A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

These are some pictures that show you INDIA. Pictures that captivate my heart!

Women Making Roti at Sikh Temple
Me in Puja Practice A Slum
An Auto Rickshaw...My form of daily transportation
A school in the slums
Shoes!!
My favorite lane to shop
An Indian Fire Station
Old Delhi...Chandi Chokh
My helper Anita's children
A Tailor in Kullu
Chaudry...writes bhajans and sings beautifully

Card Night at the Caskeys....

Jonathan and Kelley are some of my closest friends in my city. Recently, I discovered that J&K along with Lindsey and I had something very fun in common... A PASSION FOR CARDS!! So last Friday night we had "Card Night at the Caskey's" that went till the wee early hours of the morning!K&J prepared delicious mexican casorole and we had queso for a midnight snack! Yummy. We played several games of SPADES and NERTZ!! It was soo much fun. I think we might make this a regular event. Next time we are thinking of starting earlier and ordering out!


The following evening I came home from a long day of shopping and running errand and put on my pj's and got settled in for the evening. Then I heard the door bell ring. Lindsey answered the door and it was Ericka. She said...I need to speak with Alicia. So I came to the door and she asked me if I would play Uno with her. I have a really soft spot for Ericka...so I went and played cards with them till midnight! Two late night card games in a row!! SO FUN.

Adventures in Kullu

Sit back and enjoy the City of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the valley of the Himalaya Mountains... ye bahot sundar hai (it is very beautiful).
















Here is the hotel we stayed at. It was 500 rupees a night. About $12. It had really nice facilities- t.v, room service, western toilet, and carpet!!


















This is not a touristy town like Manali (where I went earlier) that has a British influence. It is very Indian.



The monkey's in India are PURE EVIL. That's why signs like this exist.



This is our friend Acharaya Ji! He is the friend we went to go visit. We were able to tape some teachings to use in the future. He is 94 years old and his mind is still as sharp as a tac!



We weren't too far away from my friends Julie and Emily so we went to their city for a day! Julie and I carried on our tradition of making chocolate chip cookies and sweat tea which started at the farm (we always miss you amanda and chesi). We decided to be very indian and mix the cookie dough with our hands and on the floor.



I spent the night in the Kullu hospital! My co-worker Nancy was admitted because she thought she had an apendicitus. So I stayed the night with her. She flew back the next day to my city. She was in the hospital for a few days but they didn't find out what was wrong. Its some crazy virus.



Yep...its what you think it is. It grows naturally. Another reason why this part of India is popular.



Joanna, Lindsey, and I being silly. This was a great trip for Lindsey and I to bond with the Ingold family. We had some GREAT fun.



This is Lindsey and I right before we got on the bus to go home. Notice we are smiling. We didn't know what type of bus experience we were about to have!!



Normally when Lindsey and I travel to the mountains we take the Sleeper Bus. It leaves in the evening and arrives the next morning. Usually a 12 hour ride. This was our fourth and most memorable bus ride. We were double booked on our bus, AC stopped working, got a flat tire at 1:00 AM that put us back three hours, and we arrived about 4 hours later than anticipated!! It was definetly memorable.

Thanks for reading this LONG post. I hope you enjoyed! Lots of fun memories. I love comments on any of my entries...it kind of lets me know who's reading this!! So leave a comment and say hi!!

Kullu, Camelbak, & Treadmill

I am back from Kullu! My time in the mountains was amazing. I spent a lot of time being an introvert which means that Alicia was in rare form. I had a lot of down time to watch t.v. (big deal...we don't own one), read (i got 3 books read), and spend some great time with Yeshu! It was soo nice. I even got to visit Julie and Emily who live near Kullu!












So here is a pic of the King of Nalgene bottles. Its a Camelbak nalgene. It is great because it has a straw and a the poplular bite mouth that "camelbak" is known for. You don't have to open the lid everytime!! Its pretty sweet. Amanda and Christy from the MC teamleft their's for Lindsey and I to enjoy!! Isn't that sweet of them? Thanks ladies.


A few days before Lindsey and I left for Kullu we bought a treadmill!! We are super excited. It is almost impossible to work out in my city. I attempted an aerobics class but it was too early and distance wise inconvenient. You can run here outside but the mix between the heat, polution, and time of day makes its pretty difficult...almost impossible.

You also can't really do outside sports. Boys are constantly playing, but its such a male dominated society that you never see girls out. And people walk but its at 5AM or 10 PM at night...and no one ever runs...weird huh?

We are excited because now we can work out! You don't know how big of a blessing this is. Some friends were leaving to go back to America...so we got a very very discounted price!! I really am thankful to God for it. No more excuses!!

Dualism and the DaVinci Code

Should Christians see the movie the DaVinci Code?

A friend of mine recently told me that her pastor back at home preached a sermon on why Christians SHOULD NOT go and see this movie. I wonder how many other preachers are out their promoting this same message. I think that I would have to disagree. In fact, I think that as a Christian you SHOULD go and see the movie.

Why is it that as followers of Christ we are constantly leading dualistic lifestyles? We have a church in one bubble and "pagans" or "non-Christians" in the other bubble. What should happen if these two bubbles should ever collide?! One might judge the other and say "they are worldly". In fact, Christians spend their entire lives trying to avoid contact with the non-Christian bubble.

I think Christ has called us to live wholistic lifestyles. We should be embracing the culture around us and looking for opportunities to bring truth into every life situation. We should never compartmentalize our lives thinking that this is sacred or non-sacred. Christ never did.

In our culture and post-modern world, we must begin to think outside the box if we want to reach a lost world. Movies have such a strong influence in our day and age. We need to be looking for bridges to bring people to Christ. The DaVinci Code is on the hearts and minds of so many...think of how willing and open people will be to discuss the person of Jesus Christ. It is our job as His followers to expose the lies of this movie and share the Truth of who Jesus really is!!

So brothers and sisters....I urge you to use this movie as a bridge rather than a hindrance to the gospel. Use it to expose the Truth of who Christ is historically and how He personally has radically changed your life. See what happens!!!

Come and Gone

The Mississippi Team has come and gone. They spent 14 days co-laboring here...even in the HOT temperatures! They were such an encouragment to me personally and I already miss their joyful presence.

The last day has been spent putting my house back together and doing LOTS of laundry. It is a little bit nice to have the house a little bit more back to order after having an average of 15 people in here non-stop. But you know me...I miss having lots of people around.

Thanks to all of you!!! You were a blessing.!!! Don't forget to keep praying for us and the work here!!!

Indian Idol

The other night...a group of us from MC team went to the EDM mall to catch a bite to eat. What we didn't realize was that Indian Idol was being hosted there that night!!

When we walked inside we heard a lot of noise and saw some crowd, but didn't really know what was going on. We went to the the 3rd floor and looked down. To my suprise I saw a sea of people!! I later realized that the loud music was the different Indian Idol performances.

http://sifymax.com/indianidol/

I have to admit, I didn't stand long with the mass amounts of Indians, but it was a pretty random and fun experience all together!!!

Happy Birthday Mommie

Today is My Mom's Birthday...So I thought I would give a shout out to her on her birthday.

So happy birthday....I am sorry I am not there to be with you in person, but I hope that you know that I am thinking about you today!!!

These are the things I LOVE about my Mom!

I love how absolutely consistant my mother is in all areas of her life. She is the type of person that brings peace to an incredibly chaotic situation. I also love her loyalty to her family and to her close friends. She would do absolutely anything for anybody because she loves to serve otheres. She doesn't really like to be the center of attention so you will usually find her doing something for someone behind the scenes and doesn't really ever expect anything in return. She is also an amazing spouse!! She loves my dad with such an unconditional love and teaches me how to be a good wife one day. And...one day she will make the most amazing gradmother...she is already practicing!!

This is why I am thankful for my mom....
1. she always takes care of me and abundantly blesses me with her act of services (calling banks, sending packages, running errands, bragging on me and whatever else I need!!)
2. She is my advocate for me...Thanks for standing up for my nose ring
3. She is always there for me when I go through really difficult times.
4. You always answer my phone calls and always excited to hear from me
5. My mom is my friend....


I love you MOMMIE!!! You are loved!!!

Mississippi Lovin'

Christmas again?! NO...but it feels like it!!! So the Team from Mississippi College (MC) decided to bless the socks off Lindsey and I! They brought America and all it's junk food to India. They were so sweet to do this for us.






Yummy. Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.



Today we also took the team on a tour of our city. This man is a Sikh (all Sikh's wear turbins) and he thought I looked like a Sikh woman...so he asked me to take a picture with him!! So the yellow bandana...yeah...I guess we all had to cover our heads, so the bandana was the solution.


Here is a group shot of the MC team. I love them all...they are so much fun. I have come to the conclusion that I love Mississipians! I have not met a bad one yet!!

Ok so today...Two of the gentlemen took it upon themselves to help me stay up with the American culture. I grew up listening to only Christian music...so in the music department I am just plain IGNORANT....and I hate it! So I know have a list from A to Z of some bands....

Any body heard of these? I welcome comments on your faves.

50 cent
Amos Lee
Aqua Lung
Ben Harper
Ben Folds
Big tymers
Bob Marley
Bow wow
Bob Dylan (live 65, 67) New stuff sucks
Bella Fleck
Bright Eyes
B.B. King
Big Boi
Counting Crows
Cold Play
Calexico
*Dave Brubeck
*Dane Cook ( comedian)
Dave Matthews
David Banner
David Gray
*Damien Rice
*Death Cab For Cutie PLANS #5
Dr. Dre
Eminem
Ella Fitzgerald
Etta James
Eric Clapton(backless)
Eisley
Frank Sinatra
G Unit
G-Love and Special Sauce
Gary Fields
Garth Brooks
George Strait
Gavin McGraw
Harry Connick Jr.
Herbie Hanncock-
Hootie and the Blowfish
Iron and Wine
Imogen Heap
Jack Johnson
Jason Mraz
Jay-Z
Jamie Cullum
James Taylor
Jimmy Eat World
John Mayer Trio
Johnny Cash
Juvenile
Kanye West
The Killers
Lauryn Hill
louis armstrong
ludacris
Marc Brousard*
Maroon 5
Marvin Gaye
Michael Buble*
Mike Jones*
Miles Davis
Modest Mouse*
Nappy Roots
Nelly
Nickel Creek
Norah Jones*
Notorious B.I.G.
Oasis
Outkast(speakerboxx)
P. Diddy
Patty Griffin
Pearl Jam
Phish
Polyphonic Spree
Postal Service
Queen
R. Kelly
Radiohead
Ray Charles
Ray Lamontagne
Rufus Wainright
Sean Paul
Simon and Garfunkel
Sister hazel
Snoop Dogg
Sufjan Stevens*
Tenacious D.
Tim Mcgraw
Tom Petty
Transiberian Orchestra
Trick Daddy
Usher
Van Morrison
Whalen Jennings
Will Smith*
Vanilla Ice

America and Mississippians!

My tickets to America are final!!! I got an email today with my final itenerary. Thanks for all of you who were praying.

The Mississippi Team is here! There is a record...we have more males than females! It is nice to be around some warm southern folk. I am really really enjoying have some college faces around! Keep us in your prayers as they learn about India and the culture here!

Anybody know how the Spurs are doing?

Murder at Buzby's Night Club

I attended my first murder mystery dinner party for the inquest of the death of Romeo Riley, night club owner and entrepreneur who was tragically poisoned last week.


Here are some of he characters:

1. Jayne McClain- I was the ghetto ex-mafia chick. My job was to be ghetto. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Come to find out... I was the actual murderer?!!!?!! Who knew I had it in me to poison someone? Watch out.



2. Mississippi Spencer (my roomie). She was a tree-hugging, enviornmental saving Hippy/Flower child. The part fit her well. She even won the award for best Sleuth. She guessed that I killed Romeo.



3. Fufu Lamonge (french rich woman), Herbert Hawk ( a computer hacker) and Toloula (the club's main dancer).
These are also the one's who have May birthday's...the whole reason why we had this party.



So here are some of the host's of the night club and other character's involved! Everyone did a great job with staying in character! The party was Groovy and we had a lot of fun with the 70's theme!!

This is one of the funnest parties I have been too! I hope you enjoyed the pics!!

Culture Shock, Impulsive Piercings, & STD's

Culture Shock-
So yesterday I came to the realization that I am in Culture Shock. My roommate likes to call it a "cultural slump". So what exactly is a cultural slump...per se? In laymans terms...I just don't care much for the culture right now. This is actually incrediby normal right at 6 months...they warned about this...but now its here. bummer. But I don't think it will last long. Admitting you have a problem is the first step...right?

Impulsive Piercing-
So, I went to the market today to buy another nose ring. ( I am constantly loosing them somehow). Out of pure curiosity and a hidden secret desire I asked how much it would cost to get my cartilage pierced. He said 120 Rupees ($3.00). So I said maybe some other time just asking. Before I know it, my roommate is saying get it and the sales guy is about to pierce my ear. I left the shop with my ear pierced...crazy? Completely impulsive...i didn't have more than 60 seconds of asking and me getting it peirced!!


STD's-
There was confusion at the airport tonight picking up one of the volunteers and the solution was an STD....actually multiple STD's. Just kidding. An STD is a telephone booth where you make local calls. They just happen to call it an STD booth...I know...funny for us Americans. We used the booth to find out where our volunteer was...come to find out...3 hours later that her flight comes in tomorrow...oops.

By the ways....Spurs won first game...lost the second. Stay tuned. GO SPURS GO

My New Best friend,heat, electricity issues, and the Spurs

Ok...so maybe you thought I was going to put a picture of an Indian...oh no...its my AC. I think that this just might be my summer fling! I mean... I think I'm in love!

My city is hoT (notice the capital "T"). Today was my first real adventure in the heat. So far my work has allowed me to stay in and beat the heat. Today, however, my roommate and I wanted to run some errands that put us in the heat all day long. I will think twice before doing this again. When I finally reached home at about 3:30 my back side was completely SOAKED. Sick.

The tempature today got to be 114 degrees Farenheit. My roommate and I have been trying to come up with funny scenarios of what the heat is like. These are our top two favorites.

• 1. You feel like you are in a blow dryer. The wind if there is any is just plain scorching hot and very dry.
• 2. You feel like you are inside of an exhaust pipe with no where to go. My city was so poluted today you couldn't even see the skyline. So mix the intense heat and the pollution...you have an exhaust pipe!

My city has also been experiencing major power shortages. On the front page of the newspaper it said "All Light will be out by 7:30" Supposedly the government issued that all markets and malls be closed by 7:30 PM. This didn't gain to much popularity with the buisness men...I am curious to see what will happen in the next weeks. Today, the markets still seemed to be open. Time will tell.

The Spurs won!! So they will be going on to round two of the NBA Championship! This is an important round. They will be playing the Dallas Mavericks...the Texas rivals. Can't wait to see what happens!!!

Thoughts on Isaiah 29:13

"These people come near to me with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is...rules taught by men." Isaiah 29:13

Earlier today, I had a friend of mine ask me, "How is your heart?" [I was kind of thrown off by the question at first, but it is rare that you have a friend who loves you enough to get past all the surfacy crap and just cut to the chase. We should all be this real to each other...don't you think?]I hesitated in my answer because I wasn't really sure how I should respond. After a few moments I knew, "apathetic."

I have to confess that when I read this verse tonight...the Holy Spirit immediately cut at my heart. I have been a bunch of lip service and my heart is so far from the Lord. Sometimes I am scared to give God my heart fully. I have been withholding my love for my God fully. This is a horrible place to be...without love for God and without intimacy of friendship with my God, I am just trying to be good...fulfilling some type of law that I am no longer bound to. This is what happens when you take love out of obedience.

God I ask that you would seek after my heart...captivate me. Guard me from just giving lipservice, but allow my heart to be fully yours. I ask for a freshness and newness for you in my life. Remind me of how spiritually destitute and ruined I am without you. Pursue me with your zealous passion and love. Holy Spirit give me the ability to love you fully.

Caedmon's Call

My roomate today asked me what album the "Boast No More Song" was on. I was pretty confident it was on the Company of Angels Cd. I was right. This is not the point of this post however. In my hunt on I-tunes to find the answer, I realized that Caedmon's Call had put out a new Cd!!! It took me about 5 seconds before I hit the download button to buy the Cd. I am listening to it right now and it is excellent. Their lyrics are always so powerful... I would recommend you listen to it!!

Disclaimer...I am really biased towards Caedmon's Call... I could listen to them all day and never get sick of them! They are my favorite artist!

Anybody else out their Caedmon's Call Junkies?

Urgent Prayer Request- plane tickets to America

I am in the process of getting my plane tickets to fly back home to America. I purchased them from a travel agent in Thailand and had to have money wired over. There was a deadline for it all to be processes in order to get the cheaper deal. I had it transfered in time, but they still haven't receieved it.

I am a little nervous cause the money is out of my account. I don't think its a scandle, but I am just nervous about everything working out smoothly.

Please pray that my tickets will get processed SOON! Pray also that the ticket would not be more expensive!! Thanks so much for your prayers!

love yall.

GO SPURS GO!

In case you didn't know...the Spurs are my homeboys! Right now they are in the first game of the 2006 NBA Championship!!!

GO SPURS GO!

Tonight they won game 3 of 5 against the Sacramento KINGS. I look forward to them closing up this round on Friday in Sacremento. Stay Tuned!!! You definetly haven't heard the last from me!!



http://www.spursreport.com/
http://www.nba.com/spurs/

The Divellers

I would like to formall announce the union of two families coming together..... The Sellers and The Divers.... to make one big happy family ....the Divellers!!!

My roommate Lindsey had this idea from one of the first weeks we moved in together to make a family photo combining our families together. Lindsey and I have become like family here...so we thought our familes back at home should combine also. The next step is to get our parents to skype each other.

In fact... Lindsey blew this picture up and it is framed in our living room!!



Top Left: Clyde, Robin, Lindsey, Lori (her husband is missing ...sad)
Bottom Left: Craig, Shannon, Amber, Me, Cindy

Texas Lovin'

The fed-Ex Turbin man came to visit me today! He had on a purple turbin to match his uniform. I have come to really love this Fed-Ex turbin man because...it means I got some Texas lovin!!

My sweet parents and wonderful grandmother sent me this amazing 28lb package from San Antonio!!!





















This is me with great excitement to know what is in my box!
















Yes...yes it is...its 11 Dr. Peppers. This might be the first time I have seen so many Dr. Peppers in one place in India! Thanks!! Dr. Pepper is quite a delicacy here.


















Ok...so my mom saw these Texas dishes at HEB!! I love them and have not used another cup since got this and have already used the bowel and plate about 3 times each!! Whoop!

Thanks for all the texas lovin'!! The package also included random things like...an alarm clock, trash bags, kitchen towels, work out clothes, house shoes, 2 pairs of Old Navy flip flops, soap brush for dishes, sweet n' low, cute cool pajamas....it felt like Christmas or birthday!!

Thanks Nonnie for all you contributed!!!!