A "Piola" Teacup (with a story of course!!)

Cup
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

We have a friend who is a missionary over in Central Asia. I can't give you the specific name of the country for her safety's sake. She spent a year over in the mostly muslim country and right before returning to the states, the girl who she stayed with for the year, became a Christian!!

My friend has been back in Texas going to a Bible translation school. She will be returning to Central Asia this coming February to be part of a team that will translate the entire Bible into their language. This project will take anywhere from 5 to 10 years!!

Anyways, she returned with this beautiful Piola teacup (pronounced Pee-ola) as a gift to Phillip and I. Since it doesn't have a handle, they hold it like I have shown in the picture below. They drink a weak black tea and add milk and either vegetable oil or butter to it. I asked her how much oil and she told me, "enough to see if floating on the top!!" LOL They drink it sweetened with sugar, unless they are having a large party and then it is unsweetened.

Teacup
Originally uploaded by pwinn.

We pray for our missionary friend every morning during our devotions and this teacup will be a good reminder of the very important work she will be doing -- sharing the gospel with the people of Central Asia, and in their own language!!