Perspective- June 28

Jason Coke is BACK! Jason is the KING of finding the best hotels for the lowest price. But the last few places we've stayed have made me wonder if he's lost his touch! 

Not today! We are staying in a gem of a hotel/guest house. Beautiful little swimming pool out front. And when we asked the pool times, they said "Our house is your house. You may use as you please!" WHAT?!? No swimming caps necessary!!! 

The place is decked out in white furniture and the shower is amazing. The staff, tho, is my favorite thing. So hospitable. And breakfast was perfect! Fresh mangoes, toast with jam, omelettes, and paranthas. All ready upon our arrival. No hour long wait time. 

The funny thing is that last night, I was commenting on how amazing this place is, but how someone who has never been to India and never seen the array of places we've stayed may not see what we see. I said, "they would see..." And Jason blurts out "that thing behind you?" And I turned around to find a bunch of wires sticking out of the wall right above my head! It cracked us up and brought on a discussion about perspective. 

Too funny! For now, we're more than thankful to have a comfortable place to stay while we search for houses. 

And, for now, attitudes are much improved since yesterday. Shwew. Good thing! 

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Almost a week ago I posted about laughter on Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154464888925107&id=550455106

Little did I know God would hear my cry and give me a day filled with my favorite thing: Laughter! 

We had the awesome privelege of being invited by two of our closest friends to their family's house about an hour from here. 

Immediately upon arriving, their aunties welcomed us with heartfelt, deep belly laughter. And, no, we didn't have something hanging out of our noses. ;) It was pure, sweet joy! And it was greatly appreciated! 

What I find interesting is that the girls recognized it right away as well and within minutes felt right at home. 

We really didn't do anything more than visit and laugh. And that was all it took to make it a much needed really great day! 

At one point in the day, Kamden ran a quick errand with Shelly (our friend's sister who has become a fast friend as well) and she came back in with a drum around her neck tapping out a beat. That was all it took to get those aunties roaring with laughter! Kamden then decided she would dance and whoever she tagged had to dance as well. It took a little persuading but soon enough just about everyone had taken their turn. 

We were encouraged to spend the night and tho we had some things going on here and Jason wasn't feeling so well, how could we say no? And we were glad we did! It was an atmosphere that was hard to leave. So we stuck around through the evening just enjoying the company and eventually everyone drifted off to sleep before heading back home this morning. 

One thing I found really neat as I was resting on a cot in the middle of the day in the middle of the living room was how much this place and this family reminded me of my own extended family and the many childhood memories spent at my Aunt Norma's. The room was crowded with people most of the day: some playing cards, some resting, children playing quietly, the aunties working hard at something delicious in the kitchen, the warmth of the summer heat, and the peacefulness and feeling of belonging that swept over you almost immediately upon entering- no matter who you were- family or not. 

I'm incredibly grateful for the day of relaxation and family that we had yesterday. What a neat feeling to be taken back in my memory to a small country home halfway around the world where I spent many of my childhood summer days. 

Thank you, God, for family- real or not...

And, Thank you, God, for laughter! 

*Here, Kamden told us she would dance only if we all put our fingers to our lips to keep from laughing! ;) 

Movie Day!

I'm trying to write more these days. Not just the big stuff, but the day to day, too. 

This summer, the girls & I made a list of summer goals (small as they may be) that we wanted to accomplish this summer. The list included: going to the park we like, game day, movie day, water park, memorize some verses, and a couple of other schooling type goals too. 

Well, often they beg for it to be movie day so today I obliged. The plan was to have an American Girl Doll Movie marathon. So they set out immediately after breakfast in my bedroom (only place with some good AC) and I set out to spend the morning in complete peace. 

I must admit, 9 hours of screen time in one day is a little concerning for me, and I'm positive that someone reading this will have a very strong opinion about it, but it's putting a huge smile on their faces. And mine too! It's like a mini-spiritual retreat for me happened this morning!

So, at the midpoint of each movie, I get them a little snack (we call it intermission-which is a Legit happening here in India in the movie theatres). Then between each movie (to help my self esteem a little), we have an interval where we have a dance party to a song or two and then they rush back in for the next feature presentation. 

It's been an incredibly relaxing day and I'm gonna praise God for it!!!!!! 

I also got to spend some good time with Soni Didi today in John chapter 3 talking about being born again. She totally got it. She shared her story with me and committed to sharing it with two others this week. Pray that she would be faithful to do so! 

Well, the only thing left on my afternoon agenda is to fix lunch and try to catch the end of movie day! 

The Summer of Grace

To be quite honest, it's been quite the summer. I won't go into detail, it's just been one of those seasons. 

So, my saving grace has been that these girls get along exceptionally well lately (with the normal occasional bickering like what I just broke up a second ago)! 

But, seriously, there's no glamour to their little lives right now. No summer days at the park. No soccer teams or gymnastics class, or Wednesday night choir with Ms. Dee or Mrs. Vicki. No Pinterest crafts or snacks from this Mommy. No ice cream dates or really much of anything that involves getting outside. So, when I say that their little friendship is my saving grace, I really mean that. It is one of the major things I spend time praising God for every day. 

So, I figured to remember this season of grace in my own life, I should put it into a quick blog. And why not today, when I got to experience a little bit of a lovely salon put on by Kiley and then filled in by Kamden when it was Kiley's turn to be pampered. 

I just enjoyed my manicure, facial, and hairstyle and then went on my merry little way while they worked out the rest. :) 

Thank you, God, for these blessings. For the light in the darkness. And for the reminder of your love for me.