This is the story of my recent “rediscovery” of meat. As some of you may know, prior to the World Race I was a vegetarian. While at training camp I asked (knowing what the answer would be) if I would have to eat meat while in the field. Obviously, yes. I figured I would go home after training camp and slowly ween myself back into eating flesh again. Apparently God had another plan (as per usual).
On “Africa day” we were eating foods similar to what we might encounter while in Africa. Before the prayer at lunch one of the lovely women who prepared our meal had a word to share with us. She explained that if we are served meat in Africa chances are that some of our hosts (most likely the women) would not be eating that meal because they spent extra money to provide meat for us, their guests. She continued that if they put it in front of us, we WILL eat it regardless of what it looks like, smells like, or if we don’t like it or IF WE ARE VEGETARIAN. It is like God called me out right before that meal. I swallowed hard and watched as rice, gravy and chunks of beef were placed in my bowl. I sat down and thanked God for my meal and started to picked up the food with my hands, as they do in Africa. With tears streaming down my face I ripped the beef apart and placed it in my mouth. It was disgusting. It tasted bad, felt gross, and literally made me sick…. and I am SO grateful God brought me through it.
Now, here I am in the Philippines, having chicken, beef, and pork served to us nearly every meal. It is still a struggle at times and I’ve had some close calls with the ole’ gag reflex, but God has given me the strength and ultimately the DESIRE to get out of my comfort zone. Thank goodness that God is capable of helping me unlearn what I’ve tried to teach myself.
(I will post more pictures when the internet decides to be my friend.)
