Catching on...

It’s amazing the difference a day makes!  My first two days in India were spent with Brent just exploring.  Yesterday was my first day in the office with a new routine, people, and responsibilities, and I was a little flustered.  It was a hard day, but today feels so much better!  I feel like I’m starting to get the hang of things, and now I know what to expect.  I’ll continue to face new and different things each day.  But I’m so thankful that God sweetly comforted me and spoke to the exact emotions I was feeling.  I literally typed out a list of all the things that were bothering me yesterday.  I’m sad to say that I actually didn’t pray specifically about them, but as I look back over that list, God addressed each one.  He goes before us and is our rear guard, constantly looking out for and sustaining those He loves and calls children. 

Brent took me to Hyper City last night, which is a big general purpose store here.  It’s kind of like a Wal-Mart but also sells groceries.  It was really fun to look around, and I was able to get some fresh chicken.  That meant I got to cook for the first time last night!  All we have is a small hot plate, so cooking was pretty funny.  But I was able to make grilled chicken with onions, a can of green beans, and some toast.  Not gourmet, but it worked!  Brent said it tasted really good since it’s been about 6 weeks since he had a home-cooked meal.  It made me feel good to be able to take care of him since he’s been taking care of me the last few days.

Shopping at Hyper City

Cooking my first dinner in India

We got back into our workout schedule this morning, and I ran about 3 miles on the treadmill.  It’s been a week since either of us worked out with Brent being sick and me travelling.  I don’t love exercising by any means, but it felt good to do it.   

After we worked out and showered, we had breakfast outside.  Today was idli, which is a steamed rice bun that you dip in coconut chutney.  They served it with spicy vegetable stew again, which is pretty tasty.  We did our Bible study and then headed to the market to get some stuff.  We ended up buying two huge bags of snacks and treats for “the boys” at the apartment (the guys who cook, clean, etc).  They’re so kind, and they had the biggest smiles when we gave it to them.  That was really fun and a great start to the day.  We want to do something big for them before we leave, but we’re not sure what we’re going to do yet.

Some of "the boys"

Brent challenged me to get us to work today so that I’d start learning, so I told the bus driver which stop we needed (“two for ITPL, please!”) and paid him the right amount of rupees just like a pro!  Brent still had to tell me when it was time to get off, but I’m learning.  Those bus rides are funny.  They’re fast and really bumpy, so it’s almost impossible to stand without falling (the subway in NYC is literally NOTHING compared to this).  I’m afraid that when I get back to the US, none of my shirts will fit.  But it won’t be from all the naan.  It will be because my biceps will be like Hulk from holding my death grip on the rings above my head on the bus to keep from falling!  I feel like a gymnast or something. 

Our office complex is really big, and it’s kind of like a maze to get to lunch.  We’re on the 7^th floor, and you have to go down and to another building for lunch.  But I got us there all by myself!  For those who know me, these little things are actually quite an accomplishment and I felt really proud.  Brent and I ate Au Bon Pain (same chain but different menu than at home – I had a hummus and olive sandwich and lentil soup), and I got some American coffee as a treat afterwards.  Yum! 

The office complex (that's our building behind me)

Nice afternoon treat!

Brent and I usually take the stairs to the office.  After climbing 8 flights (we’re on the 7^th floor, but they start at 0 so it’s actually 8), my legs are burning!  The Indians look at us like we’re crazy as they get onto the elevator!

I have my first work meeting with the US office this afternoon (around 7pm my time), so we’ll see how that goes.  I’m still pretty nervous about how my job will work remotely, but I know that God will provide for that as well.

One of the funniest things here is that Indians drive (and walk) on the “wrong” side of the road.  So as I walk, I’m constantly bumping into people and causing traffic jams as I try to walk on the “right” side.  It’s hard to break the habit.  But they’re so patient, and no one has gotten upset with me yet.  I think about America and how I probably would have gotten several unfriendly gestures by this point if I walked on the wrong side.  I’m learning a lot from the Indian people.  They care so much about community and relationships, and they’re extremely helpful and kind.  As I’m typing, I can hear some guys in the break room playing table tennis.  The office is definitely less efficient from a business perspective, but I’m valuing the friendships and interactions.  I think we could stand to be a little less efficient and take time to have a conversation more often or just play some table tennis!