April 24, 2009


So we’ve been traveling... During our training we took a train trip to a nearby holy city to observe the Indian culture from its core.   The following photos are just a few glimpses of what we saw.  Haridwar, this holy city, boasts of being on the banks of the mighty Ganga [Ganges].  Every year millions of people visit this city to wash in the river in hopes of gaining salvation.

We met travelers from various places and of varying degrees of devotion to their worshiping.  Sadhus are holy men that roam about South Asia visiting temple after temple.  Theirs lives and possessions are reduced to nothing so they can be totally devoted to worshiping.  Below is such a man.  Pal and I were able to spend a large portion of the day with a couple Sadhus trekking, drinking chai, and learning about their culture and beliefs.


Haridwar is not only known for the Ganga, but also for several unique temples.  One of these temples is found at the highest point in the city.  In order to get there, you can travel by cable car [gondola] or take a long set of stairs.  I was surprised to find people of all shapes, ages, and sizes making the trek to the top.


In all, Amberley and I have enjoyed our experiences and are excited for the experiences to come.  Needless to say, we have experienced many ‘firsts’.  Haridwar was one that truly opened our eyes about how little we know about the people we serve.  


Our most recent train excursion has brought us to a city in the foothills of the Himalayas. For the next six weeks we will be living in Mussoorie going to Landour Language School. 


Thank you so much for the thinking of us.  We have yet to experience any real health issues and know that it is not apart from your support.  Please continue to remember us when you talk to the Father.  We really hope that he will write the Hindi language on our hearts.


April 12, 2009

So... We’ve been a bit tired on this side of globe.  I don’t know that we have  ever experienced jet lag to this extent before.  Fortunately, I think we have finally managed to overcome it.  All of you who have been waiting patiently on an update, thanks.  You can expect much more frequent postings from here on out.




It has been so good to see our Pals, and the boys too!  I don't know that we have allowed them to stay on schedule though.  Needless to say, we aren't the only ones on the team who have been a little tired.  We have wrestled with the boys, made forts, dyed Easter eggs, and even watched American Idol.  I’m afraid to admit that their exhaustion is partly our doing. 



Speaking of Easter, we were able to go to a sunrise service this morning in a very nice park here in the city.  It was neat to experience Easter among national believers.  We all wore South Asian garb in an attempt to fit in as much as possible.  Which proved to be a difficult task with all that was going on in the park while we were there - even at 6 o’clock in the morning.  Included in the festivities were marching bands, all sorts of worshipers, and exercisers of all ages and shapes.



Up to this point, we have experienced quite a bit.  We have been exposed to numerous forms of South Asian food and coffee, rickshaws [auto and not], one of the finest metros in the world, traffic like nowhere else, tons of people, Hindu temples, Indian cricket and ultimate frisbee, and many hours of acquisition training.  These things may have added to our lag.







Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts in spite of your lack of information.  Please remember us as you talk to the Father, asking that we will transition and acclimate well, learn the language quickly, and thrive not merely survive in this culture.