Making my dad proud!

I don't think there is anything wrong in finding things in a foreign place that soothe you and make you feel at home. I have already lost a lot of weight and have been starving for some American food. So... while I was out the other day I found some things that reminded me of home- this is what I made-

Macaroni and Cheese with the coveted Heinze ketchup!

I make my dad proud!

I also made a ice cold glass of chocolate milk:) Now this wasn't your ordinary, pour the milk and stir in the chocolate, no ma'am. I had to boil the milk, skim the top layer, chill it in the freezer, add the chocolate and then shake... it took about an hour, but it was worth the wait:)

Things I love about India

I've been here in India for a month now and have begun to love some random, different things. Here is a list, in no particular order, of things that make me smile and that I love-

1. The after-the-train-head-on-rampage. Once the train passes its a head on race to the other side. It looks impossible to navigate ourselves through, but somehow we always make it through alive:)

2. People freezing in 70's weather. When the sun goes down, or doesn't peak through the clouds, the coats and ear muffs come out.

3. Chai time! There is never a bad time for chai!

4. The rooftops! I think all houses everywhere should have a roof top to retreat to. It's a great place to watch the sun rise and set over Hyderabad. Great quiet time place too:)

5. The way the Indians say the "le" or "el" sound. For example, "shovel" and "little". Oh I just love it!

6. Terms of endearment. Whether its Akka, Anna, Bhiyya, or Auntie I love how we call everyone something sweet.

7. Curd! It doesn't matter how spicy the food just pour some curd on it and it's fabulous!

Well, I hope to post some pictures soon! Love you all!

Some Pictures:)

Here are some random photos from my time here so far...

My Desk:)

My hot shower, haha!

Not only does she cook and clean... but she checks us for lice too:)

Look what made its way into my dosa masala!

Curd makes it possible to eat everything!

Song no. 1

Yesterday was a crazy day... emotionally. We went to the Charminar to pray and see the places that Human Trafficking is the worse here. My heart broke and stayed broken for some time. In the evening, after a meal with the base staff and fun watching tv and reading funny books to the children, I made my way up to my apartment. I was stopped, just like every time I come to my stairwell, by the group of children who live here. I was greeted with smiles and hugs. Oh, how I love their hugs:) After watching them perform some songs and dances for us, a little boy named Johnathan tugged on my pants and bashfully told me he wrote a song. We asked him if he'd like to sing it. Amy and I sat on the steps in awe as this little 7 year old belted out a beautiful song to Jesus. My heart melted and tears were in my eyes. Johnathan truly knows how to praise God... his words were beautiful and spoke truth. I see a little "David" in the making... his song was entitled, "Song No. 1".

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On a personal note.. I am doing better, PRAISE JESUS! Every day I have to give God my time here and trust that this will become home in due time. Great things are to come here in YWAM- Hyderabad. I am here until these things birth. I am excited to be apart of this new time!!! woot!

Learning to Lean

If you could see my spiritual stature it would be a leaning one. I have been here in India for a week now and the biggest thing God has been teaching me... far bigger than how to adjust to the heat or food, much greater than understanding the culture... is how to lean on Him. I found right off that I can not do this alone. These two years will seem like ten if I do not learn to lean on Him. If I try to make this time here great by my might, I will fail. All I can do is surrender and let Jesus lead me on.

It's been a little rough, I must say. If you would have asked me if for saw these emotions coming... I would've looked at you strangely and laughed. I have never felt this way before.. ever! I did not know how much I took for granted having all my close friends near to me or the amazing YWAM family I had in Charlotte, NC. But growth doesn't come without pain... and this is my time to grow. I think that once I am done here in Hyderabad I will be a jewel! I will be refined and ready for the next step in my life. My prayer is that this time here is not wished away, but well spent and monumental in my life!

I love you, family and friends of mine! I'll upload pictures soon!

Boom Boom Pow!

Last night was a Hindu festival called "Diwali"... the equivalent to Christian's Christmas. Man did they celebrate... fire crackers, fire works and the oh, so lovely, cherry bombs rang aloud all night long... and I mean it.. ALL NIGHT LONG. We sat on our roof as the Hindu's worshiped their false gods and prayed. Tears filled my eyes and sorrow in my heart. Oh, that they would be able to see! That their eyes would be unveiled!

A delicious chicken curry dinner from outside made for a not-so happy tummy today. It was spicy and good, but not home cooked. I think I will stick with eating food only made here at the base for now.

Tomorrow I start out working in the office and learning the processes of how things are done. I will also join my first Mercy Ministry tomorrow evening. Tonight we want to get together to pray for the trafficked women and children here in Hyderabad. I think God is going to do something big here. Actually, I know!

Please pray for me... transition is still a bit rough, both emotionally and physically. Pray for a quick acclimation! Love you all!

Life in India

Im sitting in the living room of the apartment I'm staying in. A beautiful breeze from outside is wisping my hair and I smell the various scents of delicious Indian breakfasts being made. The children downstairs are laughing and playing. I feel at home:)

I arrived safely to Hyderabad early Thursday morning. The plane ride was fabulous! I give Air India two thumbs up! Jet lag greeted us with open arms and still hasn't fully let go. Two of my Indian friends met us at the airport with garlands to welcome Amy and I. It is good to be here; my new home.

My heart for this city has grown enormously. I cannot wait to fall into life here. I am expecting great things! I am expecting to see healings... people freed... my life transformed... big things!

Enjoy these pictures! I love you all and will update you soon:)

Saying Goodbye to my family

Passports to the Nations!

I am happy I made it.. just a little jet-lagged

Amy and Julia