Today in Asia we introduced students to the challenges of shopping, preparation, and cooking of food. We got them up early and in the market to buy our food for dinner. What a crazy but delightful place to pick through, barter for, and purchase today’s food. Although this was the first engagement by the students in the marketplace, Dr. Dunning and I have been visiting the market place over the past week regularly.

Tonight’s meal was a simple breakfast-for-supper menu. The students were responsible to shop, prepare, and cook the meal. Because they are non-Asian students, we recognized early in the menu planning that a traditional meal would be a challenge. So we chose to go simple. But the students quickly learned that simple is not simple in this culture.

As we hit the market, the students were impressed with the amount of work it takes to put this on every day. These people get here at the break of day to get things set up and started. The meat is the freshest in the morning – which is important. For our breakfast meal we chose to purchase fresh pork for our evening bacon – right off the freshly butchered pig. In addition we purchased eggs, fruit of various kinds, and other ingredients.

With everything purchased, we went out to eat for lunch. We actually went to a restaurant with a hot pot. We enjoyed cooking various styles of beef and mutton. Plus, we enjoyed some shrimp, chicken heads, various vegetables, and creating our own spice combinations. The meal provided a fun break to a busy week of activities.

Regarding supper – the finished product was a blast. We all had fun together as we prepped, cooked, and then ate. I think the students learned how hard it is to feed a family in Asia. Great lessons learned while having fun in the process. It actually tasted incredible. The homemade syrups of peach, blueberry, and mango were tasty. The homemade rolls by the guys were top notch! They had to substitute multiple ingredients and it worked!

Lesson from the Market

I think the major lesson for me today was the awareness of the need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we walked through the crowded market, it was a joy meeting so many people. But as we walked out of the market with hands full of food, I couldn’t help but think of the people. So so many people who need the good news of Jesus.

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