It is 9:30 am Sunday morning here in India (11:00 pm at home Sat. night). CL woke up and came straight to my room with his phone. He was looking up the Alabama score on ESPN. I held my breath with anticipation. When he told me the score I was thrilled and then he told me Ole Miss lost and I did a happy dance.
We were planning on going to the mall and to FabIndia today; however, it has rained so much (12 inches) that our auto rickshaw driver can’t get out because the streets are flooded. Now while this is bad and we are all disappointed, there is a chance we can go later in the afternoon. The other good thing that comes from this is that the air smells fresh and people are not outside all hours of the night making noise. Last night I went to sleep at 8:00 pm and woke up at 6:15.
I have been pretty sick with Delhi belly. Don’t want to give you any graphic details but it has been really bad. I dehydrated. In the past 2 days I have had 1 cookie, some cashews, 5 Ritz crackers, 3 bananas and a cup of rice. I went to the doctor after nearly passing out. CL and I had gone to Open Hands (internet cafe and nice shop). I over heated and went to find a cooler space. I ended up on the floor and the owner who is a believer washed me wet cloths and helped me drink some coke. She was so nice to me. She insisted that CL take me to the doctor. She got an auto rickshaw for us and sent us on our way without even paying our bill (we paid it yesterday when we went back). The doctor was the one that diagnosed Eva’s skin condition correctly. She was very professional and kind. She gave me some meds and told me what I should eat. We got back home and I went straight to bed. I slept 11 hours. This started on Tuesday and today is Sunday. I am not back to normal yet but I am headed in that direction.
I have to admit that I was not prepared for this. You have no idea how fortunate you are to live where you live, have what you have, and be surrounded by people who love you. I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life. Being here has truly shown me just how blessed I am.
I thought I would miss tv. I know that my programs are recording so I am ok. I can’t find diet drinks but since I am not consuming many calories it has been ok to drink the real stuff. I have to admit I would love to see some SEC football. Happy, happy, happy that Alabama is winning. Hoping that continues so my precious family can sit in the Super Dome for the National Championship Game. I really would like to have some meat. Kirsten told me this morning I was looking thin. Don’t have any scales; however, I would not be surprised if I have lost 5 or more pounds.
I don’t have enough nice words to say about CL and Kirsten. They have been filled with grace for me. They have taken such good care of me. I hope by tomorrow I will be able to give them more help with the children.
I have seen so much of the world, but nothing I have seen is anything like this. The Indians smile and seem happy. How? I don’t know. I can’t imagine living this life. I have 5 weeks left. I try to keep my mind focused on good things and remembering that soon I will be home where I will forever be thankful to live.
I hope it is cooling off in Mississippi. Just remember, “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. The hottest MS day is cool in comparison.
Please pray that CL, Eva, Selah, and me continue to feel better and that Kirsten stays well. Kirsten has been a rock. She is so strong and unshakable.
I love you all! Roll Tide! God bless you!
PART 2:
It is now 2:15 in the afternoon on Sunday (3:45 am your time). You all know the story of the loaves and fishes. I feel like I am living it. CL bought rice last night at a restaurant and we just knew there would not be enough for all of us to eat. Not only was there plenty, we ate it again for lunch today and everybody got some.
We tried again to find a way to the mall. We were going to get chicken nuggets and french fries at McDonalds. Normally, that would not sound so good; but today..... Once again, no auto rickshaw drivers will come out. We were told we could walk to Lanka (about 20 minutes) and then catch a public auto rickshaw; however, we could be sitting in traffic up to an hour and a half and then we would have to wade through the streets. I have already told you what is in the streets so this is just not an option. We are all disappointed. Dominoes delivers so we are hoping to get pizza for supper.
The power has been off all day. Thankfully, the rain has cooled things off. I am constantly reminding myself of the many blessings at home.
My sweet children are so strong. Earlier today, their computer would not boot up. We have no idea why. CL started researching on his phone internet. We all prayed that the computer would come back and about 30 minutes later they tried again and it worked fine. We were so thankful. Everyone has to realize that is their lifeline to the USA. It is their sole means of communication. CL would have gone to Delhi to the Apple Store. That is not like going from Brandon to Madison. In fact, nothing around here is like Brandon or Madison. ;-(
I hope you have gotten good rest. I am thankful you are part of my life. I can’t wait to give you a big hug.
PART 3:
It is now 6:30 pm (8:00 am your time). We have been without power all day. At 4:00 CL ordered pizza. They said it would be 55 minutes. More than an hour past and no pizza. CL called back and they said they could not deliver because of the street flooding. Plan B was put into action. Kirsten started cooking. I watched the children. CL’s phone rang 30 minutes later and the guy said he was waiting at the place where CL was to meet him with pizza in hand. We screamed with joy.
At 6:25 the lights came on. The Hindu neighbors were cheering so we joined in. Lots of high fives. TII! This is India!
We will probably go to bed around 8:00. For now, we are listening to praise and worship music.
Becky
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