This week we decided to experiment with our schedule and see if there was a way to more efficiently use our time. So we made the switch to eating dinner at 2 pm (or more appropriately 14:00). We love it! The most difficult thing about it is the fact that we are in class until 1 so planning in advance is essential. However the freedom it creates for the rest of the day is well worth it. Being on the same schedule as the people around us also really helps.
Fun food Facts
I finally feel like I am getting a grasp on cooking in Senegal. I now have an idea of what I can make for my family with what we can find here in a cost effective manner. Here are some fun facts about my cooking life here.
- – There is no such thing as a pre made meal (frozen, boxed or canned).
- – The best deals are always found at market, but make sure you greet everyone you have ever bought something from.
- – When buying meat (a rare treat) they will usually throw in an extra chunk of fat as a gift (aren’t we lucky).
- – I have found my maximum capacity for bugs is 20 per scoop…more then that I throw it out rather than begin the hunt (perhaps with time this will change).
- – It is cheaper to buy and ship cheese from the states then to buy it here…yes it is that expensive.
- – Coffee the Senegalese way involves only 3 grains of coffee… at least one can of coffee lasts a long time.
- What we eat:
- – Breakfast: oatmeal, bread, or eggs
- – Dinner usually involves a staple of rice, beans, lentils, potatoes, or noodles with veggies
- – Our evening snack usually involves a baguette sandwich of some sort
Great family pictures–both of them.
We eat our main meal on sunday after church and I kind of like it because then I don’t have to cook the rest of the day.
The “bug” part sort of bothers me. Are these bugs that get in the food? That would take some getting used to,
I like the part about greeting those you have bought from before. With the smoozing do you get better prices?
You are harkening back to our American roots. The farmers in our culture always ate their big meal midday. Then supper was a lighter meal in the evening. Our medical society would tell you that is a wonderful way to be good to your system. So pat yourselves on the back for being so smart and innovative. (or inculturated as your dad says). “Thanks, Pastor, I love learning new words. LOL”
I also love your daily shots whether verbal or via photograph of your life style there. You make it so real to us and like we are a real part of your ministry. Thank-you for that. I look forward to each one of your updates.
God Bless you one and all. Your work is important to those you minister to whether they are Sengalese or us here at home. We feel blessed when we hear what you are doing. Thank you for all you are doing.
Carolyn Gaupo
It was good to see you all and I love following your daily life changes. Actually, the main meal mid-afternoon is good, especially for us ‘older’ folks. I can remember Owen’s folks doing that and thinking how odd. It leaves a good portion of the day open for whatever. I would really have trouble with the bugs, probably because we don’t have to deal with many of them here.
Haha! love the family photos! And love the fun facts from your daily life! We ate our main meal in the middle of the day when we weren’t in school…I think haitians do it that way too! ANd, I love your dad’s comment about the bug protein! haha!
You are enculturating. 🙂 Next you will decide that the bugs per cup is a measure of protein.
Love you all.
Dad
You’ve become Polish! They have their large meal of the day at 2pm. Schools have “extended” morning hours and finish by 1 or 1:30 so that kids can get home. For our Polish missionary friends it took a little getting used to – planning ahead like you mentioned. But they came to enjoy the long hours between their meal and bedtime (they also had a light sandwich or supper type snack). Funny to hear this is your schedule as well. Smachnago! (Polish for Bon Apetit!)
I love the family photo. I was just thinking you needed to take a recent one. 🙂 So Dinner at 14:00, huh? Interesting idea, what time do you eat breakfast and how do you last until then?