Inshima.

The foundation of a Zambian meal, the filler, and the necessity to a balanced nutrition. Inshima

is nothing more then corn meal and water, but its the stroke of the spoon, and the final minutes of labour stirring the thick mixture that makes it so special. I have learned to love this substance, and eat it along with many different combinations. Sometimes a hard boiled egg, cabbage, chicken, or dried sardines make a delicious pair for Inshima. Whatever way its served, it fills up your stomach for a time, its cheap, and thats all that matters. During my time in Africa, the Lord laid it on my heart to learn to cook traditional Zambian meals, the traditional Zambian way. I have been fascinated with the ability of these women to make a meal out of whatever is available, and the strength they have to prepare this basic food. Inshima is exhausting to make, it gets so thick and hot that women take turns stirring the mixture. When it’s my turn I usually last about 20 seconds before I am completely wiped out, and have several burns on my hands. These women are dedicated to feeding there children, and Inshima makes it possible for families to have a meal a day. Unlike how we cook to eat, they cook to survive. 

I have learned how vital it is to not only fuel your body with physical food, but to fill it up with spiritual food. The Zambians that I have come to love are so aware of there need for Jesus, there need to be fed by the Holy Spirit, and they thirst for him. Psalm 63 1-3 “ God you are my God. I search for you. I thirst for you like someone in a dry empty land where there is no water. I have seen you in the temple and have seen your strength and glory. Because your love is better then life, I will praise you.” With the knowledge that Gods love is better then life, I have been shown through the love of Gods people and his love for me that nothing else can quench the thirst I have other then the adoration of Jesus. I feel desperate for Christ and his fulfillment, and when I run to him I feel so full I am completely satisfied in his embrace. 

While these women cook not only do they fill the stomachs of there children, but there hearts, by preparing the food with passion and prayer trusting that Jesus will be the fuel they need. In that trust God always provides, and with beautiful smiles on there faces His children pray faithfully before they eat there Inshima knowing that he provided it. They are thankful for each bite, each bone of chicken, and each particle of salt, but mostly they are thankful because His love is better then life and it abounds.