The past few days we have found ourselves tired when we wake up and tired when we go to bed (and often, tired in between). I think the constant noise, crowded conditions, smells, taxi drivers trying to exploit us because we are foreigners and don't think we know any better has taken a toll on our bodies and minds. I don't know if my confidence has increased or if irritability and fatigue set in (or all of the above), but I am getting much more vocal when taxi drivers, especially, try to charge us an extremely inflated amount to what the ride should cost! Last night I caught on that the driver started driving in circles to raise the meter rate, so even though I knew he didn't understand my english, I let him know loud and clear that I was upset and gestured to show him I knew what he'd done. After supper we thought we'd try to take a taxi back closer to our hotel and again the driver quoted us a ridiculous rate. A bystander understood more english than the taxi driver and started laughing when I told the driver that we weren't fools and would rather walk! Yes, in the past few weeks we have learned a lot...we are able to navigate our way through certain parts of the city fairly confidently. The language barrier is definitely a detriment but not impossible to overcome. It is common for people to speak quite loudly and appear like they are verbally fighting on a regular basis. I don't think we have completely adjusted to this way of life; but, maybe a bit of it has rubbed off on me referring to my previous experience. Voices are often raised and gestures are used regularly...a much different approach to communication than we are accustomed.
A few days ago was a national holiday (Muslim) honoring Mohammad's birthday. The centers were closed and we took that day to do a bit of shopping, etc. We started out mid-morning and walked to a nearby mall (Spencers grocery store is in the basement there). In route, there was a parade passing by. It was interesting to watch the people, listen to the chants, see the banners raised. The youth that passed by were intrigued with us (the foreigners on the street) and waved with enthusiasm. The colors for this day were a bright, emerald green and white. There ares still green banners hanging above the streets.
Funny how a trip to a grocery store brought us such happiness! Rebekah and I thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down each isle, taking in what reminded us of home and appreciating the new items that were Indian. We stocked up on tuna, of all things. We've found that we are protein deficient and the tuna is very helpful to give us the boost we need. We gathered a few more items and went on our way. Before we left the mall, we went upstairs to the Coffee Bean--reminiscent of Starbucks. We treated ourselves to an iced mocha and vanilla drink and were on our way back to the hotel. Now we have quite the little pantry in our room. We think the housekeepers are a bit perplexed by it!
Then we hopped on an auto and were on our way to New Market. As soon as we arrived, one of the men who'd "latched" onto us the previous trip did so again. He followed us around for a bit (not as long as last time), trying to get us to go to certain stores. But then he crossed the line by asking if Rebekah liked Indian boys. The mama bear came out in me and I told him she did as friends only and that we wanted him to leave. Next time if he attaches himself to us, the first words I say will be to leave! During our shopping, I had to give the mama bear look a few more times. There is definitely a line that separates the innocent glances at us as foreigners with our milky, white skin and when I can discern someone has other not so innocent intentions! I find that the constant being on guard wears me out...
In the midst of that, we accomplished some shopping! Rebekah found a cute pair of sandals she wanted. The price quoted was way too high and she negotiated it to less than half. Wow, she's a little spit fire. She held her ground. The storekeeper agreed to her price and then tried to raise it. She said, "No! You agreed to this price and that's what I'm paying." She is now the proud owner of beautiful, brightly colored sandals! I had a similar experience in a little shop negotiating for a bracelet. The owner told me I was "tough." I am learning not to feel bad in these moments because this is just the culture of shopping here.
The next day, we helped at the center. We assisted the last 10 children in getting uniforms and shoes. I was very grateful for the assistance of two mothers. We started out as it was already dusk and had a very busy intersection to cross with the children in tow. One mother led the way across and all were accounted for. The shopkeeper immediately recognized us and, after finishing up with other customers, he helped us quite quickly. Back we went with the children across that insane intersection. At one point, a couple of cars were getting way too close to Rebekah and her little group. She yelled at them, "Hey, hey, hey!," put out her hand, and continued on. The children laughed hysterically and imitated her on the way back to the center. They were probably surprised to hear such a forceful voice from a little body.
After that we went with Rachel to pick up 95 sets of books. We were all pleasantly surprised how quickly it went. Rachel said that in years past, the bookstore has made many mistakes. Well, our little American/Canadian team of three got into sync, counted the sets of books, then counted every book in each bag (to ensure none were missing) and the men helped to load the van! Then we distributed most of the books that evening (students had been called back to the center).
Yesterday, we met Rachel to go out to the girls home. Rebekah and I sat in on their devotion time. That was interesting to hear the staff give the lesson in Bengali and one of the older girls give it in Hindi. I taught the girls a song in english by them repeating after me. After that, we assisted with some tutoring. Some of the girls didn't have homework so they read aloud or practiced writing. I sat with the older girls while they were looking at a book with praise music and copying it down in a notebook. When I recognized a song, I would teach it to them.
Today, we will be back at the center. I will assist with some paperwork and Rebekah may help with the little ones.
We have both been feeling a bit "off" the past couple of days (Rebekah more than me). Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we "fight" off whatever ails us and desire strength to serve.
We are grateful Randy made it home safely a couple of days ago! It's been stormy since he returned. We miss him but are happy that he's settling back into routine at home and appreciating all the luxuries.
We are just starting to allow ourselves to think about our time we will be spending in Germany at the end of our trip (we have two more weeks here). We know this will be, yet, a very different experience. We will be reunited with my very dear friend I worked with at camp in California many years ago. It's been about twenty years since we've seen each other. We are very excited to look forward to that visit, as well!
Until next time...
A few days ago was a national holiday (Muslim) honoring Mohammad's birthday. The centers were closed and we took that day to do a bit of shopping, etc. We started out mid-morning and walked to a nearby mall (Spencers grocery store is in the basement there). In route, there was a parade passing by. It was interesting to watch the people, listen to the chants, see the banners raised. The youth that passed by were intrigued with us (the foreigners on the street) and waved with enthusiasm. The colors for this day were a bright, emerald green and white. There ares still green banners hanging above the streets.
Funny how a trip to a grocery store brought us such happiness! Rebekah and I thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down each isle, taking in what reminded us of home and appreciating the new items that were Indian. We stocked up on tuna, of all things. We've found that we are protein deficient and the tuna is very helpful to give us the boost we need. We gathered a few more items and went on our way. Before we left the mall, we went upstairs to the Coffee Bean--reminiscent of Starbucks. We treated ourselves to an iced mocha and vanilla drink and were on our way back to the hotel. Now we have quite the little pantry in our room. We think the housekeepers are a bit perplexed by it!
Then we hopped on an auto and were on our way to New Market. As soon as we arrived, one of the men who'd "latched" onto us the previous trip did so again. He followed us around for a bit (not as long as last time), trying to get us to go to certain stores. But then he crossed the line by asking if Rebekah liked Indian boys. The mama bear came out in me and I told him she did as friends only and that we wanted him to leave. Next time if he attaches himself to us, the first words I say will be to leave! During our shopping, I had to give the mama bear look a few more times. There is definitely a line that separates the innocent glances at us as foreigners with our milky, white skin and when I can discern someone has other not so innocent intentions! I find that the constant being on guard wears me out...
In the midst of that, we accomplished some shopping! Rebekah found a cute pair of sandals she wanted. The price quoted was way too high and she negotiated it to less than half. Wow, she's a little spit fire. She held her ground. The storekeeper agreed to her price and then tried to raise it. She said, "No! You agreed to this price and that's what I'm paying." She is now the proud owner of beautiful, brightly colored sandals! I had a similar experience in a little shop negotiating for a bracelet. The owner told me I was "tough." I am learning not to feel bad in these moments because this is just the culture of shopping here.
The next day, we helped at the center. We assisted the last 10 children in getting uniforms and shoes. I was very grateful for the assistance of two mothers. We started out as it was already dusk and had a very busy intersection to cross with the children in tow. One mother led the way across and all were accounted for. The shopkeeper immediately recognized us and, after finishing up with other customers, he helped us quite quickly. Back we went with the children across that insane intersection. At one point, a couple of cars were getting way too close to Rebekah and her little group. She yelled at them, "Hey, hey, hey!," put out her hand, and continued on. The children laughed hysterically and imitated her on the way back to the center. They were probably surprised to hear such a forceful voice from a little body.
After that we went with Rachel to pick up 95 sets of books. We were all pleasantly surprised how quickly it went. Rachel said that in years past, the bookstore has made many mistakes. Well, our little American/Canadian team of three got into sync, counted the sets of books, then counted every book in each bag (to ensure none were missing) and the men helped to load the van! Then we distributed most of the books that evening (students had been called back to the center).
Yesterday, we met Rachel to go out to the girls home. Rebekah and I sat in on their devotion time. That was interesting to hear the staff give the lesson in Bengali and one of the older girls give it in Hindi. I taught the girls a song in english by them repeating after me. After that, we assisted with some tutoring. Some of the girls didn't have homework so they read aloud or practiced writing. I sat with the older girls while they were looking at a book with praise music and copying it down in a notebook. When I recognized a song, I would teach it to them.
Today, we will be back at the center. I will assist with some paperwork and Rebekah may help with the little ones.
We have both been feeling a bit "off" the past couple of days (Rebekah more than me). Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we "fight" off whatever ails us and desire strength to serve.
We are grateful Randy made it home safely a couple of days ago! It's been stormy since he returned. We miss him but are happy that he's settling back into routine at home and appreciating all the luxuries.
We are just starting to allow ourselves to think about our time we will be spending in Germany at the end of our trip (we have two more weeks here). We know this will be, yet, a very different experience. We will be reunited with my very dear friend I worked with at camp in California many years ago. It's been about twenty years since we've seen each other. We are very excited to look forward to that visit, as well!
Until next time...
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