Sunday breakfast, just like old times

Something that helps me get by here in Malawi is to focus on what I do have here, instead of what I am missing. So I enjoy the fresh, local tropical fruits like bananas and mangos and guavas, instead of longing for berries and peaches.

But sometimes it is nice to have a little taste of home. Back in the States I used to have a french toast breakfast with eggs and coffee every Sunday morning. It was a tradition that my Mom started in my childhood, when she made pancakes for breakfast every Sunday before we went to church. (FYI - my Mom makes the best pancakes in the world. I can't wait to have some when I go home next year.)

I haven't bothered making pancakes or french toast much here because, let's face it, it just isn't the same without maple syrup. And while we have a lot of crops here, maple trees are not one of them.

But all that changed when I opened my care package from Becca and Brandon this week. The box was filled with some of my favorite things, including... maple syrup!!! This called for a celebration. And what better way to celebrate than to make a pancake breakfast?

 (I know it doesn't look pretty, but it tasted amazing. Trust me.)

Thank you so much! It was a wonderful little taste of home on a Sunday morning : )

real life for realz maple syrup!!

There is NO maple syrup (or even fake maple syrup) in Moldova! NONE! AT ALL! ANYWHERE!...til i found this grocery store! The one on the right is 100% Maple Syrup from Canada (so it says) and the other also seems like it's pure maple syrup, but i can't read Russian, so who knows? But regardless...there is at least 1 maple syrup in Moldova, and i found it!!! YAY! ...I didn't buy it tho, cuz 1) it's too expensive and 2) i'm waiting til i get home to revel in all the things (foods) i don't get here (or at least not supposed to!).