A New Friend

So, I finished my very first week of language training. My brain is full of vocab words and grammar. Sometimes my brain gets confused and I start talking in Arabic instead of Hindi. While its been challenging, its also been a blessing. I meet every morning with my language tutor, Ms. R. I met Ms. R through a coworker and she agreed for me to come to her house every day and she would teach me Hindi. The minute I met her, I liked her. She has a warm heart and a sparkle in her eye. She is kind but spunky. She seems to always be ready to laugh and yet she has been no stranger to tears. She is a teacher by trade so she doesn't mind correcting me. She drilled me yesterday on continuous action verbs until my mind went numb. But she also doesn't mind encouraging me when I get frusterated. She has taken it upon herself to be my protector and my cultural informant. She calls every day to make sure I made it home from her house safely. She tells the rickshaw drivers that they had better be nice to me. She taught me what to say when men stare too much or cross the line. She invites me into her life and into her heart. She has a wonderful life story and she is devoted to loving our Father. So, even if its temporary, I am so glad I have her in my life. The words of Cindy Morgan echo in my heart, "thank you Lord....how could I ask for more"?

Bollywood Here I Come!

Along with two other coworkers, I have moved east to start on a 6 week intensive study of the language. We are supposed to be spending alot of time out in the community to immerse ourselves. Well, when I arrived here, I learned about the opportunity to attend a Bollywood dance class several times a week. So, tonight was my first night. And those of you who know me well, know that I am not that great of a dancer so I was a pretty funny sight. The teacher, Ms. S is such a diva! Her claim to fame is that she was an extra in a couple of the Bollywood movies. Anyway, she was delighted to have us and very understanding of my lack of dancing talent. I am excited about this class because 1) it will give me good chance to exercise 2) it will help me with language and culture 3) I have always wanted to be a Bollywood dancer.

Random Pics

His Work Of Art

This evening I am leaving on a night train for my language training. I am mainly packed and found myself having the morning free. So I went to an art museum here in the big city. It was nice to just wander around in the AC with nobody to ask anything of me. There were no men telling me "oh madame, you look like a movie star. I give you very good price in my shop". There were no little kids showing off every little bruise and scrape they had in hopes I would give them money. There was nobody to ask me to make any decisions. It was just nice to breath for a second.

Anyway, I came across this painting that caught my attention. Upon first glance, it appeared that it was one of those abstract pieces with random strokes of paint in all different colors. But then I stepped back and noticed that it was actually a portrait of someone. The randomness all of strokes suddenly made sense. And I stood there and started crying.

Most of my time here are filled with days and things that seem so crazy. But its really just a brushstroke in God's work of art. I just have to stand back and see that the randomness His brushstrokes do actually make sense . He is the Artist of our lives. And He is making His masterpiece.

Dancing Queen

Today I was having a quick lunch with a friend. We didn't have much time so I had spotted a Subway that was tucked away in the corner of one of the little market areas. We sat down and ordered our food. As we munched on our sandwiches I looked outside to watch the commotion of the day. I saw a man in a turban pushing a wheel burrow. I saw an animal pulling a cart. I saw a man carrying large plastic containers on his head. And ABBA's "Dancing Queen" played over Subyway's intercom. A smile came to my face as I thought 'what a crazy life this is'.

Its A Zoo Out Here!

These are some clips from a trip that we took last week. On the way there, we saw elephants, dogs, goats, chickens, pigs, monkeys, and cows. As we rode along in the taxi, one of my coworkers gently said "hey Cathy, look...there's a monkey out your window". I told him that nobody had ever said that to me before. ;-) My favorite, however, were the cows. In the second clip, we were sitting at the train station, waiting for our train. These cows kept bugging us, I think they wanted our snacks. Notice the one poor cow whose horn was broken. I think we nicknamed him "One Horn" or "Lopsy" something like that...can't quite remember.

Strength

Life has been in constant flux since arriving. Sometimes I feel like I can't make it. It seems too hard. I know this is a well known truth but the verse that comes to me often these days is "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength . That verse has been true to me more than ever. I can DO ALL THINGS through Him. When it seems too overwhelming, I remember that He gives me the strength to get through day. That's all I need.