It's hard to believe that our time is almost over here in India. We have one more day left and then we start our travels to China. Here are some things I will miss:
~~seeing cows freely roaming the streets (an odd sight to get used to)
~~riding in the auto rickshaw (an open taxi with three wheels) around town, wondering if this will be the time that we will hit one of the pot holes hard enough to actually get thrown from the side
~~the heat (ok, I am just kidding on that one, but it is going to be freezing in China)
~~the food...believe it or not, I am enjoying most of the dishes we have had
~~the other team from Montana that we have been working with
~~the traffic...it is bit scary at first, certain that you we be involved in an accident, but you learn to walk safely across the street and not gasp too loudly as the cars dodge each other
~~the wonderfully friendly people of Manipal
Even though some of these things sound a bit sketchy and not all together "safe", it is part of the culture and the environment here and it all works together to make India what it is. And I know China will hold so many things for me and I am excited to see what is going to happen there. Two countries in two months...I am a very blessed girl.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
19 days since I've had a warm shower...
I have been in India for 19 days and it has been that many days since I took a hot shower...but it has been worth it. To tell you the truth, it's almost too hot most of the time and the cool water is welcomed.
I had heard so many stories about this country before coming, but I really didn't know what to expect...and this experience has been so much more. Unfortunately I can't post pictures from this computer so it has to wait for another month.
I am learning a lot...and still getting confused at times...by the Indian culture. One of the biggest ones is that I still have to guess when people are saying yes or no by the way they shake their heads. In the states, we nod our head up and down which means yes and turn is side to side to say no. Well, here, they don't nod...the bob their head from side to side and it looks an awful lot like no...but it's yes. So we ask questions and they bob their heads, and it takes a minute to try to discern whether the answer is yes or no.
Almost every day, we walk from our house down to the college campus and the surrounding area to meet with people, talk to them about their culture and tell them about our culture and beliefs. We have made a number of friends that we meet for coffee and build up that relationship. It's been interesting to learn from them, but also to have the chance to share our beliefs. Challenging, but great all the same.
We have joined another team for the time being. Within that team, they have a number of very talented musicians and were able to perform a free concert for the town. We had about 650 people show up, which was a pretty good turn out. Combining teams is not always easy, but this has been a wonderful experience and the two groups work very well together.
We only have a few days left here in India (where the weather is always HOT...somewhere between 95-100 everyday and humid), and then I will be wishing for a heat wave in China. The team is sad about leaving here, but also very excited about something new and getting to do a few different things.
Thanks for all your prayers.
I had heard so many stories about this country before coming, but I really didn't know what to expect...and this experience has been so much more. Unfortunately I can't post pictures from this computer so it has to wait for another month.
I am learning a lot...and still getting confused at times...by the Indian culture. One of the biggest ones is that I still have to guess when people are saying yes or no by the way they shake their heads. In the states, we nod our head up and down which means yes and turn is side to side to say no. Well, here, they don't nod...the bob their head from side to side and it looks an awful lot like no...but it's yes. So we ask questions and they bob their heads, and it takes a minute to try to discern whether the answer is yes or no.
Almost every day, we walk from our house down to the college campus and the surrounding area to meet with people, talk to them about their culture and tell them about our culture and beliefs. We have made a number of friends that we meet for coffee and build up that relationship. It's been interesting to learn from them, but also to have the chance to share our beliefs. Challenging, but great all the same.
We have joined another team for the time being. Within that team, they have a number of very talented musicians and were able to perform a free concert for the town. We had about 650 people show up, which was a pretty good turn out. Combining teams is not always easy, but this has been a wonderful experience and the two groups work very well together.
We only have a few days left here in India (where the weather is always HOT...somewhere between 95-100 everyday and humid), and then I will be wishing for a heat wave in China. The team is sad about leaving here, but also very excited about something new and getting to do a few different things.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
I'm in India!
I realize that good intentions do not get this blog updated...and i apologize...again! I am back from Miami...it was a good trip, for those that were not stuck in a bed sick all week (that would be me!)
I have now left on another trip, this was a bit further than Florida...I am writing from Manipal India. I only have a few minutes at the internet cafe before having to head back to the house with the team, but I wanted to let everyone know that I arrive safe and sound. It is definitely a different world. It took us 4 days of traveling to arrive, but it was worth every minute, and it has only been one day. Still 3 weeks to go.
I will write as often as I can, but I can not make any guarantees...not that anyone actually expects me to update all THAT often, but i will make the effort.
Thanks for your prayers. I love you guys!
I have now left on another trip, this was a bit further than Florida...I am writing from Manipal India. I only have a few minutes at the internet cafe before having to head back to the house with the team, but I wanted to let everyone know that I arrive safe and sound. It is definitely a different world. It took us 4 days of traveling to arrive, but it was worth every minute, and it has only been one day. Still 3 weeks to go.
I will write as often as I can, but I can not make any guarantees...not that anyone actually expects me to update all THAT often, but i will make the effort.
Thanks for your prayers. I love you guys!
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