So in this post, let’s look at recipes missionaries have shared in the past – first, some with a cultural flavour, either very authentic or variations.  Then, some unique recipes that are just for fun!  (Note: once in a while the recipe isn’t in the post, but is linked to).

Cultural flavours:

• Sarmale Recipe (Romania)
• Pork and sausage shishkabobs and mote with dried peaches (Chile)
• Chupe de Pescado (Ecuador)
• Kourabiedes Greek Christmas Cookies (Greece)
• Empanadas (Mexico)
• Guatemalan/Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup (Guatemala and Mexico)
• Balkan Pie (Macedonia)

Mexican empanadas

• Black Bean Soup
• Chai Mix
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownies
• Gluten-free Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pizza

Last time we looked at some of the world’s most populous countries – 7 of which make up almost 50% of the world’s population.

Today we’re going to visit some of the world’s least populous countries.  These 7 countries represent more than a quarter of a percent of the world’s population!

For obvious reasons, it’s hard to find good posts from the smallest countries of the world.  These don’t include the tiniest countries.  So if you know bloggers from Tuvalu – San Marino – Pitcairn Islands or Liechtenstein, for example – leave a comment!

• Swaziland:  Giving things away?  Servolution!  And a serious reality check – They are all No Codes!
• Botswana:  The challenges of getting nurses in remote clinics
• Republic of Macedonia:  Caught between two worlds – Transitions, Cultural Stress & Being a Foreigner
• Mongolia:  A brand new student centre will be a place for service and outreach – see the video of the grand opening
• Albania:  I enjoyed the recent series of tips – read The Best Book on Missions, Mooch-ionaries?, Who Has The Right-of-Way?, A Woman’s Work, and Stuck in Grammar?
• Uruguay:  Time to dream about the future at a Bimonthly Men’s Meeting
• Moldova:  Facing challenges with a big God, and a lighthearted title over a serious issue – What?? No Facebook!

The topic this month is poverty.  I’m going to do a couple of things here.  First, let’s look at some posts on the topic, including our two entries:

• No Getting Used to It – Macedonia
• Poverty and Community – Mexico
• Keeping Our Eyes Wide Shut – United Kingdom
• Value? – Kenya

All right, now.  I decided to add something else to this post that you might find interesting.  We’re going to do a quick blog tour of some of the world’s poorest countries. Below are a few of the bloggers who are in some of these countries.  Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re working with the world’s poorest people, but I think if you visit these blogs you’ll learn a bit about these areas.  Now remember, at least half of the people in these countries live on US$1 or less per day:

• under the acacias – Burkina Faso
• Livesay (Haiti) Web Log
• HAITI – CORAM DEO
• Our Journey…… – Liberia
• Malagasy Musings – Madagascar
• Flaming Waters – Malawi
• Chats with Cindy – Niger
• Life in Niger
• wings118 – Sudan
• Faders in Africa – Sudan
• Strong Confidence – Uganda
• paradoxuganda – Uganda
• Jonathan’s McBlog – Tanzania

This post was written to coincide with Blog Action Day 2008.

I’m not quite ready to give up on the blog carnival idea – stay tuned for more!

Let’s start in Indonesia, to see how the fasting of Ramadan changes life for some newcomers.  Actually, same blog, earlier post – more general info about Ramadan…

Over in Macedonia, read Ramadan Begins & The Call to Prayer.  Stay tuned because Carolyn is hoping to share more about Ramadan as she learns.

This is an interesting one from last year – Bunny Rabbit talks a little about what the children are doing during Ramadan (Niger).

This is not only about Ramadan, but check out the colourful conversation that took place in 7A and B.  It really provides some insights into the Muslim world, from a personal level.

An an honourable mention… two blogs are focusing us on prayer for the Muslim world:  WBTN and Our “Wright”-ing Pad, using materials from 30-Days International.

(Unrelated note:  If you’re a missionary, be sure to take part in our current blog carnival, on the topic of poverty.  Don’t wait until the deadline!)