Day 324 – Joyful Living Project

The Joy of Kitchen Surfing

It’s hard to believe that less than two days ago, I arrived in Nashville not knowing anyone here. That evening as I checked in, I met Miles and Kelley, my Airbnb hosts.

Within minutes of meeting them and sharing my journey, they invited me to join them for some homemade spaghetti. We talked nonstop for the next two hours.

You know that feeling of meeting someone for the first time but being welcomed like you’ve been friends for a long time? That’s how Miles and Kelley made me feel. We shared stories about our lives and of course talked about joy. They asked me what brings me joy.

I said cooking dinner for friends. Their eyes lit up with excitement! Next thing I knew, 48 hours later, I was making a five-course dinner for them and three other friends. I made:

1. My award-winning deviled eggs
2. Thai pork lettuce wraps
3. Authentic Vietnamese sweet-and-sour soup
4. Pineapple-fried rice
5. Vietnamese-style chicken

And Kelley made her amazing chocolate mousse. For the next three hours, we shared an incredible dinner full of laughter and stories. Sharing a meal together is one of the most joyful things we can experience.

It still blows my mind how often joy continues to show up when we share it with others.

Hands down, that was my best Airbnb experience and Miles and Kelley were the best hosts ever! I left Nashville knowing that now I have wonderful new friends there. So grateful for the kindness and joy Miles and Kelley shared with me in so many ways!