Husband was just asked about 15 minutes ago to go with Epaenatus to a village that we've never heard of before. He looked at me, I said of course!, and he became a blurred figure from that point on. He came running in with his backpack about 2 minutes later, stuffed with what he thought he'd need, grabbed some snacks and clean water, and was out the door. You know it would have taken me at least 20 minutes to pack a backpack if I didn't know where I was staying. (oh yeah, I forgot to mention, he doesn't even know if he'll have a bed. That would've been my first question: "Will I have a mattress, sheets, pillow, and comforter? Because otherwise, I'll need extra time to pack my sleeping bag and a pillow.") I mean, this whole situation if full of What Ifs...what if the place is cold and he'll need longjohns? What if it's really warm and he'll need short sleeves? What if there's no food available? What if he has to sleep with 3 men in a twin sized bed? The questions are endless!
But also, there's the What if he has a chance to meet more of our people group, the MahPah's? What if he has the opportunity to share about the boss? What if someone is ready to accept? What if he meets a person of peace and we are able to go back to that village? Even as detail-oriented as I tend to be sometimes, these are the questions that are plaguing my mind right now.
Of course, I'm not the one on my way to 24 hours of who knows what. In a way, he's kind of like Jack Bauer...
31.1.06
26.1.06
Our trip to get our scooter was interesting. For one thing, the scooter is not in 
the best shape, and only starts when husband gives the kickstart a big whack. We actually had to walk it over to the nearest mechanic to get fixed. The workers started taking apart our scooter on the sidewalk in front of the shop, along with several other scooters and motorcycles already being worked on. In a small area, there were probably 10-15 guys working on all these parts. They sat husband and I on a bench to watch them work. All of a sudden, a huge truck rolled up and honked loudly. In a 
flash, the work area was empty. We're talking tumbleweeds could have rolled by. It literally took about 5-10 seconds for these workers to grab all the pieces and run them into the shop. Thoughts of everything from attacks to arrests to drive-bys popped in our heads, and so we followed suit and hopped out of the way. Turns out, the shop is not allowed to work on the sidewalk, and the police will come around and confiscate anything they are working on outside. After the police man left, the workers came back out, along with the scooters, and started back up again. These are the before and after shots.
We also walked through the big Wednesday (aw, Big Wednesday reminds me of my dad!) vegetable and fruit market, which was so impressive. And we saw a few parks as well. But the main thing is that not only did we end u
p with a scooter, we also were passed down a gas heater, and got a mixer (finally!) and a skillet.
Anna and I at the rose garden.
the best shape, and only starts when husband gives the kickstart a big whack. We actually had to walk it over to the nearest mechanic to get fixed. The workers started taking apart our scooter on the sidewalk in front of the shop, along with several other scooters and motorcycles already being worked on. In a small area, there were probably 10-15 guys working on all these parts. They sat husband and I on a bench to watch them work. All of a sudden, a huge truck rolled up and honked loudly. In a 
flash, the work area was empty. We're talking tumbleweeds could have rolled by. It literally took about 5-10 seconds for these workers to grab all the pieces and run them into the shop. Thoughts of everything from attacks to arrests to drive-bys popped in our heads, and so we followed suit and hopped out of the way. Turns out, the shop is not allowed to work on the sidewalk, and the police will come around and confiscate anything they are working on outside. After the police man left, the workers came back out, along with the scooters, and started back up again. These are the before and after shots.
We also walked through the big Wednesday (aw, Big Wednesday reminds me of my dad!) vegetable and fruit market, which was so impressive. And we saw a few parks as well. But the main thing is that not only did we end u
p with a scooter, we also were passed down a gas heater, and got a mixer (finally!) and a skillet.Anna and I at the rose garden.
23.1.06
disappointments and opportunities
Today was interesting, as most days in a different culture tend to be. You never know what to expect. In a way, I was disappointed, because I was headed over to Naina's today to teach her English. That is something I learned at our retreat - how to teach ESL classes that convict, using bread, among other things. I had prepared a lesson and everything, sent money about it, and husband and I were off to their home. When we arrived, Naina was making lunch, and her inlaws were in town. So instead of teaching Naina English (I saw her for a total of about 10 minutes), we ended up spending the entire afternoon speaking with Deepak's mom, sister, father, and Epaenatus. Deepak's mom is the reason Deepak feels he can't outwardly follow our boss, and now I see why. The woman is a grump, is strong-willed, and very devout. The darkness just oozes from her when she talks. We did get to have some great conversations about our boss, though, which hopefully planted even the smallest seed. Who knows, maybe she will see that we are normal and nice, and be more open to the idea of Deepak and Naina following our boss.
Something so exciting is that Epaenatus told us that he has shared with so many people the change in his life! He says his fiancee has accepted the truth as well! We are going to his village possibly next week for his (and hopefully her) immersion. Talking with him shows how much he has grown, which is incredible, especially considering he doesn't even have bread. It goes to show how the HS can guide us. Not to diminish the importance of bread, but Epaenatus has the boss with him constantly now, which is truly evident in his life.
We will be going to Ctown tomorrow for two days, to pick up, among other things, a scooter! Husband is beside himself. A couple is leaving, and we're getting their hand-me-down scooter. And we're having a coworker family come to visit us this weekend to discuss and plan how to get volunteer trips to come this summer (ahem!) so it should be another busy week for us.
P.S. Dadto3: husband is asking you to email him, because he doesn't think he has the right email address.
Something so exciting is that Epaenatus told us that he has shared with so many people the change in his life! He says his fiancee has accepted the truth as well! We are going to his village possibly next week for his (and hopefully her) immersion. Talking with him shows how much he has grown, which is incredible, especially considering he doesn't even have bread. It goes to show how the HS can guide us. Not to diminish the importance of bread, but Epaenatus has the boss with him constantly now, which is truly evident in his life.
We will be going to Ctown tomorrow for two days, to pick up, among other things, a scooter! Husband is beside himself. A couple is leaving, and we're getting their hand-me-down scooter. And we're having a coworker family come to visit us this weekend to discuss and plan how to get volunteer trips to come this summer (ahem!) so it should be another busy week for us.
P.S. Dadto3: husband is asking you to email him, because he doesn't think he has the right email address.
20.1.06
girl time
This weekend, 
my best friends back home are getting together. The Fam, as we oh so affectionately call ourselves, is made up of 8 unique girls who are in some ways all completely different, but in some ways, the exact same. Since we are spread out everywhere from Oklahoma to South Asia, we usually only get together, all 8 of us, about 3 to 4 times a year. Our abs always hurt after time spent together just because we laugh so much. Anyway, I'm really wishing I was there right now, just for the weekend, to laugh and talk too much and play who knows what games (real or made up - you never know with the Fam) and to even run amuck (although, without Beth there this weekend, there probably won't be too much amuck being run). I'm working on keeping myself really busy these next couple of days so I don't dwell too much on the fact that I'm missing another get together with some of my favorite people in the whole world. This picture is of them at my wedding, so it's a bit dated, but it's the only one I could find without myself in it.
On to some better news, Hannah is spending the weekend at Priya's house, bonding. Priya has had yet another impending wedding fall through, and she's devastated and really seeking peace. Hannah is hoping that this weekend will be a time where Priya can finally see that our money is not the same, and that our bosses aren't the same. The 3 of us had lunch this week, and Hannah and I shared with her about the prince of peace, but Priya's heard it all before. She's to the point where she needs to realize he's the only one. Please join us in sending money that her heart will be softened to the truth.
my best friends back home are getting together. The Fam, as we oh so affectionately call ourselves, is made up of 8 unique girls who are in some ways all completely different, but in some ways, the exact same. Since we are spread out everywhere from Oklahoma to South Asia, we usually only get together, all 8 of us, about 3 to 4 times a year. Our abs always hurt after time spent together just because we laugh so much. Anyway, I'm really wishing I was there right now, just for the weekend, to laugh and talk too much and play who knows what games (real or made up - you never know with the Fam) and to even run amuck (although, without Beth there this weekend, there probably won't be too much amuck being run). I'm working on keeping myself really busy these next couple of days so I don't dwell too much on the fact that I'm missing another get together with some of my favorite people in the whole world. This picture is of them at my wedding, so it's a bit dated, but it's the only one I could find without myself in it.On to some better news, Hannah is spending the weekend at Priya's house, bonding. Priya has had yet another impending wedding fall through, and she's devastated and really seeking peace. Hannah is hoping that this weekend will be a time where Priya can finally see that our money is not the same, and that our bosses aren't the same. The 3 of us had lunch this week, and Hannah and I shared with her about the prince of peace, but Priya's heard it all before. She's to the point where she needs to realize he's the only one. Please join us in sending money that her heart will be softened to the truth.
18.1.06
bringin' home the bacon
I still can't believe it. When I went to the one guy in town that sells frozen meat, I ordered my kilo of boneless chicken, and then after paying, asked almost as an after though, "Do you have any bacon?" And guess what...he did! Actually, "A lot of bacon," were his exact words. Buddy, you don't know it yet, but you have just found your number 1 customer. I bought what looks like 2 big, wide slabs of bacon. And while we were out of the country, I bought a ham in hopes that not only would it still be good once we got home, but that we were allowed to bring animal meat from one country to another. (the answer to both of those questions is a resounding yes) There all that beautiful pork sits in my fridge, like slabs of cholesterol-injected symbols of endless possibilities. What should I make? I'm almost tempted to not make anything just so I can continue to become overjoyed when I open the fridge and see the pork right there, beckoning me. Almost.
12.1.06
Night Bus Ride
Let me start off by saying that when a trip starts off by you noticing the “Hill Sickness Bags,” you know you’re in for a real treat. For the next 4 hours as we plummeted down the mountains, at the mercy of a lunatic and brake-happy bus driver, we heard those bags put to good use. Luckily, I think I only heard 3 people getting sick, which I think was the reason the music was turned way up until we made it down the mountain. I’m very grateful for that music. I was close to losing it, and I never get motion sick. So much for being able to sleep while I traveled.
Day 1: Arrival to the New Country
Why do I call it that, like I’m a pilgrim? We arrived at the guest house at 6am, grabbed a few hours of sleep, and were on our merry way to the Camp by 10am. On the way we made a pit-stop. Two words for you: Cheese. Burger. Two very juicy, luscious words indeed.
We were warned to keep our expectations low regarding the beach and the facilities we were staying at. Seeing the beach I grew up around, my expectations didn’t have much further to drop, and I wasn’t let down. This place is NICE. Granted, it’s not
Day 2: New Year's Day
New Year’s Eve was cool. From our building’s balcony, we watched the activities on the beach, as the people lit many paper lanterns on fire, sending them into the air. There were fireworks, as well, of course, making it an even more beautiful view.
After preparing for the new arrivals the next day, we spent New Year’s exploring a bit. We found a great coffee place, a not-what-I-was-expecting seafood restaurant (although it was right on the beach, making for more beautiful views) and a mall! There was a Burger King in there, and when I bit into that long-awaited Whopper, I think I heard a choir of angels.
We were also able to see Chronicles of Narnia. The movie was great, but the most memorable moment happened before the movie started. The country we were in is actually a kingdom. Before the movie started, during the previews, everyone in the theatre had to stand up to a salute of the king!
The city we are staying in is famous for its immorality, which is why all of our free time this week will be during the day. Unfortunately, we were out late last night, and were able to view the magnitude of the sins. On the way home, I reached a point where I just had to close my eyes because I was crying and my heart was broken. Sure, it’s one thing to hear about what goes on, but to see it with your own eyes is completely heartbreaking. To think all of the suffering, ridiculing, torturing, and dying our boss did for these people, and they have turned their backs on him. If only they would turn to him, he is waiting on pins and needles to forgive them and offer them eternity. It’s a love I don’t understand, a love only he could offer. So needless to say, I am not going out after dark again, and after only 2 days, he has shown me to be grateful for the modest city that he has placed us in for the next 2.5 years.
Days 3, 4, 5, 7 (&8): Retreat Time
There are several reasons we as a group took this trip: retreat, workshops, equipping, sharing, and governmental (our visas say we have to leave the country every 6 months). I can’t tell you how great it has been to experience p&w in English, and to be able to understand the words from the encouraging speaker each day. Husband led the p&w time, and the room we were in was covered in tile, so we sounded great, like we were singing in a giant shower. This week was not only well-timed, but very well thought out, because I’m so excited to get back to the mountains and work more with our people. The different workshops we’ve had to choose from have been so helpful, and I’m brimming with ideas to take back with me.
Day 6: Fun Day
Our day off! As a group, we took a boat out to an island where there were many activities to do. We snorkeled, rode jet skis, rode on a banana boat, hung out on our boat’s decks, and swam in the ocean. One group of people decided to take a swim to the other side of the island, which was about a 45 minute swim. Several of us walked to where they’d be swimming, which only took about 3 minutes. Our initial plan was to stand there in the water and shout as they all swam up, “What took you so long?” But one of the guys saw some bamboo and string laying around, and suggested we make a boat. So the seven of us got to work, constructing a bamboo raft. About the time we saw the swimmers making their way over,
the boat was finished, and we put it in the water to see if it would float. We flipped it right-side up and ta-da! It floated! We all cheered, and there were several boats of people around us who, unknowingly to us, had been watching us make the boat, and they all cheered too. Someone paddled the boat out to ‘rescue’ the swimmers, but those guys were hard core and wanted to officially swim up on shore. We wanted to take our bamboo boat out to the real boat, which was on the other side of the island. The 7 of us hoisted the raft on our shoulders and walked over the island like a bunch of natives. All we were missing was some chanting and grunting. The real boat was a swim away, because it was too shallow for the boat to dock on the shore, so we pulled the raft up to the boat and docked it by tying one of the strings to a life preserver. There it sat all day, in its life saving glory.
the boat was finished, and we put it in the water to see if it would float. We flipped it right-side up and ta-da! It floated! We all cheered, and there were several boats of people around us who, unknowingly to us, had been watching us make the boat, and they all cheered too. Someone paddled the boat out to ‘rescue’ the swimmers, but those guys were hard core and wanted to officially swim up on shore. We wanted to take our bamboo boat out to the real boat, which was on the other side of the island. The 7 of us hoisted the raft on our shoulders and walked over the island like a bunch of natives. All we were missing was some chanting and grunting. The real boat was a swim away, because it was too shallow for the boat to dock on the shore, so we pulled the raft up to the boat and docked it by tying one of the strings to a life preserver. There it sat all day, in its life saving glory. Day 8: Elephant Trekking
During some free time in the afternoon, we decided to go elephant trekking. A group of 10 of us found this 
place where you could ride elephants through a jungle. It was so much fun. Our elephant, Chong, was great. The ‘driver’ would get off of Chong every now and then to smoke or take our picture, and Chong was so obedient. Our driver would grunt “Hah” and Chong would follow. While he was sitting on the elephant, the driver pulled leaves off of trees and made us this little grasshopper. I asked him how to say “grasshopper” in the language, which he told me, so every now and then, I’d hold it up and say “Tikatin seedon” and the driver would laugh. After a while, all the drivers cheered and laughed when I said it, so I’m thinking I was fooled, and Tikatin Seedon means something I would never say in English.
After the ride, they took us to this gargantuan elephant who if you wanted to, would grab you in its trunk and lift you up several feet in the air, parallel to the ground. Who’s gonna pass that up? Also, husband sat on this elephants tusks and was lifted off the ground. Fun stuff!
All in all, the trip was fantastic. As much as I loved eating steak and burgers, sipping a Vanilla Latte at Starbucks, or lounging at the beach with a book, I was ready to head back to our home. It was a great morale booster, and I feel that much more equipped for the job after taking several workshops.
10.1.06
practicing patience
I'm dying to post about our last couple of weeks, but we're still stuck here in the capital trying to find a way back home. We've been here since Sunday night; it's now Wednesday afternoon. Husband has spent 8 hours, stretched over 2 days, at the train station trying to get us tickets. Everything from them not letting us buy without our passports (which has never been a requirement before, and a friend of ours was there on the same day and they didn't ask for hers!) to the train being sold out to them not being able to guarantee a train will be running in a certain leg of the trip due to weather, has kept us from being able to leave. Finally, our tickets were delivered today, so we can head back tomorrow. We should be home tomorrow evening (but in this country, you never know), and I can post about our adventures then.
28.12.05
happy new year!
We're headed to another country for several days. I can't tell you just how much we are looking forward to this time of fellowship and retreat. And of course, warm weather, the beach, malls, and beef! We just have to survive our trip to the capital first...via a night bus. Husband somehow talked me into it. It's a 10 hour bus ride, but the good thing (I hope) is that we'll sleep through most of it, since it leaves here tonight at 10pm. The options of getting in and out of the mountains can be limited.
All this to say, hope you all have a very Happy New Year and ring in 2006 with friends, family, and the thought of glorifying the creator in the coming year. Happy New Year!
All this to say, hope you all have a very Happy New Year and ring in 2006 with friends, family, and the thought of glorifying the creator in the coming year. Happy New Year!
24.12.05
if only in my dreams...
You know that song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas"? I never understood it before. I thought, Who in their right mind wouldn't go home for Christmas? And now as I sit here, literally on the opposite side of the world from my loved ones, I must not be in my right mind. :) I now understand how I can be home, if only in my dreams. Husband and I have enjoyed a quiet Christmas Eve and now Christmas morning. Great news is that this morning, we were able to have a big breakfast of eggs, biscuits and gravy, and best of all, bacon! (thanks Mom-in-law!) Also, we talked with husband's family on the webcam, and now we're waiting on my parents to get on the webcam as well so we can open up presents! And I've heard that my brother and his wife will be calling us sometime in the middle of Christmas day, to heck with the time difference. Fine with me...just as long as we get to talk with our families. And as long as they don't mind our groggy mugs displayed across their computer screens.
So last night we watched through Google Earth as Santa made his way around the eastern most side of the world. Let me tell you, those Japanese kids should be very happy today because he was in Japan forever. This morning, I stumbled across this article on MSN, which just made me smile. Those NASA folks sure are on top of things:
So last night we watched through Google Earth as Santa made his way around the eastern most side of the world. Let me tell you, those Japanese kids should be very happy today because he was in Japan forever. This morning, I stumbled across this article on MSN, which just made me smile. Those NASA folks sure are on top of things:
NASA identifies Santa above Cape Canaveral — 10:10 p.m. ETDid anyone hear that NASA employee channeling Hank Hill a bit? I tell you what! Hope you all enjoy a Merry Christmas with your family and friends. Don't take for granted the blessing of seeing your family for Christmas!
Dec 24: Cape Canaveral, Fla. — After some confusion in past years involving Santa’s sleigh and UFO activity in Cape Canaveral, NASA was more than prepared for his arrival this year. By using the NORAD tracking system NASA was able to follow Santa’s progress around the world, so when an un-approved blip showed up on their radar screen they were able to give him the all-clear. “I tell you what,” one NASA employee said, “this NORAD system has made Christmas much less stressful around here!”
22.12.05
musical chairs and the christmas story
Since we have never hosted a party here before, we had no clue what to really expect. We were warned that all sorts of crazy things may happen: people would show up hours after the time allotted, they would bring their entire family, extended family, and village, or they wouldn't show up at all, etc. So we asked everyone to be here at 5, because since it's so cold, they like to leave by 7 or 8. We were very relieved when Sagar, his wife, and son arrived at 5:15. Soon, our house was filled will 25 people, 27 including us. They ate the food, and then ate some more food, and then ate some more. I never thought they would truly like the American food, but they did. They especially loved husband's ranch dressing; they would eat it straight with a spoon. We had a hard time explaining the concept of a dip. Same with my spinach and cheese dip. And the salsa. I think next year we should lay off the dips. :)
After the kids were done eating, we played musical chairs for the kids. We decided that if the adults got into the game enough while the kids were playing, we'd play an adult version. The South Asians love musical chairs, and in the middle of explaining the game, they took over the explanations and even re-set up the chairs in their own way. The adults got into it, so we started to play another round, and then they asked for a third round. We gave out the word in their language to the winners. I have to admit that I cheated and watched so that Sagar's family would be able to take home the word.
Then we told the story, and sang carols. As of now, we don't know if there were any decisions or lightbulbs going off, but we do have the promise that the word never goes out void. So please remember the 25 people who were here, that the boss would begin speaking to them, and that they would listen intently.
As a final gift to them, we gave them booklets in their own language and repeated how eternal life was the best gift we had ever received. Several people were reading them throughout the party, so we know that their interest is piqued. Most of these people have never heard this before, so they are thirsty.
We have ideas for next year, ideas that involve you! Please be thinking about this already, even though you (and we) do not even know yet what this completely entails.
We are going outside to enjoy the snow now! Merry Christmas to y'all, and to y'all a good night!
After the kids were done eating, we played musical chairs for the kids. We decided that if the adults got into the game enough while the kids were playing, we'd play an adult version. The South Asians love musical chairs, and in the middle of explaining the game, they took over the explanations and even re-set up the chairs in their own way. The adults got into it, so we started to play another round, and then they asked for a third round. We gave out the word in their language to the winners. I have to admit that I cheated and watched so that Sagar's family would be able to take home the word.
Then we told the story, and sang carols. As of now, we don't know if there were any decisions or lightbulbs going off, but we do have the promise that the word never goes out void. So please remember the 25 people who were here, that the boss would begin speaking to them, and that they would listen intently.
As a final gift to them, we gave them booklets in their own language and repeated how eternal life was the best gift we had ever received. Several people were reading them throughout the party, so we know that their interest is piqued. Most of these people have never heard this before, so they are thirsty.
We have ideas for next year, ideas that involve you! Please be thinking about this already, even though you (and we) do not even know yet what this completely entails.
We are going outside to enjoy the snow now! Merry Christmas to y'all, and to y'all a good night!
16.12.05
the most wonderful time of the year
*I was requested by a friend to change my settings on the comments, so now anyone who wants to can comment. Thanks, Ashley S.! :)
The last few days have been filled with sweets over-indulgence. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Just kidding…I know what it’s all about:
On Thursday, I decided to start practicing for the Christmas party. I have to find egg-less recipes, because most of the people here not only don’t eat meat, but they also don’t eat eggs, either. So I found a recipe for some Mocha Caramel cookies, which didn’t call for eggs. I scanned the ingredients (the first thing I do now when looking at recipes) and saw that everything was available here. I mean, I didn’t have the 24 caramel squares it called for, but I figured I could make my own caramel sauce. And of course, I didn’t have the cookie cutters to cut out cute tree, ornament, and star
shaped cookies, but I could use a knife, right? And I didn’t have an icing tube, but it couldn’t be too hard to use a spoon to drizzle caramel and chocolate sauce over the cookies, could it? Of course not, I convinced myself, and made my way into the kitchen.
2 hours later I was asking myself, “What were you thinking?!” Cutting out shapes isn’t too hard…when you’re not making 3 dozen cookies and when you actually know how to do a star. And the caramel sauce kept cooling off, so I repeatedly had to put it back in the microwave in a sorry attempt to melt it again. They ended up tasty, but definitely not worth the effort. Eggless or not, these are not going on the Christmas party dessert list. I also made some of my mom’s snicker cookies. Much much easier, even though I had to make my own powder sugar.
Friday, Anna and Hannah had a girls’ Christmas party. They invited me, along with Priya and Suniya. The 3 Americans baked the traditional Christmas cookies and other goodies. Priya made what I think is the most popular South Asian treat, a “GJ”. We have dubbed them “soggy doughnuts” because, well, that’s what they taste like. Except Priya is some sort of culinary wizard because hers were delicious and didn’t make my jaws hurt from the sickening sweetness of them. (they are fried dough balls doused in sugar syrup) Then we cranked up our favorite South Asian movie music, a
nd attempted to follow 
Priya’s moves. No matter how silly I look, I am never one to turn down a dance party. Then we ate so many sweets our stomachs actually hurt. Priya, completely serious, asked, “During Christmas, do Americans eat anything besides sweets?” Sometimes, yes we do.
Later that night, husband and I had Anna and Hannah over to eat some chili and cornbread (and ultimately, hot chocolate and more Christmas goodies) and watch White Christmas. This is a family tradition of
mine – for as long as I can remember, my family has watched this every year, and sang along to the songs. (my favorites: “Sisters”, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”, and “Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army”) and Anna and Hannah gave us permission to sing along. And they’ve heard me sing, so you know how generous an offer this was. It was nice to feel a sense of family here during such a family-oriented season. And to eat cookies with.
It’s a wonder we aren’t in a sugar coma today.
The last few days have been filled with sweets over-indulgence. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Just kidding…I know what it’s all about:
On Thursday, I decided to start practicing for the Christmas party. I have to find egg-less recipes, because most of the people here not only don’t eat meat, but they also don’t eat eggs, either. So I found a recipe for some Mocha Caramel cookies, which didn’t call for eggs. I scanned the ingredients (the first thing I do now when looking at recipes) and saw that everything was available here. I mean, I didn’t have the 24 caramel squares it called for, but I figured I could make my own caramel sauce. And of course, I didn’t have the cookie cutters to cut out cute tree, ornament, and star
shaped cookies, but I could use a knife, right? And I didn’t have an icing tube, but it couldn’t be too hard to use a spoon to drizzle caramel and chocolate sauce over the cookies, could it? Of course not, I convinced myself, and made my way into the kitchen.2 hours later I was asking myself, “What were you thinking?!” Cutting out shapes isn’t too hard…when you’re not making 3 dozen cookies and when you actually know how to do a star. And the caramel sauce kept cooling off, so I repeatedly had to put it back in the microwave in a sorry attempt to melt it again. They ended up tasty, but definitely not worth the effort. Eggless or not, these are not going on the Christmas party dessert list. I also made some of my mom’s snicker cookies. Much much easier, even though I had to make my own powder sugar.
Friday, Anna and Hannah had a girls’ Christmas party. They invited me, along with Priya and Suniya. The 3 Americans baked the traditional Christmas cookies and other goodies. Priya made what I think is the most popular South Asian treat, a “GJ”. We have dubbed them “soggy doughnuts” because, well, that’s what they taste like. Except Priya is some sort of culinary wizard because hers were delicious and didn’t make my jaws hurt from the sickening sweetness of them. (they are fried dough balls doused in sugar syrup) Then we cranked up our favorite South Asian movie music, a
nd attempted to follow 
Priya’s moves. No matter how silly I look, I am never one to turn down a dance party. Then we ate so many sweets our stomachs actually hurt. Priya, completely serious, asked, “During Christmas, do Americans eat anything besides sweets?” Sometimes, yes we do.Later that night, husband and I had Anna and Hannah over to eat some chili and cornbread (and ultimately, hot chocolate and more Christmas goodies) and watch White Christmas. This is a family tradition of
mine – for as long as I can remember, my family has watched this every year, and sang along to the songs. (my favorites: “Sisters”, “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”, and “Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army”) and Anna and Hannah gave us permission to sing along. And they’ve heard me sing, so you know how generous an offer this was. It was nice to feel a sense of family here during such a family-oriented season. And to eat cookies with.It’s a wonder we aren’t in a sugar coma today.
12.12.05
did you feel the mountains tremble?
Sorry I know I've been blogging a lot lately. But I'm guessing this one is probably necessary, for my family's sake, at least.
Once again, we're okay after an earthquake. This one was a bit stronger, to us at least, but not in Richter's opinion. We were awakened at about 3am this morning because our house was shaking, which also made our bedroom door rattle around a bit. Not ever feeling an earthquake before (remember the last one I was at the market and didn't feel a thing), I think it was pretty intelligent 3am conversation for me to turn to husband and say, "We're having an earthquake." I'm now ready for my Rocket Science degree.
So, to summarize, we're okay, our town is okay, and from what we've read so far, the epicenter is okay as well.
Once again, we're okay after an earthquake. This one was a bit stronger, to us at least, but not in Richter's opinion. We were awakened at about 3am this morning because our house was shaking, which also made our bedroom door rattle around a bit. Not ever feeling an earthquake before (remember the last one I was at the market and didn't feel a thing), I think it was pretty intelligent 3am conversation for me to turn to husband and say, "We're having an earthquake." I'm now ready for my Rocket Science degree.
So, to summarize, we're okay, our town is okay, and from what we've read so far, the epicenter is okay as well.
come again?
Today at lunch I ordered a "mushroom and black shoe" pizza. In this language, shoe sounds like olive. The waiter actually walked away from the table laughing, went and told the other waiters, and came back still laughing about 2 minutes later. I don't blame him; I mean, I ordered a shoe for a topping. And not just any shoe, it had to be black. I've had quite a few experiences like that lately. I recently told a person "See you mustard!" instead of "See you the day after tomorrow!". It kind of makes me nervous that I'm done with language this week...I mean, I'm going to go wandering around, asking if I can hear someone's food instead of their music (yes I've done that too) or asking people if they are forks. (okay, so I did that one in Paris, but given today's episode, it could definitely happen in this language as well)
11.12.05
top 14 things i love...
...about this city and country. (I couldn't narrow it down to 10) I'd love to see a post or comment of your list! (this goes for my overseas and stateside friends)
14. Morning chai, afternoon chai, and evening chai
13. Even if all I say is "thank you" or "hello", the locals freak out and begin complimenting on how well I speak the language.
12. Hearing a cow moo right outside the window. I'm not sure that will ever fail to make me laugh
11. The stunning views every way you look.
10. The guys at the coffee shop know me by name (what's that you say about coffee addiction?)
9. Being able to have talks about the boss without people immediately jumping on the defense wagon, spouting off about being PC and tolerance
8. When monkeys take your clothes off the line (alright, so that belongs on the hate list)
7. Learning the odd regulations, such as having to sew white cloth around international parcels
6. The shop keepers know what I mean when I ask for stuff like "yellow flour" (translation: cornmeal)
5. A bus ride to just about anywhere costs about a nickel (that's assuming you also love the buses)
4. The locals make a valiant attempt to cater to my "low spice tolerance"; the food goes from chemical burn level to merely lip-numbing
3. Without exception, each movie involves hours of drama, laughter, tears, singing, and best of all, dancing
2. The joy of sharing about the boss to someone who has never heard about him
1. If the shopkeeper has no change, it's not a problem. He just pays me back in gum.
14. Morning chai, afternoon chai, and evening chai
13. Even if all I say is "thank you" or "hello", the locals freak out and begin complimenting on how well I speak the language.
12. Hearing a cow moo right outside the window. I'm not sure that will ever fail to make me laugh
11. The stunning views every way you look.
10. The guys at the coffee shop know me by name (what's that you say about coffee addiction?)
9. Being able to have talks about the boss without people immediately jumping on the defense wagon, spouting off about being PC and tolerance
8. When monkeys take your clothes off the line (alright, so that belongs on the hate list)
7. Learning the odd regulations, such as having to sew white cloth around international parcels
6. The shop keepers know what I mean when I ask for stuff like "yellow flour" (translation: cornmeal)
5. A bus ride to just about anywhere costs about a nickel (that's assuming you also love the buses)
4. The locals make a valiant attempt to cater to my "low spice tolerance"; the food goes from chemical burn level to merely lip-numbing
3. Without exception, each movie involves hours of drama, laughter, tears, singing, and best of all, dancing
2. The joy of sharing about the boss to someone who has never heard about him
1. If the shopkeeper has no change, it's not a problem. He just pays me back in gum.
8.12.05
"i feel light"
If you got our last letter, we talked about our friends Deepak and Naina. Deepak's brother, Epaenetus, has been staying with them for awhile (not sure how long he has been here or how long he'll stay). The three of them came over last week with the specific reason to have chai with us and find out more about our boss. Not our request; theirs. Can you tell he's already been working on their hearts? So while husband was answering Deepak's questions, Epaenetus listened on the edge of his seat, literally. He told husband he had never once in his life heard the story of our boss. Last night, Deepak, Epaenetus, and Deepak's father Aman asked husband - twice - to come over to their place to tell them more about our boss. Husband did, and glory to our boss, Epaenetus accepted the truth last night! We have a new cousin! After sending money to ask our boss to be his leader, Epaenetus looked at husband and said, "I feel light." Isn't that what our boss promised us, to take our heavy burdens?
Now we are sending money to his family so he doesn't face problems. Deepak, Naina, and Aman are searching and questioning, and we are hoping that means they will be following in Epaenetus's footsteps soon, and then they can all be immersed as new cousins. Thanks to all our friends and family who responded to the letter we sent out!
Now we are sending money to his family so he doesn't face problems. Deepak, Naina, and Aman are searching and questioning, and we are hoping that means they will be following in Epaenetus's footsteps soon, and then they can all be immersed as new cousins. Thanks to all our friends and family who responded to the letter we sent out!
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