I'm ENGAGED!!! :-)

This is the LONG version of my proposal story. Feel free to read, skim, or just look at the pics! :-)

A Confession:
I kind of knew it was coming. In fact I had guessed the date about 10 days early and the location 7 days before it happened. I didn't know for sure, but several little hints and clues all seemed to point in that direction. However, this doesn't disappoint me one bit. I love getting to guess and try to figure things out in anticipation. It just made it that much more fun for me.

Zach and I had a very real yes-this-is-what-we-both-want discussion one night about three months ago. After that we discussed several things in the next couple of weeks pertaining to getting married, starting a family, the ceremony, time frames, etc. It was so much fun talking about this with the man I was falling in love with, but it felt a little early. I requested that we not make plans like that until he was ready to ask me.

Being the wonderful guy that he is, he respected my wish… so well that I started wondering if he had changed his mind. The relationship progressed positively, but because he hadn't said ANYTHING about us getting married I just didn't know.

6 month date:
He took me out for a very special evening that involved reservations at the restaurant of our first date, a scrapbook that ended with the phrase, "The best is yet to be..." and 2 dozen roses delivered to my house. I thought he was going to ask me that night and although I wasn't disappointed, he apologized if he had gotten my hopes up. Then promised me that it was coming…

"I was going to ask you on Thanksgiving Day, but then you said not on a holiday."

Oops! :-D He let that cat out of the bag! Although he swore up and down that he wasn't going to do it on Thanksgiving anymore I still had a time frame to guess with. :-)

Christmas, Lights and Snow:
I love Christmas. I love Christmas lights. And I love snow. One week before the OU/OSU Game Zac asked me if I would want to go to Bricktown to see the canal lights after the game. "Sure. That'd be fun." I tried to say nonchalantly. I had already thought he was going to ask me the day of the game and this idea thrilled my heart. Christmas lights on the canal sounded very romantic and like a perfect setting for a proposal.

Then the forecast came in. Cold. Ice. Snow. About 10% of me was worried this might mess up his plan, but when he arrived at my house on Friday night he said all the roads were clear and he had no trouble driving.

"YES!!!! Christmas lights & a magical layer of snow on the ground along the canal!!" It's gonna be beautiful!


The Throw-Off:
Later that night Zac said we would post-pone the trip to brick town because of the snow. "WHAT?!?!?!" My inside got very sad, very quick. Surely he wouldn't post-pone the proposal? I had to remind myself that I had no real proof that he was going to propose and again tried to be nonchalant when I said, "Okay, whatever you want to do."

But I was disappointed. I convinced myself that he couldn't have been planning to propose, because a layer of snow would have just made things extra perfect, not been a reason to call it off. But even if he wasn't going to ask me to marry him… there is nothing like christmas lights in the snow, (A sight not often enjoyed by Oklahomans.) so before we said goodnight I asked him if he might reconsider for the sake of "snow magic."

I didn't have to do much talking before he said, "Okay, you've convinced me." But we still just left it at, "We'll see how we're feeling after the game."

Bedlam:
Football has been a really fun part of our relationship. Since college, my love for the Pokes has grown from mild-interest to working at Boone Pickens for home games and regularly watching or listening to away games.

The Privotts are OU fans. Big OU fans. ;-) I've had a blast spending time with Zachary and his whole family tailgating and attending the OU home games all season long. So what do we do about bedlam? We both promised that we would remember that it is just a game and walk away with our relationship in-tact no matter who won and who lost.

Zac got us tickets!! Never had either of us thought we might get to actually go to the game to support our respective teams, but it worked out (thanks to a great family friend) that we were able to go. It was 9* when we left the house, but we bundled up and truly had a great time together. (Of course I would have liked to see my Pokes win, but it was an exciting game nonetheless.)

Dinner:

Zac spent a lot of time on his phone on Saturday. More than usual, but I didn't think anything of it. There was an earthquake near his parents house, so I assumed he was texting with them about that. I also figured he was getting a good share of ribbing on the day of Bedlam for having a O-State girlfriend. After we had de-layered from the game and dressed up for a nice evening out we headed toward OKC. 

In the car Zac said he'd like to stop by his parents house on the way by. "Why?" I asked, not thinking. "Well, I just want to check on them from the earthquake."Umm-hmmm… whatever. ;-) So we stopped by and I got really interested in their christmas decorations while Zac ran up to his room to "get a contact case." Yeah… right! (He was picking up my ring.) ;-) Their tree really is beautiful! Any given my love for Christmas it wasn't hard for it to capture my attention.

We left the Privott's and went to Zios for dinner. We made good use of the crayons by playing tic-tac-toe, dots, and drawing pictures. I drew Zac a monster truck with lightning bolts and a house on a hill. Zac drew a penguin, igloo, eyeball, heart and smile for me. :-)

On A Walk:

After dinner we bundled up and went out to see the lights and walk the canal. It was beautiful. Conversation was easy. We held hands and watched as a family sled down a little hill, the colored lights danced off the water, the snow crunched under our feet, I stole a kiss or two as we walked and every 20-30 yards Zac would give me a different reason why he loved me.

We were getting back down to the end of the canal near where we parked and as Zac gave me another reason I looked up ahead to see how much longer I could make out little walk last. To my surprise his parents where standing 20 feet in front of us!!

As soon as I saw Joan and Steve I knew it was going to happen. Both Zac and I have very close relationships with our parents and after the 6-month-hint (about Thanksgiving) I requested that if he chose to involve one set of our parents he be sure to make sure both sets could be there. I didn't see my parents, but I knew they had to be around somewhere.

Zac took my hand and led me a little further down to where several trees were all brightly wrapped. He took my hands in his and told me that he never thought he would find someone like me. That the last 7 months of his life had been better than anything before he met me and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making sure I knew I was loved and cherished.

Then he got down on one knee and asked me if I would marry him!

Of course I said, "Yes!"

After he put the ring on my finger and hugs were given all around by both our parents we all six went to the Melting Pot and had desserts to celebrate! 

It was wonderful. 

It was beautiful. 

And look at this RING!!!!

It was so romantic and I was so thrilled that he arranged for both of our parents to be there! I cannot wait to get deep into planning our wedding and preparing for our marriage. I love this man very much and count myself as so blessed by our Father in heaven that He would bring Zac and I together to serve each other and Him for the rest of our lives. :-)

Crying at Christmas

We have a christmas joke at my house. "Want some light-up tennis shoes?" When I was about 6 or 7 the best thing I got for Christmas one year was a pair of light-up tennies. This was a very cool gift and I'm well aware that many kiddos (here in the US and in other parts of the world) would really think it was something great to receive a new pair of light-ups, but the humorous part is that my father absolutely detests the giving (or receiving) of anything as practical as clothing, least of all a pair of shoes.

My parents had picked out several great gifts for me that year. Every. Single. One. Broke. (Except for my tennis shoes which I apparently cuddled with as if they were a stuffed animal the night after opening them.) One of those ride-in electronic cars… dead with-in 4 hours. (And apparently not covered by the warranty. I don't remember getting a replacement.) A neon colored pogo stick... I wasn't heavy enough to engage the spring and fell off (multiple times.) A plastic golf cub play set… a neighbor kid came over to play Christmas afternoon, leaned on the driver like it was a real club… popped the head off. There were tears that Christmas Day.

I've been told about another pre-Christmas shopping trip that involved a few tears. I was chilling in the cart at Toys-R-Us while mom and dad picked out gifts for all my cousins. I'm guessing I was 3 or 4. As we were waiting in the check-out line my parents noticed that I had large tears rolling down my cheeks. When they asked me what was wrong I looked at the bounty of toys around me and listed off everyone they had just bought gifts for and pointed out that there was nothing in the cart for me. They tell me that this was not a toddler throwing a tantrum about wanting a toy. I had yet to grasp the concept of a surprise and was genuinely perplexed and heart-broken that my own parents didn't want to buy me a Christmas gift.

I'm 26. I understand (and delight in) the concept of surprise gifts. I know that broken things can be replaced. But over the last couple of years I've found myself crying again at Christmas time. The reason? My conviction over the truth of Christmas compels my emotions.

I believe it all. Angels appearing out of no where. A virgin girl giving birth. Shepherds being scared to death by an ethereal choir. Men traveling a great distance to throw the weirdest baby shower ever. A fiancé who trusted and acted on an unthinkable, scandalous, idea from a being in a dream.

The Christmas story is a story of fulfilled promises. For thousands of years God had promised, "I'm coming to fix this. I've got a plan. Hold on. My son is coming." And then when it was right the KING of HEAVEN and EARTH stepped down from His throne. Gave up His right to everything and said, "I want that girl in my family. I want her so badly that I am willing to pay with my own life. She hates me right now. She will hate me a lot. She will deliberately try to hurt me, run from me and choose to please herself over me. But I love her, I created her to worship me and so I will make a way for her to be my very own daughter."

In church yesterday we watched a video called True and Better. It's an animation piece by a producer that I really enjoy. (Dan Stevers - www.danstevers.com - video linked below) I once again found myself crying at Christmas.  Finally! True and Better arrived on the scene. That is why we celebrate Christmas. True and Better entered into our mess, paid our debt, and offers us a gift that we cannot earn and do not deserve. True and Better promises that we will see Him again. In the meantime He is making us ready to be His bride and when the time is right, He will fix everything, make all things new and will love and cherish us forever.

And that is why you can still find this 26 year old tomboy crying (tears of unbelieving joy) at Christmastime.

I've waited 14 years for tonight.

Tonight I get to do something that I have wanted to do for the last 14 years.

My mom's side of the family always does Thanksgiving dinner at grandma's house on Wednesday night before turkey day. When I was 12 years old my oldest cousin brought her boyfriend to Thanksgiving. This is the first time I remember having some sort of understanding that relationships are a blending of two families as well as the creation of a new one. I thought it was the coolest thing and decided that I could not wait to have someone to share my family traditions with.

But I was 12. I had time right? I mean, I doubted that any middle school relationship I might dream of would be serious enough for a Thanksgiving introduction, but surely in high school that would happen.

High school came and although I had plenty of interest in boys, not many seemed to return my affections. Thanksgivings came and went. There was always the good-natured teasing from my family, "Karen, when are you bringing a boy up here?" But 10th, 11th and 12th grade passed with no one joining us.

College. No doubt, in college I would finally get to show-off some amazing guy who was crazy enough to follow me to grandma's? That's gotta be it! I just hadn't met him yet and I'd have a relationship over the holidays for sure in the next 4 years.

The good natured teasing about a boy became hurtful. This was not at all intentional on the part of my family, but because I had hoped for this for so long. I almost dreaded those few moments when I'd have to say, "No, I haven't found him yet."

Eventually that question stopped being posed altogether. At first I was relieved to not have to answer it, but then I started wondering, "Have they given up on anyone wanting me?" That, of course, was not the case, but as much as I love the holidays my singleness began to be a small spot of holiday depression. I tried to keep my hope in Christ and remind myself that He would bring me a relationship when the time was right. But it was difficult to keep reminding myself of that.

College was over. My Disney internship produced a very sweet, but very short relationship. Internet dating was actually kinda fun, but most guys I met only lasted for 1 or 2 dates. (A friend once told me I was pretty picky for a desperate girl.) The one relationship that had potential to be a "bring him to grandma's" dissolved about a week before Thanksgiving. God was angry at me. I was sure of it.

Depressing huh? Yeah, sorry about that, but I only say all that to highlight how freaking excited I am to be tacking Zac to my grandparent's tonight for Thanksgiving dinner!!! :-)

For a long time I felt like God was mad me. I had done something to make Him angry and as punishment for my sin He was keeping me from experiencing this thing (a relationship during the holidays) that I had hoped for since I was 12. I had some things to learn. Over the past 3 years I have come to have a much different (read: better) understanding of the Gospel and how God's plan works.

For starters I had to learn that God was not angry at me. This was a very difficult lesson for me to accept, but I have come to rest (sometimes more peacefully than other times) in the fact that He has paid for my sin. Paid for it. Done. Over. Finished. He is good and does not hold things over our heads when we repent and believe that He has paid for it.

And second (something that I am more thankful for today than I ever thought I could be) is that He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love and serve Him. I would have loved to take any number of my crushes to Grandma's over the last 14 years. But God has helped me (while I was mostly kicking, screaming and crying) save that for Zac.

Zac is not "another guy" Karen has brought to Thanksgiving. He is THE GUY Karen has brought to Thanksgiving. I can't describe how excited and happy I am to get to finally realize this thing I have hoped for, for so many years!

Thank you Jesus for having a plan and being good and kind and loving towards me even when I am "sure" that you must hate me. You have blessed me beyond my dreams!

Thank you Zac for being the guy that is crazy enough to follow me to Thanksgiving dinner. I love you and am so excited to share this season with you. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I never would have dreamed that I would have a guy of your caliber (intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, hard-working, romantic, disciplined, respectful, and warm-hearted for starters) by my side at grandma's Thanksgiving. I love you!

Hello from Kolkata!

Hello from Kolkata!

It is HOT and HUMID in Kolkata! Even though Bangalaru is farther south, it is located in the mountains. The altitude makes it quite a bit cooler. Kolkata is near the ocean so it is very hot and very humid. Our first two days here were dedicated to resting up for round two of VBS and ministry. I know my room slept most of our day. I think I hit 14 hours straight sleep.

Last night (Sunday) we went to Pareesh’s house out in a village where he hosts his church. The ride there was quite a bit different experience than what we’ve gotten used to in Bangalaru. Kolkata is very “jungle-esk” with palms and other tropical trees, grass huts, and some sort of lagoon farming lining the pathway.

Getting to see Pareesh’s church was really cool. He has several believers as well as a few Hindu men who have started coming to learn about his Jesus. There were about 40 of us in one room with 3 ceiling fans churning for all they were worth. After church his wife cooked a meal for us. She prepared curried chickpeas and poorie (a really yummy fry-bread) that was delicious!

Today (Monday) will be the first day of VBS out in a village that Pareesh works in often. It is about an hour’s drive into the jungle from here. No electricity, and barely a dirt path for the cabs to drive. We will begin VBS after the children get back from school about 3:00. Hopefully it will be cooling off by that time.

This morning we ventured out to see Mother Teresa’s home, tomb, and the “headquarters” for the Missionaries of Charity (the order of nuns that Mother Teresa founded) that is still very much active. It was a moving experience, truly that woman was an amazing woman of God. Here are some of the photos that I took on the adventure out today. Enjoy!

Doorway to the missionaries of Charity's Mother House. They run about 12 different ministries around Kolkata, (Children's Home, The House for the Sick and Dying etc.) but this is the "home base" for everything.

Each morning the sisters decorate Mother Teresa's tomb with fresh flowers in this way. Spelling out, "Love Until It Hurts."

A few sisters sit in with her tomb for prayer and reflection.

The flowers from the previous day are put out for visitors to take as a rememberance. Totally free, you can just pick some up if you would like.

These next photos I snapped from the cab. Just a taste of what the sites look like here:

Kiddos begging on a street corner. Of course dad gave them all the coins he had. :-) 

They sure were cute!

During the hottest parts of the day businesses virtually stop. everyone finds shade and waits for a breeze or the sun to lower a bit. Even the people who have lived here all their lives think it's too hot to do anything!

Trip Update

Just a note to update on our adventures in India. The past three days we have been going non-stop as we finished out our last days in Bangalaru.

VBS went very well and ended strong! We are still blown away and blessed beyond belief by the opportunity to work with the Indian church members. Such a great experience getting to be The Body of Christ together with new friends on the other side of the world.

Boys showing off their cups of snow. Jesus' blood washes us white as snow!

Auntie Cooweesta helping do crafts.

Moses and Santosh helping out two of the kiddos.

Mattie and Lynn representing from Virgina!

Look at the Joy in this "old" woman's face! They say you're only as old and you act. and being willing to traps across Asia keeps you young in my book. ;-)

Mom and little Gopi!

Such a cutie!

Russ. Keeping us in line and manning one of the many cameras. Looking good!

My new little brothers. Aaron, (Dad,) Samuel, and Moses.

(Both Moses AND Aaron are smiling in this one! I told you I'd get one!)

Thursday night after VBS wrapped up we were honored by the church members we had been working with all week. When we arrived at the church we got to watch a special song and dance they had prepared just for us. It was neat seeing the dance and choreography including a giant India flag and balloons! After the dance Babu said some special words of encouragement about each one of us and they "garlanded" us with huge, beautiful, and very sweet smelling flower garlands. Next came a "Traditional Indian Love Feast" with many many dishes that had been prepared to give us the chance to taste many Indian dishes. It was very special and reminded me of when Paul's tells us to outdo each other in honor... we were defiantly out-done that day. It was so very very special!

Note: This footage is very raw. Just wanted to show a quick taste of the evening.

The whole team with Pastor Babu and Dr. Sujatha.

Front: Alice, Russ

Back: Len, Mattie, Karen, Albert, Cindy, Cooweesta, Sharon, Suji, Babu

Friday was the realization of a long-term dream for Pastor Babu, his wife (Dr. Sujitha) and the entire church. We were able to celebrate the opening of a medical clinic that will be run by Babu's wife. She is going to provide very low-cost Family Health care to the people in the area of the city near the church. They have big plans and big dreams for the clinic that are very God-sized and will be effective in bringing people to Christ.

Suji told me in an interview that the clinic will point people to Christ who can heal their hearts while He grants her the wisdom to heal their bodies. God connected the resources of AIM with the faith and dreams He has given this little church in India. It was so cool to be a part of this day and I am looking forward to how I can be a part of the expansion of this ministry!

Ready to begin the Ceremony.

Such a big day in this families life! Isn't it cool when God asks you to have faith and then comes through in an awesome way?!?!?!!

These two shared a touching moment during the ceremony. After praying for his wife, Babu said some encouraging, "Can you believe this actually happened?" and "You will do wonderful things in the name of the Lord!" type-things to Suji. She then stood up and said, "They say that behind ever successful man is his wife, but behind my success is this man of God, my husband."

CELEBRATE!

Dr. Sujatha

The first patient! Many of the church members were there to celebrate! Suji gave anyone who wanted one a check-up and afterwards many of them pray for her or gave her a hug or a gift.

An actual patient. This woman and her husband live down the street. They saw the commotion and wanted to come see Dr. Sujatha. They are a Hindu family and Suji was able to do an initial consultation and set up a follow up appointment. Then Suji asked if she could pray for the woman. She agreed and then asked, "Christian?" Suji, beamed! "Yes! Christian!"

We then said our goodbyes with a birthday party for Suji.

Fun story: Indian traffic is crazy, and we are in "pre-monsoon" season (Monsoon officially starts this coming week.) Last night during the hardest rain I've even seen in my life we loaded up into the van for what was supposed to be a 15 min drive to a nice restaurant. Apparently somewhere near our hotel a large tree fell over a main road and stopped traffic.

TWO HOURS LATER... we made it to the restaurant just in time to order before they closed the kitchen! After dinner we went back to the hotel with Babu's family and enjoyed cake and ice cream at 12:30 in the morning.

I am currently on a plane to Kolkata somewhere over the east coast of India. I'll post this as soon as I'm somewhere with wifi and have a chance to pull out some pics. We're all pretty exhausted and are looking forward to the chance to rest today and some of tomorrow. I am excited to meet Pastor Pareesh and see what all we will get to be a part of in this city. I'm also excited to take a tourist excursion to Mother Tereasa home, order of nuns, and grave. I think it will be a neat experience.

"Thug Life Alice!!"

Yeah, we're all pretty pooped!

We've heard about the storms and tornados back home and have been praying for safety for everyone. Mom says that if our house blows away... would someone at least send us a text or fb message so we can know before we get there?" Ha! So glad she's my mom!

Be sure to check out the post below titled "Meet Shanti" to read about an amazing woman and one of my many new friends.

Meet Shanti

Shanti is a school teacher. Some schools have already started back by the time we arrived in Bangalaru, but she took her vacation days to be at the church doing VBS with us. Shanti is very matter-of-fact. She doesn't beat around the bush, nor is she afraid to tell you how it's supposed to be. The children loved and respected her for this.Shanti's smile is full of light and her heart if full of joy. Her worn hands are kind, and her spirit is sweet.

One day I was sitting amongst the kiddos near her during VBS. Some of them asked her how old I am. When I told her I am 26 her eyes got big and she laughed a little. I smiled knowing she must have thought me older or younger and I asked her which.

"I thought maybe 19 or 20. You are 26? You are not married yet?"

I smiled, I knew to expect this type of reaction to a 26 year old girl who is not married, so I wasn't offended at all. In India a woman past 23 or 24 and not married must have something is wrong with her. I said, "No, but I'm praying about it."

Shanti smiled big and said, "I will pray for you too. That God will bring you a husband. It is time. Two or three years ago... it is time."

There is that "matter-of-fact"-ness. I laughed and we chatted a little bit more about some of the differences in marriage customs between the US and India.

After the last day of VBS the church members honored us that evening with a ceremony and a dinner. After watching the dance they had prepared for us I sat next to Shanti and showed her my anklet. Many of the women/girls in this area wear anklets so I had taken one of my longer necklaces and wound it around my foot. I thought she would be excited that I was trying to adopt an India custom.
Instead she tilted her head a little and asked, "Where is next one?" Pointing to my chainless foot.

"I only have one."

"No. You wear two. Where is next one?"

"Um, I only have one. I've seen girls wear these-"

Before I could continue to explain she said, "No, you need two." And sure enough, I looked around. There were a few women with them on that night and they each had a matching set. I have to laugh at her personality, she meant no offense to me. She considers me a friend and was just letting me know that I was not doing it correctly!

When it was time to eat, Shanti grabbed my arm and led me around the table that held buckets and buckets of India foods. She made sure that I got a little of everything. (Even the fish. If you know me you'll laugh. "Weather you eat or drink..." was my mantra, all the way through the bones and skin. Yeah for experiences!)

Shanti even made sure I knew how to eat each dish. Indians do not eat with utensils. It's fingers all the way and sometimes it can be tricky for us uncultured Americans. She showed me which dishes you pick up with bread and which sauces you mix with which rices. Then before I sat down she told Sharon and I that this was a Traditional India Love Feast. The woman of the church had each prepared a special dish for us to try and sample all the tastes of India! It was amazing and such a blessing that they wanted to honor us!

My final memory of Shanti comes from Friday. We were able to be celebrate the opening of a medical clinic near the church. Pastor Babu's wife, Dr. Sujatha (affectionately called Suji,) will run the clinic full time at a very reduced price for the people of the neighborhood. Their vision is to be able to give medicines and exams to the poor and point them towards Christ to heal their hearts as He also grants Dr. Sujatha wisdom to heals their bodies. It was so exciting to get to witness the opening and dedication of the clinic to the Lord in the midst of a very spiritually dark area.

Many, many, many of the people we had been working with all week came to celebrate and after the ribbon cutting and confetti most of them got "check-ups" as well. They would come in, sit on the exam table and Suji would take their blood pressure and check blood sugars. After the check-up they would hug Suji's neck and say some encouraging words to her.

Shanti was busy with the celebrations out on the street and didn't come in for her check up until just before we left. Suji, Shanti and about 3 or 4 more woman crowded in. It was like a group of girl-friends at a party. I couldn't understand a word they were saying, but the fun they were having was evident. Suji had to shush Shanti because she was talking too much and too loudly for the stethoscope to be of any use.

After the check up was complete Shanti gave Suji a long hug and I think she prayed for her too. When they stepped apart there were large tears in both the woman's eyes. Then one of the other woman said something and everyone laughed loudly while wiping away tears.

"Can you tell me what's happening?" I asked not wanting to interrupt the moment, but wanting to understand it.

"Tears of joy." Suji said.

That was all I needed to understand. These women have prayed together for 2 or 3 years and were finally seeing this God-sized dream become a reality. Shanti, along with the rest of us in that room, were overwhelmed in that moment by the goodness of our God.

I'm so thankful for Russ, Alice, and AIM. I'm thankful God has connected the people of faith, the dreams, and the resources needed to make His plans a reality.

I am also thankful for my new friend Shanti. She is a woman of faith, a woman of prayer, and a woman of great joy. I will not forget her,and will be seeing her again. I just know it!

Little Voices

My job on this trip is videography. When Russ and Alice extended the invitation for me to return with AIM, it was specifically to be a documenter of events. I love doing this. My passion is to see video and media used in a way that glorifies God and furthers His kingdom, but sometimes it can be difficult to know when to turn the camera off. 

The videographer in me says, "Don't put it down for one second, you might miss the perfect shot." But the editor in me says, "You're going to have to go through all of this footage two or three times, only shoot what you know you can use." I usually can find a happy balance in between.

For instance, last night (Monday night) we were able to visit the homes of some of Babu's church members. It was remarkable. One room homes, most about 8 foot wide by 12 foot long. But as small as these little homes were the owners were very proud of what God had provided for them. 

So I kept my camera on. 

Mostly I took still shots. At first in the people's homes and then of the crowd of kids that we drew walking through the little "streets." (The "streets" were only about 3 or 4 foot wide brick or cinder block paths between the buildings on either side.) "Auntie, one photo?" Auntie, one photo?" came from the little voices following me around. (Auntie, is what most of the children call me, it is a sign of respect.) And so I took their photos:

I'm actually standing about 2 feet outside the door of the home to take this photo.

Even the adults liked to have their picture taken.

Then we got to Bible School this morning (Tuesday) and although I did shoot some, I mostly turned the camera off. I wanted to interact with the kiddos more today.

So I turned my camera off.

I found a little boy about 4 or 5 who was ticklish and had the cutest smile. I put him up on my shoulders and we roamed around showing off that little smile to everyone we could find.

I sat with a group of girls who were about 11-13 years old. They spoke english very well and wanted to ask me all kinds of things. They inspected my rings; a Mickey Mouse ring and my OSU class ring. They asked me what our money looked like and passed around the dollar bill I got out of my bag. They looked at pictures of my dogs, family and friends on my phone and soaked up any attention I could give them.

Then near the end of the day I found a little girl in a beautiful little blue dress. She was probably around 7 years old and was pretty shy. I coaxed her into sitting in my lap while other bigger kiddos crowded around asking me questions and showing me their crafts. When it was time to wrap up the day and serve the meal the little girl and I slid into her group's row and sat listening to the India leader's instructions with her still in my lap.

It was time to pray and thank God for all he had done today. As a way to teach the children how to pray they end the day by having them repeat a prayer. The leader prays a short sentence and then the children repeat it. I'm not sure if it was because I didn't understand the language they were speaking, or if it was because of being on the floor in the midst of all the kids, but I could clearly hear all their little voices around me. 

It didn't seem like one sound as a crowd response often does, but it was like I could identify each voice as belonging to one specific child. I sat there listening and was amazed by the thought that God hears each and every one of those little voices individually. And just like I had made extra time to play and sit with individual children today... God was also there, giving each and everyone of them His undivided attention as they repeated those prayers.

I was moved by the knowledge that God is so big and so compassionate that He listens, really listens to each person in the world. Even those little voices all around me. He knows us intimately. One of my favorite passages from the Bible is from Zephaniah where it talks about God singing with unbridle passion and joy over His children. I am so very thankful for that reminder today.

 Vacation Bible School:

Things we've seen around India:

This dog found a shady spot in an off-duty Tuk-Tuk.

Babu took us to a nice restaurant and we ate dinner in true India Fashion: With our fingers from a banana leaf! :-)

You cannot park your giraffe in front of this fence.

After VBS the guys (Moses and Aaron and the other's their age) took us to see the 2nd largest Mall in Asia! It was a really really neat experience!!:

A Hindu Temple that can be seen from the 5th floor of the Mall.

There is a really nice "glow-bowl" alley in the top of the mall. They took us up there just to show us, but when we found out that they had NEVER been bowling before we insisted on playing a game. It was very fun and they had an absolute blast. It was the nicest bowling alley I've ever been in, and so much fun to experience it with them!

Dad giving a bowling lesson.

They were VERY GOOD. This kid (Sashi sp?) actually bowled a turkey! Three Xs in a row!!

All the guys after the game. Two of them even beat dad, and they had never bowled before in their lives! It was so much fun! (Notice that Moses, to the right of dad, is smiling. Still working on getting Aaron, far left, to smile for me.)