Rain Pain

People constantly ask me how I find India. The first word that always pops into my head is frustrating. Trying to describe frustration of India to a person outside is difficult, but today I have a prime example. 1 pm the driver was suppose to be at the apt. to pick me up. It is 2:36 pm and still there is no driver. Why? Well, it is monsoon season and after an hour of downpour the streets are flooded. I learned very early on in my stay to not get my hopes up about evenings out or events as anything can happen. It is always the most random excuse, but an important one. Today it was because the driver had to donate blood in an emergency situation for the Vice President's wife. How can one argue when the driver is trying to do good? The frustrating part is that last night I baked a chocolate cake for 2 pm Bible Study today and prepared all the ingredients that I needed for a party we are going to tonight. The chocolate cake is now sitting and staring me in the face saying "EAT ME!" and the preparations last night were because I was going to be rushed for tonight's party. Well, now I find myself with plenty of time!

The reality is that it is no one's fault and none of it is a necessity, but it is the idea of never knowing when or where a person is going. My level of flexibility and patience has grown more than anything during my 11 months in India. When we leave atleast I can say I am a more relaxed person because of these almost daily occurences. The additional frustration comes when the guilt sets in. Prime example is the fact that I am currently venting about not getting to go to my precious Bible Study. The part that people don't understand is that this once a week event is what keeps me ticking here in the "land of never knowing." It lifts my spirits each week and yet now it has me feeling guilty. I may not be working and my life may seem posh to some, but that does not mean it is easy.

***Pictures were taken infront of our apartment after heavy rain today. The cute man in the water is our little security guard who was SO excited to get his picture taken.

Attention Bangkok...Team Stabe is coming!

This Saturday morning Team Stabe flies for 4 days and 3 nights to beautiful Bangkok, Thailand. A much needed break for the man who has been working really hard the last few weeks. Bangkok is home to ten million people and the capital city of Thailand. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples and the nickname "Venice of the East." The Chao Phraya River winds through the city and is just one more form of transportation, not to mention home to the famous floating markets of Thailand. Get ready Bangkok...here we come!

Indian Children

I took these pictures at the Happy School where I volunteer as I wanted to share with you the smiling faces. These kids really don't have much, but their happy. They have no clue to the big world out there and they are completely content eating rice everyday for lunch. The little girls were fascinated with my camera and I really had a tough time getting them to look in the lens. They obviously had not been photographed before. On the street I really hesitate pulling my camera out and taking pictures as one it draws more attention and two it is a sign of wealth and the beggars would come running. However, in the future I do hope to get more "real life" India pictures so that everyone can appreciate their life a bit more. In the meantime be thankful for a roof that doesn't leak and warm food on your table every night.

Independence Day in India-August 15th

Today, August 15th, marks the 63rd Anniversary of India's independence from British Rule. It became a sovereign nation in 1947 and is a celebrated national holiday. According to Wikipedia, the US recognizes it as India Day. We did not partake in any festivities this year as Ben had a very full week of work. It was a day of rest for Team Stabe.