More Pictures Again

A pretty common site around here


A slum area of town

another temple along the Ganga

me and some friends on Easter morning- I wore my fanciest korta for the occation

More Pictures

Standing in the Ganga River with Heather


A family we chatted with for awhile. They view this river as holy so they are giving offering by pouring milk and placing flowers in it.



A statue of Shiva- one of the many gods

Some women worshipping at the foot of Shiva

Some ladies I met near the statue of Shiva. I didn't even realize those men were behind me, I guess they wanted in the picture too!

Pictures

Pictures from the temple we visted

Standing in front of the temple, dressed in a korta and dupatta (long shirt and scarf)

This is inside an auto rickshaw- a popular method of transportation. I would compare it to a motorbike on steriods

Because He Lives

Ironically, I woke up this morning with the words "Because He Lives" in my head. As I shook off my sleep, I remembered...oh yeah, today is Sunday. Today we celebrate the fact that He lives.

"Because He lives I can face tomorrow." These words are so much more personal now. So much is out of my control these days. I need help with the most simple of tasks. By the end of the day, I am exhausted. But His mercies are new every morning.

"Because He lives all fear is gone" I can ride in an auto rickshaw swerving in and out of traffic. I feel like I narrowly escape death every time I cross the street. I don't understand people. I hear noises that are unfamiliar. There is so much to be afraid of. And yet... I am not. Because He is good.

"Because I know He holds the future" I honestly really don't know what tomorrow will look like. I think I have a plan but it always changes. I am learning to live with this. But I know that He has ordained my days. I know that I can find Him in the midst of the unknown.

"And life is worth the living, just because He lives" Yesterday I noticed how dirty my fingernails and feet were. (and yes I shower daily) But I started thinking about it. ...My feet can be dirty as long as I can always be walking to bring the Good News. My fingernails can be dirty as long as that means I am busy doing His work. Living this life is worth is, because He lives.

First Impressions

Well, I have made it through the first two days. I am up at two in the morning due to jet lag. But I am thankful for this time. It gives me time to be still. I don't have to think or talk or answer questions. The days are filled with honking horns, loud traffic, barking dogs and masses of people. So, I like these early mornings. Of course I will be exhausted by five in the evening but that's jet lag for you. My first day was spent by going shopping. You would think that this would be a fairly simple task but it took most of the day. Yesterday we went on a whirlwind trip to a temple. It was strange, overwhelming and sad. Incense filled the room as I saw people laying prostrate on the floor. They were so devoted but so lost. When we got back from our trip, I was asked where I wanted to eat dinner. And I just couldn't think. I couldn't make a decision. I am suddenly living in a world that is upside down to me. The easiest decisions are all of the sudden hard. Nothing is familiar. Well...almost nothing. I sense a familiar tugging on my heart. The call of my Father. In this overwhelming time, He reminds me that there is no other god that is like Him. He reminds me that He alone deserves my worship. He reminds me that I have to depend on Him for my daily bread. He reminds me to be thankful. He reminds me that HE is my home.

Too Tired To Think of a Clever Title

Well, I have landed in South Asia. The flight went really well. I had several other traveling companions who were with me the entire way. As we landed in our final destination, I felt a peace that passes all understanding. I know this comes from God. There are already new sights and new smells. The drive from the airport reminded me a bit of the Middle East. There were construction signs posted everywhere. There were the sad looking palm trees and shrubs that lined the median of the highway. As we drove through traffic, I was reminded that road rules are only mere "suggestions" on this side of the world. For the next several weeks, we are staying at a guesthouse here in town. We are sleeping on nice firm pieces of foam. There is no water pressure for me to take a shower. And yet I find myself being thankful. I am thankful that I had a chocolate bar to nibble on when we were driving from the airport. I am thankful that I remembered to pack my purple house slippers. I am thankful that Heather is here with me and that I don't have to spend my first night in the country alone.

The agenda is pretty relaxed the next two days and then we start in on an action packed schedule. Tomorrow we go shopping with the gals to get culturally appropriate attire. I have a feeling that adventure lies ahead. Thank you for lifting me up.

The Belly of a Whale

Last Wednesday was our last day of orientation. It was sad to leave the new friends that I had made. My parents traveled with me back to Texas. We stopped by KY for a few days to visit family. It was nice seeing everyone but I must admit, I smiled a little when we crossed the Texas border. This week has been crazy. I feel like I am going through a slight version of culture shock. I just spent 8 week out in the country with cows as my neighbors and now I am expected to navigate the streets of downtown Dallas. I surprisingly have most everything finished. I still need to cancel a few things but overall, I feel ready to go. With my remaining days here, I plan to visit with people and to make the most of every moment that comes my way. At this point, I would feel more afraid to NOT go. One of my friends at orientation was questioned about how he could follow God's call overseas. And he said "well, let me put it to you this way...I don't want to end up in the belly of a whale"