Loo with a View!

So, we were making our way through the mountians to one of our first projects,
AND as we swerve back and forth and go over bump after bump...
I realize that my bladder is going to explode!
So, "I yell 'ROCCO' (stop!) to the driver and he pulls over on the side of the road!

So, to make myself out of plain view Ash and I hike down the side of a cliff as
she holds a chadr (large scarf) out to cover me.....
In the meantime she is snapping pics of the experience.

So, I will share them with you! For a good laugh!

Musical chairs and hot potato....

So, today was crazy, we went to an all girls madrasa (schools that only teach islam) and checked out their needs. Most of the girls lost family in the earthquake and cannot take care of themselves, so we are going to use food and such things to get our foot in the door. It was interesting and we will be going back later this week.

Then, after that experience, we went to a "party" for our aerobics instructors 25th wedding anniversary.
(Yes, I did say aerobics and it is just like an 80's videos!)
Well, we played "musical chairs" and hot potato...hahaha...it was hilarious. You have never lived until you play musical chairs with such lively childlike women!!! Well, then being the goofy foreigner that I am...I was picked to perform center stage. they started to play techno music and called me into the middle of the circle to DANCE for them.
I wish I was kidding....so what do you do in front of Muslim women.....booty dance?
those are the only moves I know other than disco moves....so I was at a loss and made an idiot of myself! I wish you all would have been there to see it....

Marvelous life in South Asia!

hmmmmm.....

There are so many things that have happened since my last blog....

Firstly, I moved to another country.
Secondly, I am learning a new language.
Thirdly, I have to cover my head EVERYDAY!

I have yet to experience culture shock in a big way, but a lot has changed since I walked
across the border. I love many things about this place- the woman and children, the food, the mountain view from my balcony, the cool night breeze and my own car with a driver included.

it has been overwhelming, yet I am at such peace and feel the presence of the Father in such a real way!

answered prayer.

I have been praying and asking the Lord to clarify some issues that I have been struggling with in my heart.
Talking to people day in and day out about eternity and religious beliefs began to take a toll on me spiritually.
I began to question some foundational beliefs and even analyze the best way to share with others.

I just want them to believe that they too can be saved by grace.

After much prayer and seeking wise counsel, my dad shared with me Romans 2:4....

"Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness leads you to repentance?"

So, my testifying of God's kindness is most important in my relationships with others! Even above theological debates and deep spiritual discussions. I don't have to know ALL the answers just what the Lord has done for me.

God really answered my prayer and I can only hope that I can show His kindness through my daily walk.

Don't be sorry, wear a saree! - Ashley

I got a saree for a wedding that I was supposed to go to, and didn't end up going! So because I spent 1750 rupees, i am wearing it around the house and maybe to the market for groceries...we'll see!

Okay, I love India again!

I have had a rough couple of weeks... started with a headache,
then progressed into vomiting.
then progressed into potty problems,
then progressed into, yes, it is true, hemroids!
Never had them before (thought only old people got them)
And never want them again! So in the last week, I have been
to the doctor's three times and unfortunatly to my embarrassment
had two of them inspect my rear end! HUMBLING!

So, these have been a rough two weeks, and there is no good
respectable way to explain the events that took place!

But, as of last night I feel so much better....
We went to an Indian wedding festival and it was a BLAST!
We danced the night away to Tina Turner, Madonna, Bon Jovi,
Justin Timberlake, Hoobastank, Elvis, and many Bollywood movie soundtracks!
Did I mention that Ashley and I actually danced with a Bollywood star?!?
(okay, not a hugely famous one, but still!)
We closed the party down and rolled in about 4:45 AM this morning!
I love my job!