I write this to inform you that my first week in India has just come to an end. It is hard to believe it has only been a week. Mainly because I have done and seen so much in 7 days that I can hardly keep it all straight. Wow..only one week?!
I am beginning to realize that I will not be able to fully share my experiences with you. Unless you were experiencing this with me, it is impossible to relay such a different and unique culture that is now my everyday life. However, I can give you an idea of what I am experiencing through words and pictures (once I figure out how to actually post pics on here).
I arrived here last Monday and basically jumped into a lifestyle that is the complete opposite of what I am used to.
*small town to big city
-so far so good.
*farm house (with a lot of land) to an apartment flat
-they have a very nice place.
*hot and humid climate (typical summer in Ohio) to the rainy season in India
-this resulted in a cold which i am still dealing with.
*eating meat to eating all vegetarian food
-but man, they feed me so much here.
*helping around the house to having helpers do everything
-this is a tough one, but it is the culture and so I try to respect it from both angles. they are like part of the family too. we all joke around and we have established what I can do to help as well (even though its nothing like having chores back home).
*devoted Christian home to a strong Hindu home
-this was the hardest and will continue to be a challenge. I already feel lonely at times because of this factor. but God is my refuge and I look forward to finding the church full of other believers in the body of Christ.
interesting facts are...
1. No one knows I am from the United States cause I blend in so well. As soon as they learn I am an exchange student they treat me so different.
2. We must take our shoes off before entering a home, doctors office, hospital, (basically everywhere except stores and restaurants).
3. Everywhere we go (including homes, businesses, and schools) I am offered pani (water) and chai (tea)
4. The people I meet love it when I try to say something in Marathi (this is the language they speak where I am at) but I am getting better at common phrases. With time I hope to "wow" them.
5. The culture is SO laid back (I don't even know how to elaborate on this).
6. My host dad is the president of a company called "NIMA" (Nashik Industries and Manufacturer's Association) and he owns a fiber glass making company.
7. My host mom is a social worker with the "Inner Wheel Club" (like Rotary for women).
8. My host brother (Harshad, age 21) is studying Indian government in New Delhi.
9. My host sister (Devyani, age 16) wants to be an architect.
My favorite thing so far is riding in the car. The destination does not matter because when going through the streets, there is always a sight to behold; something new, something different. I see a lot of the culture this way.
I am looking forward to starting school after this week! I have already done so many fun things but a routine will be cool.
These are just some random things that people wanted to know. I have so much more to share and I will when I get more time to just write. PLEASE email me with questions so I know the kinds of things you want to hear about. Reach me at superstar4thelord@yahoo.com I will then post the answers in my blog posts. I can have no communication with anyone personally until September 21st though.
Keep me in your prayers. God has already shown Himself to me so much. Love to my family back home!
Chloe Anna
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