Together Again!!

I made it safely to S. Korea and I am united with my sister for the next 15 days!!! I didn't get to my sister till about 4:30 so we are just hanging out at the house tonight and catching up!

I am feeling pretty emotionally drained right now. Leaving was a little harder than I expected and still not sure what to think now that India is not my home. Pray for me if you think about it.

Look forward to more fun adventures with amber and I soon!!!

Breaking Language and Culture boundries.....

First of all...for some reason today...I have been super giggly. I woke up on the giggly side of the bed. I have laughed so hard tonight I have cried and almost died because I couldn't breathe. This Post is just killing me. Everytime I look at the photo and read the comments I bust out in PURE laughter! I think me and the roomies are delerious. Here we are camping out enjoying each other and making each other laugh rediculously.

Ok..so now for the purpose of this post.... SPOONS!

We taught my indian friends how to play cards this week! I kind of wish we would've done it earlier. We haven't really gotten to spend as much time with Deepa's brother and sister because of the language barrier BUT passing cards around, fighting...eh uh..i mean grabbing spoons breaks cultural barriers!!! Wahoo!

A Funny cultural note: Indians think that all card playing is associated with gambling...aka.. only pagan heathens or christians do that!! I think they asked me if I learned how to shuffle in a bar! ha ha. Also...Sh*t is not a bad word in the indian culture. SO every few minutes during playing cards I would hear them say "sh*t". Hence more giggling today. Lindsey and I just laugh everytime. I told you I was giggly today!

Many many lasts....

I can honestly say that these past 3 weeks have been absolutely amazing. I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect close to my two years of serving in South Asia. I have eaten, laughed, talked, visited, and loved! The fellowship among my Indian family has been soo soo soo sweet. I have been encouraged as I see the love these people have for me. I don't deserve their love, but I willingly receive it!! I feel like these past three weeks Jesus has been intentionally filling my love tank through allowing me to see sooo much fruit and through His personal encouragement! I am leaving India with such joy and lots of love for this place. Friends...this is direct fruit of the Spirits work!!

At Sonni's (a past English student) house! Another meal on the floor and this time there were only 10 people watching us eat!

Deepa's House-We had a great feast last night! I love love love indian food and the food they cooked last night was seriously some of the best indian food I have had in months! They had sooo much food and I truly felt like a queen eating in their home.

Chai and biscuits...i will miss chai!

Sweet rice, Chole, puri's, rice, bhindi, and paneer dish....yummy. yummy. yummy. yummy.

More eating on the bed...will anyone eat meals with me on my bed when I move to America?!

We got to worship together a little through song and prayer! Precious times!

This is us walking out the door. Fun shot.

Outing with Mona and Ericka-

We use to have a tradition of going with Mona once a week to pick Ericka up from school and then we would go and do something fun! We kind of stopped doing that but decided to go out together one last time. We went to this new place called Choka la. It was so American and girly!!! Mona is actually handling us leaving pretty hard...so it was hard because Mona was pretty quiet all day today and fighting tears through out our whole time. Pray for her. She has had some rough couple of months and I think is kind of struggling with depression and is afraid about being lonely when we leave.

Tomorrow I am spending the day with my American friends....We are having a par-tay tomorrow night!

Notice anything funny and familiar about this photo?

Discuss. (Click on the photo if you need to make it bigger).

Moving Day!

Today was moving day and I didn't lift a single piece of furniture!! I don't really have that great of pictures...every time I thought to take a picture, I was in the middle of something. ah well.

Today was actually pretty busy and random. It started in the morning with our typical Wednesday prayer time for South Asia. I have grown to love this time with my teammates! Today was extra beautiful as we worshipped and prayed together for the last time. Then the moving/chaos began! At one time, we had about 6 movers in our house, a pastor and a sadhu (hindu holy man) watching chronicles of narnia on my computer, a tailor dropping off my stuff, and all of us frantically trying to finish up everything! I am just glad we paid people to move our junk from one flat to another.

Just for the record, our current landlord decided to sell our flat rather than continue renting. Therefore, Laura had to find a new flat very quickly! She seemed a little stressed today. We are still in our current flat, but just kept three mattresses and are having one BIG slumber party for the next few days. There is literally nothing else in our flat- including no refrigerator or stove. So we will be ordering out a lot and borrowing water from my neighbor.

I am thankful I wasn't the movers. Laura's new flat is 5 stories up and NO elevator. It started to rain and the furniture got all wet. Pretty sure it is ruined and that they knicked up everything. What to do?! I wish i would've taken a picture of the truck...you would understand why our furniture is in the poor state that it is now...until later my friends...peace out.

This is a horrible picture of me with my fed-ex boxes. BUT today I shipped off the rest of my stuff to the Americas. The fed-ex men made me cry, but that's ok. It was definitely one of those moments where I was thankful I was leaving India and the male dominated society!!

3 days and counting....

So as I have only 3 full days left in India...I want to hear from YOU my readers! yay for my readers!

Is there any last minute posts or questions you would like to see on this blog about India?!! Let me know and I am all yours.... Only 3 more days of Indian lovin'!! tear.

Tomorrow, we are moving Laura into a new apartment with all our furniture- including my bed, kitchen stuff, and fridge. So we are going to be camping out the next 3 days...it should be fun. I will try to post pictures tomorrow!!

If you are wondering how I am holding up...I am honestly pretty sad but equally excited (can that be possible?)!! Keep praying for us in our last days. Thanks readers! You are the BEST!!!

More Goodbye's....

Julie (my best friend in India) is no longer in India. She left tonight to visit a college best friend in Africa and then off to see her man...Jared in North Carolina. Soon she will be a resident of Missouri which is pretty far from Texas. booh. Anyways... as many of you know... Julie was my roommate during our 7-week training at the farm. It is amazing how God put us in each other's lives. We definitely COULD NOT have survived this place without each other. We had some great time today to really reflect our past two years together and I am amazed at our growth and all the different places the Lord has taken us (including Singapore, Thailand, Bali, and Malaysia). We have been through a lot of challenges but also laughed till our bellies ached. I am glad I had a kindred spirit to go through this journey with. Julie is a precious jewel and I am sad to part ways BUT I am excited to share her with Jared (her way serious boyfriend). Jared...its your turn - you get to treasure her now!! I know that Julie and I will always be lifelong friends (BFF)!!!


So...Most of these posts lately have been more for me than for you! So thanks for still reading and commenting. I too am like many of you, I will be sad not to post my wild and crazy adventures in this place. Will life soon get really boring?!

I would also like to apologize to all you English majors out there. I would like to first say, that before I moved to India, I had AMAZING grammar and punctuation skills. But after living in India and being around HORRIBLE English speakers- everything has gone down hill. So please forgive my ridiculous writing skilz and grammar mistakes. Thanks for your grace!! ha. I need it!!!

A "Classic" Indian home visit

Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to be in many many home of Indians. Saturday, Lindsey and I, were invited to Deepa's aunt's house for dinner. We had such a great time and it the was the most "classic" Indian visit. Let me try to explain to you what a classic Indian visit is like...I hope that this comes out good enough through words...because if I could tell you about all this in person...you wouldn't be able to stop laughing. It's pretty good stuff.

First 30 minutes-

This is the most awkward time of the home visit because you don't really know anyone and everyone is being a little shy. They first bring you water to drink. Then a few minutes later comes a cold drink (coke or limca) and biscuits (cookies). While we are sitting here enjoying our coke, random neighbors from everywhere come in and just gawk at us. Some get the guts to actually introduce themselves. But then they leave. Its like we are on display and they said, "The American girls are here...go look at them!" Sometimes we even get asked for a few photographs. Pretty much the first 30 minutes is you getting stared at but not really talked to.

The Photos Albums Come Out-

An Indian visit is not complete without looking at photographs! This is also kind of when we can start to relax and we are figuring out everyone and the fun begins. So Deepa pulled us into a different room and we started looking at pictures for awhile. Then the cousin-brothers (there are 3) come in and start talking to us. And of course the camera comes out!! Then we are told that Deepa's cousin-brothers are dancers and that they should dance for us. They are at first a little shy, but Deepa is pretty bossy...i mean... convincing. Before we know it, we begin to see CD's come out. We are then asked to move to the other room to watch her cousin-brothers dance!!

Dancing!

No true Indian visit is complete without dancing or some type of singing!! Music and dancing is a core part of the Indian culture. This time it was nice because we got to watch her cousin-brothers dance so they were distracted from asking Lindsey and I to dance. Two of Deepa's cousin-brothers choreograph their own dance moves and actually teach dance. (I uploaded a video of them dancing below this post...go there NOW and let it stream so you can watch it...this post would not be complete with out watching it). I was super impressed by their dance skillz and it was sooo fun!

Dinner-

In India, the very last thing you do is eat. Pretty much once you finish eating, you have permission to leave and is usually expected. The awkward thing about eating in an Indian's home is they don't eat with you. They serve you and watch you eat. It is kind of awkward to eat and have 6 people stare at you and then have those same people try to stuff more and more food down your throat. Oh... and you almost always eat on the floor!! All things that I have adjusted to now.

Here is us sitting on the floor about to eat with two random neighbors that wanted to meet us and take our picture.

More Photos-

Usually right before we leave the camera comes out again. Pretty much any combination of picture that CAN be taken is taken. It kind of makes you feel movie star-esque. Sometimes it gets a little humorous. I am pretty much just told WHERE to be...Indians can be quite bossy...i mean convincing.

This is the family that we visited. We took about 20 different variations of pictures...I however will spare you!

Gifts-

Sometimes, but not all the time you get gifts. Usually they are T-A-C-K-Y!!! But it's always the thought that counts!! The oldest cousin-brother is an amazing artist and during our visit we were looking at his artwork and many of it is displayed in their house as decoration. Well as we leave, we see them looking at the walls and whispering. Yes, they really did it friends...they took their decorations off their wall and gave them to us!! Indians have nothing but they give so freely from what they have. We could all learn this lesson!!!

Leaving-

The family walked us out to the rickshaw and the minute we were out of their site Lindsey and I laughed for like 3 minutes straight!! We had such a great time and everything we did was so typical India that we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves! Indians are AMAZING. They have the best hospitality on the planet...sorry Mississippi (the hospitality state). It has been amazing to experience the best that India offers and that is their people. I have fallen in love with the people here...and it is the people that I will miss!!!

Bollywood Indian Video

Splat Design Contest

7 days and counting...

I can't believe it. In exactly ONE week, I will be getting on a plane and will not be returning to India. So many people have asked me two questions: "Are you sad?" and "What have you been doing?".

"Are you sad?" Honestly, I kind of wish I was a little bit more sad than I am. I am actually pretty excited about the next step...(and no I don't have all those details worked out yet). I don't want you to equate me not being sad to me having a horrible two years and wanting to get the heck out of here. In fact, it's the exact opposite of that. I have just been amazed at the peace and closure Jesus has given me up until the end. I know it is time for this beautiful and life changing season to end, but I know without a doubt in my heart this two years has been preparation for what's next! Walking with Jesus is always crazy fun, full of life and adventurous ...soo...why not be excited?!!

I am most amazed at the joy and peace he has given in these last weeks. I also can't wait to share with you more in detail of ALL the multiple things He is at work doing around me. Sometimes he answers prayers at the VERY LAST minute!! I have seen Him answer more prayers in this past few weeks than my whole term!! I have seen tangible fruit of my work and it has been the most rewarding feeling! I didn't expect to have so much closure and peace as I left. Jesus, "You are the Faithful One".

I will have to say that the hardest thing about leaving is saying goodbye. I said goodbye to Texas two years ago, BUT I knew I was coming back. I am not for sure if I will ever see my Indian friends again. I have to trust that Jesus will take care of them in my absence. So saying goodbye to the people I love and who have become my family will be very very hard.

"What have I been doing?" Packing, getting rid of stuff, packing, apartment hunting, packing, hanging out with friends, lots of last minute projects, shopping for my crazy family, packing, watching movies at nights with the roomies, and packing!

My last few weeks have actually been really really relaxing, restful, and not all that busy. It has been perfect. We have had time to do what we need to do, but also just really invest in friends and hang out.


Here is Lindsey packing. She looked like this for about 4 days. She has also repacked her suitcases about 16 time trying to get them to weigh the proper amount. I think tonight she finally got everything balanced out correctly.

This was the massive pile of bags and give away that was growing over the past several months.

Here is all of the stuff after Lindsey so nicely organized it all! Way to go Lindsey. We let our helper, Anita, take stuff and then we invited our students over to take what they wanted.

Deepa saw the picture of the "Divellers" hanging on our wall and asked for it. It was actually really sweet cause as Deepa was packing it she very endearingly look at it and said, "My family." So I am sure this random HUGE picture of mine and Lindsey's family will hang and people will think...who are those white people?

After my students finished, we all got on my bed and watched "High School Musical". Man its going to be hard to say goodbye to these beautiful ladies."

Shout OUT to Hannah

Hannah is one of my best friends (she doesn't have a blog...yet)! We were college roomies for 3 years! Looking back...she was a pretty dang awesome roommate and I miss the days of 3307. Last year, I got the privilege of going back to America to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. This was an answer to both mine and Hannah's prayers and a reminder (yet again) that God gives us the desires of our hearts!

Now Hannah and Cameron have been married for one year (on July 15). I haven't really known the married Hannah and Cameron in person yet... but one of my first stops when I get back to America is there lovely abode in Oklahoma!!

Anyways...Hannah sent me this picture and i loved it...and this is my blog so i have the right to post whatever pictures I want! So here's to you Hannah and Cameron!! Happy 1 year Anniversary!!

Hannah is a super friend. She is loyal and one of my best friends in the whole world. She is great at calling me and knowing what's going on! She is definitely just like me when it comes to communication and keeping in touch! It's always nice to have someone as loyal as you! Thanks Hannah for doing such an amazing job of loving me and being active in my life here in India! You are dabomb.com. ha.

Random "Alicia-ness"

I have finally uploaded my pictures from my trip onto my web album. Click here. There is also a link to the side of my blog labeled..."Alicia's Pics". So I guess.... this is for those of you who are bored to death and need something new to look at. Especially for those stalkers out there...just kidding.

I leave for South Korea to see my sister in exactly two weeks from today. Actually, I would be at the airport right now! I will be in Southern Cali in exactly one month!! Get ready Riverside/Sandals peeps!!

Speaking of Sandals peeps.... my very dear and sweet Kim is getting married today!! They have spent the majority of their relationship on different continents! I feel like the Lord is super excited and happy today because today they are becoming Mr. and Mrs.! I am excited to meet this Derek fellow I have been hearing so much about.

Yesterday, Lindsey and I had our last training among a group of our Indian friends! They were super thoughtful and presented us with a certificate and a gift! They also were very very thoughtful and made us our favorite Indian food- just in honor of us! These are the moments that makes leaving pretty hard, but thankful!!

Here are some other pics from my birthday week celebrations...my birthday week is officially over...till next year!!

April and I

Me, John, and Melissa...Happy Birthday to me!

We had these Sticky photos made in Thailand while we were waiting for our movie to start. (Amber, I thought of you!

Birthday Fun Conitnues...Indian Style

My birthday fun continued today among my Indian community! I don't know that I will ever have the honor of sharing my birthday among my Indian friends again! In India, they celebrate your birthday a little differently. You throw a party for yourself and treat everyone else! So today, I went to class today with two 2-liter cokes and some Indian sweets. They were excited about having a party and had their dance music ready! My students were also super sweet and got me gifts. They were tacky as can be...but its the thought that counts! It was really really fun to be honored among such precious people.

Indian sweets... yummy....

My Indian family....


These are my tacky indian gifts.... birds on a globe figurine, a Jesus nativity scene, and florescent flower basket with a bird on it...ha.



Mona has been really sick so we didn't get to celebrate together at all yesterday. When I got back from class today, I went over to her house to say hi and see how she was feeling. She ended up crying and breaking down cause she was sooo sad I was leaving. It was aweful sad. But what to do? So I made coffee, brought over my birthday cake, and shared my yummy ranch dip with mona, ericka, and Jhuma!

Yay...happy birthday to me!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I am officially 24 years old today. I feel big and bad. Not really, but I do think I like the age 24. In fact, if I could choose to be any age for the rest of my life it would be a choice between the years of 24 & 27. I figure at 24, I might be taken more seriously than someone who is in their early twenties...you know...I mean I have been out of high school 6 years now and graduated from college for two. Wow. I am getting old. ha. Ok. I am rambling...all this to say...I am pretty jazzed about being 24 and I am embracing my mid-twenties.

I had a pretty good birthday today. Two of my Indian friends got married today as well...so most of my day revolved around the wedding that turned out to be not that exciting and really really HOT. My roommate introduced me to "birthday week". My actually birthday wasn't that eventful BUT we have been doing lots of things all week long to celebrate. In fact, I haven't even had my cake yet...I will save it for tomorrow to enjoy the celebration even longer. Here are some pictures....

I got a Bollywood movie from Lindsey for my birthday and the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns"!! This book is by the same author as "Kite Runner" and will make a great travel book! They were the perfect gifts.

I went to breakfast with Bobby and Elaine and Lindsey at the "American Diner". It's a cute 50's diner that serves decent breakfast.

We crammed 12 people into a vehicle to make it to the wedding. ha. There is no such thing as personal space in India.

My Indian friends who got married...Romi and Reema.

Me and my sweet friends who worked so hard to make my birthday special.

Fun Factoid for many of you:

My sister Shannon and I share the same birthday! I was born on her third birthday. So Happy 27th Birthday Shanny!! I love you!!

Happy Birthday to ME, Happy birthday to Shanny, Happy Birthday to both of us, Happy Birthday to US!!!

Back in India

I am back in India! I had no lost luggage, passports, or any other drama that happened which must be a direct result of your prayers!! Thanks.

It is a little strange to be back in India and to know that I will be leaving quickly. In just 19 short days, I will be leaving India for the last scheduled time. Tear. I am not sure yet how I feel about it all. The next 19 days will be spent packing, shopping for my families last minute requests, moving out of my apartment, saying goodbye, eating lots of Indian food, and spending time with friends here. There are a lot of emotions and not sure what to do with them all. I would appreciate your prayers if you think of me!

I posted below several pictures from Bali! Blogging was quite the task this time! I am hoping to upload all my pictures to my picasa website. So if you want see more you can click there soon! We had an amazing time in Bali!! There were a few tense moments with having 6 highly independent females together trying to submit to the same plan, BUT we had a great time and were able to encourage one another! My top favorite things about our trip was...

1. the perfect and cool weather which made for PERFECT laying by the beach weather
2. having dinner with 6 attractive surfers who love Jesus the first night
3. the Villa

I didn't say much about each day below, but I think the pictures speak enough words...