If you were to put western cultural norms (i.e. American) and Eastern cultural norms (India) on a continuous scale, they would be opposite. They are all about sharing what they have with everybody, and it’s a very hospitable environment. We are staying at a really nice place- pictures coming soon- with fans, a nice squatty-potty and shower that was installed within the first couple days of our stay. The only downside is that we are not allowed to leave the premises, it would be considered unsafe for us to go beyond the gate without a translator or local present. The owner of the house is a 79-year-old woman, Auntie, who is full of spunk- she was in the army for 36 years and hasn’t stopped her ministry yet. Any time she translates for us, she adds her own relevant spiel about the topic. It’s quite entertaining, it makes it easier on us. There is also a family that lives here with two children, ages seven and five, full of sass, fun and energy, helping Athena doing laundry in the picture below.
Food consists of chapatti (tortillas), white rice, curry, even in the morning, sometimes chicken, and more curry. It is tasteful and spicy. The host family used to serve us FULL plates of food and when we couldn’t eat it all would bobble their heads and ask why we left so much. They started letting us serve ourselves at lunch, so that the food would not be wasted. Every meal, served at the house, is usually followed with a banana and apple slices may randomly be served as a snack. The best drink that I’ve tasted would have to be their chai, sweet and ;a close second would be coffee- full of milk and sugar, served randomly throughout the day. Women have to cover their scandalous armpits and ankles, as well as wear a head scarf while praying.
We visit a new village every night where we make house visits, praying and sharing a verse, and then going to a central location to lead worship, share multiple testimonies and a message followed by praying for the congregation. After the service we are fed dinner and then head back to the house for the night.
