Saris and Cellphones

I've tried multiple ways to upload pictures. If you're reading this it means Facebook worked. If there's a way to share it with someone who doesn't have Facebook I'll do my best to link you to it, otherwise, get Facebook and befriend me if you want to see pictures (I'll accept any request within 48 hours). It is restricting as there are over 300 pictures already, so I must be discriminate, and I am at the mercy of my hosts. The computers and internet here are very inconsistent (mostly the computers). If you don't have a Facebook and didn't receive an invite, just e-mail me. On a quick side note, the salwar kamese you see Brittany in is a ready-made salwar suit, which was too big on the bottom and small uptop. She looks great in it, but she has three fitted ones on the way which will look much better.

Well, the banking issue is resolved for now, and hopefully the end of my problems in that area. Another day has come and things are good. We have met such wonderful and generous people here. Our hotel was next to the church we went to on Sunday, but the pastor, Tony, offered us the guest bedroom. I, of course, don't mind making a donation in light of that. That's just a small example of what God has been doing here. We have also met (through Kate, the contact my former college-mate Andrew put me in touch with) several awesome people. VJ and Emma (married Indian and Australian, respectively), Carry-Anne (Kate's South African roommate), Johann, and today we met Lynn.

As I said, God works wonders. Of course, Kate is certainly an example, as I cannot stress enough how helpful and sacrificial she has been. Lynn is an answered prayer. Brittany and I faced some complex money issues that we genuinely believed to be the work of "the Enemy" (could it beeeeeeeeee Satan?). Most of you know me to be reluctant to accept superstition or mysticism, but I have little doubt that the Enemy was hard at work as things were too complex and unusual to be consequence. It seemed like the things we normally could be secure about fell through. So, in the park, waiting for the internet "cafe" to open so we could figure out the banking situation we prayed. Within five minutes Lynn found us. She recognized us from the church, though we didn't recognize her.

She is a South African lady whose husband is out on town on business, and as Tony (the pastor) is away he extended his house to her. She asked us to tea and lunch, and allowed me to use the internet, which proved priceless. Furthermore, God is more than provided my needs by allowing me to stay here for a little while to update the blog and try and upload pictures. Because time is short and this keyboard is uncomfortable, my lack of details may make my story a bit unconvincing as a "miracle", but I assure you that God was at work here.

The thing about traditional Indian women's clothing is that a sari or salwar kamese makes just about any Indian girl very beautiful. I don't mean beautiful as in sexual attractive, because even the older, large, and/or unattractive women still appear beautiful in them. Furthermore, the style of dress here is so natural. As shapes and colors that would normally clash in our bedrooms or in our clothes are actually mixed and matched in a beautiful ways throughout nature, the clothes compliment this mentality. I don't know if that makes sense. I suppose it makes a little. Once again, time is short.

We have done so much, but tomorrow is the Taj Mahal, we hope. I apologize that I am not taking the time to grammar or spell check (most of the computers here don't do that for you, either). I hope all is well wherever you are.