Taranka vs Potato Chips
May 14th, 2008 by John
Taranka (dried fish)
Yesterday I had another, first-time Ukrainian experiece: I ate taranka–dried, salted whole fish that you break apart and eat the fleshy meat (not the skin, head or bones, of course). “They are much better than potato chips, ” my hosts told me. And let me tell you, they’re way more fishy than potato chips, too. I couldn’t hardly wait to get to my dental floss and toothpaste and brush.
I had dinner with Vlodya and his family. He has a lovely wife and 3 gorgeous daughters. I can identify with him and raise him one. I have four gorgeous daughters. Ilona, his oldest daughter, translated for me. The dinner was “pawt” (or pot), a potato and meat dish served to each one in individual little clay pots. I had mineral water from the Carpathian mountains. It was delicious. The taranka was a “snack” later in the day.
Vlodya arranged for me to teach at New Life Church on the topic “The Kingdom of God and the Christian Life and Ministry.” The sessions are going well. Vlodya is a leader there and there are some serious local church issues he and others are facing. I listened to him and tried to offer encouraging and helpful counsel.
Prayers for me and ministry here and for my family are truly welcomed.
Oh, for a bag of Lays potato chips.
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i replied to your mother’s day link also. it amazes me that you try these unique foods when you are away. Good for you! i don’t know if i could have done it. maybe one!
another beautiful day here in w michigan. the trees have been incredible with their glorious spring flowers. i took pictures of the pink and white dogwoods and the various shades of crabapples. i hope they are still blooming when leah comes on friday. every spring it seems they are more beautiful but i think it’s that we don’t remember the year before or it’s such a glorious awakening from winter.
j and c coming for dinner tonight.
Love you and miss you,
Julie
Can you call me?
John:
A whole new definition for “fish chips.”
The other day a missionary friend of mine from my home town of Fayetteville, ARkansas, skype chatted with me. He told me he was in Arsaga’s, a great local coffee bar. I said I was drinking a cup of instant decaf. He said, “oh, the costs of serving the gospel as a missionary.” Taranka v. potato chips sounds kinda like a good cup of Joe v. instant decaf.