Hello everyone!
It's my third day at Kollegal Girls Home and everything is going great! The girls are wonderful, the food is great (even though i think i have had rice everymeal- but i don't mind!!) my room is clean, i have a guitar to use (man i missed singing and trying to play!!) and jody and i are making connections among the girls!
basically our duty here is to have conversation with the girls in english. we are helping them with grammer, spelling, and just plain ol' conversational english. i am basically here to talk! boo ya. not so hard. hah. we have also planned some activities like movie nights, crafts and are hoping to bring some girls shopping tomorrow and hold a beauty night. the girls just love movies! so we watch a film and get them to answer comprehensive questions in english. all films are english! jody leaves on may 21st i believe, so then i will be alone. i have already been feeling worried about her leaving, and i am sure i will be very lonely due to the min. amount of conversation availiable to me here. please pray for that! after june 1st my scheduel will change because school starts for the girls. also jody and i will be starting an exercise program, orderin books, and fixing things around the home. i am very excited to know exactly what goes on here.
we have a lot of time to do devotions and jody and i have been taking full advantage of that. if you have a praying heart then i'd ask that we'd really benefit from this time alone with God. i am studying romans, and at night jody and i study james together. my spiritual development write up is yet to come if you care. i am not sure what i really want to say over my blog yet, so i will remain in thought over that for now.
as well, due to low bookings i won't be working at the lodge this summer and need a summer job. I applied at village adn hope to hear back soon. pray that god will lead me to the right place and that i'll hear back soon. if you have any ideas or openings let me know. i am hoping for full time!
God bless and i love your emails! keep em' coming!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
kollegal
We arrived at the girls home earlier this morning, and an early morning it was. Lilo, the dearest lady woke us up with a BIG mug of coffee in hand. Did i mention i love her? (and coffee) By 7, we were all on the road, packed up and looking for a gas station and a breakfast joint. It was a bumpy 3 hour drive to the home but we all made it! Our orientation started with a tour of the place. There are 3 dorms, a few kitchens, some cows, dogs, cats, and our apartment. The technology used in this place is awesome! they use gravity for the water, and a system that uses human/cow feces to fertilize the grass they grow for profit. As well they grow there own bananas, and other fruits. this place is very, very efficient! i am pretty sure i will love it here. we will be getting our jobs tonight, but i am sure they will keep coming through out.
some of you may be wondering what i have been going through as a person. Traveling has been quite the spiritual, and character building experience for me. i will be quite general since this is my blog, and you can talk to me once i get home if you really care...(actually i have to go, so i will update more later.. sorry!) cliffhanger!! haha.
some of you may be wondering what i have been going through as a person. Traveling has been quite the spiritual, and character building experience for me. i will be quite general since this is my blog, and you can talk to me once i get home if you really care...(actually i have to go, so i will update more later.. sorry!) cliffhanger!! haha.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
anyone up for a poison banana?
The rest of the day in bombay was really hot, so we skipped the walking tour and hit up the museum. Again, since it is the end of season it was closed for a new exhibit. we missed it by ONE DAY. so we went searching for another art exhibit. we actually found a surprising amount of free exhibits, so we hit that up. I also learnt a new word--mutka, which means freedom. i mean, really what better word to describe right now, and how i feel? mutka. it is my being.
On the way we found this music shop. Who doesn't want to hear some hip, indian music? I bought the cd that was playing. (how original) as well as an artist from UK i believe. what i heard i really liked so i am excited to get to a cd player! Jody and i also got ice cream then headed back to the hotel. We only stayed in our room for about 2 seconds before the quick decision to leave. our room felt like it was a million degrees. We went along the coast of bombay for a little walk and found a treasure named.. BOMBAY ELECTRIC BABY!! Yes, yes, we hit up the HIGH fashion stores!!! This lady wrinkled her nose at jody in disgust due to our "fine" apparel. Seriously, who cares! the guy in burberry was super nice and talked to us a lot. he also let us know that the actor we were with in bollywood was just put in the wax museum! BOO YA! As well we visited the Taj, the nicest hotel in Bombay. it was sure beautiful... i felt like a stone in a rosebush.
We said goodbye to Julie, and took a taxi to the station. We had a 25 hour train ride a head of us, and we were ready! We bought tons of veggies, fruits and bread to last the whole trip! Nothing too exciting happened on the train other than a man offering me "poison bananas" and a woman coming into my bed at night!!! OK, so that was weird. a man fell asleep on the floor near my bed as well, i didn't notice him and i am pretty sure i stepped on his... um.. area...OOPS.
Now at the home we've met a few of the girls. we are preparing them for their college decisions. We will be teaching them english. Basically preparing for the switch to further education. teh girls are making big decisions on what to go into so pray for them as they make this decision. it isn't so trial and error as it is at home.. so ya. I'll keep you posted on further progress.
xo, thanks for the prayers.
On the way we found this music shop. Who doesn't want to hear some hip, indian music? I bought the cd that was playing. (how original) as well as an artist from UK i believe. what i heard i really liked so i am excited to get to a cd player! Jody and i also got ice cream then headed back to the hotel. We only stayed in our room for about 2 seconds before the quick decision to leave. our room felt like it was a million degrees. We went along the coast of bombay for a little walk and found a treasure named.. BOMBAY ELECTRIC BABY!! Yes, yes, we hit up the HIGH fashion stores!!! This lady wrinkled her nose at jody in disgust due to our "fine" apparel. Seriously, who cares! the guy in burberry was super nice and talked to us a lot. he also let us know that the actor we were with in bollywood was just put in the wax museum! BOO YA! As well we visited the Taj, the nicest hotel in Bombay. it was sure beautiful... i felt like a stone in a rosebush.
We said goodbye to Julie, and took a taxi to the station. We had a 25 hour train ride a head of us, and we were ready! We bought tons of veggies, fruits and bread to last the whole trip! Nothing too exciting happened on the train other than a man offering me "poison bananas" and a woman coming into my bed at night!!! OK, so that was weird. a man fell asleep on the floor near my bed as well, i didn't notice him and i am pretty sure i stepped on his... um.. area...OOPS.
Now at the home we've met a few of the girls. we are preparing them for their college decisions. We will be teaching them english. Basically preparing for the switch to further education. teh girls are making big decisions on what to go into so pray for them as they make this decision. it isn't so trial and error as it is at home.. so ya. I'll keep you posted on further progress.
xo, thanks for the prayers.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
just another day in bombay
Yesterday was a pretty relaxing day. Us girls slept in after our dancing queen status'. Jody and i went to check the good ol' email and then off to lunch. we went to this place called food of the gods theobroma or something.. WOW.
we step in and it is just a chocolate fantasy. jody and i decided to have one piece of cake as a meal and another as dessert. why not? i had an almond brownie and this chocolate cake. it had white chocolate, then dark chocolate then a chocolate cookie bottom! WOWWWWW. i wanted to cry. it wsa just that dang good.
after we hit the designer shops in 'courtyard'. There were some pretty intense clothes there. and it was airconditioned!! i almost bought this yellow dress. i loved it. LOVED it. but it would have been 150 bucks back at home, and i wouldn't have bought it there. and after today jody and i are on a spending and food diet. hurrah....
i bought souviners and some more things for myself. haha. sorry if you dont get one. (you most likley won't because it is so dang hard to pack!) then we went for supper. i had this weird burger. i thought it was going to be like a chicken burger (no beef:( ) but instead he brings me this bun with colslaw and chunks of chicken in it. it was good, just the weirdest thing ever.
Jody and i bought underwear today! it was probably one of the most exciting things!! haha. i am keeping this pair for my flight home. i want to feel like i am wearing clean something or other at least on the way home. and they are cute. so i am pretty pumped about that. small pleasures.
we went back to the hotel to pack. we just lay in our mess of stuff. packing is the worst. especially when you know you have to fit yet again more stuff in your already stuffed bag. we decided it was mandatory first to model our clothes are wear big sun glasses. why not? as well, we have started saying the same thing at the same time... we HAVE spent three weeks straight together. ha. great times.
today we are doing a walking tour, and heading to an art gallary. our train leaves at 9 30 pm, and is 23 hours long. then i will be at the home! i am very excited!!! please keep me in your prayers, especially for my health. i have been sick, not like a huge issue, it is just annoying. i also think my malaria pills are making me sick, but i need to take them. Jody and i don't really know what roles we will be playing at the home so please pray for good communication and just that we'll all get along! miss you all!
we step in and it is just a chocolate fantasy. jody and i decided to have one piece of cake as a meal and another as dessert. why not? i had an almond brownie and this chocolate cake. it had white chocolate, then dark chocolate then a chocolate cookie bottom! WOWWWWW. i wanted to cry. it wsa just that dang good.
after we hit the designer shops in 'courtyard'. There were some pretty intense clothes there. and it was airconditioned!! i almost bought this yellow dress. i loved it. LOVED it. but it would have been 150 bucks back at home, and i wouldn't have bought it there. and after today jody and i are on a spending and food diet. hurrah....
i bought souviners and some more things for myself. haha. sorry if you dont get one. (you most likley won't because it is so dang hard to pack!) then we went for supper. i had this weird burger. i thought it was going to be like a chicken burger (no beef:( ) but instead he brings me this bun with colslaw and chunks of chicken in it. it was good, just the weirdest thing ever.
Jody and i bought underwear today! it was probably one of the most exciting things!! haha. i am keeping this pair for my flight home. i want to feel like i am wearing clean something or other at least on the way home. and they are cute. so i am pretty pumped about that. small pleasures.
we went back to the hotel to pack. we just lay in our mess of stuff. packing is the worst. especially when you know you have to fit yet again more stuff in your already stuffed bag. we decided it was mandatory first to model our clothes are wear big sun glasses. why not? as well, we have started saying the same thing at the same time... we HAVE spent three weeks straight together. ha. great times.
today we are doing a walking tour, and heading to an art gallary. our train leaves at 9 30 pm, and is 23 hours long. then i will be at the home! i am very excited!!! please keep me in your prayers, especially for my health. i have been sick, not like a huge issue, it is just annoying. i also think my malaria pills are making me sick, but i need to take them. Jody and i don't really know what roles we will be playing at the home so please pray for good communication and just that we'll all get along! miss you all!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
survival of the bollywood fittest
it was 3.45 pm until we even moved from our room. after awhile we were put under "prison arrest" and forced to stay in our little a/c room. at least it had a/c. no computers, no anything. we all sat there, playing cards, reading, or bickering. haha.
Chris, from chicago--the guy i was saying interviewd us, kept filming. All a sudden the man came in and got really mad that he was filming(he knew the whole time) and freaked out. it was extras against manager for the rest of the time.
Shannon (from newyork) said if we weren't on set in half an hour we were leaving. 2 girls tried to escape but security caught them and said if they would leave it was a 3000rbs fine! i didnt mind sitting around, i just thought we needed better communication and should at least be able to watch the set, or walk around a bit.
On set we held drinks and had to "sway and look happy" I don't know anyone that sways and talks at a party, but whatever. the director told me and the two isabelles that we weren' happy enough. we had one more chance or we were out. I SERIOUSLY DON"T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. but i did it. and they were happy. Jody had an action part where she got to give "cheers" to the main actor. we were actually on set with some bollywood shizz. Our second scene was at a bar. I got to dance with teh mayor, as well be in teh same conversation circle as 3 of the main actors. i might make it on screen in this scene. here is for hoping. it was so cheesy. we ahd to raise our right arms and pump them. that was our dance... oh my goodness. Our third scene was at a dinner party, again with drinks. i was dancing and the director told me i was dancing too hard and had to soften up. haha. fernando (my friend from argentina) turns to e and says, "oh, you crazy canadian! "
The favorite part of my day was meeting all these great people. i met people from germany, from england, cheq just all over. and they were all great. we become like a small family. it was actually really sad to leave them. There were just so many funny moments-- from our ugly costumes, and i mean UGLY, to our crazy meals. we just all enjoyed conversation. OH, and this guy from germany had to best dance moves. i couldnt stop laughing. he was FRIGGEN hilarouis. all the girls had to get our make up done and these guys were bad. i mean b-a-d bad! i just couldn't stop laughing. i really tried, bui couldn't. i was crying. as they were diong my make up. i had a giggle fit! everyone was just dieing laughing... oh man. my bollywood family.
after a few of us went out to this place called polly ester. a few girls and i danced the night away. finally i got to dance in india. i just love dancing! and i didn't only whip out the right arm pump that we learnt earlier in the day, i whipped out the wiggle step too! ahah. the indian woman here sure can move! man, i wish i could dance like them. too bad i amjust a little white, canadian girl. haha. saying goodbye was bitter. i spent 14 straight hours with these people, and i felt like we were exposed to everything about each other. plus we all looked like highschool drama crap. haha.
Chris, from chicago--the guy i was saying interviewd us, kept filming. All a sudden the man came in and got really mad that he was filming(he knew the whole time) and freaked out. it was extras against manager for the rest of the time.
Shannon (from newyork) said if we weren't on set in half an hour we were leaving. 2 girls tried to escape but security caught them and said if they would leave it was a 3000rbs fine! i didnt mind sitting around, i just thought we needed better communication and should at least be able to watch the set, or walk around a bit.
On set we held drinks and had to "sway and look happy" I don't know anyone that sways and talks at a party, but whatever. the director told me and the two isabelles that we weren' happy enough. we had one more chance or we were out. I SERIOUSLY DON"T KNOW HOW I COULD HAVE BEEN HAPPIER. but i did it. and they were happy. Jody had an action part where she got to give "cheers" to the main actor. we were actually on set with some bollywood shizz. Our second scene was at a bar. I got to dance with teh mayor, as well be in teh same conversation circle as 3 of the main actors. i might make it on screen in this scene. here is for hoping. it was so cheesy. we ahd to raise our right arms and pump them. that was our dance... oh my goodness. Our third scene was at a dinner party, again with drinks. i was dancing and the director told me i was dancing too hard and had to soften up. haha. fernando (my friend from argentina) turns to e and says, "oh, you crazy canadian! "
The favorite part of my day was meeting all these great people. i met people from germany, from england, cheq just all over. and they were all great. we become like a small family. it was actually really sad to leave them. There were just so many funny moments-- from our ugly costumes, and i mean UGLY, to our crazy meals. we just all enjoyed conversation. OH, and this guy from germany had to best dance moves. i couldnt stop laughing. he was FRIGGEN hilarouis. all the girls had to get our make up done and these guys were bad. i mean b-a-d bad! i just couldn't stop laughing. i really tried, bui couldn't. i was crying. as they were diong my make up. i had a giggle fit! everyone was just dieing laughing... oh man. my bollywood family.
after a few of us went out to this place called polly ester. a few girls and i danced the night away. finally i got to dance in india. i just love dancing! and i didn't only whip out the right arm pump that we learnt earlier in the day, i whipped out the wiggle step too! ahah. the indian woman here sure can move! man, i wish i could dance like them. too bad i amjust a little white, canadian girl. haha. saying goodbye was bitter. i spent 14 straight hours with these people, and i felt like we were exposed to everything about each other. plus we all looked like highschool drama crap. haha.
ps. i forgot to add this so it wont make sense where it is...
the whole day the extra organizer tried to put his arm around me. he told me i was his girlfriend. i told him no. and he said i needed to have an indian boyfriend. (like that would be hard to find..) at the end of the night he paid me and then tried to lean in for a kiss. i actually had to push him away! ahaha. so awkward. so awkward.
as well, 3 of our friends escaped. they met us at polly ester and told me they ran half way home. home is about a 1.5 hour drive. they must have hated it! they were hilarius though. i mean, who escapes bollywood? haha. love it.
there are only two words to describe bollywood
1) gong
2)show
GONGSHOW!
bollywood star
We left Goa with sadness. Goa is quite lovely. The relaxed atmosphere is enough to make anyone want to stay. Unfortunately due to political unrest on noise pollution or something, this is what i think they said, there was no silent disco, or no bands playing. huge bummer.
At dinner, at "CUBA BAR" i had a funny experience. Seeing as I am white, and blonde this is just the best thing in the world. It was odd though because Goa is filled with tourists. These 3 men from Punjab come up to me and ask me to take a picture. A regular occurance here. I told them they could have a picture for 100rbs. They laughed and laughed. They tried to convince me that their happiness was worth more than a 100rbs. Our waiter yelled at them so they left. Then they CAME BACK! We insist. just one photo! 100rbs, i said. They asked me what they could get for 500rbs...
um. a photo with all three of us.
Then one guy said, "what about a kiss?!"
I ALMOST DIED LAUGHING. I told him it would cost him $1,000,000 for a small kiss. The other guy said, one million kisses for one million dollars. (UMMM, let me think about that for just a second.. NO!) He goes on and tries to convince me his happiness is worth more than 100rbs or any amount of money. I told him, I am from western culture. Money is everything. hah (ok, not everything, but i needed them to leave) Then they parted. Very unhappy, and with no photo.
The train to Bombay was great. We were sitting with a family that had the most adorable kids ever. They shared their meals with us, and we just all had a great time together. the sleep was a bit rough, due to me being sick. I actually threw up on the train tracks. GOODIE. super sanitary. It was the first time in 6.5 years i got sick.
Once in Bombay we took a taxi to our hotel. It is a little grubby, but quite livable. The luxery I will consume when i come home! We did a little shopping, after my nap since i was sick. It is insane the "mam, my shop! come inside.' I can't imagine shopping in peace anymore. One man tried to get me to buy baby clothes.
"For your baby."
"I don't have a baby."
"Why not?"
Weirddd.
We went to the local cinema to watch some bollywood movie. This movie was sappy, dramatic, sad, sickness, a cruise.. it was just everything. Gotta love that good ol' bollywood.
Speaking of bollywood. I am actually on set right now for a bollywood music video. A bunch of us were picked off the street to be extras in a film. my dress is SO ugly and my make up is horrible! At the end of the day it was a great experience though. Still waiting to get on set. I've met some funny characters, and am really fully enjoying myself. This man from chicago, chris, interviewed us for his documentary back at home. So, i'll keep ya'll posted on when that is coming out on the net. Plus, i get paid 500rbs. and i dont have to kiss anyone. haha. WATCH OUT BOLLYWOOD, HERE I COME!
At dinner, at "CUBA BAR" i had a funny experience. Seeing as I am white, and blonde this is just the best thing in the world. It was odd though because Goa is filled with tourists. These 3 men from Punjab come up to me and ask me to take a picture. A regular occurance here. I told them they could have a picture for 100rbs. They laughed and laughed. They tried to convince me that their happiness was worth more than a 100rbs. Our waiter yelled at them so they left. Then they CAME BACK! We insist. just one photo! 100rbs, i said. They asked me what they could get for 500rbs...
um. a photo with all three of us.
Then one guy said, "what about a kiss?!"
I ALMOST DIED LAUGHING. I told him it would cost him $1,000,000 for a small kiss. The other guy said, one million kisses for one million dollars. (UMMM, let me think about that for just a second.. NO!) He goes on and tries to convince me his happiness is worth more than 100rbs or any amount of money. I told him, I am from western culture. Money is everything. hah (ok, not everything, but i needed them to leave) Then they parted. Very unhappy, and with no photo.
The train to Bombay was great. We were sitting with a family that had the most adorable kids ever. They shared their meals with us, and we just all had a great time together. the sleep was a bit rough, due to me being sick. I actually threw up on the train tracks. GOODIE. super sanitary. It was the first time in 6.5 years i got sick.
Once in Bombay we took a taxi to our hotel. It is a little grubby, but quite livable. The luxery I will consume when i come home! We did a little shopping, after my nap since i was sick. It is insane the "mam, my shop! come inside.' I can't imagine shopping in peace anymore. One man tried to get me to buy baby clothes.
"For your baby."
"I don't have a baby."
"Why not?"
Weirddd.
We went to the local cinema to watch some bollywood movie. This movie was sappy, dramatic, sad, sickness, a cruise.. it was just everything. Gotta love that good ol' bollywood.
Speaking of bollywood. I am actually on set right now for a bollywood music video. A bunch of us were picked off the street to be extras in a film. my dress is SO ugly and my make up is horrible! At the end of the day it was a great experience though. Still waiting to get on set. I've met some funny characters, and am really fully enjoying myself. This man from chicago, chris, interviewed us for his documentary back at home. So, i'll keep ya'll posted on when that is coming out on the net. Plus, i get paid 500rbs. and i dont have to kiss anyone. haha. WATCH OUT BOLLYWOOD, HERE I COME!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Living in a beach hut
It took ten hours by bus until we got to Goa. It was totally worth all the trouble, and heat.. and nasty pollution on my skin.
us girls decided to sleep in a beach hut. it is literately about a 10 second walk from the beach. it is small, but it has character. i almost love it. almost prefer it. but not for too long. we went to this really great italian restaurant called magic italy. we had spinach, tomato, mozza, mush and zucchini pizza. also this amazing salad that was just veggies with a friggen great oil on top. i was living the dream with that. we walked around town for a bit... and wanted to go to the silent disco. it is the tourist thing to do here. but since the season is almost over, the disco is over... so... it was a no go. :(
then we went for italian coffee and ice cream. i was really sick after that so i went to bed. and visited the bathroom a fair amount of time. (too much information? probably. pray for health)
today we shopped the strip. i bought some presents and some stuff for myself. then we hit up the beach. i had an allergic reaction to the water.. i guess because all my mosquito bites with the salt water, so i got out and showered. my friend mina, who did my henna for a steal of a deal and i hung out as she decorated my foot. i love it! soon we are going to meet our hippie friend for supper. he is bringing some of his friends. should be fun! then we're off to a relaxing night of music at a local beach bar.
us girls decided to sleep in a beach hut. it is literately about a 10 second walk from the beach. it is small, but it has character. i almost love it. almost prefer it. but not for too long. we went to this really great italian restaurant called magic italy. we had spinach, tomato, mozza, mush and zucchini pizza. also this amazing salad that was just veggies with a friggen great oil on top. i was living the dream with that. we walked around town for a bit... and wanted to go to the silent disco. it is the tourist thing to do here. but since the season is almost over, the disco is over... so... it was a no go. :(
then we went for italian coffee and ice cream. i was really sick after that so i went to bed. and visited the bathroom a fair amount of time. (too much information? probably. pray for health)
today we shopped the strip. i bought some presents and some stuff for myself. then we hit up the beach. i had an allergic reaction to the water.. i guess because all my mosquito bites with the salt water, so i got out and showered. my friend mina, who did my henna for a steal of a deal and i hung out as she decorated my foot. i love it! soon we are going to meet our hippie friend for supper. he is bringing some of his friends. should be fun! then we're off to a relaxing night of music at a local beach bar.
Friday, April 18, 2008
two not very exciting days.
Yesterday was basically two very long bus rides because we missed one of our trains.. we thought we booked our ticket for the 17th, but we did the 16th.. or maybe we just didnt know what day it was... that happens sometimes. so we took a 5 hour bus to mangalore, and then a 5 hour bus to kompta, and then a one hour bus to gokarna. i did a lot of thinking. as well, one man thought his hand belonged on my lap! i dont think so sir!!! so i moved and was bitter. we found our hotel after a few back allies, and tons of cows. the bed was hard, but i didnt realy notice because i fell sound asleep.
today we just went to the beach. the water wsa really warm and salty! it was nice to just relax. we ate at this cute cafe thing and then relaxed some more. we got a little lost on the way back, and walked on some volcanic ashes i think. it was neat. jody is feeling really sick so she stayed in tonight. julie and i hit up the markets. i got some sweet clothes for like 3 bucks i a piece. i love indian shopping! well, i should head for supper. later!
today we just went to the beach. the water wsa really warm and salty! it was nice to just relax. we ate at this cute cafe thing and then relaxed some more. we got a little lost on the way back, and walked on some volcanic ashes i think. it was neat. jody is feeling really sick so she stayed in tonight. julie and i hit up the markets. i got some sweet clothes for like 3 bucks i a piece. i love indian shopping! well, i should head for supper. later!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
mountain sickness
we start our adventure on twisty roads, on this crazy bus. the view was absolutely fantastic the whole way up to the tiny town we would be staying at. shout out to gary.. this is your town gary. this is you. i kept thinking that the whole time i was going up and once i got there. anyways..
we ate rice balls for breakfast and then started our trek. we did 7 km up the mountain and 5 km down. now let me start with my story.
this trek was pretty awesome for the first 6km up. i felt good, felt the burn... was basically living the dream. all a sudden i felt very weak, like my body was on fire and like i was going to faint. and seriously faint, not just saying.. hey i think i might faint. so we stopped for water and some berries. basically i didnt want to move. i didnt watn to go on. i didnt really have much of a chioce, but them leaving me there to rot and die just sounded like a party. i have never felt this way before. i felt like a failure. i felt like i was going to keel over. i wanted to barf but couldnt. there was a little voice inside of me"you can do it" but i didnt want to. i didnt want to listen to it... and that is where my dear jody came in. she pulled my arm and said, just 1 more km cass. we can rest up there. she had to pull me a bit. i wish i didnt have to admit that. i wish i could say it was easy for me. but that km wasnt. i had been sick in the morning and tried to push through it. we got to the plateau before the top and we napped there for about ten minutes. i prayed, i just needed to get to teh top. getting down would be easy. i just needed to get to the top. when we did, i felt great. i wasnt miss happy, but i did it! i did it with help, but we did it. (can i throw up yet?)
the whole time i was thinking about how this situation was like church. (and i am nto jut talking teh building here)
when i left the church it was really easy for a long while. i would hit bumps and get scratches but it didn't really much matter. i was strong enough. i wouldn;t even really to for water, and if i did it was a small sip, just to satisfy me. then the sun really comes out, starts to burn my skin and my soul. it's hard to keep going, but you lotion up to prevent further redness. there are times when you dont want to go on. and if i was bymyself on that trek i probably would have just fallen asleep for hours and no one would have known where i was. but i had friends, people to encourage me. sometimes even drag me. In the church, in community it is abotu working together as one. most of the time i feel like i am encouraging and don't get encouraged that often. this has been one thing i have been really pondering on my trip. i need to be surrounded by Godly people, but still reach into the world. i need to be part of something bigger than my personal faith, i need to be part of the body of Christ. The trek down was easy because i had people with me. i had someone guiding me. i would have never made it down if i was alone. my guide will be compared to Jesus. he waited for me when i was tired, pushed me to keep going when i didnt really want to sometimes. but his eyes were so gentle, so caring, feeding me berries.. giving me nutrients.
jesus is my nutrient. he is my strength and i need to give that back to him. how i will when i am home will be only known then. but the thoughts are there, the desire is there.
the next day i slept all day and didnt trek. i was feeling quite ill. my stomach is feeling blah, but iwill live, i think it is just travellers sickness. i finished readign blue like jazz which i think is an amazing book adn everyone should read it. heading to the beaches tomorrow, and for the next three days. keep praying. and keep posting. xo
we ate rice balls for breakfast and then started our trek. we did 7 km up the mountain and 5 km down. now let me start with my story.
this trek was pretty awesome for the first 6km up. i felt good, felt the burn... was basically living the dream. all a sudden i felt very weak, like my body was on fire and like i was going to faint. and seriously faint, not just saying.. hey i think i might faint. so we stopped for water and some berries. basically i didnt want to move. i didnt watn to go on. i didnt really have much of a chioce, but them leaving me there to rot and die just sounded like a party. i have never felt this way before. i felt like a failure. i felt like i was going to keel over. i wanted to barf but couldnt. there was a little voice inside of me"you can do it" but i didnt want to. i didnt want to listen to it... and that is where my dear jody came in. she pulled my arm and said, just 1 more km cass. we can rest up there. she had to pull me a bit. i wish i didnt have to admit that. i wish i could say it was easy for me. but that km wasnt. i had been sick in the morning and tried to push through it. we got to the plateau before the top and we napped there for about ten minutes. i prayed, i just needed to get to teh top. getting down would be easy. i just needed to get to the top. when we did, i felt great. i wasnt miss happy, but i did it! i did it with help, but we did it. (can i throw up yet?)
the whole time i was thinking about how this situation was like church. (and i am nto jut talking teh building here)
when i left the church it was really easy for a long while. i would hit bumps and get scratches but it didn't really much matter. i was strong enough. i wouldn;t even really to for water, and if i did it was a small sip, just to satisfy me. then the sun really comes out, starts to burn my skin and my soul. it's hard to keep going, but you lotion up to prevent further redness. there are times when you dont want to go on. and if i was bymyself on that trek i probably would have just fallen asleep for hours and no one would have known where i was. but i had friends, people to encourage me. sometimes even drag me. In the church, in community it is abotu working together as one. most of the time i feel like i am encouraging and don't get encouraged that often. this has been one thing i have been really pondering on my trip. i need to be surrounded by Godly people, but still reach into the world. i need to be part of something bigger than my personal faith, i need to be part of the body of Christ. The trek down was easy because i had people with me. i had someone guiding me. i would have never made it down if i was alone. my guide will be compared to Jesus. he waited for me when i was tired, pushed me to keep going when i didnt really want to sometimes. but his eyes were so gentle, so caring, feeding me berries.. giving me nutrients.
jesus is my nutrient. he is my strength and i need to give that back to him. how i will when i am home will be only known then. but the thoughts are there, the desire is there.
the next day i slept all day and didnt trek. i was feeling quite ill. my stomach is feeling blah, but iwill live, i think it is just travellers sickness. i finished readign blue like jazz which i think is an amazing book adn everyone should read it. heading to the beaches tomorrow, and for the next three days. keep praying. and keep posting. xo
Sunday, April 13, 2008
paper thongs and my massage virginity
i have tons of things to update you on first. but as this is fresh on my mind, and quite horrifying.. i will write it first.
my whole trip i have been looking forward to getting a massage. i thought it would be a cultural experience, safe... with a towel.
well boy was i wrong! i get in the room, which i had to share with jody and the lady asks me to take my clothes off. procedure. so i grab the towel that is near me and start walking to the bathroom. she grabs the towel and says no, here. (OH MY GOSH YOU HAVE TO B KIDDING ME!)
whether you know or not i am a very modest person. since after diapers i am the only person that has seen me fully naked. unless it was an accident that i am not aware of. maybe once when i was like 8 and it was my sister, but you know what i mean. lately, i am the only one.
so i try to tell her that i will keep my underwear on for this whole endeavor but she starts ripping my panties off! "i woman, you woman!" i just wanted to cry, but i laughed. and said no no no! she is literately pulling me clothes off, as i try to keep them on. she hands me this little paper thong that looks like a sumo wrestlers outfit. i say, can i go to the bathroom? she laughs, and says no. oh my goodness. GONG SHOW. so i modestly go to a corner and shimmy my new outfit on. i kept my bra on, she kept trying to take it off.. but i insisted.
so the massage starts. i am trying to enjoy it. but she just goes right for my chest. a) i am completely awkward, and b) it is extremely ticklish. c) i wonder has she cleaned this table since the last person? i dunno. anyways she is just getting right in there. i try to move so she understand i don't want it. all a sudden her breasts are in my face because she is rubbing my stomach so much! i am suffocating in this womans breasts. i just remember praying, "oh God, please help me." the rest of the massage was nice. my legs felt great, my stomach once she changed positions was good, and the back was great. then... she goes for my butt. she literately sticks her finger in my crack! SHOOOOT! i was trying so hard to embrace the situation..i just couldn't. i now feel a bit scarred. but i will be ok. it was just a gong show. and my body is mine. i have never had anyone try that hard to get me naked, and wont until i am married. haha. and after all that, she asks if jody and i want to shower together.. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! NO WAY! but.. the massage was mostly nice. mostly.
anyways, kotchi has been such a great time. we have watched some katakala dancing and make up application. it was the weirdest and most interesting form of theatre i have ever seen. the pictures will only explain. very enjoyable, very cultural. the make up was my favorite part. they used colored stones and coconut oil to make the paint. as well, as rice paste and paper to make 3-d masks. it was so awesome!!!
yesterday morning we woke up early for a back water tour. it was sooo beautiful!!! i have never had an optical feast as this one. my body felt so relaxed in nature. the boat was quaint, the people so friendly and the nature breath taking. we stopped at a cement plant, a rope plant and on a small island for lunch. they served us on banana leaves! we had rice adn some "salads" and sauces. it was quite enjoyable. after we took small boats through some of the canals. we were paired with 3 girls from london area, whom we have spent some more time with since. they were a hoot!!
after showers and some internet we went to our cooking class. the woman that ran this is just the cutest thing since sliced bread. she comes out with the electrical mosquito zapper and says, "I WILL KILL THEM!" i just burst into laughter. she gently strokes my chin, and smiles at me. i think i became her favorite. haha. the meal was phenomenal! we made chippati's, a cucumber curry, tuna, a vegetable daal and wow. i have never eaten like that before. it was amazing. a delight for my taste buds. after all of us that took the class enjoyed each others company and had a few good laughs about our adventures so far.
as we were going back to the hotel we decided to stop for some tea. our hotel manager joined us-he is just the most hilarious man ever! we go back to the hotel, play some guitar together, and sing songs. jody started harmonizing!! oh man. it was just the best thing ever!!! i will miss the princess inn. can you believe i stayed at a place called princess inn... oh my gosh. this country is changing me! hahah.
this morning we went to this cute tea house and had the best chocolate cake i have ever experienced. of course i had masala chai (i wish you could hear how the train men say this).
we are off tonight for another long train ride. i hope it goes better than the last. if not.. i am ready to plan another tshirt.... orjust say live the dream--our trip moto. haha.
xo, thanks for the prayers.
my whole trip i have been looking forward to getting a massage. i thought it would be a cultural experience, safe... with a towel.
well boy was i wrong! i get in the room, which i had to share with jody and the lady asks me to take my clothes off. procedure. so i grab the towel that is near me and start walking to the bathroom. she grabs the towel and says no, here. (OH MY GOSH YOU HAVE TO B KIDDING ME!)
whether you know or not i am a very modest person. since after diapers i am the only person that has seen me fully naked. unless it was an accident that i am not aware of. maybe once when i was like 8 and it was my sister, but you know what i mean. lately, i am the only one.
so i try to tell her that i will keep my underwear on for this whole endeavor but she starts ripping my panties off! "i woman, you woman!" i just wanted to cry, but i laughed. and said no no no! she is literately pulling me clothes off, as i try to keep them on. she hands me this little paper thong that looks like a sumo wrestlers outfit. i say, can i go to the bathroom? she laughs, and says no. oh my goodness. GONG SHOW. so i modestly go to a corner and shimmy my new outfit on. i kept my bra on, she kept trying to take it off.. but i insisted.
so the massage starts. i am trying to enjoy it. but she just goes right for my chest. a) i am completely awkward, and b) it is extremely ticklish. c) i wonder has she cleaned this table since the last person? i dunno. anyways she is just getting right in there. i try to move so she understand i don't want it. all a sudden her breasts are in my face because she is rubbing my stomach so much! i am suffocating in this womans breasts. i just remember praying, "oh God, please help me." the rest of the massage was nice. my legs felt great, my stomach once she changed positions was good, and the back was great. then... she goes for my butt. she literately sticks her finger in my crack! SHOOOOT! i was trying so hard to embrace the situation..i just couldn't. i now feel a bit scarred. but i will be ok. it was just a gong show. and my body is mine. i have never had anyone try that hard to get me naked, and wont until i am married. haha. and after all that, she asks if jody and i want to shower together.. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! NO WAY! but.. the massage was mostly nice. mostly.
anyways, kotchi has been such a great time. we have watched some katakala dancing and make up application. it was the weirdest and most interesting form of theatre i have ever seen. the pictures will only explain. very enjoyable, very cultural. the make up was my favorite part. they used colored stones and coconut oil to make the paint. as well, as rice paste and paper to make 3-d masks. it was so awesome!!!
yesterday morning we woke up early for a back water tour. it was sooo beautiful!!! i have never had an optical feast as this one. my body felt so relaxed in nature. the boat was quaint, the people so friendly and the nature breath taking. we stopped at a cement plant, a rope plant and on a small island for lunch. they served us on banana leaves! we had rice adn some "salads" and sauces. it was quite enjoyable. after we took small boats through some of the canals. we were paired with 3 girls from london area, whom we have spent some more time with since. they were a hoot!!
after showers and some internet we went to our cooking class. the woman that ran this is just the cutest thing since sliced bread. she comes out with the electrical mosquito zapper and says, "I WILL KILL THEM!" i just burst into laughter. she gently strokes my chin, and smiles at me. i think i became her favorite. haha. the meal was phenomenal! we made chippati's, a cucumber curry, tuna, a vegetable daal and wow. i have never eaten like that before. it was amazing. a delight for my taste buds. after all of us that took the class enjoyed each others company and had a few good laughs about our adventures so far.
as we were going back to the hotel we decided to stop for some tea. our hotel manager joined us-he is just the most hilarious man ever! we go back to the hotel, play some guitar together, and sing songs. jody started harmonizing!! oh man. it was just the best thing ever!!! i will miss the princess inn. can you believe i stayed at a place called princess inn... oh my gosh. this country is changing me! hahah.
this morning we went to this cute tea house and had the best chocolate cake i have ever experienced. of course i had masala chai (i wish you could hear how the train men say this).
we are off tonight for another long train ride. i hope it goes better than the last. if not.. i am ready to plan another tshirt.... orjust say live the dream--our trip moto. haha.
xo, thanks for the prayers.
Friday, April 11, 2008
M&M's really don't melt
it's true. m&ms really don't melt. we have carried a pack around india for a week and they were perfectly good yesterday on our 12 hour, sweaty train ride. for some reason we got stuck on a waiting list, which is trouble and i hope never happens again. so we got stuck in the lowest of low classes. not even sleeper class. we only had a bench for us three girls, another man and our luggage. and it gets worse. the funny thing is that it was so horrible it was hilarious. like i didn't even hate it that much because it was so bad. haha. there were times when i wanted to cry, buti just laughed and looked at it in another light. i mean, i can't change it--so why not embrace it? i will give you a small picture. there were 5 men across from us on one bench. two men sleeping above them in the luggage area, a man sleeping above us, 4 on our bench, plus our bags. there were men surrounding us (not in a creepy or bad way- we were totally safe) we sat there for 12 hours. my body went into positions i didn tthink was possible in attempt to be comfortable. haha. FINALLY it was over. our phrases for this trip have been live the dream- i live for moments like this and gong show. (we just put ourhands in a gong fashion and make the sound) jody and i decided to get peach shirts made!! we took a boat to kotchi and arrived at 4 30 am. our hotel is pretty cute, had a CLEAN bathroom and even towels. i am getting some laundry done tomorrow!!
tonight we are watching some native dancing! i am so excited. as well we are watching them apply all their make up. i can't wait!! then we'll eat something and go to bed. tomorrow we are doing a back water tour, and then a cooking class. kotchi is great! i will tell you more later!
thanks for your prayers, and keep em' coming.
xo's!
tonight we are watching some native dancing! i am so excited. as well we are watching them apply all their make up. i can't wait!! then we'll eat something and go to bed. tomorrow we are doing a back water tour, and then a cooking class. kotchi is great! i will tell you more later!
thanks for your prayers, and keep em' coming.
xo's!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
madurai
well, leaving pondicherry was a very sad time for me. i loved it there. the hot breads adn teh tranquil beach setting would make anyone want to stay. but we were up early to catch our train to madurai. the train was 8 hours. we gave a lady some bread, adn met a french man at the station. finally we arrived after a few naps and went to our new hotel. its called new college. let me tell you the word new is very decieving. it is a shit hole. taht is the only way to explain it. we didnt have a shower head, or a toilet. just a hole and a tap.
we spent supper at a place i picked, wasn't letting those two ladies pick after the great hotel choice. haha. so we went to teh park plaza roof top. i had a really great meal, rice and daal. i tried a lassie but it was really gross-tasted like sour milk. then we went to bed to teh sounds of the festival.. after gettign offered drugs. i was so scared so i ran. haha. well, nto really ran but i just walked rally fast adn yelled NO DRUGS!
this morning we went to the top of a buildign to see the temple view. it was gorgeous. then we went to teh temple. took some ics and boght soem jewlerry. we also got blessed with a bindi dot. we shopped a bit and now are going for lunch before our train leaves to kotchi! xox, keep praying!
we spent supper at a place i picked, wasn't letting those two ladies pick after the great hotel choice. haha. so we went to teh park plaza roof top. i had a really great meal, rice and daal. i tried a lassie but it was really gross-tasted like sour milk. then we went to bed to teh sounds of the festival.. after gettign offered drugs. i was so scared so i ran. haha. well, nto really ran but i just walked rally fast adn yelled NO DRUGS!
this morning we went to the top of a buildign to see the temple view. it was gorgeous. then we went to teh temple. took some ics and boght soem jewlerry. we also got blessed with a bindi dot. we shopped a bit and now are going for lunch before our train leaves to kotchi! xox, keep praying!
Monday, April 7, 2008
pondicherry
I LOVE PONDICHERRY!!!!
i am out of my sketch hotel and am now in a verrrrry nice one. it has a view of teh ocean, two balconies and 6 beds. this is luxery. we paid 1400 rbs for 2 nights... which is amazing. 40 rbs=1 dollar. today we took a nice walk around pondicherry and saw some of the histrorical sights. gondi statue, and went to the ashram(a place of meditation) i tried ot meditate in this upstairs place and this man told me it was a big no no! shooooot. hahaa. oh well, i am white. they know i am stupid. we have seen some of the most beautiful furniture and architecture. i love pondicherry! it is soooo much better than chennai. the streets are clean, the people are friendly. i just love it!yesterday evening we went out for a nice dinner. i ordered this eggplant thing and waited forevvvver for it. the waiter brought out some naan which was amazing and this "bacon butter" jokingly i said, if this is my meal i am eating some of yours. low and behold this meal was my meal and it was the weirdest thing ever. i just took it and spread it over my naan and made a little burrito. hahah. it was an adventure for sure. after we went to go find coffee since we are in a french based town. it didnt work. our hotel curfew was 10 30, so we tucked in somewhat early. oh and, I am traveling with a french girl named julie-cutest thing ever, and this mornign we found a french cafe. we sat there and we all fully enjoyed our coffee and croissants! Later today we are going for a bike ride around pondicherry...that is our plan so far! OH and i bought the SWEETEST ring today. i l-o-v-e it!
xo to all!
i am out of my sketch hotel and am now in a verrrrry nice one. it has a view of teh ocean, two balconies and 6 beds. this is luxery. we paid 1400 rbs for 2 nights... which is amazing. 40 rbs=1 dollar. today we took a nice walk around pondicherry and saw some of the histrorical sights. gondi statue, and went to the ashram(a place of meditation) i tried ot meditate in this upstairs place and this man told me it was a big no no! shooooot. hahaa. oh well, i am white. they know i am stupid. we have seen some of the most beautiful furniture and architecture. i love pondicherry! it is soooo much better than chennai. the streets are clean, the people are friendly. i just love it!yesterday evening we went out for a nice dinner. i ordered this eggplant thing and waited forevvvver for it. the waiter brought out some naan which was amazing and this "bacon butter" jokingly i said, if this is my meal i am eating some of yours. low and behold this meal was my meal and it was the weirdest thing ever. i just took it and spread it over my naan and made a little burrito. hahah. it was an adventure for sure. after we went to go find coffee since we are in a french based town. it didnt work. our hotel curfew was 10 30, so we tucked in somewhat early. oh and, I am traveling with a french girl named julie-cutest thing ever, and this mornign we found a french cafe. we sat there and we all fully enjoyed our coffee and croissants! Later today we are going for a bike ride around pondicherry...that is our plan so far! OH and i bought the SWEETEST ring today. i l-o-v-e it!
xo to all!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
chennai chennai
So, the rest of my day in chennai was an adventure.
I can't remember where i ended so i will just say taht we went to church, ti was an english service so taht was nice. after we came back and celebrated jody's bday. they had cake, confetti, and they even made us eat it indian style. which is where jody gets to smuch cake into my mouth. fortunatelly i am a hilarious person and i took cake out of my mouth (gross yes) and put it all over hers. haha.
we asked glory and shannon to show us how to dance. it was really fun. we tried, and they basically laughed and made fun of us. weshowed them teh macarana and boot scoot adn boogie. haha. sooo much fun.
soon we left for teh train station. we were in the womans section of the train. i almost hit this woman with my huge pack sack! they were all very helpful with us getting off at the right stop. the english here is pretty broken, but understandable.
today we are giong to pudicherry. (a little french town) i just had poudi or something like that for breakfast. it was basicaly bread with two sauces. very good. now we are just updating in the internet station. miss ya'll. and keep praying.
xxoxox
I can't remember where i ended so i will just say taht we went to church, ti was an english service so taht was nice. after we came back and celebrated jody's bday. they had cake, confetti, and they even made us eat it indian style. which is where jody gets to smuch cake into my mouth. fortunatelly i am a hilarious person and i took cake out of my mouth (gross yes) and put it all over hers. haha.
we asked glory and shannon to show us how to dance. it was really fun. we tried, and they basically laughed and made fun of us. weshowed them teh macarana and boot scoot adn boogie. haha. sooo much fun.
soon we left for teh train station. we were in the womans section of the train. i almost hit this woman with my huge pack sack! they were all very helpful with us getting off at the right stop. the english here is pretty broken, but understandable.
today we are giong to pudicherry. (a little french town) i just had poudi or something like that for breakfast. it was basicaly bread with two sauces. very good. now we are just updating in the internet station. miss ya'll. and keep praying.
xxoxox
Saturday, April 5, 2008
here...
I AM HERE!
India is so beautiful, and hot! but I will start from the beginning.
On my way to toronto I got bumped up to first class. so i had a glass of wine, and soem free salad. it was awesome. in toronto my passport had to get checked over, so i was a bit nervous, but everything turned out. then the long haul started. basically i didn't talk to nayone for 18 hours. i had two seats to myself so i slept, listened to music, attempted to watch bee movie and enchanted but fell asleep.. i was so excited once the flight attendent started asking me questions.. haha. yes! i could talk!!! once in india i had to shuttle to the air port and this man helped me with everything. the airport was really dodgy. broken tiles and puting grass. i went through "security" and waited 20 mins for my bag. finally it came! jody and two ladies from the home picked me up and we drove to the home. it totally reminded me of peru again. just the crazy caos of honking and people everywhere. love it here so far. it is so hot i am continually sweating. have fun in the snow! hahaha. ... sorry.
please pray! My travels start today-we are meeting with a friend of jody's from when she was up north. then we will make some of our plans. we are lookin ghard for an elephant safarie...that is my dream...so i hope it works!
XOXOXO
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