There seems to be a rite of passage for missionaries and until they've tried balut many claim they haven't really experienced the filipino lifestyle. I often hear missionaries talk about their first experience trying this local delicacy. For those who don't know what balut is--it's a fertilized duck egg that is hard boiled. To eat it you crack the top off and drink off the "broth." Then you peel it and eat the insides, depending on the age of the chick you can find feathers, a bill, bones and you just pluck off the feathers and eat the rest. The bones are crunchy but edible.
I have to admit that I haven't tried a balut and probably don't have the stomach to ever do it. While we were waiting for the bus to leave with a batch of our departing missionaries a lady came by with her balut basket and President Carlos offered to buy balut for anyone wanting to eat one. I about fell over when Sister Flory happily agreed to try it. She is only in her second cycle here. Many of us gathered to watch the event.
She has cracked the top and anticipated drinking off the juice.
The broth didn't cause her to flinch. Next she peeled the rest of the egg.
Down it goes, the North American elders were pretty astounded at how she never changed her expression.
She ate every last bite. After it was over she smiled and said, "It just tastes like a hard boiled egg." Her filipino companion on the other hand couldn't finish hers. Wow, this sister missionary has grit.
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