Crazy Adventures in the Life of a Redhead

Sayote cake, similar to zucchini, served with tea from Senegal with my Tunisian tea set I have been amusing myself lately by baking goodies for everyone, much to the pleasure of my students and the staff. When I first arrived, little Hannah (the five-year old daughter of two of the staff members) won a toaster oven during our church’s celebration raffle. Making cookies and scones has been fun in the little oven, but I use the wood-burning variety for my cakes and breads, which bake up very well in the rudimentary oven. Three-layered chocolate birthday cake: chocolate overload and delicious Carrot bread One of the things I miss most about being in the United States is baking in a real oven with my preferred ingredients. I cannot wait to bake cookies and cakes and custards when I return home for the holidays! Although I have very limited baking resources, I have become very adept at making do in order to confection delicious desserts. The adage “where there is a will t...

The theme colors were red and black (I'm wearing a dress I had made in Senegal) The Debutante and her 18 Candles A couple weekends ago, I observed and participated in a cherished tradition among Tagalog Filipinos (one of the many ethnic groups found in the Philippine islands): the debut party, which commemorates the coming of age of 18-year old girls into adulthood and maturity. The theme is 18—candles, wishes, roses, dances and presents. (Certainly these are thematic and appropriately associated with the meaning behind the celebration, but these elements make for a long and drawn-out evening of revelry and feasting.) I was chosen to give one of the 18 presents, with an explanation of the reason behind my gift. I gave the debutante one of my scarves, which was made in Korea, received from a friend in Senegal and brought to the Philippines. I told her that if a scarf can easily travel around the world in strange patterns and my many different hands, how much more will t...

About half from the Hosanna Church and half from Happy Family Lots of food for a hungry crowd Last Saturday we had a big youth gathering, combining the students from the Bible school with the young people from the church. Happy Family chipped in for the lunch and the coffee for the afternoon snack, and the church brought snacks and plans for games. I was the speaker and was able to encourage the young people in their faith in Jesus Christ and the need to be a supportive network for one another. Even though I avoided playing the games (I really am not a “game” person), it was nice to hear laughter and to know that everyone was able to have fun together. This Bible school is a great place for gathering and community, as the love of God through Jesus Christ is very palpable and practiced by everyone who lives here. I love to invite people here, for it really is a special place and one that grows on my heart each time I return. Our afternoon snack table:...