When it rains, it pours... especially in the Himalayas.  Last week we treated ourselves to some dessert coffee from Cafe Coffee Day, a local Starbucks esk coffee shop.  Usually we study at the guesthouse, but we needed a break from the usual.  So we headed downtown [literally ‘down’ town] for a change of scenery. 

Whenever we go to town we try to use as much Hindi as possible, even though we know we can manage with simple English.  On our return trip up the hill we noticed it was getting fairly dark, especially for 4 o’clock in the afternoon.  Afternoon showers have become more regular since Monsoon season is nearing.  We knew we had to hurry, but we needed to get some fruit from our favorite Fruit Wala. 

Shortly after buying some mangos and bananas it started to rain.  So, we started to run hoping that we could get out in front of the storm and take refuge back at our own place.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get very far before we realized our efforts were hopeless.  We ran for the first awning we saw and took shelter.  Almost immediately, the store owner invited us in, asked us to take a seat, and rolled down the storefront door.  For nearly an hour, we made small talk as she patiently sifted through our broken Hindi.  We were encouraged and even surprised by how much we already know of the language, even if Amberley accidentally introduced me as her wife...

We only have one more week in the Himalayas before heading back to the big city.  M and T have found us a place to stay and we are excited to finally get settled.  Please continue to ask that we would finish strong at language school and that the transition to our new place would go well.  We continue to remain healthy and know that it is not apart from your diligence.  A wholehearted thanks.

The following photos are just a couple images of from our excursion to town last week.  

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Mothers.  To Mama, Mommy Bauman, Sherrye, Katy, Beth [to be], and all of our Grandmothers too!  We tried to come up with a couple of ways to show you that we love you... this is the best we could do.  Anyway, we love you and hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day! 

Amberley looked at me today and said, “Happy One Month Anniversary!”  And I thought to myself..... we’ve been married longer than that! 

Today is actually the one month ‘anniversary’ of us traveling in South Asia.  We have had a wonderful time, and have already made tons of memories.  I have been attacked by a cow in Haridwar, lost my wedding band while rafting on the Ganges, and have experienced the best home-made Himalayan peanut butter and cheese.  Amberley has bought hand-made shoes for less than 5 US Dollars, spent Easter with national believers, and experienced a mouse in a sleeper car.  Most importantly we are so thankful that we haven’t experienced any form of illness while here.  We know that this wouldn’t be possible without your faithful support and constant pr@yer.  Thanks.  

Most recently we have been learning Hindi at a renowned language school in Northern India - just south of the Himalayas.  In short, the Hindi is good, the weather is great, the view is even better, and the mangos are awesome.  

The following photos are just a few views from here.  We took the standard first day of school photos for our parents - We knew they would enjoy them.  The rest of the shots are a few of the many views here. 

Again we are so thankful that you continue to remember us before our Father.  As you know, we are diligently working on fluency in the Hindi language.  Please continue to bring us before Him, asking that he would write the language on our hearts.  Only in Him is it possible...