Thursday, July 25, 2013

Food: the Great Uniter

Staying with our Filipino relatives in Florida I find that once again I’m amazed at not just the variety of foods…like this Durian that I was shocked to seeDSC02476 but the sheer volume of things to eat.  My pallet is somewhat experienced and many things I truly enjoy but Durian…well, I can’t get past the fact that my mind insists it tastes like a mix between rotten onions and something sickeningly sweet.  Fortunately there were many other things available to enjoyDSC02477.  We had so much fun with the people that our family invited over and the pool provided great entertainment as well.  The next day we visited a food market of sorts with greens available that I’d not seen since my trips abroadDSC02478.  The Filipino community is quite large but still I was amazed to see someone selling Balut.  Click the hyperlink to learn more…this picture doesn’t do it justiceDSC02479.  I was also pleasantly surprised to see some fresh coconutsDSC02480.  I was enjoying our time so much when a man called me over and started talking to meDSC02482.  He informed me that he had met former president Bush when he was selling his amazing mangoes in the past.  The president liked them so much that he named him “Mr. Mango”.  Eating one of these that he spiced up with Tabasco, Lemon and salt…I can certainly see whyDSC02483 !  It was a flavor that was totally unique.  This man had been all over the place since coming here from Mexico…I think he’s the very symbol of capitalism working and the American dream…it’s not all about corruption and failure.  Another delightful treat that I had not seen since the Philippines was being sold by the box:  DSC02485Rambutan!  It’s a delightful treat that looks pretty scary on the outside…amazing and cool in my opinionDSC02486!  By the way if you didn’t follow my link about Balut above here’s a little peak at what it looks like opened up…you might guess why I will not eat this oneDSC02487…call it a delicacy if you want I don’t eat chicks boiled in an egg if I can help itDSC02488.  Generally speaking the power of trying things, socializing and enjoying a culture has been one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever experienced in life.  Food is truly a uniter or a divider depending on you.  This applies to spiritual food as well.  God offers a wide variety of blessingsDSC02489.  There’s a buffet of spiritual gifts offered by God but if you choose to linger on misunderstandings of the scripture based on things about women or any variety of things you will find yourself cut out.  Bigotry is on the rise these days but for me I choose to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and love my neighbor as myself…against those things there is no law. Make no mistake there is still right and wrong but our decisions should be based on righteous judgments…God’s judgments not our own.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Joe, such an inspiring post. (Referring to your last paragraph, which deeply touches my heart). Thank you! I have to admit that as far as food goes I am not very experimental in ones that I don't recognize. I do, however, enjoy many foods, especially fruits and vegetables and lamb, chicken and pork are my favourite meats. I always appreciate your posts and look forward to them.

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    1. I'm so glad you appreciated it Linda. Spiritual fruit is the most important of all and if it's from God we can no for sure it's all good! Blessings to you my friend.

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  2. Foods I have never seen but so interesting. I enjoyed your post very much. I know God will provide.

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    1. I'm happy to showcase them for you Toodie. I'm with you on God's provision.

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  3. Interesting and inspiring. I surely have never seen anything like those foods. I can relate to not eating chicken like that. Just the idea without the visual is enough for me. Great post.

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    1. Thank you my friend. Those foods certainly took me out of my comfort zone and I love things that do that. I particularly liked the links on some of those foods...learn something every day!

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  4. Oh um not my type of egg but I am aware from my own travels how cultures are different and its all good to coin a phrase. ;-)

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    1. Maybe Katie would help you with it Carole! ;) The egg and Durian are truly not my favorites but I'm glad to have at least seen them...I think...

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