area! It's so big here that you can get these delightful dough balls in the grocery stores. However, the ones I got for Steve and me at the Italian bakery down the street are much more delightful. Mmmm, just look at that filling! Filling amount is one indicator of paczki excellence.

From left, clockwise: raspberry, strawberry, apple, chocolate creme.

 

Yes, this probably is half a day's calories. And?

Now is that not a thing of beauty?!

WHAT?!?!

Major changes have been underway. And grace after grace has been poured out from our Father in heaven.

For those who don't know the full story, I will tell you how last week on Tuesday I came to be on a plane to Michigan with a one-way ticket. That's right, I moved back to Michigan just one week ago after a 15-month stint in California.

Sheer Craziness.

It all started with a phone call from Steve at 7:45 a.m. two Thursdays ago. I awoke and answered, and he spewed out the news: the Tesla project was officially finished from his end and we were going home. They asked if he wanted to be on a plane that very evening! We were moving back to the snowy Midwest -- and imminently.

I knew we'd move back eventually, but WHAT?! The news hit me like a load of bricks and the first things that came to mind were all the things in California that I'd miss out on. I burst into tears. Dear friends' faces came to my mind. I had made plans for February with a friend just the previous day! I hadn't gotten to eat the porchetta sandwich from Roli Roti yet! There was still so much discount nail polish to buy!What about our trip to Southern Cal? (Is this what the Israelites felt like when they were following God as the pillar of fire/cloud in the desert wandering years?)


After I wiped my tears and ended my selfish little pity party, I started thinking about selling my car. I didn't have the title. How would we sell it in four days, including a weekend? I got to work. Steve got to work. We started working on it at about 10:30. By 1:00 pm that same day, it was sold.

Thankfully, they did not have us on a plane that very day. But we made our plans to leave four days after getting the news. I bought a plane ticket and Steve's employer bought him his. We got to sit together on the same flight!

The rest of the time in California was a whirlwind, but evidence of God's grace and faithfulness was everywhere! He orchestrated everything and brought us home. He gave peace. He gave us time to say goodbye to at least some of the people we love in California. Though it was a shock to me, it didn't surprise God (nothing does). It was all in His sovereign plan and His timing is perfect. (Had to remind myself of that often!)

Here's a quick recap:

On Friday evening, we had Bible study with our church family. We got to spend time with a dear family beforehand for dinner and many of our close friends from church were at the study that night when we announced the news. Tears were shed. Hugs were exchanged. A photo was taken. Love was shared.

God, by his abundant grace to us, led us to be a part of this wonderful spiritual family. We are so thankful for them and the time we got to spend knowing them, sharing our life with them, growing with them.

Since the project was officially "complete," Steve didn't have to work that weekend. On Saturday we had Chick-Fil-A (another thing we'll miss!) and saw Bedtime for Bonzo and Harvey at the Stanford Theater in Palo Alto. And indulged in some French macarons. (One thing on the checklist to cross off!)

Sunday was a blessed time with our church family both in the morning, afternoon, and evening. We shared the news with them and during the evening service, the elders prayed for us. (Oh, why did I not have tissue with me?!) More tears, more hugs, more photos.


On Monday we packed up our stuff from "Home Sweet Homewood Suites" and put it in Steve's work vehicle. We dropped it off at the plant, where it would be loaded on the work flatbed and driven home. At no charge to us, we got all of our stuff shipped home.

Our last evening was spent again with some of our church family at Dickey's BBQ Pit. (Can you tell we love them and will miss them terribly?!) 

More hugs but fewer tears this time. So thankful to God for these people and our whole church family in California. We will miss them but know that parting is only such sweet sorrow because of the love we shared. Love rooted in Christ. And we know we'll see them again! If not on this earth, we will spend eternity with them in heaven! All because of the grace and love of our Heavenly Father.

Michigan friends and family: despite the difficulty of leaving, we are so happy to be home. And we can't wait to catch up with you all!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)

Thank you, Father, for providing abundantly for us during our time in California and for bringing us home. We don't deserve it, but you poured out blessing after blessing upon us. I thank you for your faithfulness, Lord. Help my forgetful mind to remember all that you have done for me that I may praise you always!