Patricia: I just want to do a photo shoot out here to send back to our families.
Me: Oh that's a good idea. To show that we're thriving, not just surviving. I mean, nothing says thriving like a photo shoot.
So here we are in Dehradun. When we first got there, we thought we had arrived at the Taj. Then after about 2 hours, we realized that we had not been told "simple housing" for no reason. Our water pump was on the fritz, but now it doesn't work at all...so we have no running water. Our house, though it is spacious, is super moldy and dusty. We have a roach infestation. The electricity is out about as often as it is on. So basically we are powerless...in every sense of the word. It's actually a huge blessing because it is teaching us a lot about what we NEED and what we just like to have. It generally just takes longer to get things here fixed than it does in the States, but we will get our water pump fixed eventually.
Things I am thankful for:
My partners. Lena and Patricia have been such a blessing as we maneuver a new chapter in life in this new place together. They are great accountability, and we can laugh together through all the chaos.
Hot showers. It’s such a blessing to be able to have a hot shower.
Cold showers. They make me thankful for hot showers and remind me that a large majority of the world does not have the luxury of running water, much less hot water.
Electricity. Consistent electricity is something that I have always taken for granted in the States. Here it comes and goes. It is a great reminder that every good thing is a gift from above (James 1:17).
Internet...and a lack of. We don't have it in our house, so rather than skyping, facebooking, and emailing all the time, I am spending so much more time in the Word and building relationships. :) But, it is nice to have it once in a while to catch up.
Our rooftop. It has a view of the Himalayas and does not smell like mold or mildew. It's a very peaceful place. :)
Those who lift us up. Knowing that people are going before the Father on our behalf makes each day more bearable.
Patricia and Lena eating breakfast on the early morning train to Dehradun.
Vegetarian breakfast on the train.
Lena reading while our power was out the first night here.
Making shadow puppets on the wall to entertain ourselves.
Eating nutella and hobnobs (our new favorite cookies) by cell phone flashlight.
Patricia is a beastly cockroach killer.
Our "take away" coffees outside of a store. Everyone else was taking our picture, so I figured I'd get one, too.
