Several years ago, our youngest daughter Rachel embarked on a missionary trip to Africa. She came back with many interesting stories, but the one that intrigued me most was the tradition of “taking tea” every day. When it is time for tea, everyone MUST stop whatever task they are doing and participate in having tea and conversation with whomever they are with at the time. In our fast-paced world of texts, emails, and social media, I wondered what taking tea in America would look like. Is it possible to adopt some aspect of this wonderful tradition here? I believe so. In fact, I think it is more a question of how we make time in our day than a question of should we make time. Every time we check email, look at texts on our phone, or check our Facebook status, twitter, chat, or whatever our preferred mode of communication is, we sacrifice moments in the present with our loved ones. We check out of the conversation and check in to whatever pops up on our screens.What is the solution? Am I suggesting that we give up our present technology for human connection? Not at all! I do not believe it has to be an either/or proposition. So how do we take time for connection in our fast paced society? This book contains some suggestions, but I’m sure there are many more ideas. For this reason, journal pages entitled, “My Recipe for Taking Tea” have been provided to record your thoughts. Get cozy in your favorite spot with a steaming beverage and let’s spend time “taking tea” together.