What’s Red, Spiny, and Sweet?

Does anyone know what these red, spiny things are?

I’ll give you a hint.

We came across these on the streets of Xenacoj before we passed the “laundry mat” that I talked about yesterday and before we arrived at the backyard party that I mentioned on Monday.

Do you give up?

They are called Rambutan.  They are originally from China, but they are also found throughout Central America.

When you peel away the spiny shell, a white grape-like fruit.  For more pictures and an explanation of how to eat a Rambutan, click here for the wikiHow link.

As we walked by this street fruit stand, we stopped to look at this strange fruit.  Before we knew it, the missionary and his son were encouraging us to try one.  We asked if it was safe.  To which, he responded that they were safe based on the shell surrounding the fruit.

Within a little more encouragement, my wife and my kids were cracking open their first Rambutan.  I chickened out not wanted to risk getting sick so early in our trip.  Apparently, the risk was worth it as indicated by the sounds of satisfaction coming from my family.

I have to give my family credit.  They took a leap of faith.

Was it a big leap?  I suppose not, but it still took a certain amount of trust to believe our missionary hosts.

I wonder how many wonderful things we miss, because we are too afraid to take leap.

I don’t know about you, but life is too short to miss out.  I’m not suggesting that you do something stupid.  I’m merely recommending that you get outside of your comfort zone and try something different – something that requires risk.  As I’ve shared before, going to Guatemala was a leap of faith for our family, and I can tell you that it was completely worth it.

Maybe it means going on a mission trip to someplace like Guatemala.

Maybe it means trying a strange piece of fruit (or other food).

Maybe it means walking across the street to talk with a neighbor.

Take time to try something new TODAY!

When have you taken a risk by trying something new?  How was the experience?  What was your holding you back?  What was it like after taking the risk?  What risk do you need to pursue?

(For me, one of the risks that I need to pursue further is writing a book.  It’s been on my list of things to do for a while, but I seem to let other things (including fear) get in the way.)