1. Saying chai tea is repetitive. Chai means tea. Just say chai, don’t say tea tea.
2. Sweeping and mopping the floor is actually necessary when 13 girls are living together. Hair everywhere.
3. When eating curry with your hands, mix the perfect ratio of rice and curry (still trying to figure this one out) make a small ball out of the mixture and scoop it into your mouth using your thumb. It’s messy, it’s okay.
4. Traffic “regulations” are optional. If you’re a cautious driver, good luck. Maybe close your eyes?
5. Always find the rooftop and watch the sun rise or set. The rest of the world needs to appreciate rooftop terraces as much as India does.
6. Wear a sari! Pretend you’re going to Indian prom.
7.Those probably aren’t green beans in your curry, its a chili pepper. There is a good chance you’ll feel nauseous from the spice.
8. Find a local who will cook your food and tone down the use of Indian spices so your taste buds don’t burn off. If you can’t do this, curd on everything-good luck.
9. Shoes off, basically all the time. Like living at the beach!
10. Expect frequent power outages. Some of the best moments with your teammates come from sitting around a campfire (or an iPhone flashlight) and talking about life.
11. Head bobble: a gesture that looks equally like yes and no leaving you confused every time you ask a question.
12. Cows & goats will cause traffic jams. They’ll walk the streets and sit outside of every building (still can’t decide if they really are sacred or if Indians don’t believe in fences).
13. Squatty potties- bring toilet paper everywhere. Get ready to tone your quad muscles!
14.Ride in a rice bowl down a river. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it.
15. Eat at KFC. It’s worth it I promise.
16. There’s a fine line between what Indians consider flowy clothing & pajamas. I don’t think I can help with this one, still trying to figure it out.
17. There really isn’t any variation between the food you eat for breakfast, lunch & dinner. It’s always time for curry!
18. If you think you’ve cleaned something well. Clean it again. It’s probably not good enough for Indian standards.
19. India has uber! Be prepared to read the GPS for your driver. 107% chance they get lost.
20. People will stare at you. It’s okay- smile and wave boys, smile and wave.
21. Expect the Lord to do more than you can imagine. He’s hard at work in this country.
22. Ministry isn’t a place you go, it’s a lifestyle. Embrace it in everything you do.
23. Don’t blink. Before you know it you’ll be at the end of your stay, and wishing you could do it all again.
