Ma's Place: All about food! No wonder my clothes are shrinking!! ;)

This week has been all about food! No wonder my clothes are shrinking!! And all of this time I’ve been blaming the dryer.

Ruma, my Indian friend and investigator wanted to prepare a meal for us so last Thursday we had dinner at her home. We had chickpeas, rice with cumin seeds, a cottage cheese curry, thin homemade naan, a crisp wafer, and rice pudding with cardamom. It was deliciously spicy and fun to learn about her culture. I love curry. Her cottage cheese curry was interesting. We thought the cubes in the curry were tofu but she told us that she buys the cottage cheese at the Indian food market and it comes in a solid chunk like regular cheese.

Sister Anderson, Sister Jenkins, Ruma

Caught me with my mouth full.

Chick peas- don't know the Indian name for this dish.

Cottage cheese curry.

Rice with cumin.

Crisp wafer and rice pudding.

She makes, by hand, her naan every morning before breakfast so her family has fresh naan daily. Her naan is not as puffy as the naan I’ve eaten in Indian restaurants. I think she makes it with whole wheat flour too because it is not white. The crisp wafer she buys at the store. She told us that if it was too spicy not to eat it. I didn’t think it had that much flavor but then I had been eating the very spicy chickpeas and curry so I think my taste buds were on red alert. The rice with cumin (looks like black bugs) and the rice pudding were soothing to my mouth.

Whole wheat naan

Ruma and her two boys are respectful and charming. I have never met her husband. She is struggling because she wants to be baptized but her husband is much against the idea. She did come to church again on Sunday and enjoyed the fast and testimony meeting. I am praying for her husband that his heart will be softened.

On Saturday I went to Olive Garden for lunch with two sisters. I had salmon and broccoli. Quite tame compared with the curry but delicious none-the-less.

Checking before pictures to make sure I didn't have broccoli in my teeth.

At Olive Garden. Sister Benson

Monday I went to lunch with two sisters in Flushing. We had talked one day about how much we like sushi so they invited me to Muzumi, a sushi buffet. I haven’t seen that much sushi in one place before. The selection was awesome. There were many other Japanese dishes to try as well. Needless to say, I got my money’s worth and more. I could have gone for days after and not starved!!

Sister Park & Sister Fields

Sushi buffet

Dessert buffet

Other Japanese delights

Creamed pumpkin soup. Really good!!

I did accomplish a few things more than eat this week. I have enjoyed the morning walks. When Sister Williams hasn’t gone I’ve gone myself. The flowers are beginning to peek above the ground and the skies are blue and beautiful. The days are warming and the nights are perfect for sleeping. I like it cold so I keep my windows open as much as possible.

I saw these gorgeous tulips at the deli florist. Had to brighten my apartment.
Don't they just scream SPRING IS HERE!!!

The missionaries have kept me busy with colds, stomach flu, foot pain, chipped tooth, headaches, fatigue, dieting/weight loss tips, depression, stress, anxiety, home sickness, etc. It is so rewarding to feel that I am able to help in some way. At least the missionaries seem appreciative. I get a lot of joy from interacting with them. I do see the Lord’s hand in this work.

As I’ve read in the Book of Mormon this week, I’ve read in 3 Nephi about Christ’s visit to the Americas after His resurrection. He instructed the people. He taught them to pray, to repent, to be baptized, to partake of the sacrament, to know of His doctrine, to understand the importance of sacred ordinances and covenants, and to endure to the end. In chapter 17 He heals their sick, He prays for them and weeps for them, and He blesses and ministers to the little children. This is a tender and love-filled chapter. I would encourage you to study and read it for yourselves.

The Book of Mormon is a true testament to our Savior and Redeemer. I love the teachings found in this book. They build my faith in my Lord, Jesus Christ and make me a stronger person.

I love you my family and friends.