-
last bible study.
But last night, last night was sweet in the hardness. A sweet gathering of people. A sweet time of studying the Word together. Sweet, sweet laughter. Sweet prayers for our family. I’m very thankful for this group of people. Anu took it upon himself to make chai for everyone . . . . . . which turned into a kitchen full of guys weighing in on the process After the study, the group helped us celebrate our wedding anniversary, South Asian-style, with jasmine garlands Oh yes, David got to wear one too Here’s to eight years together! John-brother and Ali celebrated ten years this past week! A fun night was…
-
a pregnancy test.
I sipped tea with a friend this week, and she told me that a young girl she knows—a university student in our city—has a new boyfriend and missed her period this month. Do I think this means she’s pregnant, my friend asked? Hmmm, could be. She should definitely take a pregnancy test. My friend looked dismayed: You mean go to a hospital? No, a urine test will work just fine. My South Asian friend had never heard of a urine test, the kind you can find at any drugstore. She thought for awhile. I asked if she wanted me to go buy one, and she looked relieved. “I am single,…
-
hospital visit.
A guest post by John W. Last week I toured my first South Asian hospital. It’s a nice hospital, and it’s probably not representative of the majority of hospitals. This tour happened because my friend, David, had surgery. I met him at the hospital to help. While there, we had many interesting adventures. We waited and prepared for the surgery in the ER. We had to wait for a bed like any ER. The difference being that even when you’re assigned a bed, a family accompanied by a doctor can walk in the door and plop down on your bed. This circumstance makes it no longer your bed. While waiting,…
-
swimming lessons.
Judah is doing three weeks of swimming lessons at a school a few blocks down the street, so the past couple of days we’ve been trying to get ourselves out the door for class at 8:00 a.m. He’s only had two classes so far, so we’re still getting adjusted. He actually hates it . . . there have been lots of tears and clinging to Mommy. Oh how thankful I am for a four-year-old’s ability to actually tell you what’s wrong! It’s a brand new season of life, folks! Judah said he likes the pool, but he doesn’t like his teachers. Honestly, I don’t blame him–two of the swimming coaches…
-
where religion is politics.
Our family spent Good Friday morning at the botanical gardens. On our arrival we met a festival with food, music, and performances. Religions compete for calender space, and it is not uncommon to see Hindu festivals on Christian holy days. Top state officials flanked the mayor to do puja (worship) together at a Hindu temple atop a rocky hill to celebrate the founding of our city. It was fascinating to watch several rituals – giving offerings, taking sweets, releasing balloons, lighting a torch. I was trying to imagine Congress taking communion together in the U.S. You’ll notice from the grainy i-phone pics below I pushed my way front and center…
-
just another saturday morning.
-
doctor’s visit.
Today I bit the bullet and took both kids for their (shamefully overdue) well-visits and immunizations. To a part of town I never go. In an auto. At lunchtime. I really, really procrastinate on stuff like this that intimidates me, but I always learn that the best thing to do is face my fears . . . it’s never as bad as I expect. Ams got her 18-month and 2-year shots, which includes typhoid because, well, we live in South Asia. She shed a few tears, then bounced back and reached for the promised Skittles (thank you, Watershed Fellowship!!). Judah was next, and he kicked and screamed bloody murder. It…
-
oak hill farm.
This past weekend, David and I escaped for a birthday overnight at Oak Hill Farm. John, Alison, and the boys were so sweet to offer to keep Judah and Amie for us. On Friday morning, we dropped the kids off, stopped for breakfast, then drove the hour-and-a-half to the farm. Here is my journal entry from Saturday . . . David and I are wrapping up our overnight visit to Oak Hill Farm. It is not exactly what I expected when we made our plans to come, but it has turned out to be a lovely experience. This farm is a little haven, an hour outside of our city, tucked…
-
top 5 questions we’re asked by strangers.
1. “Where are you from?” 2. “Can I take a photo of your child?” 3. “Are you here on holiday or do you stay here?” 4. “How much money do you make?” 5. “How much do you pay for rent?”
-
another sari!
Sweet Lilly surprised me with a sari for New Year’s! It was hard to accept her spending money on me, but generosity is a big part of this culture, and she was so excited to give it to me. I was very touched, especially because she learned my tastes and bought something I would have chosen for myself! It’s gorgeous. And of course it came with lots of bling. Now that’s not so much my taste, but I have to admit it’s fun. (she refused to let David take her photo with me, so he snuck one in)