Embracing hospitality

Cathy Madavan shares what she has learned about teaching her daughters that their home is a safe space for everyone who enters it

Let’s be clear: I am no Nigella. Nor am I a Delia, a Pru, a Jamie nor any other kind of chef. I genuinely have no idea how some people whip up a cake or throw together a meal for ten guests. I know we can’t all be gifted at everything but, in truth, as a pastor’s wife, I used to feel a bit inadequate in the hospitality department. That was until a memorable trip to a mission partner in South Africa, where two elderly women living in incredibly challenging circumstances demonstrated the most authentic, generous and joyful welcome imaginable.