tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79845138900715404472024-03-13T22:15:27.165-07:00Wabota WorldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-76594310925316213052019-02-17T19:25:00.000-08:002019-02-17T19:25:38.467-08:00Production Value<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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Am I doing
enough?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gasping for
checks to be placed in boxes,</div>
Grasping for
perceived results.<br />
Frenetic
production and idle detoxes,<br />
Mirrored
pendulum of praise and insults.<br />
I am what I
do.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The weight
is eased to aggravation:</div>
A dark kite
tethered to my waist,<br />
Not ceasing me
from forward motion, <br />
But evident
slowing down of pace.<br />
I am what I
am.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The reins from
soul to deeds are slacked,</div>
Breakers ceased
on seas within.<br />
The Word saved
us from self-attack,<br />
Abundant
life that springs from Him.<br />
I AM: Whom I
serve.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is “doing”
enough?</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-38475500610104863682017-04-16T19:55:00.000-07:002017-04-16T19:55:29.653-07:00Burial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This season
of the year we are drawn back into a connection with the death, burial, and resurrection
of Christ. We talk of the agonizing
torture and the weight of our sins. And
our souls gasp. It could have been us;
it should have been us. But it was Him:
our Groom, Savior, Master, and King. We
are convicted and saturated with grateful awe.
And after we are swept into the darkness of that day, we reflect on the
explosively glorious act of air filling stale lungs. A single heartbeat resurrects the rhythm in a
cold chest, echoing the life of days past.
Eyelids flutter and the Creator made flesh made death a joke. And we proclaim “He is risen,” “He has
conquered,” “We are saved!” We sing
songs and raise hands to the One who proclaims victory over separation and
decay. Creation has a way back to the
goodness of His intention. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We hold
hands in pews and pass the ham around the family table, for what is better than
the created intention of family? We say
grace and thank the Father for the death and resurrection, forgetting the
burial altogether. We don’t want to gaze
on that span bookended by tragedy and majesty.
During that time we look to the disciples and mirror their tear stained
faces in our hearts. We look all around
at the mother, brothers, followers, betrayers, and skeptics. But we keep our back to the tomb, that cave
of death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We fail to
see that many of our community resonate most with the symbolism of the
burial. Cold stagnate air carries isolation
so dark that even self isn’t recognized.
Layer upon layer of spices to cover the smell that hangs all around;
anything to cover up the pervasiveness of Death. Nothingness so rich that it is nearly
tangible. Stone edges preventing comfort
on any side. A prison of silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As a body,
let us see the tomb. Let us look upon it
and see our Lord and our brother and our sister. For those among us holding your breath for
relief, know that in Christ the grave is finite. Just as the Maker said to the oceans, “This
far you may come and no farther,” so has He shackled the tomb to itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And know
that it is ok that you are there, our Messiah was too. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-75164791960687568512016-02-04T19:38:00.000-08:002016-02-06T11:30:37.994-08:00Last Letter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My Granddad was a beautiful human. The excerpts below are from a letter to family and friends that he knew would be his last. I can't say any of this better than he did. May the blessing of his existence extend to all who read. <div>
<br /> "I am so grateful for Lou. She was pierced with goodness all the way through. Thanks, God, for all those years. Your mother was truly extraordinary in so many ways. I often have the wish to convey to her, even now, what she meant to me in all the years we had together. She somehow, it seems to me, represented all that is good in the human spirit. Lou and I have been so blessed with you kids. Without dwelling too much, each of you are better in so many ways than we would have dreamed; accomplishments, character, integrity, and the good things built into personality are so far ahead of what we would have expected for our kids, their mates, and our grandkids. We have been equally blessed with the mates you have chosen...so many accomplishments by each but being a good person is so evident in all. And absolutely great grandchildren...haven't given up on one. There is so much talent in all our grandkids I hope they don't come to expect too much of themselves, and to remember that failure is not lack of success because it is a learning experience.<br /> Couple of thoughts: First, how faith has so much to do with all of our lives and that of our kids and grandkids. I would recommend a personal daily reminder strongly. Religion is very simple, despite mankind's complications: (Organized religion is where complications come in.) Either there is a God or there is not. A designed universe and both secular and religious history records pretty firmly a God and a Jesus. <br /> Think God daily. Not just thank...think. He is. Thank Him too, but think Him. If you have a shaky or broken relationship mend it today; tomorrow may never come. Strengthen your marriage every day in some small or large way...EVERY day. Happiness comes most quickly and lasts longer for givers. Cars, dollars, furniture, and houses can bum, rust, and become of little real value. Relationships can bum also; Install fire fighting gear by planning for conflict and how to deal with it. Put out relationship fires while they are still just starting.<br /> It's true...you should not sweat the small stuff. There are more good people than bad by far. Remember the good, and forgive the bad! Take lots of pictures. Never give up. If tomorrow is too terrible to contemplate, don't! Think today. Don't work about failing or being wrong. If I counted all the times I was right and all the times wrong, I might not like the numbers. Fear of failure is no reason for not trying. Truly don't sweat the small stuff.<br /> Wipe off any tears...life has given us many things to enjoy: fun to goofup some things...remember the flipper dinger promotion...and BODAP; failures all. It's not failing or losing or winning that counts...it's the aftermath of what you do with life; handling failures or handling success, which may be the more difficult of the two. Life is like a golf course: some fairways wide and friendly, some narrow and trapped, but all navigable with the green the goal ahead like the I Peter 1:9 passage: "You are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul."<br /> I'll see you in another place, another time, another dimension...if things run sour healthwise to any of you just remember I'll ask the Lord to reserve a spot for you and we'll talk some more then. Loving deeply makes you deeply vulnerable. It's worth it. God bless you all.<br /> How blessed I am wonderful marriage, great offspring and grandchildren (and now great GC...) a terrific town and more good friends by far than I have ever deserved. And a blessed Lord a constant companion...'a refuge in distress' and an inspiration when befuddled."</div>
<div>
<br /> -Bob McKune</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-60904584404733900032014-12-16T20:35:00.002-08:002014-12-16T20:35:56.682-08:00The Great 31<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Recently
my wonderful parents celebrated their 31<sup>st</sup> wedding anniversary. I wasn’t able to make them the traditional
anniversary dinner. In lieu of beef
stroganoff, I wish to offer this post as a sort of emotional beef stroganoff:
savory but not too mushy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><u><i>Thirty One Reasons my Parents are Awesome:</i></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(Not all of these have to do with
their marriage, but rather the family God has built through them)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dancing to
weather channel music…and then googling it, buying the whole album on iTunes,
and explaining the “cool groove” to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 2) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They apologize
with ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 3) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Puns, lots of
puns…and vegetable jokes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 4)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They try new
things and adopt unusual hobbies, jumping in with both feet <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“From scratch”
takes on a whole new meaning after watching mom whip up a meal or hearing dad
grind down wheat for pancakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 6)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They pour
affirmation on me, even when I disagree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 7)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They get
passports when I go out of the country for the “Just in Case.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 8)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Advice, mostly
solicited advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 9) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They are
hard-working and well respected. I’m
never embarrassed or ashamed to claim them as my heritage. Unless there is dancing in public parking
lots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 10)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Willingness to
drop everything and come to me when I need it.
This is not just a figure of speech.
I’m talking about ‘serious, taking time off work, I’ll be there tomorrow’
kinds of stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 11) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dad defends mom,
even when that is from me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 12)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They know the
Bible better than most people I know.
They know it and they treasure it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 13) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer happens a
lot: on the phone, in the car, walking out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 14)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They are able to
buy each other clothes and actually love said clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 15) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nobody gets
sensitive about Christmas lists with exact amazon links. They make it simple and still act surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 16)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They taught me
what serving others really looks like: inviting people into your home and into your
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 17)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They bestow
unlimited forgiveness on each other…and hopefully me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 18)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They took the
time to make childhood bedtimes fun with lullabies and guitar sing-a-longs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 19)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am learning
more and more the burden of taking care of a human being, namely myself. They provide for their children without
complaint. That is two humans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 20) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Movie
quotes. Conversations are peppered with,
“Some things in here don’t react well to bullets,” as well as countless other ‘classics.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 21)</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They are cup
half full people. When we (the kids)
couldn’t come for Christmas Day, they spent it in the pediatric ward of the
hospital to distribute presents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 22) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Their hands are
always open in generosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 23) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Family lessons
about safety first have prepared me for tornados, house fires, kidnappers,
earthquakes, bio-terrorism, landslides, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 24) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Emotions are
shared openly and sentiment is never downplayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 25) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They bring me
down to earth when I contemplate cutting off my electricity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 26) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They give me
valuable lessons about life and boys like, “You only get one first impression.” I may not take them all to heart, but I’m
still glad that they try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 27) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Education was
displayed to me as an opportunity and a blessing. I was allowed to push myself, but never
crushed under the pressure for good grades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 28) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They look at all
of my pictures when I get back from any trip…along with listening to countless
stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 29) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Together they
are obviously something greater than when they are apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 30) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They keep me
humble. “We pay your friends to hang out
with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 31) </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They love God. They
have embodied that love in their marriage and lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mom and Dad, I’m pretty sure you are the only people
that read this the whole way through.
Happy anniversary and I love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-51477805471575518842014-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:002014-05-17T09:53:20.201-07:00Pedal to the Settle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Settle. This
word brings to mind many thoughts: of pilgrims colonizing a new land, of
sediment compressing over time, of consigning oneself to the next best option,
of progressing to a stage in life in which routine is normative. None of those sound very appealing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m the type of person that uses Pinterest to
explore the world, not to peruse wedding dress necklines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m the type of person that legitimately gets giddy
in airports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was always up for the next adventure and I can
remember a time in my life when I was downright phobic of 9-5 jobs. (Thankfully, now, I work 7-4.) The thought of staying in America made me feel
trapped. “Settling down” and “putting
down roots” were far off notions. But somewhere
along the way, I got really tired of goodbyes.
I got tired of starting over every 6 months. Getting to know people just enough to love
them and then checking out seemed wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Now here I am…in America…two hours away from the
town I grew up in. It </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">isn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> very exotic. Nine months seems like an eternity. I’ve fought this settling thing, going as far
as to treat my apartment as a place to camp out in rather than a home. A nomad’s resting place. I thought that this was what God wanted: Don’t
get attached. You will leave soon
anyway. Don’t get used to luxury. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Recently I have been given the opportunity to move
into a more permanent dwelling. A place
I can most accurately describe as a cottage.
Choosing to take advantage of this opportunity has been quite the
struggle. I have been confronted with
some lies in my heart. But I have
learned that God wants me to invest. If
I go through and think about the different individuals that I have met since
moving to this city, I can easily say, “That is worth my life. That is worth the investment.” No more camping out. I am going to make this house a home. I will invest in these people and this place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I may someday leave this city. But I am choosing to live this way: If every day of my life is exactly the same
as today, it is still a life that I am more than happy to live for God. This life is worth it. God has given me something great and I dare
not insult his gift by living life anything less than abundantly. Besides, if I do leave someday, I want it to be
hard. Really hard. I want to have a life with so much love that
saying goodbye is painful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Let the roots grow deep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-73231991794733269882013-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:002013-11-17T19:08:09.296-08:00Longing to Return: A Time to Mourn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today marks the 4 year anniversary of leaving a place very dear to me: Namwianga. I am torn about how to feel because society says things like, "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened." Well that is all well and good, but I believe that there is a time for everything: "...a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."<br />
<br />
So today I mourn for a time that I will never get back. I mourn for children I will never hold again. I mourn for friends that I will never see or hear from again on this earth. I mourn for adventures that are over and for lessons that have been long learned now. I mourn for the relationships that I had with my classmates that have dimmed over the span of time and distance. I mourn as I read through my Zambian journal and remember the goodbyes that I wrote about:<br />
<br />
"As I was walking away, she told me to wait and asked for a kiss. I kissed her on the cheek and she didn't wipe it off. There is no word to describe how much I love that 5 year old girl. She told me that she loved me too."<br />
<br />
"I said, 'I love you.' He said, 'I love you.' Then I asked for kiss and he gave me one. I have never been so happy to have the snotty face of a little boy pushed up against mine as I was in that moment."<br />
<br />
"...we drove down that beautiful tree lined road to the Havens and my heart shattered. I will never have this again."<br />
<br />
But I do not mourn as those who have no hope. I have the hope that just as Jesus promised, those who mourn will be comforted. I have hope that I will have something better after this world, even if I will never have it again in this world.<br />
<br />
This is a poem that I wrote just after I arrived back in the States. I still long for this.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Return<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I want to see the Jacarandas, Bright
above the sand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I want to walk a mile just to
hold a tiny hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I want to sing and dance and talk
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Where people understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I want to leave the task by task,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Return to that still land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I long to feel connections and
not minutes slipping past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I long to comfort those in pain,
not stare with eyes aghast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I long to walk and pray and dwell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">On things I know will last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I long to be a hand of God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Help the weak to hold Him fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But I’m not there, for I am here
so distant from my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I have to face the future,
seeking what life can impart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I want to remember everything,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">With mem’ry I’ll not part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’ll use the past and clean the
slate,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Give this place a fresh new
start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So, I’ll see the Jacaranda’s
warmth in a smile so sweet, unplanned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’ll walk many more miles holding
to a larger hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’ll go and sing and dance and
talk,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Help people understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As I wait, someday I know I will<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Return to that still land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-43256679037965768742013-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:002013-07-01T14:59:30.282-07:00Say It, Don't Slay It<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Being back in the States has both made me marvel at the
extreme consideration and shudder at the utter carelessness of the words and
actions of those around me. So this is a
list of DOs and DON’Ts to consider for those returning after an extended stay
in another culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DO ask specific questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Some
of my favorite conversations about India have consisted of concise and specific
questions. Questions like “What was your
first impression of India?”, “What do you think God was trying to teach you?”,
or even “What kind of clothes did you wear?” are all appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DON’T ask about “favorites.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> It
is extremely difficult to describe one’s entire experience in response to “What
was your favorite thing about being there?”
A better way to start a discussion might be the “Tell me about a time
when…[you were scared, you felt the most excited, you saw God work, etc.].” This will ensure a single story (which IS the
aim of the “favorite” model) without causing the overwhelming feeling of
ranking experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DO be very tactful when asking questions based on
stereotypes or cultural assumptions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> I
cannot count the number of times that I was asked about curry (because, of
course, that is the only thing Indians eat), turbans (because obviously every
Indian man wears a turban), call centers, Slumdog Millionaire, belly dancing,
snake charming, and “those forehead dots.”
It is perfectly fine to be curious about a new
culture. But it is important to remember
to ask these things in the right way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Turn “How did you handle eating spicy curry every
day?” into “Describe the local cuisine. What did you eat on a normal day?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DON’T make the statement, “I bet you are so happy to
be back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> This
seems like an innocent enough statement.
However, this statement requires a response…a rather confusing
response. Most people don't only love America
or only love their new culture. There is
usually a degree of love of both cultures.
So while it may be totally true that one is glad to be in America, acknowledging
that may feel like a denial of love for the other culture. You see, we spend our time (as in most of our
days) trying to fit in and love this new place.
What we don’t need is to feel completely invalidated in our quest
because others imply that it is a ‘lesser’ life. Try instead, “I’m glad to see you back. We sure missed you and love you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DO ask about people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> I
think that many would agree with me when I say that the best things about every
place in the world are the people. The
things we miss the most are often the people.
The biggest blessings are the people.
So find out about them. Listen to
their stories and let the knowledge of God’s global work connect you to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DO take the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Five
second conversations between Bible class and worship services are just not long
enough. Take advantage of these small
windows of opportunity to schedule another get together. It takes time to listen and it takes time to
share. Offer that time. Offer that gift. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Well
these are just a few pointers to get people thinking about HOW to talk to our
dear friends that return. Also, I don’t
want to imply that perfection is required for these kind of interactions. Even people that have hurt my feeling so much
by saying the wrong things are still very dear to me. I am not mad.
I have been bestowed with a mess of grace and because of this I have a responsibility
to bestow grace on others…as we all do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-938514152424552892013-05-17T08:20:00.001-07:002013-05-17T08:20:28.449-07:00Treasure<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Well, I had thought that after some time I would
write about re-entry into American culture.
But, you know, it </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">hasn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> been that bad.
I can’t really put my finger on why: I have already done it once, I
missed people, Prayers. It almost feels
wrong to not be freaking out. But I’m
totally not going to let myself pull that “feeling bad for not feeling bad”
stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The strangest thing has been moments where I totally
forgot something. It is hard to recall
incidents of this because after one moment of déjà vu, the details just mold
right back into my picture of the way things are. Little things like door knobs and light
switches. Or brushing teeth with tap
water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I think one of the trickiest things to navigate is
not having someone to experience the memories with. When “This one time in India” gets old to
everyone else, I can’t turn to someone and say “Remember that one time in
India…” I just remember to myself. Hindi is almost like my own secret code now…which
is cool, but is also ironic considering that it is the 3<sup>rd</sup> most
spoken language in the world. I miss
people that nobody around me now even knows.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It is easy to let myself get down about this. But I’m reminded of something very simple
that a friend wrote to me sometime around the beginning of the year: “Happy
last few months in India. Treasure
them.” This really struck me then and it
continues to resonate with me now. It
reminded me of Luke 2:19. “Mary
treasured up all of these things, pondering them in her heart.” This may seem like a stretch. I’m under no delusion that my life experience
is anywhere as unique as Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. However, this did plant the idea in my head
that these experiences might be a gift from God that is just a treasure for me,
something to just keep in my heart that is special. Don’t be misled though! I will talk your ear off about India if you
ask me to. But if you don’t, that’s ok
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In other news, I have decided to continue this whole
blogging thing. No life is composed of
only the “exciting” parts of international travel. Actually it can be pretty exciting at home
too. Regardless, please continue to
read. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-3796731133458412702013-04-05T10:28:00.002-07:002013-04-05T10:28:53.544-07:00Looking Back: September to December<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following are assorted excerpts from my journal at the beginning of my trip. I don't know whether these are comical, blunt, or insightful. Honestly, they really have no rhyme or reason. Enjoy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The rest of the night included an overflowing diaper, some
more wonderful Indian food, another train, another rickshaw, and a collapse in
bed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think I am suffering from a hefty case of caffeine withdrawal.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…she asked me to make tea and I panicked.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess that’s normal in India.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Also, they don’t have manila folders in India.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Bus to Gorakhpur: 2 hours, no room, sleeping, bag fell on
my head.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Train all day. Sick
& miserable: tells no one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My room is once again crazy central.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11/3 one word entry: “Blur”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I hate not being perfect…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jay walked into a glass door. Funny, but not funny.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Orphans, in my experience, are the sweetest human beings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Grocery shopping: check! Terrible Daal: check!”<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-68333851806565321982013-04-01T11:24:00.003-07:002013-04-02T10:11:59.362-07:00USS Playtime<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was once a child.
In fact, I held on to many childlike qualities longer than most
people. I won’t lie. I enjoy a good bed sheet fort. I may eat pancakes in the middle of the night. But after some time, responsibilities come. Responsibilities and expectations and
grown-up things are all good. Working is
good. Sometimes, though, I have found
that the energy spent on these grown-up things really takes the wind out of the
sails of the USS Playtime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">However, during certain times during my stay in
India, I have rediscovered the joy and sheer necessity of play. And let me tell you: It is stellar. The children that I am around on a near daily
basis are always at me to play with them.
Example: <i>*After 5 minutes of me
working on my computer*</i> “Are you going to be working ALL DAY?” And sometimes, I dig deep to find the energy to
play from somewhere between yesterday’s biryani and a rib.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some days I am a carnival ride, flinging children
here and there while trying to avoid the ceiling fan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some days I am a mountain. I lean back in a chair and hold little hands
as little feet make the treacherous climb to “Shoulder” peak. This is inevitably followed by an avalanche
of epic proportions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some days I have to fight off Vesuvius. I’m sure you heard of him. He is the mind that lives inside my right hand. He often wakes up from naps and is very
hungry for tickles. I try to hold him
back from little ribs, but to no avail.
Vesuvius occasionally will turn on me to feed his tickle appetite. Et tu, Brute?
He is also open to answering any questions with a mere nod or wag of the
hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Some days I succumb to the kazillion begs to go down
with the children to the playground. At first
this is just another job, but wait until a swing opens up. There is nothing quite like swinging through
the warm Indian air, rickshaws buzzing in the background, girlish giggles
resounding below my feet. Of course,
this is usually interrupted by requests for the famed “Big Boost” on the swing
that comes in three levels: To the Moon, the Sun, or the Stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And on the one occasion that I spent a few hours at
the Embassy, I took full advantage of a field of none other than my
former-nemesis-turned-bff: grass. Tag
and running. How many cartwheels can I
do without stopping? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Judge me. Go
ahead and think that I’m immature. But I
know the truth. Play is medicine from
God and He has given me five little nurses to make sure that I don’t miss one
single dose. So don’t be too
serious. Buy some sidewalk chalk. Get sweaty.
Turn on the sprinkler. Have fun
and PLAY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-74456796204871020082013-03-27T11:14:00.001-07:002013-03-27T11:14:09.944-07:00Esther 4:14<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well it has been several WEEKS since I have
written. Shameful. I have brainstormed many times over the
course of the past few weeks about what I could write: my experience with
cooking, stuff Indians DO, all about Hindi movies, September until now, and
many other topics. Give me a shout out
if you have an opinion about what you would like to hear about! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But after some consideration, I decided that I must
talk about the most important thing.
Have you ever been anywhere and then suddenly had a moment where your
past leading up to that one point become perfectly clear? Have you ever found yourself in a situation
that felt like you were meant to be there?
Like everything you thought that you were meant to do was merely just
getting you to this point? I have felt
like that more strongly this past month than any time in my life. I know God has always worked in my life to
guide me and use me. However, this past
month I have felt more used by God than I ever have before. I will try to do this story justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I made my way up to Delhi to visit my dear friend
Jill. She has three kids and her husband
had been in the States looking for a job.
I just wanted to visit her, see the sights, and get a little perspective
on my time in India. Just a few days
before I left, she called me to tell me that she had been sick for three weeks and
wanted to let me know in case I didn’t want to come anymore. “Whatever.
I am so still coming and I will take care of you. It sounds like the perfect time for me to
come!” So I went. We had pajama parties, lots of Mexican food,
and lots of heart to hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">By the end of the week, I was sad to tell Jill
goodbye because I didn’t know when I would see her again. But ultimately we had a super fun time and
she was feeling much better. Trip
success. Back to Mumbai for 3 or 4 days
of intense food poisoning/first time to be sick. Four days later, I got a text message. A terrible text message that made me feel
sick in a different way. Jill’s husband
had come back on Valentine’s Day to surprise her, but was very sick. She took him to the hospital in the middle of
the night because he was unresponsive.
My first thought: I have to go back now.
I talked with Tammy about it and we agreed that someone needed to
go. A few hours later we got the news
that Jill’s husband wasn’t going to make it.
It was just a matter of hours. Hours.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">He passed away that night. Like that.
A man I never got to meet. A man
that I was excited to hunt for jobs for and that I had so many plans for. I was heartbroken. My sweet friend’s life would not be the
same. It wasn’t supposed to end up like
this. This wasn’t the dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The text that Jill sent me: “Thanks for taking care
of me so nicely. I feel like I am so
much better so I can take care of all this. Thanks for all your help.” But, I didn’t even know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We flew to Delhi the next day, only five days after
I had come back from Delhi. The next ten
days were filled with explanations to little girls, hair stroking, songs,
prayers, and every possible (moral) coping mechanism. I did more things in that 10 day period that
I never thought I would do. It was
terrible and at the same time I loved it.
I was exhausted and drained, but God filled me. It was the most giving I have ever been and I
don’t say that to brag at all. It was
obviously not me doing anything, but it was God working in all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And don’t you know that God arranged it all. I knew where to take the trash and how to
turn on the water pump because I had just been there. I knew what the kids like to eat because I
had just cooked for them. It was as if
God could have only brought me to India for the sole purpose of helping Jill
that month. If that was all God did, it
would have still been worth it to come.
I am so grateful, though, that He has done even more than that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“For such a time as this…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-17718766811733558972013-01-30T09:14:00.001-08:002013-01-30T09:14:48.699-08:00Fusion<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">fu·sion <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">/ˈfyo͞oZHən/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Noun <i>The
process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single
entity.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the past, I have been a person of extremes. Everything was all or nothing. I told myself that to be one thing was to
refrain from being anything else. I tied
myself to definitions that I had superfluously created. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I have noticed that since I have been in India, my
definitions have relaxed. At times I
went through miniature identity crises. Things
like “I have become boring,” “This isn’t
me,” and so on have run through my head. But, I have realized something: I can be more
than one thing at a time. I don’t have
to make myself into a certain character that I had always imagined I would be. In fact by doing so, I stunt the growth that
God can bring into my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am slowly discovering the beauty of being in two
places at once. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can act like a teenager, giggle about boys, and
jam to fun music. But I can also run a
household, lead a devotional, and travel the world by myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can squeeze through alleyways between small houses
filled with sari clad women, pants-less children, and paan chewing men all
while listening to jazz or Weird Al on my i-pod. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can order a coke and chicken sandwich at MacDonald’s
while wearing a salwaar khameez. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can speak in Hinglish. “Aage se right.” “Che eggs please. Kitne hai?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can be fearless when it comes time to launch
myself into a packed local train or cross a street with seemingly unending
traffic. But, I can also be nervous to
go to the shop and ask where their mustard seeds are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I can love India and miss home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fusion is right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-20505926588273732342012-12-27T05:47:00.000-08:002012-12-28T00:40:03.485-08:00I'm Dreaming of a Skype Christmas<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So yeah, Christmas not at home…it’s hard. You know the first time you are in a new
place and you wake up and then you think, “So this is what waking up here feels
like?” Well I have been in India for 3
months, but yesterday when I woke up I had the same sensation. “So this is what it feels like to wake up
anywhere but at home on Christmas morning.”
All in all, Christmas day happened with very little tears. I can’t say the same about the Greater
Christmas Season (that is, December), but there’s nothing strange about
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While my emotions demanded anything from a complete
Christmas fast to finding the biggest live evergreen in India to chop down, I
think that God has helped me to find a happy (and culturally appropriate)
medium. I like lists. So now I will list Christmas things that I
actually DID do:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">1)</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Oodles of
Christmas music<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Apple Cider,
Mulled Cranberry Sipper, Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate Chip Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Last chapter of
A Christmas Carol (Let’s face it. The
whole thing is good, but I know the story.
I just want the part where Scrooge can’t stop laughing and turns into a
Christmas boss.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Charlie Brown
Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Miracle on 34<sup>th</sup>
Street with Hot Chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christmas Eve
dinner out at a fancy restaurant with Christmas music and waiters in Santa
hats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Specially
selected green and red Salwaar Kameez. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Grandma’s Sour
Cream Coffee Cake for breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Skype present
opening with the parents</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christmas present opening with a four year old (a
truly unique experience)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A huge homemade Christmas dinner (well, lunch)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today, to continue the Christmas spirit, I received
18 Christmas cards in the mail.
Boom. I guess that this year
Christmas will really be stretched out because I have been told that more is on
the way. Who knows, Christmas may just
last until I go home. Then it will be
like Christmas Day all over again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank you for all of your love and prayers and
cards. Good thing that the event of
Jesus’ birth is independent of my living situation. Jesus still came whether I live in India or
America or Antarctica or under the sea.
He came. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-30043072346543839402012-12-20T22:19:00.004-08:002012-12-20T22:19:34.095-08:00Stuff Indians Say
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(And internal American
gut-reactions)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Come.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Don’t tell me to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll walk when I want to!”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
is something that almost everyone says when leaving a house, crossing a street,
or getting in any vehicle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“You know, the fat one.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Yes, I know, but why do you
have to say it out loud.”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
is accompanied by what I would call ‘chicken wings’ made by extending the
elbows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Also,
this goes along with a general openness about commenting on my weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this week I have been told that I have “become
thin” and that I have “put on weight.” </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Where it is?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why you are laughing?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Where WHAT is?” “Well, tell
me…”)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Included
in this category are all questions with the verb and subject un-inverted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably because in Hindi, a question
word is just added to the sentence without changing the word order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, there is a general lack of the word
‘do.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“It helps the digestion.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“But, how?”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
reasoning behind eating almost anything is because it aids in digestion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Let’s make a move.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to be confused with, “Make a motion.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Moves like Jagger?”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
first means “Let’s Go” and the second means, well, you know…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">#2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Do you want to get fresh?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Not with you I don’t!”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
is commonly said to someone after they have arrived at your house following a
journey of any length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American
translation would be “Would you like to freshen up?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“What to do. (?)”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Do with what?”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
phrase means “But what could I do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or
“I can’t do anything about it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Example:
“That monkey charged me, so I threw my banana at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What to do. (?)”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“So are you going to marry and
Indian man?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(“Are YOU going to marry an
Indian man?”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
response was thought, but not said, in response to a nun asking me this
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also had numerous
friends and a dermatologist ask me this question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-79597217117754730492012-12-13T07:18:00.000-08:002012-12-13T07:18:19.726-08:00They Aren't Scary<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I want to write about people. Different people. People that </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">aren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> like me and probably </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">aren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> like you either. They </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">weren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> raised in
a cul-de-sac. They have probably never
set foot inside a church building. They
don’t know what Sonic is. But they are
people. I have something very simple to
say about them: They </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">aren't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> scary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here in India I have encountered more variety of
people from more geographical origins and more religious beliefs than I ever
have up to this point in my life combined.
I have watched them. That may
sound creepy and maybe it kind of is, but I just want to share a couple small
pictures with you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sikhs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My next door neighbors for the past 3 months are Sikhs. In the few times I have interacted with them
this is what happened:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-The father brought chocolates for Jeremy and
Angela.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-The family attended Jeremy’s birthday party and
gave him one of the coolest toys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-The youngest son and daughter came to Angela’s
birthday party. While there, the boy
entertained the group of maybe 35 for half an hour with his magic tricks and
antics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-The daughter always smiled at me and says hello
when she rides past on her bike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Muslims<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On a train to a nearby city, I was able to sit
behind a large Muslim family. Yes the
father was wearing a white tunic and skull cap.
Yes the mother and daughters were wearing burkas. This was probably the cutest family I have
ever seen. The smallest boy was
precious, with his big chocolate colored Indian eyes. The family adored him as they passed him from
lap to lap. The father’s adoration was
most obvious. He would grab the small
boy of maybe three and kiss him over and over and over again as he squealed out
little giggles. Then the father would
point at me over his shoulder (as a white girl, I do stick out). The little boy would grin at me and then dart
behind a family member. This game
proceeded off and on for the next 5 hours.
Precious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">All I have to say is: They </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">aren't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> scary. They </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">aren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> out to get you. There are people. They need Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-83043934306191396782012-11-27T03:41:00.002-08:002012-11-27T03:41:32.400-08:00Parmeshwar ne Chidiyo ko Banaya
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This past week was a big week: Thanksgiving and
Jeremy’s first birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><em>Thanksgiving Highlights<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What a busy, crazy, and thrilling day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost everything that happened on this day
was noteworthy, but I will try to condense it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our meeting at one of the top hospitals was
extremely successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be
renewing our contract and will be working together in the weeks to come on an
advertising campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the meeting
the day before in which our business contact couldn’t stop yawning and rubbing
his face, these business people were extremely accommodating and friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Next we got McDonald’s and ate it in the back of a
rickshaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extremely hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only imagine what ran through the
Indians’ minds that saw us: Cokes sloshing and ketchup dripping in our business
suits speeding through traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I also got Henna, or as they call it here,
Mendhi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like I have a tattoo, but with no pain
and no real commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanksgiving
dinner was an incredible spread considering our resources and our only oven
being a toaster oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stuffed myself
with sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted chicken, bread, corn
on the cob, reconstituted cranberries, stuffing, pumpkin soufflé, apple crisp,
and sparkling mango juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best of all,
I got to skype with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><em>Jeremy’s Highlights<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In India, the first birthday is a big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not talking cake and presents with a
house full of guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m talking 200
guests in a rented hall with catered food and a meticulously detailed program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I got to see people that I have only met once or
twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also got to meet new
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of my camera, I was
dubbed the photographer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I spent most
of the night snapping pictures with an intermission of bathroom runs with the
little girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night was a blast, but
let me tell you…schmoozing takes it out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was totally pooped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PS-This week I also read my first Hindi sentence
that I understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the title of
this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Translation: God created
sparrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-6055184709076382862012-11-19T07:54:00.000-08:002012-11-19T07:54:09.364-08:00Who Knew?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Diwali <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So this past week was Diwali, the Festival of
Lights. This is celebrated by
firecrackers (lots of them), lanterns everywhere, Christmas lights, colored
sand designs in front of doorways, and lots of sweets. It celebrates the return of the beloved king
turned Hindu deity, Ram, from exile. It
is also celebrated by work and school holidays.
Some of the brothers came up with the idea to have a 2 day seminar about
being light to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course this meant planning full two day seminar
with notice of a day and a half. We had
a nice turnout and it was a very encouraging time. At the end of each day we had a candle
lighting ceremony. We learned/sang songs
about being light and it was a very moving time: Faces aglow with candlelight
and Indian voices booming in the small room.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On another note, I have discovered that I am not
impervious to culture shock. There, I
said it. Lately I have been feeling
easily agitated and tense. Also, I want
to sleep all of the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I don’t
experience culture shock. I’m above the
normal human experience.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well, out of curiosity, I just googled “culture
shock” and clicked on the Wikipedia article.
Rather comical. Talk about a
mirror. You should do this. The timing isn’t quite the same for me; I
think that mine has been accelerated.
Read the section on transition shock. Ignore the last two points and the word “suicide.” This description is rather accurate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“What do you
know…I’m a human. I’m not just a rock
wall that is completely resistant to influences of culture and location…Who
knew?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coping mechanisms of choice: Two days alone, Work,
Chips and Salsa and Queso, Quesadillas,
Apple Cider, Christmas Music, Long walks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-85361591689337232592012-11-11T20:09:00.000-08:002012-11-11T20:09:33.285-08:00The "O" Word
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The content of my previous blog
entries has been relatively informative thus far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although slightly out of character, I feel
the need to express to whoever a string of consciousness involving something
called Feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This past weekend I was able to
visit a hospital in our part of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The hospital also supports an orphanage for HIV orphans from the ages of
4-16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group of ladies and myself went
to just learn about what they do and how the workers their serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the orphans are boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of them are very cute, but it takes a
while to get them to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
youngest, Joseph, hardly talks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
abandoned in the jungle at 6 months old and was found by some fishermen or
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we just sat and
folded paper airplanes which the boys promptly turned into objects of war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More smiles, some giggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little bit of eye contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, I didn’t know that all of the boys
were HIV positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After leaving I found
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We walked over to the hospital
and talked about the treatment of the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had many questions about this because of my time in Zambia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government of India just gives Anti-Retroviral
medication for free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows the children to live into young
adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys have emotional
problems the older they get because they understand that something is different
about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They won’t live as
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are sick even though they
don’t feel any different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it that some kids are born in India
and they get proper medication and others are born in Zambia where there
isn’t?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it that any kids are born
with HIV?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is so unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about all of those Zambian babies that I
love that were buried simply because of their parents choices in a country with
poor health care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they have it
better<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What must it feel like the first
time you realize that you will die young, that your life was determined to be
cut short even before you took your first breath?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hate it for the babies who don’t grow up in Zambia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it for the children that grow into
adults who face their ever shortening life with no parents to love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it for babies left in the jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate it for all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I encourage you to think about
what Jesus speaks into the life of the orphan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Use a concordance and just look up the word “orphan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-90191284646914924682012-11-01T21:38:00.000-07:002012-11-02T06:02:07.658-07:00Nepal News<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So Nepal is an amazingly beautiful country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ever get the chance to go there, you
should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government is not paying to
say this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I speak of my own volition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Noteworthy things about Nepal include but are
not limited to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Time</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I thought that India Standard Time was janky with
the 10 ½ hour time difference from Central Standard Time in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait for it…Nepal is 15 MINUTES later than
India. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why even bother?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Language</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nepali is closely related to Hindi with some similar
words and structure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also uses the
same script.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that I can read
street signs and billboards, but much like Hindi, I have no idea what they
mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mountain Math</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3 Tallest Mountains in US:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-McKinley, Alaska, 20,320 ft.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Saint Elias, Alaska, 18,009 ft.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Foraker, Alaska, 17,400 ft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3 Tallest Mountains in the Annapurna Himalayan Range:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Annapurna I, 26,545 ft. (10<sup>th</sup> Tallest in
the World)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Annapurna II, 26,040 ft.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">-Annapurna III, 24,787 ft.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">[Creative names, I know]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Greeting</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Namaste is used more in Nepal than in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is accompanied by the “praying hands”
gesture in front of your face.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Marriage</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Customarily arranged marriages are the way to go in Nepal, much like in India. However, I was unprepared for an older brother who approached me after church services in Kathmandu.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Are you married?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"No, I'm not."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Stay here and I will find you a Nepali man."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Well, we have to go back to India..."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Don't marry an Indian man. They only want your money. Nepali men aren't like that."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Ok, well...[insert mumblings about how I'm happy and I have to work in Mumbai, so I can't stay]"</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">P.S.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">You may think that I am high maintenance and whiny,
but I would like to publicly state just how much I loathe leeches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are disgusting creatures and I hate
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-7211662282890482082012-10-23T02:18:00.001-07:002012-10-24T09:56:01.557-07:00Transportation: A Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i> Auto rickshaw</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
Used mostly for short distances. Found in both the black/yellow and
green/yellow variety. Legally seats
three adults. Open air. Fun level: 9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<i></i><br />
<i>Bicycle rickshaw</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
Used only in some Indian cities. Usually blue with grandma fabric awning. Tight squeeze for two adults with bones. Open air.
Seats slant forward. Fun level: 8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<em>Local Train<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
For travel within a city. Cars include, but are not limited to: first
class, second class, first class ladies, second class ladies, handicapped, and
baggage cars. Best time to travel: early
morning or 2-3pm. Rush hour is a
beast. “I won’t mind your armpit in my
face, if you don’t mind my armpit in your face.” Fast trains don’t travel at a higher speed,
they only stop at major stations. Slow
trains stop at every station. Fun level:
5-7, depending on crowd intensity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i> Metro</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Only found in one city. Soon to come in others. Rides above the city with beautiful
view. No food or drink allowed. Super clean.
Super European. Super smooth and
fast. Fun level: 8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i> </i><br />
<i> Sleeper Train</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
For travel between cities. Bumpy.
Train food: average but definitely edible. Seats turn into 2 or 3 tier bunk beds. Deep sleep won’t be found here, but the time
is still restful. It is like being in a
really long cradle with a hundred other babies being rocked back and forth. It
is also a good place to meet new people.
Fun level: 7…8, if you use the Indian style toilet on the train<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i> Tonga</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
In Nepal, the equivalent of a horse drawn
rickshaw. Bumpy and prone to
swerving. Awning limits view to road if
facing backward. Seat slant. If you fall asleep, you may fall out. Fun Level: 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i> Bus</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Both for local and long distance travel. Varies from smooth to incredibly bouncy
. Passengers vary from humans to
goats. Air flow varies from AC to open
air. Beware dust and pollution. Fun Level: 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i></i><br />
<i>Walking</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Not for the faint of heart. Look left first before crossing. Hand extended from hip means, “Hey, I’m
walking here.” Sometimes walking in the
street is safer than walking on the sidewalk.
Open air. Best way to meet
people. Fun Level: 8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i></i><br />
<i> Elephant</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
Most recently discovered form of
transport. Forget the notion of
comfort. Beware branches. Water to land vehicle. Open air.
Best view of jungle. Fun Level: 9<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-76336921609195609702012-10-15T00:49:00.000-07:002012-10-15T00:49:02.254-07:00Guess Who's Going to Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I want to tell you a
story:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our business associates came to visit us from
another city. They came overnight on a
train and all four of them (three were children) shared a train bed. In their compartment was a man who snored
louder than any human should be able to snore.
While the children could sleep through the sound, the mother, Jill*,
could literally feel his breath coming at her.
Jill recounted, “It would have been terrible except every snore was different.
Each time I wondered what sound was
going to come out next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While this man may have been a nuisance during the sleeping
hours, he was a huge blessing during the waking hours of the train ride. He spent several hours playing Go Fish with
the children and entertaining the baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">hadn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> met this man, but I had heard the stories
and rumors of his extreme decibel range.
However, a week and a half after our friends arrived for their visit we
decided to accept the invitation to have dinner at this man’s house. After driving in circles around a certain
area and asking at least a dozen times where his building was, we resigned
ourselves to going by foot. While we
walked, we found someone who could lead us to the building. He was so friendly and his family seemed
genuinely excited to see us. The first
thing that hit me as I walked into their flat was the penetratingly sweet smell
of incense burning to an image of a Hindu god.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They served us a wonderful dinner composed of all of
the favorite dishes that my friend and her children had told him about on the
train. We met their sweet Pakistani
neighbors for a bit. But we spent most
of the time just chatting with the man and laughing at the babies. The man, Kasan*, told us about his career as
an engineer. But his secret passion is
cooking….which showed in the excellent food.
Kasan also is a passionate educator and told us several stories about
his students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We talked about Jesus some too. He told us that his favorite thing that Jesus
said is to be like little children.
Kasan had really pondered this and seemed to understand the depth of
that statement. Before we left, we
offered a prayer and song for his family.
In return he pulled out this beautiful wooden flute. Soon we were whisked away into his enchanting
melodies. I had forgotten just how much
I love live music. We hope to have Kasan
and his family over for a meal soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This is just one example of the kindness of strangers
in India: Met on a train. Invited strangers into their home. Made wonderful food and music. Talked about Jesus. Left as friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-85325893453297836152012-10-03T10:50:00.000-07:002012-10-03T10:50:01.977-07:00First Things First<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If I were to sit here and type out all of the “first”
experiences that I have had….well, you would get bored and skim to the end
where I would have some kind of conclusion and witty thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to spare you the details of my first
shower in India, my first Chai in India, and so forth, I will simply record
some of the most notable.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My First Solo
Excursion<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I decided that I needed to get a card for a friend
and that I needed to venture out into the neighborhood on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this may seem so adventurous, you must understand
that Tammy* sat me down and drew me a detailed map to the card shop first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my map in my bag and something slightly
less active than butterflies in my stomach, I whisked myself out the door
before I could get nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The card
shop is literally a 5-10 minute walk from the house, but along the way I could
just look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no children to
hold on to or other people to talk with as I went, so I could just look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing how much more you see just by
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice little moment
with just God and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shop owners
were so kind and even asked if Tammy sent me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got two cards, one for good measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a little embarrassing in retrospect: but I was so proud of
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proud in the way a baby is when
it first stands up...</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My First Hindi
Rickshaw Directions<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After a wonderful corporate retreat in a suburb of
our city, my business associates and I were coming back to our neighborhood in
the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You must understand that
between all of my business associates, there are eight children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So traveling in crowded trains and rickshaws
is quite the adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived in
our area at the train station, we still needed to take a rickshaw back to the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all scurried to shove our
luggage and children into two rickshaws and hopped in before they had a chance
to tell us no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we started
driving, however, I looked around the rickshaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I asked my business associate who was visiting from another city, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Do YOU know how to get to the house?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Well, I should…but, no.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“Uh, ok…I’ll do my best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Everyone who know how to get there all ended up in
the other rickshaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I didn’t
know if I could do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I
started to recognize landmarks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
seen Tammy do this a dozen times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
just started spouting out directions in Hindi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Magically (actually by the Lord’s provision), we made it straight home
with no problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing like necessity
to figure out how to do something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">First Ganesh
Festival<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So I’m not a pro at explaining this, but I arrived
in India on the first day of the Ganesh festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it spans the course of 11 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every night there would be dancing and
firecrackers in the streets around a large Ganesh statue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a time of extreme idolatry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the 9<sup>th</sup> and 11<sup>th</sup>
days everyone takes their Ganesh to a body of water to immerse it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are called immersion days and the
traffic from them is terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
imagine maybe 8-10 million people all flocking to the water at one time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So strange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To echo the words of a
very wise 4-year-old , “I will never ever bow down to those statues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only bow to God!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*The names of people referenced in this blog have
been changed to protect the brothers and sisters in India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-76096104928587662122012-09-27T04:31:00.002-07:002012-09-27T04:32:17.442-07:00Both Feet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That is what I have jumped into India with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sweetly welcomed at my arrival by purple
flowers, a taxi ride full of four-year old snuggles and giggles, and a basket
of goodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon arrival I also found
out that our trip to another city the next day would begin at 3:30 the next
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ok, I can’t
sleep anyway. Besides, who needs sleep? Weaklings, that’s who…the next couple
of days will be just like college.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I would write more of my experiences on the train,
in rickshaws, eating Masala Dosa, meeting new Indian brothers and sisters, but
the day was very surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
everything was completely new and other-worldly seeming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also, jet lag is a monster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That combined with extreme caffeine
withdrawal really puts everything in a haze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do remember being very happy and excited though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><strong>Indian perception of Americans</strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Conversation with an Indian man sitting next to me
on the train:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man-Are you from this country?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me-No, I’m from America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man- Are you with Barak Obama?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me- Well he is our president.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man- Oh yes, the First American.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me-Uh, yes…sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man- Is there only one occupation in America?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me- No, we have many occupations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors, lawyers, engineers…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Man- Where do you get food?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me- We grow it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or we import it….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">*<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This man’s
thoughts do not represent the opinions of the entire Indian population</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Needless to say it is very nice to be on the up and
up after the jet lag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I have
managed to avoid Delhi Belly…which, if you know me, is quite an accomplishment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-72577664221126974612012-09-20T11:45:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:45:00.617-07:00Tidbits from Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I’m here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So strange and yet so natural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is new, but somehow it feels
vaguely familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then again, I have
only been here for a few hours so…we’ll see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">People
I Met</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A
group of precious oldies, who acted like they had been friends for ages, were
on their way to Ireland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One
teenage girl from Mexico, with a giant sequined sombrero, was traveling for a
student exchange program in India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
sat in my row with one empty spot in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was traveling alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One
girl my age who is taking some time off from school in New York to travel in
India because her dad is Indian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
traveling alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">[CONFIDENCE BOOSTER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a high schooler and a college student can
go to India alone, I can certainly get through customs alone!] <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“What’s
going on in there?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There was this older man on my
flight that used the same restroom stall several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least a couple of times he couldn’t figure
out how to open the stall door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
resulted in his banging like crazy on the door from the inside until someone
broke it open for him to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor
guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no fun being locked inside a
bathroom stall…been there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Sleeping<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So, it is kind of hard for me to
sleep on planes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept a little, but
mostly just sat there or read….for 15 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one point I looked around the dimly lit cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these Indian people were just cuddled
up and sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some had blankets
pulled up to their chins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
snored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some laid flat down across a row
of seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All so sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself at that moment with a
deepening affection for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
look so sweet while they sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Quotes
from internal voice<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">About
certain dishes of Indian airplane food, in my mom-of-a-toddler mentality: “You
have to eat this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will build
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get used to it and get over
yourself...Good, now three more bites of that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Be
strong and courageous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is
going to be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord provides.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As
we touched down: “Don’t freak out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
you’re in India.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7984513890071540447.post-85869844336211961842012-09-15T19:38:00.000-07:002012-09-15T19:38:26.595-07:00FAQs<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you even like Indian food? / What
will you eat?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes,
I actually do. And I will eat it…with a
smile. Even if I don’t like it, I will
eat it with a smile because that is what polite people do. And people who don’t want to starve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On purpose?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No,
this is all the result of thousands of irreversible typos during a grand
internet surfing expedition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh, you are going for business? Are
you working at a call center?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No.
Contrary to popular belief there is a
myriad of commerce that takes place in India completely unrelated to the IT
field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you speak Indian?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No. Actually nobody does. Indian is not a language, it is a nationality. If, however, by “Indian” you mean one of the
22 official languages of India, then the answer is still no. But, I hope to learn some Hindi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well,
there they are. My top four frequently
asked questions with responses. I hope
you enjoy. This should be a very
interesting time of learning and growth, adventure and exploration. So consider this your invitation to join
me. To come will be stories and tidbits
about my time in India. I can guarantee that
there will be some stories of my little cultural bumblings, my little
victories, and my little portion of the story of the kingdom of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0