Click-Click-Click-a-roo

I have uploaded picutres from January and February on my website where I put all my pictures!! So if you wanna see my pics then click HERE.

I just added 5 flippin' sweet albums.....

So CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-A-ROO...get clicking today...

hmm...maybe i wasn't unispired....

I have come to a conclusion that my lack of blogging had nothing to do with my lack of inspiration, but rather Grey's Anatomy. Instead of blogging in my free time, I watched Grey's. But now Grey's is over (I actually have to wait now to see the next episode like the rest of America...kind of sucks) and now I am back in a blogging mood!

I will however answer some of your interesting suggestions...

I will start with Jared's suggestion/question.
Q : What color is sad?
A: The color of your mom's face is sad.

I Have Arrived.

Tonight, I had a break through. Some of you, especially those from my past, will really appreciate this particular blog entry. I attended a party tonight with my friends that turned into a spontaneous dance party and I actually knew all the songs!! I wasn't in the dark.

I grew up in the type of family that only listened to "Christian" music because all other music was "bad". Therefore, my entire life I have been the music misfit. I am clueless when it comes to music. So on all the road trip sing-a-longs, high school and college dances, and random spontaneous dance parties (like tonight) I always had to pretend like I knew what all the "hip" and "cool" songs were. But deep down inside, I was a faker and I hated it ( I sound so serious...ha). I wanted to be cool and know all the songs that everyone else knew.

But today...I have arrived. Tonight's spontaneous dance party with the ladies was the first dance party that I actually knew all the songs and was able to sing along with everyone else! I felt so human. I felt so cool. Yep, it's alicia...the girl that had a clue about music. Yesssssss! Just call me "Alicia- the not-so-clueless music girl".

Well honestly, for the most part, I am still clueless, but I am definitely improving. So keep putting your hope in me friends...I am not a lost cause....

My roomie and I both got i-tunes gift cards for Valentine's Day from our parents. So what music should we purchase? Tell me your favorites. Between us we can buy 5 new CD's! What would we do without itunes?!!

I am Rich.

Recently, I started visiting my friends Deepa and Ponnam's house every week. My relationship with these girls is shifting from not only a teacher student relationship but also a friend to friend relationship! It has been fun to meet these girl's families and friends. We usually drink chai together, talk about the recent Bollywood gossip, and try to understand each other's language!

For several months now, they have been asking to come to my house. Normally, I would jump at the opportunity to have young girls in my home. This sort of thing is right up my alley because young girls and hospitality are two loves of mine. Lindsey and I have been able to keep them away for several months, but since visiting their home more frequently they keep insisting on coming to our house. Today was the day.

Let me explain my hesitation for having the girls over. Deepa's father only makes 2000 rps a month ($50 USD). My bedroom alone is bigger than her entire house! My house is three bedrooms, a large kitchen, two living spaces, a kitchen table, a couch and 3 Kings size beds. Deepa's house is one bedroom, one small kitchen, and the small double bed without a mattress is their couch. I have never felt so uncomfortable having so many material possessions. But what to do? Today, I was exposed for the rich white girl that I am.

The girls were dressed in their best salwar kameez suits or their best western clothes! They were really excited as we were in the rickshaw on our way to our apartment and I was really nervous. They walked in our apartment and were a little awestruck and uncomfortable. We served them chai as they looked through my college photo albums and scrap books. They still seemed a little uncomfortable (because they were really quiet) so we decided to move from the unfamiliar couches to my bed! This was a great idea. Once we sat on my bed they relaxed a lot because they felt a lot more at home. The girls thought it was really weird that Lindsey and I slept in two different rooms and probably wondered why we had such big beds. (Deepa only has one bed in her house for 8 people).

We decided to go to the mall that is close to my house. Two funny cultural things happened. First of all, one of the girls asked to use the bathroom and she had never used a "western" toilet before! So all the girls took their turn at "sitting" instead of "squatting". Lindsey and I got a HUGE kick out of it!! I also put on blue jeans to go the mall and the girls freaked out. They had never seen me in blue jeans. They said, "You are looking very smart". Which translated means ...your hot. Lindsey and I only wear a salwar kameez suit in their neighbor hood so we don't get stared at more than we have to and we don't want Aunties blaming us for their daughters wanting to wear western clothes.

At some point Deepa said, "I am very poor." But the truth is she is rich because she is happy and her family is overflowing with love. There are many people in America who would do anything to purchase that kind of happiness. And I am rich because of the friendship I have with these girls.

Preity (Deepa's older sister), Me, Deepa, Poonam, & Nitu (neighbor)


About to leave to go to EDM mall. Me in my "western" attire.


At the mall, Lindsey and I treated the girls to coffee! This was some of the girls first time to go to this mall! And, many of their first time to go on an escalator- always a funny site if you can imagine.

In Need of Some Inspiration

I have been really really silent on this blog lately because I am uninspired!! So I have an idea- Give me some ideas of what you would like to read on this blog!!

What do you want to know about India?
What do you want to know about me?
Any great philosophical questions?
Any silly questions?
Any theological questions?


So I notice too that there are a lot of you who view my blog from places I didn't even know I knew people from! So please please...if you have never commented on my blog...this is your chance!!!

I would love some creativity and some inspiration!!

I love you all!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I had a very very very cute date for Valentine's Day this year! What do single people do on Valentine's day...they babysit! It was my joy and delight to give Jonathan and Kelley a much needed date. Kiran is so grown up now at five months- she is sitting up, laughing at me, and rolling over!!

Lindsey and I were thinking ahead to Valentine's Day 2008 and wondering if we would have HOT dates this time next year. Who knows?! I can honestly say that I am thankful for my singleness this Valentine's Day. Singleness really is a beautiful thing and it's even more beautiful when we surrender to it and find genuine contentment.

At the turn of this year, I also began to get excited thinking about dating one day again! It has been over three years since my last (and only) boyfriend. I felt like Jesus told me I needed to start seriously praying for my husband. I have never been one of those girls that started a journal for my husband and pray for him non-stop. Sorry. But at the beginning of this year, for the first time, I felt Jesus released me to start getting excited about meeting my spouse. Jesus told me I needed to start asking Him persistently for my future soul mate! It honestly makes me giddy to think that God created someone specifically for me that when we come together that we serve the Lord better together! A man to link arms with that shares the same passions and heart for His work among all the nations. A man who just desires me...that kind of baffles my Alicia brain. But I know He is so faithful and He is already at work to bring us together.

Who knows how much longer my singleness will last?! Will I be thirty? I certainly don't have any takers, yet, but it's exciting to think that the Lord has released me to ask for my husband diligently for the first time in years! I am also filled with so much peace as I move forward with God's mysterious and radical plans for my life ... knowing He will give me what I need when I need it.

So this Valentine's Day 2007 I am celebrating my season of singleness and the mystery of Christ's love for me. What will Feb 14, 2008 have in store...more babysitting...or a HOT date?

Friday night fun...

This past weekend, the girls got together for yet another goodbye party. Karen is leaving soon to America and my city will not be the same when she is gone...sigh. Karen and I met two years ago and she is actually the person that convinced and strongly encouraged me to move to South Asia. She was one of the first people that I saw at the airport over a year ago when I first set foot in India!!

There are two things that I especially love about Karen- her coffee and her ghettoness. First of all, Karen has made me a coffee addict because she makes the best coffee on the planet! Seriously. Everyone would become a coffee lover if you had her coffee. Just trust me. Secondly, after spending time with Karen, I talk Ghetto for like the next 3 days...I just can't help it!! We share the same love for da' hood. There really aren't many people in south asia you can talk "ghetto" with...so this is always a treat for me!! She is family and is just another one of many people that makes this city my home. There will be a huge void here when she leaves.

OTHER NEWS in ALICIA's LIFE:

So guess what Lindsey and I did directly after this party? We stayed up till 5 AM watching Grey's Anatomy. And we stayed up till 4:20 AM Saturday finishing up Season 2. We finished all 12 episodes in about 24 hours. Pretty Ridiculous... I know. Right now, we are in the process of downloading season 3 off I-tunes. Did you know it takes like 14 hours to download just one?!! It will take several several days! Seriously.

I would also like to ask for a moment of silence. (Silence..........................................)

My wallet was stolen today. My favorite wallet I have ever had. tear. Since July, I have lost my carry-on, passport, and now my wallet. Am I this irresponsible? Should I even be allowed to be a grown up? What happens when I am actually responsible for other people?! Am I this incompetant. It was a pretty frustrating experience....again. Seriously.

( I would like to make a note that all three losses were NOT MY FAULT).

Another Trek to the Himalayas

I apologize for being so quiet on blogger these days. I guess there is just nothing too exciting going on around here. However, this past weekend, Lindsey and I traveled to the magnificent Himalayas to visit our friends Julie and Emily. Where they live is depressingly cold and their community of friends leave for the winter...so we went to give them a little encouragement and community.

Lindsey, Emily, Julie, and I had a great time together. I started this journey with these ladies and now we are on the home stretch of our journey together. In August, (just 6 short months) we will be leaving for America together to begin our next new and exciting journey in America.

So what did we do for these 4 glorious days together? We talked, played cards, talked, watched movies, talked, and made it to town once a day for food. Julie and I even stayed up till 5 AM talking. It was a really sweet time. We pretty much did NOTHING but enjoyed each other's company.

We also planned our futures. ha ha. We planned what we would do when we get back to America and what we will be when we grow up ( oh wait- i think i already am a grown up!). We will see if my current plans pan out in the long run. God seems to have a crazy way of mixing up my plans...so they all might just be in vain! But I am a planner...it's what I do best...it's natural and sometimes it drives me NUTS.

While we were at it, we planned our last vacation together as single journey girls. One day it will be hard to say goodbye to this season...so we are living it up while we can. We are trying to take advantage of this time in our lives. So where are we going in July? Bali, Indonesia!! Blissful island...here we come.


This past weekend really was encouraging. It was a great time of rest and just being with sisters who love each other!! I do want to give a shout out to Ruthart who wasn't able to be with us...you were greatly missed!

on a side note...I think my English is officially screwed up. I talked to a friend and he told me I spoke English just like the Indians. Sad. I guess my English is now spoken in broken, illiterate sentences. sad sad day.

Singapore- My New Favorite Place on the Planet

December 27th- 1:00 AM- The Hyatt - Delhi, India

Julie and I set out for Bangkok, Thailand late December 26, where we would get a connecting flight to Singapore about 11 AM the next morning. However, our ADVENTURES began when our flight in Delhi was canceled due to fog.

The only BEAUTY of the delay was the Hyatt. A five start hotel of pure bliss- involving never ending hot water, silk robes, and heaven-like mattresses. I wish I could say that we acted maturely when we arrived in our room, but no, we acted as KIDS. We couldn't help it- we jumped on the beds...they were so bounce worthy. You can't jump on the beds in India, it's like jumping on the floor. No fun. The only thing torturous about the experience was the 6 AM wake-up call to leave.





December 27th- Bangkok International Airport - 3:30 PM
Yes, it is true we missed our connecting flight to Singapore. We arrived in Bangkok about the time we would've originally arrived in Singapore. The gift of living in India, however, is that nothing phases me now. Yes. My flight was canceled and I had to repurchase a new one-way ticket to Singapore that was three times the cost of my round-trip ticket, but you know it's life. I would like to say we maintained our INTEGRITY and cool. The last flight out to Singapore that night was booked so we stayed an UNEXPECTED night in Bangkok in a nearby hotel.



December 27th- Outback Steakhouse- Bangkok - 8:oo PM

We decided to make the most of our extra time so we traveled about 30 minutes to the Siam Center to enjoy some beef and a bloomin' onion. The food was unbelievably DELICIOUS. Seriously it was a party in my mouth. Another earth shattering concept was the whole "free refills". Yummy. Yummy. Yummy.

December 28th- Bangkok International Airport- Starbucks- 5:00 AM

My PRECIOUS ... an iced caramel macchioto from the glorious Starbucks. Our luggage is checked and our boarding passes for Singapore are finally in hand!! We are about an hour from finally reuniting with our friend Chesi.

December 28th- Singapore- DAY ONE

The REUNION of being together was a little emotionally anti-climatic. Julie and I had this really dramatic running, hugging, screaming act, but Chesi and her brother went to the wrong terminal and we didn't seem them till about 15 minutes later. But none-the-less it was good to be together again!

We stayed with Chesi's FAMILY (her parents and brother) in their home. Chesi grew up in Singapore and so it was really special for her to have friends come and see where HOME was for her. We enjoyed Aunt Anne's southern hospitality and home cooking. She even did our laundry. We were pretty spoiled indeed.




December 29th- Singapore - DAY TWO

This was our first official full day in Singapore. So we decided what we would do what everyone who comes to Singapore does... they SHOP. So shopping we did. We also went to a lot of Starbucks when we needed a break.

Orchard Road is a very well-known road in Singapore where there is miles and miles and miles of malls! From Gap, to Hang Ten, to Borders, to Gucci- Singapore has it all. People travel to Singapore just to go shopping!! It was crazy fun. I am honestly not a huge shopper, but I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY enjoyed myself and had fun spending money!





December 30th -Singapore- DAY THREE

On day three we went SIGHTSEEING. We went on a small boat on the Singapore River, saw the Merlion, and went inside the Fullerton. It should've only taken us a few hours, but as girls we took it upon ourselves to take a million pictures and CAPTURE everything to last a lifetime.

So in the title I stated that Singapore is my new favorite place on the planet. It is the best of Asian culture (the hospitality and food) and the best of the Western culture (development, cleanliness, and efficiency) joined to make one BLISSFUL city. It has been called the New York of Asia. It is also an island, city, state, and country- who knew?






December 31st- Happy New Year- Singapore- DAY FOUR

We started the morning by attending a Chinese church service and following it up with delicious
chicken-rice from a nearby market. Then Chesi, Julie, and I decided to make one last trip to Starbucks and one last HEART-TO-HEART! It was really great to share together and know how to pray for each other his next 6 months.

We then came home and watched some movies with her family. We decided that we would rather stay in than go out- so we enjoyed a low-key evening in playing cards, listening to i-tunes, dancing, making chocolate chip cookies and drinking sweet tea. At midnight, we brought in New Year with sparkling grape juice and sitting on Chesi's kitchen floor SHARING about 2006 and making resolutions for 2007.

January 1st 2007- Leaving Singapore- Bound for Chiang Mai, Thailand

Any Grey's Anatomy Addicts out there?

Jonathan and Kelley got Grey's Anatomy season one for Christmas which means that "we" got Grey's Anatomy Season one for Christmas too!!

The first thing we did when we got back was watch it...I am automatically hooked!! I finally understand why it is the #1 Television show in America!!

Currently, we are about half way through season 2 (j & K- also addicted -bought season 2) and can't wait to finish it up!!! I am also really really really excited because you can buy season 3 of Grey's Anatomy on I-tunes for $35. I think Lindsey and I will have to start saving our pennies so that we can catch up and actually discuss the show with people in America!!!

Seriously, all I have been able to think about is surgery lately. We have watched a lot of episodes (22) in a row...its ridiculous!!!!!

Ok...so i figured out how to post pics. But i have had no motivation for the Singapore post...so please be patient. Sorry I have been so quiet on blogger. I guess in my free time instead of blogging I have been watching Grey's Anatomy!!!

Anybody else out there addicted?!!!

pics problem

I have been wanting to post but it continues to not let me post pictures. Is anyone else having this problem or is it just me. And does anyone know how to fix it?!!

HELP!

safe & sound in India and a little randomness

I arrived home a little bit before midnight yesterday (the 17th). It is good to be home. It's amazing to me how ugly and drab india looks after being away for so long. Even the busses and rickshaws seem dirtier and uglier than before...which sometimes I didn't think was possible.

My adjustment back has been good so far... it is really just great to be home. I spent most of today putting my house back together from the holiday rush and doing a deep clean. I also had the electrician come and fix several of our outlets. Later in the afternoon, I went to teach English and also got to meet a new member and potential new roomie today! Laura is really sweet and I think we are going to get along just great. So it was a great first day back...a little out and a little in.

My computer is finally back together tonight! In the busyness of the Christmas season, I didn't have time to put everything back on it! So now, I have finally have all my songs in itunes (PTL!) and I now have contacts in my Outlook...so now I can send out a newsletter. I guess I have to write one first before I can send it...its on my list of things to do on the weekend. Oh and I finally have all my pictures back now too... yay

Random. Did you know that apple came out with a new product? iphone. I love gadgets....it makes me really want this....Anyone wanna buy me one when i get back...ha ha

Random again. I watched American Idol tonight....it made me and my roommate laugh really hard... do they realize they are being made fun of??

Bittersweet- I'm going home

After 12 days of an unexpected extended vacation, I am going home. Today, I was able to pick up my NEW passport which now has a 6 month Indian visa so that I can return home. Previously, I had a 10 year visa...so I will have to renew it when I am back in Thailand in just 6 short months.

My time here has been refreshing, relaxing, and delightful. A typically stressful situation (losing your passport in a foreign country) turned out to be a HUGE blessing. I have sweet sweet friends (the Kapur's) who live here that insisted that I come stay with them in their home rather than in various hotels. I took them up on their offer and it has been WONDERFUL. Their house is beautiful and in a perfect location in the city. The Kapur's are godly people and just being with them and seeing how they live their lives daily has been an inspiration and such a great example to me. They are great mentors for me.

The best part of my time here is the time I have had to spend with the Lord. Every day, I would go to Starbucks and sit for hours and just journal and read while listening to my i-pod. It was blissful. It was a great time of reflecting, focusing on my last 7 months, and also praying for my future when my term ends! The Lord really spoke to me a lot and I feel refreshed, encouraged and strengthened.

Another thing I loved about being here is getting walk around everywhere! In India, I never really get any physical activity and I hate it. You can walk places but you are dodging way to many items such as cows, rickshaws, potholes, crap, and people that its unenjoyable and takes too much focus. But in Chiang Mai they have great sidewalks and everything is so beautiful to look at. Another thing I loved about Chiang Mai is that I don't get stared at! It's amazing! I blend in with all the other foreigners that are here! This also makes walking around the city suprisingly delightful.

As sad as I am to leave, I am really ready and anxious to go home. I have been away for more than 3 weeks and it's time to go. I only have 7 months left and honestly I am afraid its going to go by too quickly! But now, I am focused and have direction...so India...here I come!!

COMING SOON...pics of my time in Singapore (my new favorite place on the planet).

In Chiangmai, Thailand....Waiting....

Well...it looks like I have an extended vacation here in Chiangmai. I received my new passport and now I am waiting to get issued my Indian visa so that I can go back. As it looks right now, I will head back to India on the 17th of January.

So what will I do....

lay out at the pool
read
drink starbucks
sleep in
watch movies
go see movies
do some shopping
spend some extended time with the Lord
thai massages
eat good food
get a manicure and pedicure
visiting other company friends in town

Well...now my RESTFUL vacation begins. Luckily my company will absorb all my expenses. (Thanks lottie). So...i pretty much get a 11 day paid vacation!!

I know the Lord did this for a reason. I was planning on taking a few days of spiritual retreat when I returned, but now its forced. I am without a computer, phone, and people. I honestly hate being alone, but I think that the Lord has something to teach me these next few days. Please keep me in your prayers if you think of me! Ask that I would be faithful to sit in His presence and just listen! Usually I am not good at this.

I hope everyone has had a great New Year! Can you believe it's 2007?

Traveling Woes

So these past 11 days have been quite testing in the area of "travel". Currently I am stuck in Thailand with NO PASSPORT and NO VISA to get back into India. Yes it's true. My passport was either stolen or I am a complete idiot and I lost it. Either way it is gone and I am in the process of applying for a new one. There is about a 2% chance that I can get everything worked out tomorrow OR I will be here in Chaing Mai for about 7-10 days waiting for my visa to be processed. So I think I might get an extended vacation...

So this was just the current traveling woe. But actually this was one of many woes this trip. My original flight out of India was canceled and I missed my connecting flight to Singapore. Once I got to Bangkok, Thailand we were unable to fly to Singapore that night and had to fly out the next morning. Not to mention, I had to REPURCHASE my one-way ticket to Singapore. The one-way ticket was double the price of my original round-trip ticket. So much for using a discount airline.

So these are my traveling woes...but here are some of the Positives.

1. In India, they put us up in the HYAT for the night (just for the record- its the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in)
2. In Bangkok- when we were stranded we found OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE and ate some great beef.
3. India has taught me to not freak out when things don't go my way. So it didn't even phase me when all this was happening. I think I maintained my integrity and my cool.
4. We only missed like 12 hours in Singapore.
5. My passport is being processed quickly and everything is coming together.
6. I just might get another 7-10 day paid vacation (while waiting for my visa to be processed) while in one of the nicest cities in Asia.

So anyways... despite the woes and God sent sweet blessing along the way. I will one day post about Singapore when I have my own computer again....sigh I miss it. Email me at gmail or leave comments... i am missing my link to america. you.

Christmas finale and sweet sweet Singapore

The Christmas season is officially over for me. Christmas 2006 will be remembered as one of my most meaningful and joy-filled Christmas' in the history of Alicia's life! As much as I miss my family and would've loved to be home, I wouldn't have traded being in India this Christmas for Dr. Pepper, Starbucks, or turkey!

My heart is overwhelmed with the beautiful people that He has placed in my life here. It is neat to see that the Lord is at work and He is growing and maturing the relationships I have with my indian friends. My heart is being knit to this place and the people and this Christmas He gave me the gift of opening my eyes to the beauty of what He is doing around me. Jesus really is amazing and I have never been so honored and excited to celebrate His birth like I have this Christmas.

I spent Christmas Eve with Jonathan and Kelley just like last year! They gave me this awesome 'Santa riding on a camel' Christmas decoration so I would always remember we spent Christmas together!! I love it ...it's so fun! I don't know what I would do without this family!! They make living life FUN. I mean after all "Life is to short to brush with non-Cinnamon toothpaste".

Here is Kiran now...almost 4 months old!!

This is a pictures of Lindsey and I and my English students on Christmas Day. If you notice...Lindsey and I are dressed very Indian and my students are dressed very western!! Don't you just love that?!

Well...I am going to disappear off this thing for a couple weeks because I am in SINGAPORE!!! Julie and I are traveling together from India to meet up with our dear friend Chesi. We all met at the farm and lived in the same Quad so we got really close as you can see from the picture!! We are crazy when we are together, but I also connect with these women in an amazing way! I can't wait for more time of heart to hearts while eating chocolate chip cookies and drinking sweet tea. Pray for us that we would be an encouragement to each other and it would be a time of sharpening each other. I know the fellowship will be beautiful!!

Amanda...know that you will be missed. Here is another picture of us at the farm. We were known for hanging out in our kitchen.. great memories ladies.

After singapore, I am going to Chiang Mai for a 2-day retreat!! keep me in your prayers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Holiday Fun Continues

Since Wednesday, Lindsey and I have been going non-stop with various different Christmas activities. I am going to try to blog about each event briefly, but if you want more pictures, they are uploaded to my new website for pictures. Click here.

DAY WITH THE KIDDOES - Wednesday afternoon- Thursday afternoon

I realize this photo isn't great quality, but it was fun. This tree was in a mall that is about 10 minutes from my house. This is the largest Christmas tree I have seen all season, so it was picture worthy (and the kids are cute in front of it too). Jeremy took the picture cause he's almost 13 and apparently too cool for the camera these days.

The kids came over and we let them watch three movies in a row. ha ha. Santa Clause 2, Elf, and High School Musical. Then the kids spent the night and we got up early and went to see Open Season at the 3-D I-Max center. Then we had Mc Donald's and came back and made Sugar Cookies. The kids had fun, but I think the parents enjoyed their alone time even more...they definitely needed it!! I love date nights.

CHOTI CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH ENGLISH STUDENTS- Thursday afternoon
Our English class met for the last time for the semester so we thought we would have a Christmas party. We enjoyed food, fellowship, fun, singing, and dancing!! Our students kept trying to get us to dance, but we don't quite have the right skills!! Maybe we should take some dance lessons!! Actually it's on my list of things to do before I leave.

DINNER AT SONNI'S HOUSE - (Thursday evening)

Here I am- eating on the floor! Sonni's (English student of mine) family invited Lindsey and I over for dinner. Her family is from a village called Bihar. So we had their village food and it was delicious!! Have I mentioned that Indian food is really tasty? It's always a little awkward because they don't eat with you. They all just stare at you and try to stuff more down your throat. Indians have the most amazing hospitality.

I have really enjoyed her family. Her father plays the Dolak (drum) and is going to play at our Christmas party on Monday!! He said that God really blessed him by having us come to his house, but we feel the exact same way. He seems really open and I look forward to connecting her family with some of our friends.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MY HOUSE - (Friday Evening)
Lindsey and I invited about 40 of our neighbors and our friends for a American/Indian style Christmas celebration. Many Indians know about Christmas, but it is so different from their traditional celebrations that they don't know how to celebrate it. We were actually really surprised by the great turn out that we had! Many people said this was the first time they had ever celebrated Christmas (these are grown adults). Can you imagine that? SO they were thrilled to be invited to celebrate together. Everyone came bearing wonderful and sweet gifts. We played a game with the Santa Hats which made for some really really fun and festive pictures! I love it!!

So what did we do? We started out singing lots of American Christmas carols! Indians really love to learn all the Christmas carols...so they sang loudly and with great joy! Then we were able to have a time of advent. Shortly after, Paul led a time of sharing the Christmas story. It was really neat because he had parts typed out for everyone to read- so everyone was a part of telling the story! It was filled with lots of laughter. My landlords (an elderly couple) were Elizabeth and Zachariah. They really got a kick out of thinking about them having a baby at such an old age!! I was surprised at how much everyone enjoyed it!!

Then at the very end Paul shared about how Jesus' love spread to all from those who are devotees of Jesus. We had everyone light candles from the advent candle. It really was a meaningful moment for all. Lighting candles has a lot of significance here in India. It was really just a neat time together. People then took the candles and placed them on our balcony for our light to shine!

Everyone had a great time! Even today, I heard people say how wonderful the food was (we served dinner) how much they loved the songs and the singing! Mr. Gupta (my landlord) said that until last night he didn't realize that there was prophecy hundreds of years before Jesus' birth. That seemed to really speak to his heart a lot!!

Lindsey and I had a great time and honestly were just overwhelmed with joy and God's goodness. We felt so privileged to share Christmas with our Indian family and friends!! I can't explain in words how meaningful this time was for me. This night will definetly be remembered for a lifetime.

ANITA'S FAMILY CAME OVER FOR PRESENTS- (Saturday morning)

Lindsey and I had bought Anita and her kids Christmas presents. So we had them come over to our house!! They each got something warm to wear for the winter and we bought Anita a big warm blanket for their bed!

I was so overwhelmed this morning! Anita has become so special to us and we really don't know what we would do without her. There are no words to describe how joyful and wonderful it was to give them their first Christmas ever! Their faces and reactions were priceless! It really is better to give than to receive!

REJEEV CAMP CHRISTMAS PLAY- (Saturday Evening)

My supervisor has a slum tuition center (school) in low-income area. The kids put on a Christmas play full of costume's and make-up!! They were great and I really enjoyed seeing the Christmas story in a very Indian way!! It was precious.

This picture is for you KIM and Lindsey!!! It's your 3 favorite people in India.

Well it is super late here...and it's officially Christmas EVE here...SO Merry Christmas EVE!!!

More pics

So loosing everything on your hardrive really makes one think... So I decided to try something new and maybe fun for those of you who actually want to see more pics of things here. I am posting all my pics on Web share so I have them somewhere else. So check it out.

http://picasaweb.google.com/namaskarsa

This is my new site where you can view full albums that I post. You can also put comments and stuff on my pics if you like. That might be fun. Let me know what you think.

Silence Broken

Thankfully, I am blogging from my own computer. For the most part, repairing my computer hasn't been too stressful of a situation. I thankfully have a full-coverage warranty on my computer and Dell's service is quite efficient!! I called Dell at 9 AM and the parts for my computer were delivered to my house that evening. impressive. Then a man came this morning to fix it! I lost my hard drive along with ALL my info, but it's in the shop being restored- hopefully. So words of experience and regret- take the time to back-up your hard drive TODAY!! Or it might cost you $175 to get it restored. This picture is hilarious...it's Lindsey taking out my hard drive the night it crashed to see if I had lost everything...which i did. I just thought it was comical.

I received two more amazing packages in the mail!! So I couldn't forget to put them on here. Are security guards did finally ask us why we were getting so many packages lately...when it rains it pours!!

This package was filled with LOTS and LOTS of Christmas ornaments...also from Mrs. Scivally and her best friend whom I have also never met...but fun stuff!!! More and more stuff to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere! Thanks ladies.






Now these beautiful presents are the presents that came all the way from Bulverde, Texas!!! These presents are from my parents!! I already opened the crocs cause I needed them! They are awesome!! I am hoping to find something inside saying that my parents are coming to visit...we will see...sigh.



So this Sunday was AMAZING! Debbie, ordered herself a grill for Christmas...so we had a cookout!! Can I just say that when all of "us" get together we would dream of the days of cook-outs. So she actually made our wishful thinking a reality. It was so delightful. So here is a picture of us with "beef". Can I just say it was delicious...but it kind of makes me sick when I eat it now...isn't that just tragic?! The best part of the day was it was so relaxing. We cuddled under the covers and watched "The Sound of Music" which has to be one of the best movies ever!! It was just a great to just hang out, fellowship, and enjoy the community that I have here.



Can I just say that this Christmas season has been so fun and amazing!! I can't wait for all the fun activities we have planned this week.... stay tuned for more pics....

Merry Christmas