New Taste Treat

Living in a foreign country and culture often offers real surprises, especially in the culinary department. While shopping in the local store today I ran across these small packages of peas. Yes, peas! I couldn’t resist so I purchased one package of each kind offered. Of course I can’t read what is written on them, but I do pretty good with pictures. Anything with a picture of a chili pepper perks this Texans interest.
The peas inside were either freeze-dried, or slow cooked in an oven like beef jerky. The flavor was actually good. The hot ones were better than the garlic flavored ones. Now I wish I had purchased several of these tiny taste treats, because I feel sure the stock will be gone when I return to the store.
Next time you are in the local yuppie grocery store you should ask for, oh my…, I have no idea what the name is.  Just take this picture with you!

When Little Is Much!

I must admit that when Fredna and I first came to Africa in January of 2005, I was probably a bit idealistic.  I thought I would be coming with many, if not all the answers.  I thought that surely I had much to offer.  Boy, was I wrong!  It seems that I have done nothing but learn since sitting foot on this continent.  I think that one day I should make a list of the these things I have learned.

Probably one of the most important things I have learned is this:  Small offerings can be much if you know the heart that is giving it.  Let me explain.  Most churches in Malawi consider it a great honor and responsibility to give an offering to the minister on Sunday.  No matter what size, location, or social status – they give an offering.  It is a Biblical principle.

In Africa we have received many different offerings.  Money, vegetables, fruit, cloth material, live chickens, and even a live goat.  Today, as usual, the Pastor received a special offering for us at the end of the service.  As the church was singing, some people began to bring baskets full of potatoes, and a few people brought money.  Just before the time of giving was finished, a small-framed woman, who looked to be in her late 50’s or early 60’s, made her way to the front.  She carried with her a small package which she laid in the offering.  It was a package of biscuits (cookies to Americans).  That is all, a small package of cookies.

Tonight I am sitting in my living room reflecting on the days events, and the lessons I was subjected to.  I have a hot cup of coffee on the table beside me, and I am enjoying a really tasty Custard Cream cookie.

This morning I saw the heart that gave it!

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