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!

worst illness known to mankind...

let me recap the last week of my life, since i jst started this thing and am already a week behind...
v-day was good. ate subway for lunch and went to a crafts festival.
the next day we got on a train and left for Jaipur. went to a monkey temple and saw a snake charmer. SCARY!
two days later we headed back and that is when i was hit by the worst illness known to man....THE STOMACH VIRUS!
I was on the train and saw indian food being served and i dashed for the bathroom. i def. had an audience and they
were very much involved in the situation. i literally threw up 20 times in 2 hours....i sat on the floor next to the bathroom!
it was awful...the only redeeming event was an old toothless indian man that after my 14th episode handed me a piece of
his caramel hard candy with a huge grin :) thank you, old indian man for caring for me in my time of need!
needless to say, the adventure didnt stop there as i had my head buried in a plastic bag while driving with complete strangers...humbling experiences to say the least. so after an entire night of this sort of thing.... other stomach issues began to appear and i have been under the weather for well, 4 days now! did i mention i love this place....