Black Market Bologna
Brett Klingenberg - February 3
When you live in a country where food is rationed, going to the supermarket is like playing the lottery; you are probably not going to get what you want, but occasionally you get lucky. However, when the stores do have your desired item, you can only buy a limited amount. Last Tuesday, Cassie and I got lucky and found wheat flour, which is being rationed along with bread, rice, milk, and sugar. The store only permits a family to buy two packages at a time, so we did as Venezuelans do and split up, each buying two. It’s not uncommon for a shopper to pull up behind you in line with a cart full of ‘rationed food’ and ask you to buy for them, while at the same time handing you cash behind the conveyer belt. It’s an interesting system.
Milk is also weird. We buy our milk at the bakery, of all places. When we ask for milk, we do so quietly so as not to alert other customers that there is milk here. Then the bakery guy goes over to the fridge and pulls out (no more than two!) cartons of milk. He hides the containers under the counter as he puts them in sacks. I make the exchange; he nods politely, and we casually walk out as if nothing happened; I guess nothing really did happen.
When food is rationed, panic and fear follow. It is interesting to watch people line up hours before the stores open just to get a couple bags of flour.
I have also been affected. When I go to the supermarket I shop as fast as I can, trying to get everything before someone else grabs it. I’ve become more possessive and unwilling to share.
Despite the rations, the people of Shalom continue to show incredible hospitality. Just today the pastors gave us a carton of milk, for no reason. Yesterday we were invited to a birthday party where the hostess made a huge cake. It probably required an entire bag of flour, yet she shared generously. I know God will bless her for that, and it gives me hope that I can change. Jesus said not to worry about what we eat or drink, but it is difficult.
Every Sunday during offering time, people can give food donations that go to the poor of the church. Cassie and I gave a bag of flour today. I’m making progress.
Brett Klingenberg - February 3
When you live in a country where food is rationed, going to the supermarket is like playing the lottery; you are probably not going to get what you want, but occasionally you get lucky. However, when the stores do have your desired item, you can only buy a limited amount. Last Tuesday, Cassie and I got lucky and found wheat flour, which is being rationed along with bread, rice, milk, and sugar. The store only permits a family to buy two packages at a time, so we did as Venezuelans do and split up, each buying two. It’s not uncommon for a shopper to pull up behind you in line with a cart full of ‘rationed food’ and ask you to buy for them, while at the same time handing you cash behind the conveyer belt. It’s an interesting system.
Milk is also weird. We buy our milk at the bakery, of all places. When we ask for milk, we do so quietly so as not to alert other customers that there is milk here. Then the bakery guy goes over to the fridge and pulls out (no more than two!) cartons of milk. He hides the containers under the counter as he puts them in sacks. I make the exchange; he nods politely, and we casually walk out as if nothing happened; I guess nothing really did happen.
When food is rationed, panic and fear follow. It is interesting to watch people line up hours before the stores open just to get a couple bags of flour.
I have also been affected. When I go to the supermarket I shop as fast as I can, trying to get everything before someone else grabs it. I’ve become more possessive and unwilling to share.
Despite the rations, the people of Shalom continue to show incredible hospitality. Just today the pastors gave us a carton of milk, for no reason. Yesterday we were invited to a birthday party where the hostess made a huge cake. It probably required an entire bag of flour, yet she shared generously. I know God will bless her for that, and it gives me hope that I can change. Jesus said not to worry about what we eat or drink, but it is difficult.
Every Sunday during offering time, people can give food donations that go to the poor of the church. Cassie and I gave a bag of flour today. I’m making progress.
Praises - we are becoming more integrated with the culture
Prayer Requests - Direction for upcoming decisions regarding our ministry
-new desire to break established routines and be willing to be uncomfortable
-visa renewals
1 comment:
Hi Brett and Cassie, It's so interesting reading your blog. I cannot imagine having food rationing. I suppose it makes you appreciate food availability. Take care, Jewel Yutzy (Ben's mom)
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