Spontaneous inspiration meets ravenous hunger....
Tonight as I was searching in the freezer for dinner, I came across a bag of tilapia that I'd bought a while ago. I decided to try it never having cooked fish before. I was feeling like something with flavor, so I got out all my Thai inspired spices and seasonings. I didn't feel like waiting for rice to cook, so I grabbed the next best thing, Annie Chun's rice noodles. After steaming the fish, I added a few sprigs of lemon grass. I let it cook for a bit then added some olive oil to saute the onions and garlic. Once everything was cooked, I added red curry and fresh chili paste. After plating this potentially flavorful dish, I squeezed some fresh lime on top.
Here is the recipe if there are any brave souls out there:
Thai Tilapia for One
1 fillet tilapia
1 small garlic clove
1/4 cup white onion (green would be nice too!)
1-2 pieces of lemon grass
1 teaspoon red curry
1 teaspoon chili paste (or to taste)
1 key lime
1 serving rice noodle or rice
Steam frozen tilapia fillet in skillet. On the side, saute on side: diced onion, pressed garlic clove, lemon grass in olive oil. Add red curry and chili paste. After fish is cooked, serve over cooked rice noodles and serve onion curry mixture over top. Squeeze one lime over top of dish.
(usually you would see a picture of this, but I ate it too fast!)
Friday, June 1, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
International Americans
I am an ESL teacher who works with international students. Everyday, I learn something new about their culture, language, customs and food. I even have the incredible privilege of being invited to share these things with them. I am truly blessed because of these people in my life.
Five years ago, I made the decision to sacrifice a year of my life to live and teach English in China. I had always known it was going to be a monumental step in my life, but I never saw it happening the way it did. When I first felt the Lord calling me to China nine years ago, I thought it was going to be for life to live there with my own family working as a missionary. By the time I got there in '08, I realized God was calling me for only that year. During the years of praying and preparing myself to go to China, my mind and heart began to be opened to the culture, food, and language. I had not yet experienced or had any understanding of the people. I began reading books, eating the most authentic food I could find, and I dabbled a little in the language. When I actually set foot in China on August 16, 2008, it all came rushing over me; the joy and realization that I had accomplished a huge dream of mine. The year itself was challenging. Not loving everyday, and struggling to make it, it was one of the best character builders in my life. Each day I went out among the natives, I was forced to use Chinese. I had no idea what to say, so I learned some key phrases; "Wo yao na ge!" I want that one! and "Ni you mei you"... (that is when I'd held up a picture of what I wanted) That meant, do you have this? Soon after, the store owners and shop keepers got to know me, they would help me with the words. I learned the language through everyday life. Everyday, I had a battle in my mind and heart.... I yearned to get to know them, ask about their families, and so on... but an enormous part of me was terrified. But on the days I had more strength, from God, I ventured out and accomplished what I had come there for; to experience the culture.
Once holidays, birthdays, and family events had come and gone, I had an opportunity to travel to southern China, Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand and Laos. I traveled for 18 hours by train from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou in southern China. There we (two colleagues and I) caught another train to Shenzhen, a city close to Hong Kong. Three days following, we flew from Macao to Bangkok, Thailand. There we spent four wonderful weeks exploring, eating, and meeting people. None of us knew Thai, or where to go. We just had to wing it and try our best. We spent most of our time in the southern Islands of Pukhet, and the northern hills of Chiangmai. We also spent a week in Laos, visiting my cousin and his family who live there. Today, I can say that this adventure mid-way through my year in China is the main cause of my thirst for travel. There is more uncharted territory for me "chart".
Now, you may be thinking, "how does this relate to her first paragraph?" Well, among all the positive experiences had, there were some negative ones. Shop owners would jack up the prices for me because they saw that I was American, little did they know I worked and lived in Asia. When I told them, they were more understanding. There were so many times I felt alone and much like an alien in a distant land, which was so true. Being away from my family and my lifestyle was the hardest thing. Everything I experienced, I wanted to share first hand with those I loved.
Now, I'd like to switch the focus from my own understanding of living in a foreign country to those living in our home country.... Over events in history and America's past, we have become a melting pot of ethnicity and races. After returning from China, I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach English to students from several countries around the world. At first, I was scared, not sure of what a person from such country would do, and how they would behave. After getting to know them, I have learned to understand each student for who he/she truly is, not based on their ethnicity, skin color, religion or gender, but who they are as individuals. I have learned that they are human just like me who have emotions, fears and hearts that feel. They have dreams and aspirations for the future, just like I do. Just like every American does.
I have learned of some encounters that some internationals have had with my fellow Americans. Some have been positive, some, regretfully so, have been negative. As I foster and guide the students in teaching them about our culture, we have had some very positive experiences where we were received with open arms and smiles. One example of this was at a retirement home. The residents were all so interested to learn and speak to another person from a different culture. They even made a flier with all their nationalities. Other times, we have had some very unfortunate experiences that opened my eyes to how closed and narrow minded some people are. Any person who hasn't had the privilege to experience another culture first hand may act out of fear and misunderstanding. Trying to teach our students about American culture can be difficult when we are faced with wrong accusations, judgmental actions and stereotypical comments. Sadly, certain ethnic groups get the worst of it. In my heart, I want to show these people who our internationals really are. Arab, Chinese, Korean, Hispanic, African... you name it; each is deserving of a fighting chance to be an accepted part of our culture.
What is America? Is it expensive cars, comfort, and big houses? Or can we strive to be a something bigger, accepting, understanding and loving people who have been given so many privileges in life? We are "rich" in America, not necessarily by monetary means alone, but also by intangible means. We have been given freedom of speech, lifestyle, and religion. The people who come to this country want the same opportunities.
What is my heart in sharing this? I am not saying that every American is selfish or racist, I am only emphasizing how we may misunderstand and misjudge someone who is different. Sometimes what we do not understand causes us to act out of fear. Let's explore the misunderstanding and learn something new!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Valentine's Day Candy
So this Valentine's Day, I made 429 dipped chocolate and white chocolate pretzels.
My small group at church had it on our hearts to put on a banquet for the residents and staff at Hope Ministries in downtown South Bend. After booking our hall and catering service, not letting cost be a hindrance, there was a collection of way over what we needed from the church in one service. Talk about God making His will done!
So, my job was to make candies for all the people. At Christmas time, I see it as a joy to make candy for those I love and care about, but this candy making experience topped them all. It was a joyful time of making pretzels; decorating them in different colors and designs... I loved it... The actual banquet was amazing. God truly showed up and worked in us in all the right ways.
This goes down as the best Valentine's Day in my book...
Nerds and Sweet Tarts are fun and yummy to dip!
Christmas Candy and Card Making
I did a lot more random candy this year including dipped marshmallows, just for my grandma. She loves them.
I tried a new concoction, raspberry dark chocolate meltaways...
Pretzels, oreos, and candy canes were also a fun and easy candy to make.
Christmas is always so much fun, but after my aunt and I had dipped buckeyes for our family's "after Christmas-Christmas", I was done dipping. I still have some un-dipped centers of my mint meltaways in the freezer.
Cruisin' To Mexico!
Back in May, one of my friends asked if I'd be interested in going on a cruise to Mexico.. of course I said "yes". I hadn't traveled overseas since June '09. I decided it was time to get another stamp on the passport... problem was they don't stamp for Cozumel. Oh well, I still had a blast... Here are some highlights:
Miami Beach
Another Boat... but needed a pic of one to post :)
The First Sunset
Each night we had a fine dining option and of course we took all of them
The morning before Key West... (my favorite)
Key West, FL
Me and Stephanie on the trolley back from Key West
(She and Chasity went parasailing, but I felt like staying on land)
Our way back from Mexico, the waters near Cuba
Our Carnival Imagination Cruise
Another shot of Miami
Cozumel, Mexico
The water was like kool-aid blue!
Me and Cozumel
Our Port
It was a great time... and for those who are worried about Carnival, it was in November, BEFORE the big "capsizing." I don't know if Im gonna cruise again because the waters to Mexico were extremely rough and we all got sea sick. The thought of being in the middle of the ocean was a little scary for me. Mostly the weather was nice and the boat was fun. I needed the time away and it was a nice break from life:)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
So I made up this recipe
for a party and it was a hit... ENJOY!
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
1 small white or red onion
1/4 cup cilantro (or to your preference)
1 large clove garlic or powder
3 small jalapenos (with or with out seeds)
salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
You can substitute the seasons for taco seasoning mix.
Mix vegetables in a colander to drain. Add cilantro, onions, jalapenos, garlic, salt, cumin, and chili powder.
Let it set in the frigde overnight to get the full flavor.
Add 2 avocados right before serving so they dont turn brown.
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
2 cans diced tomatoes, drained
1 small white or red onion
1/4 cup cilantro (or to your preference)
1 large clove garlic or powder
3 small jalapenos (with or with out seeds)
salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
You can substitute the seasons for taco seasoning mix.
Mix vegetables in a colander to drain. Add cilantro, onions, jalapenos, garlic, salt, cumin, and chili powder.
Let it set in the frigde overnight to get the full flavor.
Add 2 avocados right before serving so they dont turn brown.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Top Ten in China
This a VERY late post... I just found it and I wanted to post it....
I wrote down a list of the top ten things I would miss about China. However, I lost the list while packing to come back so this is my attempt at trying to remember!
Number 10:
Bartering in outdoor markets: After my first time at the Muslim market in Xi'an, where I spent way too much, I began to love bargain shopping with the Chinese. The fun part of it was to develop a relationship with the store owner, just enough to get what I want. As my friend Becca advised me; "don't get to attached to one thing, you gotta work the system. If you jump from one place to the other so they can see their competition, that is when you will get them to go down in price". So I took her advice and later when I went to the Pearl Market in Beijing, I had better luck... I have noticed thought that as I was looking for things that I really wanted, I would spent just a little more.
Number 9:
Street food from town: The food is great. My favorite, what we like to call "Crunchy Goodness". its like a large crepe with a few veggies and spices chopped up and an egg cracked on top then some really dark colored sauce and of course, hot chilies. I always say "yi dian la" (a little spice). they always laugh at me. However, I'd say Kaifeng has the best crunchy goodness. They add onions, other green spices, and then flip the thing over and work on the other side so its double sided goodness! MMMMM
Number 8:
Shopping for ridiculous styles: Ive come to love the styles of clothing. It took me about 9 months to really embrace it. (out of the 10 I was there, I'd say I did pretty well. It usually takes me two years to decide I like a new style). I really like looking at shoe, although I couldn't fit into them, it still gave me inspiration to shop here! Earrings, Earrings, Earrings! I had to by three new jewelry holders to hold all the earrings I bought there. Shopping will never be the same again with out the bargaining and ridiculous new styles.
Number 7:
The people: Chinese people are very helpful and thoughtful. They see someone, they help. Especially foreigners. I get lots of looks and stares, not only because I am foreign but also because I am tall. So frequently I'd get some crazy old man asking me "Ni yi mi ba? (are you 1.8 meters)?" I'd say "Dui, Wo hen gao" (yes, I am very tall). I do miss being the main point of interest sometimes but now I just want to be alone! I think its all reversed culture shock.
Number 6:
Traveling. Traveling is so cheap there. It barely costs anything at all. You can go just about anywhere possible and hit lots of hot spots as you go. From overnight trains to public transportation, its a really cheap way to see the country and other parts of Asia. In one year I've been to 6 different countries, seen even more different ethnic groups and minority groups and gotten to experience many different cultures with in the same provinces and regions. (and whats fun is that I wore the same pair of shoes to each of those places, I feel a bit like Forest Gump...)
Number 5:
Culture: There is so much culture as far as history goes. The holidays are a huge festival and each one has a specific story from their long history. My favorite story is the Dragon Boat Festival. My student came over to teach me how to make Zongzi... rice and dates wrapped in a bamboo leaf. Really fun to make but hard to some. The story goes back to a poet. Somehow he ended up in the river. The people make Zongzi and throw it into the river so the fish will eat the Zongzi instead of the great poet. (Very bad interpretation but hey, it's been two years)
Number 4:
Milk Tea (Zheng Zhu Nai Cha): This was my absolute favorite. I would go to the shop before my afternoon class and get a hot vanilla milk tea. I knew all the words for all the flavors. Sometimes there would be a new flavor and I would take the opportunity to try it and learn the word. I really miss my nai cha lady. She was always so patient with me... :)
Number 3:
Riding bikes to the grocery store: There is nothing like the feeling of renting a bike right outside my university for 1 yuan. It was so fun to take a bike down the street, through the busy intersections and round the round about. Trying not to get hit by oncoming traffic was the challenge. Shopping in the store was always a challenge as well. Everything was all in Chinese so I stuck to the usual. It was sometimes intimidating at the bigger grocery stores because they were more focused on sales. The others on campus had more patience with us foreigners. My favorite thing to buy was the koala bear crackers. They are usually filled with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla creme. Yum. Still love getting them at the Asian markets.
Number 2:
Speaking Chinese: I just have to say, after being home now and working with so many international students, I have come to truly miss speaking Chinese. I hung out with a fellow teacher who taught in China. She and I looked up Chinese Grammar and had a blast saying phrases into my Chinese Translator app. Trying to say each phrase with the correct tones can be challenging. You can try to say one thing but with one wrong move, you could say something completely different.
Number 1:
The joy of being on a grand adventure: Every where I turned, something new happened. I felt as though I could soar. Yes, there were some feelings of sadness and depression that came along with being away from home, but the adventure was well worth it. These are thoughts coming from one who has been away from the adventure for sometime. If I were to return today, I would feel torn; but to know that I've had all of these wonderful experiences listed above, it is priceless.
I wrote down a list of the top ten things I would miss about China. However, I lost the list while packing to come back so this is my attempt at trying to remember!
Number 10:
Bartering in outdoor markets: After my first time at the Muslim market in Xi'an, where I spent way too much, I began to love bargain shopping with the Chinese. The fun part of it was to develop a relationship with the store owner, just enough to get what I want. As my friend Becca advised me; "don't get to attached to one thing, you gotta work the system. If you jump from one place to the other so they can see their competition, that is when you will get them to go down in price". So I took her advice and later when I went to the Pearl Market in Beijing, I had better luck... I have noticed thought that as I was looking for things that I really wanted, I would spent just a little more.
Number 9:
Street food from town: The food is great. My favorite, what we like to call "Crunchy Goodness". its like a large crepe with a few veggies and spices chopped up and an egg cracked on top then some really dark colored sauce and of course, hot chilies. I always say "yi dian la" (a little spice). they always laugh at me. However, I'd say Kaifeng has the best crunchy goodness. They add onions, other green spices, and then flip the thing over and work on the other side so its double sided goodness! MMMMM
Number 8:
Shopping for ridiculous styles: Ive come to love the styles of clothing. It took me about 9 months to really embrace it. (out of the 10 I was there, I'd say I did pretty well. It usually takes me two years to decide I like a new style). I really like looking at shoe, although I couldn't fit into them, it still gave me inspiration to shop here! Earrings, Earrings, Earrings! I had to by three new jewelry holders to hold all the earrings I bought there. Shopping will never be the same again with out the bargaining and ridiculous new styles.
Number 7:
The people: Chinese people are very helpful and thoughtful. They see someone, they help. Especially foreigners. I get lots of looks and stares, not only because I am foreign but also because I am tall. So frequently I'd get some crazy old man asking me "Ni yi mi ba? (are you 1.8 meters)?" I'd say "Dui, Wo hen gao" (yes, I am very tall). I do miss being the main point of interest sometimes but now I just want to be alone! I think its all reversed culture shock.
Number 6:
Traveling. Traveling is so cheap there. It barely costs anything at all. You can go just about anywhere possible and hit lots of hot spots as you go. From overnight trains to public transportation, its a really cheap way to see the country and other parts of Asia. In one year I've been to 6 different countries, seen even more different ethnic groups and minority groups and gotten to experience many different cultures with in the same provinces and regions. (and whats fun is that I wore the same pair of shoes to each of those places, I feel a bit like Forest Gump...)
Number 5:
Culture: There is so much culture as far as history goes. The holidays are a huge festival and each one has a specific story from their long history. My favorite story is the Dragon Boat Festival. My student came over to teach me how to make Zongzi... rice and dates wrapped in a bamboo leaf. Really fun to make but hard to some. The story goes back to a poet. Somehow he ended up in the river. The people make Zongzi and throw it into the river so the fish will eat the Zongzi instead of the great poet. (Very bad interpretation but hey, it's been two years)
Number 4:
Milk Tea (Zheng Zhu Nai Cha): This was my absolute favorite. I would go to the shop before my afternoon class and get a hot vanilla milk tea. I knew all the words for all the flavors. Sometimes there would be a new flavor and I would take the opportunity to try it and learn the word. I really miss my nai cha lady. She was always so patient with me... :)
Number 3:
Riding bikes to the grocery store: There is nothing like the feeling of renting a bike right outside my university for 1 yuan. It was so fun to take a bike down the street, through the busy intersections and round the round about. Trying not to get hit by oncoming traffic was the challenge. Shopping in the store was always a challenge as well. Everything was all in Chinese so I stuck to the usual. It was sometimes intimidating at the bigger grocery stores because they were more focused on sales. The others on campus had more patience with us foreigners. My favorite thing to buy was the koala bear crackers. They are usually filled with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla creme. Yum. Still love getting them at the Asian markets.
Number 2:
Speaking Chinese: I just have to say, after being home now and working with so many international students, I have come to truly miss speaking Chinese. I hung out with a fellow teacher who taught in China. She and I looked up Chinese Grammar and had a blast saying phrases into my Chinese Translator app. Trying to say each phrase with the correct tones can be challenging. You can try to say one thing but with one wrong move, you could say something completely different.
Number 1:
The joy of being on a grand adventure: Every where I turned, something new happened. I felt as though I could soar. Yes, there were some feelings of sadness and depression that came along with being away from home, but the adventure was well worth it. These are thoughts coming from one who has been away from the adventure for sometime. If I were to return today, I would feel torn; but to know that I've had all of these wonderful experiences listed above, it is priceless.
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