So I’ve only been here (India, that is) for about four or five days now and I already love it. The culture, the people, the super-ridiculously-amazingly-cheap-perfectly-tailored clothing, and so much more! I start my first day of ministry tomorrow (today my time, 1:21 AM… oops) so I thought I’d share some of my observations/fun facts/lies about India I’ve recently discovered.
1. India doesn’t smell as awful as people say. It may be because I’ve been in Asia for the past four months, but honestly I don’t think it smells that bad. At all. If anything, it’s probably one of the best smelling ones. (Call me crazy!)
2. Indian people are legitimately beautiful. Especially the women and children. I’ve received so many hello’s since the day I stepped into the country and smiles that radiate from miles from the women and children we see. I don’t include the men in this because….
3. Smiling = flirting. With the opposite sex, at least. Women can hold hands with women and men can hold hands with other men. Make sure if you’re a gal you’re not smiling at a dude though, or vice versa: they may propose soon after.
4. The food is a spicy as people say; if not worse. My taste buds, mouth, and stomach don’t like me anymore.
5. Cows are everywhere. Not even exaggerating. I’ve seen more cows than any other type of animal, but I still can’t wrap my head (or cravings) around how delicious of a steak or burger they’d make.
6. Indian people are truly some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
7. Move your head from your left ear to your left shoulder back to your right ear to your right shoulder (like you’re shaking your head, but not like the “no” side to side head movement). That’s how “yes” is said here.
8. It’s hot here. Not a humid heat (because Jesus really loves us), but hot enough to be standing outside without a fan for less than five minutes and start to sweat like you’ve been running for hours.
9. When AIM tells you “don’t eat the street food”, it should really be taken into consideration in this country. First time eating street food for me led to me never wanting to eat food again: period. ’nuff said.
10. On the other hand, establishment food (not even a fancy one, just a building is fine) is absolutely exceptional. Even the spicy food. And it’s super cheap!! My team got 9 plates of food and soft drinks for about $7 USD total the other day.
11. God loves India. He’s doing beautiful things here and sending people with a passion for His children in this land. I’m meeting some of the greatest people and get to work with them, too!
That’s all for now! I’ll be updating you soon on what our ministry is looking like as time passes, but I can already tell you this is truly going to be a month full of service in a “words can’t describe the beauty and awe in this” sort of way. <3
