third times a charm...

I got my ears pierced for the third time today...a perfect souvenir from India!

Ask, seek, knock...

 

I am so grateful for the doors God has opened for us! 

Tastes of home...

Tonight is Mexican food night for Tom and I.  I am making ceviche and some tacos.  We found a store that sells international products not far from our flat and I was thrilled to see things from the U.S. and Belize on the shelves!

Make way for goats...

We walked in the street because the sidewalk was occupied...

People in Pune...

Are you a people watcher? I am! I think God's creations are fascinating. And each time we travel to a new place we get to see more of His handiwork in action. These are just a few of the photos I took on our bus tour of Pune.  If you are friends with me on Facebook you can see the full album by clicking HERE.  

the family vehicle...

I've seen families riding on motorcycles in Belize and have wanted to get a photo. One of our neighbors picks his kids up from school on his motorcycle and it's such a loving sight. This photo is a bit blurry but as you can see they do it here in India too!  I am always amazed at how people make what they have work for their families.  Most of the families I've seen ride in the order this family is riding...the littlest one in the front and the mom in the back.  And if mom is wearing a saree then she rides side saddle.

Since we've been here I've ridden on the back of the bike several times.  The first time I was excited but scared.  Each time I go out with someone I feel more comfortable and not as exposed as I did that first time. I can see that there is a rhythm to the flow of traffic here and have noticed that the motorbikes are better able to weave in and out of the congested traffic much easier than cars can.  I still don't think I would do well driving here...but I used to say that about the freeways in California and somehow I overcame that fear!

Peace Be With You...

I have been thinking about peace a lot today.  This past week I've heard about surgeries, illnesses, deaths of family members, job losses, parents with prodigal children...and so on.  There is a great need for peace in our minds, hearts, families, businesses, churches, cities, and countries.  

May you feel His presence throughout your day.  

And no matter what you are going through...

May you hear Him say, "Peace be with you!" 

all who are thirsty...

There is a first time for everything...and Sunday after church was the first time I'd ever seen a cow drink from a water fountain!

going for a ride...

We saw these carriages the other day...

I heard that some people use them for transporting the bridal party to the wedding! 

I haven't seen a procession yet.  It would be exciting if we get to witness one before we leave.  I've heard that the groom comes to pick up the bride riding on a white horse...I would love to see that!

a bit of Hallmark...

Found a store with a great selection of Hallmark cards in the neighborhood  the other day!

Acts 19:26

Not far from the flat we are staying in is a temple to the Hindu god Ganesh.  You can read more about him by clicking here.  There are many gods worshiped here in India and around the world.    

This photo was taken with my Galaxy tablet as we were walking home late one evening...

When I think of all the things that Christ has helped us through I cannot help but desire that others get to experience His overwhelming love and care.  Each time I pass this temple I pray for those who still do not know Him as the One True God.  

breakfast for dinner...

 

 

 

Tom was craving pancakes so we walked down to a place called Peter's Pan.  He got his pancakes and I was able to enjoy a cheese omelet with hash browns.  We will have to go again...the food was tasty and filling.  The night that we were there every table but one was full.  The little girl in the photo seemed to be having fun taking pictures of the kitchen and watching them flip pancakes!

feeling at home in His house...

 

 

 

Yesterday was Friendship Day here in India.  We were blessed to visit Naga Christian Fellowship and they used the holiday as the theme for the service.  As we entered the church we were greeted with a handshake and then had a friendship bracelet tied to our wrists.  All of the scriptures, songs, and the message revolved around various aspects of friendship.  One of the soloists blew us away and the sermon was very encouraging.  After the service there was a fellowship time and we got a chance to chat with several people.

One of the things that made our visit so special was seeing all of the women that I had met at the Bible study on Wednesday morning.  It truly made me feel at home to see so many familiar faces.  God has a way of allowing us to experience His loving presence just when we need it most!

Henna tattoos...

These guys were set up in front of the movie theater.  Before we leave India I may have to give this a try!

Yummo!

Mango flavored breakfast cereal? Yes, please!!

meditating on His grace...

This verse has been on my mind since we discussed it this morning at Bible study.

Take joy in the knowledge that God Almighty has enough grace for each of us in our times of weakness.

New Cell Phone Day...

 

 

 

We are so excited to have new phones!  Just a short walk from the flat where we are staying...there is an electronics store where we were able to get new phones for both of us.  The price was right and they should last us a while.  I was a bit nervous that we might have made the wrong choice because our Belize SIM cards were too big for the phones.  I am so grateful that they were able to cut the SIM cards down to the correct size.  

Today was our first day out and about since we were both struck down with a gastrointestinal infection last week.  And how fun it is to celebrate feeling better with a new toy!

questions about coverings...

I have been asking a lot of questions since we arrived in India.  Questions about customs and questions about life. As we have been out and about I have noticed that many women have their heads covered. Naturally I was curious as to why.  I assumed that for some it was not strictly for religious purposes and that assumption was correct. 

some women may cover up because of the smog from all the traffic...

some women want to protect their hair from all the dust and dirt...

While others may cover up to escape the prying eyes of "aunties" who might see them out with a male friend.

No matter the reason for covering it is fascinating to witness the ingenuity of women.  From protecting their hair to protecting their identity...women around the world are clever enough to figure out what works best for them!

We're all connected...

Which would you choose?!

India's Magic Masala or American Style Cream & Onion?