Things I've Missed

Being Home

My first stop in the States was straight away to Texas - the Lonestar state.  Of long back roads, down-home cookin, the long drawl, steer, and cowboy hats.  And one more thing: Teen Mania. 

Texas to me is:  the place i became an adult. the home of some of my best and closest friends. an amazing ministry that taught me all about ministry, leadership, people, and living for Christ.

Coming home has been a blessing so far.  I have been taken in warmly by close friends and spending time with them - just joining them in whatever they're doing; which is always something exciting at TM. :)  

Thanks Beth, Corrie, Holly, and Cat. 

I talk about India everyday - telling people of it's beauty and the place it holds in my heart.  

There are a few things that I've realized I miss about home :)

1. Taking a Shower Everyday (Emphasis on 'shower' and 'everyday')

2. Rinsing My Toothbrush with the Water Out of the Tap

3. Drinking Ice Cold Water (and getting it from the tap)

4. Coffee with (Creamer)

5. Starbucks :)

6. Big Fat Hamburgers (on the grill)

7. Driving

8. Calling My Mom on My Cell Phone (not on skype)

I'll spend time in Austin, TX with close family friends of mine: The Scribers

And then head home to Ohio to see my FAMILY! and Church

Tears for India……

Such a beautiful country, such a beautiful people.  I love you India, I have tears for you as I leave…. All the beauty  you have imparted to me, humbly, I see that my heart has been strengthened and softened by your love.  I am here to be yours; I know I'm not done being influenced and changed by you. So,

See you soon again…..

I'm visiting home for 2 months, will be back soon.

The Colors. The Colors. The Colors. The Colors

The Culture.  The Culture. The Culture. The Culture

The People. The People. The People. The People

"It's a good thing: tears. It does not tag the coming as better or the past as less, it allows the now; and somehow combines all three."

The COLORS

My Birthday Celebration

Friends, I must share with you how blessed I was on the day of my birthday celebration.  You must know how I love to celebrate - and I don't miss my own birthday as an opportunity to host and cook and decorate and gather a crowd of people! :)

On this day I wanted to share the joy of celebrating with the people that have meant a lot to me here in India and I was in turn overwhelmed and touched by their love and friendship.

We had a picnic at Farley where I stay.

To you whom I could not share my day with this year - I wish you could have been here.  Love you!

Here are some photos :

It was a FUN day! :)

I chose Pink, Orange, and Yellow :)
The beautiful flowers are from the Farley garden.

Menu:  I baked the Chicken (Brenda's Christmas Chicken)
Annette made the rolls (Buttermilk)
Valsa brought the vegetable (Indian Eggplant)
Mala brought the Potato Salad

The People

FF Staff: Greg, Rod, Susai, Shymala, (Shyamala's Sister) 

Laura (FF Volunteer), Jessie, Valsa (Bible Study Friends)

Elizabeth, Jaya (FF Staff), Tom (Bible Study), Mala, Susai's Kids: Nelson & Martin 

Sheida (friend from community), Karen, Jeff, Abi (Pastor and family from church), Diana (FF)

The Cake

And introducing...... THE CAKE!
This is the Maltby Cake
(Yes I baked this in India ;)
Served with Mixed Fruit (mango, pineapple, and banana)

Hannah (volunteer) lighting my special flower candle!! ;) -
As it lights it blossoms and sings Happy Birthday!!  This is an Indian tradition.

Singing:  "We're SOOOO glad God made you....Happy Birthday to you!"

Happy Birthday!

And the Birthday girl cuts the cake!

...And Greg helps serve - our usual tradition in the FF. :)

Beautiful!

Lovely People.

The Gifts

My guests totally surprised me by bringing gifts for me, and I really was blessed by the way this made me feel loved and at home!  Thank-you everyone!

Hannah and I

My Iranian Friend -Love her!  Sheida

The Day of my Birthday with my English Class

I must share with you my English Class:  These are the lovely women whom I have had the opportunity to teach English to.  We had class on my birthday and they came dressed in their best Sari's of bright color, brought their children, and cooked homemade sweets!  This sincerely was the highlight of my day. I felt truly blessed on my birthday!