Getting Oriented in the Orient

I made it! The flight was pretty easy and comfortable, and I got to sit with fellow intern Ali (also from NJ). I think the hours spent twisting around in our seats, watching movies, and sleeping with our mouths hanging open really built a foundation for our friendship :) We were greeted at the Delhi airport with a cheerful hug from Rebecca, our 28-yr-old director and housemate. Her flat is in South Delhi, and is the 3rd floor of an apartment building. It has a few balconies and roof access, and sits in a nice little neighborhood centered by a park. When I need ironing, I can go outside to the press-wala who will “press” my clothes. AND there’s a good humor type guy with a cart of popsicles and ice cream, too. What more could one ask?

Now that most of jet-lag has passed, I am settling into a routine that looks mostly like this: kabi kabi (sometimes) go for a jog by 6:40 around the park with the roommates, officially begin the day at 7:45 with orientation; i.e. discussion and prayer. Then, run errands or study. Lunch. 3 Hours of Hindi class (it’s fun—there are people from all different countries there), dinner, hang out / wrap up work. I’ve hardly had to eat Indian food yet!

My life in list form:

Things to get used to:
When I got picked up at the airport, I went to get into the front passenger seat in the car. I walked around toward the door and had an awkward moment with the DRIVER. Oh, right.
In the morning, guys pulling wagons around the block yelling “???iiiuuuuuhh!” I think they’re selling fruit and veggies.
Being followed in the market by people selling the most useless items…like square pieces of leather.
A series of mini-heart attacks anytime we get driven somewhere. There are no lanes, or adherence to any seeming rule, except “get out of the way,” and the cows get first priority.


Special Blessings:
“bottle-nipple and fruit/veggie liquid cleanser.”
The Big Chill Italian restaurant!
that I can have the prettiest, cheapest wardrobe ever in my life! ;)
“Yuni-net” – an online group of internationals in New Delhi where people can ask questions and post info. We plan to ask where we can take Punjabi/Bollywood dance lessons soon.
The American family living below us with a wife who always offers us food, a cutie-pa-tootie toddler, and two teenage daughters who can bargain like OJ Simpson can lie. (But yes mom, I am cooking for myself too and “contributing”)
That Rebecca owns all seasons of Friends
AC window units
The beautiful singing voices of my roomies!

In other news: Mai Hindi seek rahee hu (I am learning Hindi!) Please pray for smooth acclimation and mental preparedness for what’s to come.

I am trying to have the attitude of Amy Carmichael when she came to India about a century ago:
“Where he led, she’d follow; and what he fed, she’d swallow.”

On a lighter note:

“I go to seek a great Perhaps.” Francois Rabelais (err, I don’t really know who that is.)
“And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure” - Dumbledore
“It’s a dangerous business, stepping out your front door. You never know where’ll you’ll be swept off to.” – Bilbo Baggins

He goeth before…