As I mentioned in my last post, one aspect of cultural preparation often overlooked during the scoping process is the centrality of food. When we moved to Ireland after living our entire lives in California (punctuated by two years in Texas) we entered into a food culture that was completely foreign to our lifestyle. We had no idea what the Irish ate or more importantly how food nuanced our relationships with people. For instance, “calling ‘round” unannounced to someone’s house for a cup of tea and a “bickie” was *gasp* normal. Having tea, fresh milk, chocolates, and biscuits on hand for the potential caller was of utmost importance, yet to us this was (initially) highly intrusive. It took us a while to warm to the idea of having people drop in or go to someone’s house uninvited.

In Portugal, we discovered that meeting for a meal in someone’s house was unusual until a close friendship was formed. However, once considered “family friends” all bets were off. Additionally, we’ve found over the years that when visiting my wife’s aunt in Portugal it is offensive to not plan to eat at her house. Even when she was ill during our visit this past September, not eating with her was out of the question! Even sick with a cold, she proceeded to fix us a beautiful lunch complete with different meats, vegetables, bread, cheese, and wine. Food was a way of demonstrating her familial love for us although we wished she would have stayed in bed.

“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are” -

Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

When we fail to consider food’s importance we unconsciously assume that all cultures see food as we do. This in turn dims our ability to speak into the lives of those we’re trying to share Jesus with. In other words, its difficult to share Jesus when you can’t share a meal together. What we eat, how we eat it, the quality and freshness of ingredients, who we eat with, where we eat and the time of our meals all play an important part in assimilation. While not the be-all and end-all, these are important ideas to consider during preparation not just after our arrival. Start now by reading blogs and books, buy a cultural cookbook, interview your national partners, carefully observe the role of food during your scouting trips, all in an effort to better understand and reach your adopted culture with the Gospel. It’s impossible to know the extent of food’s importance before arriving but it’s foolish to assume it has none.

One last important item...in becoming a Christian foodie don’t forget to have fun! Things always taste better that way.

Tags: Missionary Life, Missions