What's this smell?

Our transition to living abroad in a lot of ways has been a soft landing. We have been well taken care of our Indian and Nepali friends, and though there are many things that are difficult and inconvenient, we've taken them in stride as part of living in this intriguing place. However, we're starting to find our adjustment back after two weeks away more difficult than when we first arrived! After 7 months, could it be that culture shock is setting in?

My dear husband, who hardly ever complains (and I can't say this is a complaint either) said to me the other day, "Honey, I think I'm going through culture shock....I don't know if I didn't notice it before, but it just stinks more!" The truth is, it does smell more! I don't know if it's because the weather is warming up, but the smell is quite unique and strong....If I can put it into words, the smell is a rich cocktail made up of open drainage (including everything that goes down from the kitchen sink), cow-dung that people collect and dry to burn, urine from men doing their business in alley corners, and open garbage piles.... I felt embarrassed to do this today, but I couldn't take it any more and I had to whip out the handkerchief and cover up my nose. Perhaps the "honeymoon" period is over, although I don't know if we ever really had a "honeymoon" as I imagined it to be. Paul is right--those things that were annoyances and inconveniences before........now, we're realizing we're going to have to live with them whether we like it or not!

Field Workers Annual Conference

We had a great time in southern China at our sending agency’s annual conference. It was a wonderful conference where keen insights into our lives were discovered and our hearts refreshed. There is something refreshing, encouraging, and life-giving about being with others who are away from home working, even if we are not in the same location. We enjoyed lots of seafood, although NO sushi, but it was still a treat since most of the time – we only eat chicken. Paul got to play basketball and I got to run. What treats! I wish I could post pictures of our fellow workers, but for secu'ity reasons we can’t.

Thailand Family Vacation

On our way to our organization’s annual conference we stopped in Thailand to meet with my family. Dad and mom were coming out to Thailand for their organization’s annual conference, so we figured it would be a good time to meet. My brother Jin, sister-in-law, Grace, and my sister Eun (along with my nephew Jeshua) flew out from the U.S. to spend a week with us. How good and fun it was to be together. I had missed them so much. Mom and dad brought for me a huge box of Korean food items to take back to India…Yummy!! Jeshua brought lots of joy and laughter. He is such a delightful and flexible kid. Too bad I couldn’t take him home with me. We definitely will do this again! Hopefully, the whole clan will be there.

First Visitors to India

My in-laws, Phil and Ann came to visit us in India in January. It was great to see them and to have them share in experiencing India with all of its sounds, smells, and complexities!

We also got to visit Delhi (New and Old)! How different Delhi is from where we are. It gave us another perspective into India.

Seeing the Taj Mahal in person was quite breath-taking! Photos don't do justice, but I guess a photo will have to suffice here.

Father-in-law and daughter-in-law having fun! Hopefully, others will follow in their steps and come out to India for a visit. (hint, hint ;)

Our Home in India

I was unable to post pictures of our place in India because our connection is so slow. So I thought I'd post some photos while I have access to fast connection in China!