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Published: September 3rd 2009
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Jacob and I are thankful for your many prayers on our behalf. Our time here in Malawi has come to an end. However, there were a few tales which remain untold, some of which I would like to share. Let me begin by saying that eating is what I have come to describe as one of my hobbies. It certainly helps if a missionary is adventurous in the food department.
Some years ago, while visiting and preaching in Sri Lanka, off the southern tip of India, I had a rare culinary experience. As should become quickly evident, I am glad the experience was "rare." While accompanying two of the sisters to the sea shore and market area, we happened by the open air meat stand. There on display were the remaining parts of a butchered ox. One of the sisters exclaimed with some degree of delight, something like: "The head is still available!" Her next sentence was a question directed toward me - "Have you ever eaten ox brains?" Well, my response precipitated one of the dish choices presented to me later that day. I can tell you this, I did not get "hooked" on ox brains. Mainly the texture
in my mouth was unnerving. To this day, that remains the most unusual dish I have tasted.
During our first visit to Malawi (2006), my family and I were treated to a meal in the home of one of the members. That was our first taste of nsima (known to us in Tanzania as "ugali") - a thick paste-like mush made from cornmeal. Actually I like the dish, though to my American bred palate, it would be greatly improved with butter and sugar. Along with this was served some very small fish, which we had watched being "cooked" over a wood fire. The reason for those quotation marks, is because the very shallow bit of water was boiling, until the little fish were thrown in. All boiling ceased, and quickly the fish were removed. I will make admission that I did not eat the fish - for even the sauce was hard for me to take in.
One effort we put forth continually is trying not to offend any host or hostess. But there is one "dish" which I am thankful has not tested my resolve. The title above gave you more than a hint, not to mention
the fact that you likely have already eyed the photos. As we drive down the roads in the rural areas we see young boys standing by the roadside waving their mice on a stick to temp potential buyers. I recall having spent 6 years in Iowa, that one trademark for their annual state fair, was foods on a stick. The Iowa state fair serves just about anything "on a stick" - pickles, pork chops, corn dogs, ice cream, corn on the cob, deep fried Twinkies, etc. As much as Iowans can munch from a perched morsel, I'm guessing this Malawian treat would not be nibbled from it's post.
Let me explain the process, so you can appreciate the labors involved in taking these furry fellows from field to food. These industrious young mice masters are equipped with a hoe and off they go. They search the bush country for subterranean nests, and begin to dig. One must dig and another must stand ready to extinguish the life of those that flee. Once a number have been gathered, they are gutted then boiled. They are then put on the stick to dry. The mouse is complete with head, tail, fur, and feet.
Now here is the part you are likely wondering about. What part of the mouse is actually eaten, and how is it prepared? Once purchased, the mouse corpse is boiled as is and eaten from tail to head (to save the best for last). Isaac told me he watched the eating process - a man started with the tail, munching it like a string of spaghetti, then continuing with the body and finally the whole head. Yes the fur and all! What you see in the pictures is what they eat.
I know the New Testament teaches - "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim. 4:4) - but this would not be my meat of choice. Not all Malawians eat mice. Isaac grew up right near the lake, and so became very fond of fish. Others however, learn to relish mice from a young age. So it seems this is one of those meals - you either love it or hate it!
George Jensen
P.S. This report, as all others, is described in truth. I just cannot imagine that fur getting down my throat!
P.S.S. I hope you had as much fun reading it, as I had writing it.
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Amy Hester
non-member comment
foraging
Hello to all the Jensens! Thank you for the insightful blog to keep us "plugged in" to all your experiences. When I got over my disbelief, I could see the mice-on-a-stick as a means of survival for these indigenous people. "Unless you believe, you will not understand." - St. Augustine, 354 AD - 430 AD. We love to forage too, but dandelion and plantain are about as far as it goes! Paul just returned from a mission trip to the Marshall Islands. The natives fed him fresh coconut, red snapper and noni fruit. Maybe not what he would have eaten here at home, but he didn't go hungry. I trust God it caring for you through all your new experiences as well as trials, even if you can not always distinguish one from the other. Blessings Always, Amy Hester