It's My Blogiversary

It was exactly one year ago today that I set up this blog. I've gone back and read through it for a little perspective on my first year here. What a wild ride! And how faithful God has been to us. I am tired but grateful. And I know that

Even youths shall faint and grow weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV

Fixed Point

Our trip back home involved copious amounts of barf. I'm sorry to have had to write it out, but there it is. It was a difficult and despair-inducing trip up the mountain. Winding around and around in our taxi, we kept hoping that we were almost there. And we never were. Finally, our driver said in Hindi, "Keep your eyes forward and don't look side-to-side. Then you'll be ok." And it worked. At that moment I couldn't help but make the application in my spiritual life as well. I've been tempted to look side-to-side these days and it has made me nauseous. But if I keep my eyes forward--on the Fixed Point who loves me--then I'll make it.

Hot Town, Summer in the City

Today was our last day in the capitol before returning home tomorrow morning. We wanted to do something fun for the kids, so after visiting a friend and enjoying Lebanese lamb rolls, hummus, and pitas for lunch, we took the kids to the movies. We bought tickets to see How to Train Your Dragon and purchased grown-up sized soft drinks for every member of the family.

The movie theater was nicer than many we've been to in the States, and when the lights dimmed the kids wiggled in anticipation. We all donned our 3D glasses and enjoyed an in-your-face adventure, all from our cushy seats in the air conditioning. Aahhhh...

A great way to close out a very busy and very hot week. And tomorrow, it's back on the road again.

Oops, He Did It Again

Our middle son, C, is positively infamous for saying things he ought not say. Furthermore, he doesn't realize that he's saying inappropriate things.

The other thing is, he gets a lot of attention from Indians because of his light skin and blond hair, and he resents it. Today a man thumped him good-naturedly on the head and I guess it kind-of stung because the following came out of his mouth:

C: Why do they do that to me, Mom? I hate it. Why can't they do it to Ivan?

Me: Well, I think you know why...

C: Is it because of my blond hair? He only has brown hair.

Me: Yes, I think that's it.

C: Or is it because I'm cuter? I mean, I haven't lost any of my baby teeth yet so my teeth look good. Ivan has lost a lot of teeth and his grown-up teeth are...a little out of style...

Me: I know you don't understand this, C, but you have suddenly improved my day.

Test

Just a quick announcement to let you know that J has reached 'Advanced' on his test which means he has completed the level he needed. We are beyond grateful. Thank you for the prayers. All the time away from him has been more than worth it!

Golden

We have water, folks. It came on this morning, on the very day that J was to arrive. We needed it so badly for many reasons, not the least of which is that we are traveling to Delhi tomorrow and need to have clean clothes to pack. And no water=no laundry.

So this morning we all took showers, filled buckets, washed two loads of clothes...I have never been more appreciative of flushing toilets in my life. So J is home and resting. The kids are happy and docile, basking in the glow of a reunited family. D went to stay with friends while we are in the city. At this exact moment everything is golden.

I am just so thankful.

A Review

While Daddy was gone we experienced:

• water shortages every day
• unusual power outages morning, noon, and night
• a cockroach-infested master bedroom
• a rat in our kitchen--a rat that jumps and frollicks and isn't dead to date...
• a break-out of hives
• emotional drama (!)
• a funeral
• moths
• sleeplessness

But we also had:

• good Mommy/kid talks
• hot meals from our landladies
• moments of serenity in the midst of chaos
• a sense of teamwork
• popcorn/movie nights
• many chances to trust that He is who He says He is
• opportunities to witness unexpected grace
• oh yeah, and J rocked his test!

They were not easy, these past two weeks. I do not wish to repeat them for a long time (or ever). But they went by pretty fast and we survived. The Lord is good, and J comes home tomorrow morning. Thank you for your prayers.

p.s. He'll get his language exam results sometime this week and I will let you all know!