When I knew my closest friends were organising a farewell party to punctuate me leaving Shanghai, I wrote this story as a parting gift for them. A gift for all the friends I loved in Shanghai, many of whom came on Mondays to supper at my friend’s house.

She and her husband opened their home to anyone each Monday evening for supper and a few hours of friendly conversation: no agenda, no strings, no guided discussions, just a meal with people who would be glad to hear about your day. In the three (or longer) years since my friends have cooked and opened their home nearly 100 people have eaten there. Not a hundred people each Monday, but I estimate there were between 10-15 people regularly attending; many people are only in Shanghai for a season, and some seasons are busier than others so the number fluctuated. The record single attendance was one Thanksgiving, I think, and reached nearly fifty. (We had to build a special table from timber in the shed, and move all the furniture out as far as we could.)

My friends were faithful to love and serve those who needed people, who needed community, while they were far from their own families and home-country friends.

You can buy the book in paperback from Amazon here now and other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Abebooks, etc. For the Kindle version click here.

The story is very simple and quick to read. I’ve written it as a children’s story, although it’s adults who need to hear the message the most I think. The pictures in the book were all drawn by those who’ve attended Monday Supper in those last few weeks. They know which drawing or painting is which.

I hope you enjoy the story and feel the love in it. And, maybe, you could imagine what your version of the story might look like. I’d love to hear about it if you do.