Learning via food…

You know the saying “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but isn't that kind of true for all of us?

In Cambodia it seems there are constantly new foods to be tried. There are the strange foods (i.e. tarantula, cricket) that I have tried just to say I've eaten them. But also there are the traditional dishes that simply are served, prepared, or eaten a little differently. (Pictured on the right is Khmer curry which is sweeter than most curries as it is made with coconut water.)
 
Currently in language class we are studying all the food vocabulary. My teacher has been quite distraught to learn that I have still yet to try many traditional Cambodian dishes. So she decided to take matters into her own hands!

During class yesterday she ordered ban chai-u which is kind of like a Cambodian style omelet stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. With your hands you scoop the egg and filling into a lettuce leaf, roll it up, and dip it in fish sauce (which isn't as bad tasting as it sounds!) We also made plans to go out for bong-aim (dessert) later in the afternoon. We ordered a custard filled pumpkin that was served with crushed ice and sweetened condensed milk. She glowed as she shared these common everyday foods with me.
 
Today we are having a Thanksgiving potluck for many of our new friends who are from Cambodia as well as Denmark and England. I woke up early this morning to begin preparing my contribution to the pot luck…my favorite part of the Thanksgiving feast: stuffing and mashed potatoes!
 
So as I stood in my kitchen and tore the bread, cut up the onion, and added the spices, I was taken back to my childhood, standing in my kitchen at home with my mom making–and tasting along the way–our homemade stuffing. I also remember 2 years ago when I celebrated Thanksgiving in Argentina with my dear friends there (pictured to the right).

In Cambodia and Argentina, I have had to leave out a few spices and alter the preparation a bit. Essentially tonight as I share this dish, and 2 years ago when I shared it, with new friends I share a part of who I am and where I come from. My teacher’s desire to share her childhood foods and her nation’s traditions is a desire of mine too.
 
Isn’t it the same for all of us? Food holds a special place in our hearts and sharing those foods with others fills us with joy and a sense of remembrance and thankfulness for where we came from and where we are.

Thank you Lord for food and for how it brings us together nomater what nationality we are and how it helps us learn more about others!