Women's Celebration Week

Well, it's that time again! We are beginning to make, tweak, and finalize plans for our next Women's Trip, tentatively February 19-28. This will be our second trip. We are very excited about what we feel our "boss" has laid before us and are looking forward to seeing how it all ends up.
Read on to hear about the purpose of the trip, trip details, as well as an amazing story of giving!

PURPOSE: Women's Celebration Week is just that: a week to celebrate women! Within the Indian culture, we have learned that there are many responsibilities that the women carry, never shared by the rest of the family, and without much recognition or thanks. There are festivals, fasts, and prayers devoted to all other members and facets of the family, but never to the woman: wife and mom. And although the word "thank you" is not cultural, we feel it is vital as well as a command in one's spiritual life! So we want to host a party where women can come, do fun activities, get free prizes, get pampered, be celebrated as a way of saying thanks, and learn about historical women that have made a difference in the value of womanhood! And as a result, this will help us as we continue to make more contacts and relationships within our neighborhood and friends.

DETAILS: We will host parties, either in our Clubhouse for the women in our complex or in women's homes or both during the week. One day will definitely be devoted to a bit of shopping for Indian kurtas, food, and supplies. We will be cooking goodies for the party and setting up the room and small courtyard. Possible themes for the parties include: The Picture Perfect Woman; Balancing Life and Being a Wife; Motherhood-A Jewel to be Treasured. Possible crafts for the parties: designing picture frames; learning yummy, quick, vegetarian recipes; assembling recipe books; making jewelry sets. We will have small raffles where women can enter and win free, small gifts. And in conclusion to the party, an optional time of discussion will be given regarding each theme as we look into the lives of historical women who also fulfilled the roles of womanhood: wife and mom!

GIVING:In July, MOPS contacted me about possible ways they could give this year to women in India as a part of their theme "Planet Mom". As a result, we decided for MOPS to take up a collection in order to raise money to send MOPS moms to India to serve on the trip. Just this past month, at one of their meetings, they raised $1700, which for a ticket in February, is more than enough for one mom to go! OR could be split several ways as a start for a few to go! We were so excited about this news and to see how the Spirit moves His people to give!

If YOU are a woman reading this and if YOU can: talk, cook, write, decorate, talk some more, organize, shop, eat yummy food, and drink tea, coffee, or water then YOU are PERFECT for this trip!! If YOU are feeling moved to give and would like to know how you can be a part of this trip be it planning, assisting, or going, PLEASE EMAIL ME!! Although time and space are starting to become limited, there is STILL TIME!

(A special thanks to Kathryn McCall, Heather Marshall-Fann, and Sarah Zang for a great first trip and excellent picture/modeling sessions!)

"The Dog Ate My Homework"..Indian Style

While driving home from Sawyer's last doctor's appointment (where he got three shots and was not happy about it), we passed by this van full of school kids on their way home. Notice the backpacks are all on the roof and NOT tied down.
Although most traffic travels at a slower speed than in the States, the roads are nowhere near straight, smooth and are filled with obstacles. That's when it occurred to me, "Mrs. Mayfield, I don't have my homework today because on the way home our driver swerved to avoid the pedestrian crossing the highway, had to stop quickly to avoid the cow laying in the road, and then we went too fast over the speed bump. All I know is that my backpack was on the roof when we left the school and, when I got home, it wasn't there. My homework was in my backpack so sorry, but I wasn't able to do it last night."

Mocha: Then and Now

We recently discovered a great coffee shop in G-City. It's called Mocha Coffee and Conversations.There are several chain coffee shops in our area (Barista, CCD and Costa), but I wouldn't say that they are places you can go to sit, drink coffee in a comfy chair and read. They always play really loud music and they are just not places we view as a place to escape and relax. However, Mocha is EXACTLY that!! They have comfy chairs, an excellent menu, and the atmosphere is exactly what we have been looking for!

The neat part is when we realized that this is the same coffee shop that was in Delhi when I lived here before. Taking a trip down memory lane, here are 2 pictures of when JP and I were "dating" via email as we worked on different continents in 2003-2005. He was able to come visit me for a week and I took him to Mocha because it was one of my favorites spots!























I used to go to Mocha a lot and have great coffee and conversations with friends in Delhi. Our hope is that we, too, will have great coffee and conversations with friends in Gurgaon at THIS Mocha Coffee and Conversations.

Below is a short video of the coffee shop:

Meet Bart!

On one of the roads we travel quite frequently, we have begun to see a gentleman that stands in the median or often in the middle of the intersection. We call him Bart. He stands there, yelling out at the traffic with a scowl on his face and waves his arms around as if directing the chaos! Most of the time his clothes look very dirty and his hair is a mess. He obviously is not in his right mind, but remains such a mystery to us. It wasn't until a month ago that I felt compelled to see what his reaction would be if I smiled and waved at him. Interesting enough, his whole demeanor changed, he smiled (a tooth or two missing in front) and waved like a little kid! It was hilarious!! Ever since, when he is out, we always wave and he waves right back!

Below is a video we finally captured of Bart. As we drive up to the intersection/chowk, you notice a green truck drive by to the right and a family crossing the street. There is a man standing on the elevated median...THAT'S BART! Just watch him! And although I told JP in the video "He won't know" that we are filming him, I was wrong! As you can see, he was TOTALLY aware of our little movie making moment!

Global Connections: M-City

M-City is believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Krishna which makes the one of the holiest cities in all of India. You can still take a boat ride past the prison where Krishna's birth supposedly took place. With a population of about 330,000, M-City sits about 94 miles from Delhi on the Yamuna River and is now situated on very important road and train routes in addition to being home to a large technologically advanced oil refinery. Due to the highly spiritual significance of M-City, it is a very popular destination for people who are on a spiritual pilgrimage. It is also considered by many to be one of the last seven stronghold cities and has proven to be a difficult place. There are no known clubs meeting in the city at this time.

Global Connections: R-City

R-City*, another of our targeted cities for GC, is a district as well as a city. Within the R-City district, 130,00 people are dispersed throughout 624 villages and 4 cities. R-City is the largest of the four with a population of 50,000. It is located in the Northern State of Punjab and is about 30km from the city of Chandigarh. It rests in the Himanchal Mountains. The Satluj River runs through it providing the locals with fresh fish and clean, cool, mountain water. It is known for being one of the oldest cities in Punjab and is marked as a historical area for the region.

We are excited to see what will happen in the future in R-City! Just recently a group from the States has chosen to focus on this area. We cannot wait to see what great things will come to the people of R-City because of this new partnership!!

Subsitute for the Absent Shopper

My husband is capable of doing pretty much anything and everything! He loves the challenge, like most guys would, of climbing cliffs just for the thrill of it. But he also doesn't mind the challenge of doing what most guys WOULDN'T do! He has proven to be an excellent shopper!!

For those of you who know me, shopping is one of my favorite past times. I have now added motherhood as another; however, the two don't seem to work well together at this time. Lately, it has been pretty much impossible for me. It takes us around 30 minutes to get anywhere and with a baby eating every 2 1/2 to 3 hours, it just makes things quite difficult. Feeding in public shouldn't be so difficult, but Indian men staring CONSTANTLY makes me feel even more self conscious and very annoyed which then affects the whole process. Much easier to just stay home!

With our trip to America coming up, we needed to buy several items which required us to take a shopping trip to JanPath, one of my favorite places to bargain and spend rupees! Unfortunately, the uneven walk areas, heavy traffic, and relentless beggars influenced our decision for me to, once again, stay home with Sawyer and just let Josh-Pruitt go. He bought several gifts for our family members and did an AMAZING job! I'm beginning to think he is just as good a shopper and bargainer as I!! As he came into the house with 5 bags in his hands, this mommy and son were filled with pride!

ALMOST Famous

Awhile back, we told you about our new, favorite band called Supercharge. The members are former students of mine that I love dearly!! Apparently they were on KSPR news just recently and boy did my heart swell!! They are such a talented group of boys that have such sweet hearts and still keep me laughing! Listening to their comments during the interviews brought back so many memories of funny moments in the classroom. I also commend all the parents for LETTING their sons be risk-takers and follow their hearts! Ben, George, Sam, and Brock..I sure love ya and am proud of you!! PLEASE remember your little 3rd grade teacher when you make it BIG!!! I would love to hear my son one day say.."Mommy you were Supercharge's teacher when they were in 3rd grade? WOW!!"

Global Connections: S-City

S-City is one of our chosen GC cities. It is located just 10 miles away from the large city of Jaipur in the desert state of Rajasthan in the Northwest region of India. It has a population of 67,000 people, and, at this time, there are no study groups.


The city is renowned for it's crafts, fabrics, and handprinted textiles and is the largest producer of handmade paper. Printing is done manually with block prints.


Apart from the fabric and paper industry, you can find many medievil remains, temples, and deep cultural roots. The famous Jain temple, Shri Digambar, is located in S-City. And while visiting India, if you desire to see or ride camels and elephants, S-City is DEFINITELY the place to go!

The Winner is...Angie Wilson!

Our blog winner is... Angie WILSON!!! I had a feeling this was the Angie that responded, but I had to make sure.

Angie is a dear lady in my life! When I first moved to Springfield my Sophomore year of high school and my family began attending Second Baptist, she and Ellen Magers were my first Sunday School teachers. I learned so much from both of them that year, and it has been a precious relationship that I continue to cherish to this day. I can only pray that the Lord blesses Sawyer with godly men and women in his life as He has done for me in mine with people like Angie Wilson! I sure love you Angie! You will receive your gift the week of October 22-30 when we visit Springfield!

Here is a little blast from the past Angie!! My first EVER "trip" to Mexico after that Sophomore year. I remember Kelly and Jeannie being on that one. I am pretty sure you were on that one as well, but can't remember for sure. "Shout to the Lord" was super popular that year and I remember singing a Kathy Trocolli song a couple of times along the way.
I do, however, remember you being on the other ones with us!!
From left to right: Morgan Weltha, Alicia Lindsay, and Amanda Gaither.

We Have a Winner!!

The Unacceptable Feature: In the first picture, Sawyer's head was too big per the dimensions required on the US Passport application guide. The actual size of the picture was 2x2 which was correct, but his head was not the right size. From the top of the head to the chin, the head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch. Who would have ever thought that going to a photo shop and asking for a passport picture to be taken could be so complicated? Apparently many countries have different specifications and/or requirements for passport/visa pictures.

Congratulations...ANGIE!!! You are our winner!! However, we have to admit, that we know a couple Angie's and your post did not give out any specifics on which Angie you are!! I am so sorry as we feel a bit silly even saying this. So....will you please identify which Angie you are so we can properly congratulate you?

Can You Spot the Unacceptable Feature?..Still Waiting for a Winner

Many of you have let us know what you felt was the unacceptable feature, but unfortunately, we still have not had a winner. We agree the eyes and double chin are different, BUT those were acceptable features! The eyes must be open and both ears shown. Nothing else is required with the face. For those of you who have NOT posted your thoughts, NOW is your chance!

HINT: This physical, unacceptable feature is something that we hope he doesn't develop within his personality as it could prevent him from going through doorways in the future.

Can You Spot the Unacceptable Feature?

We took Sawyer to get his first ever passport/visa photos last week. The US requires baby passport photos to include eyes open and both ears visible. This wouldn't seem like such an impossible task, but our lil guy is quite the sleepy head and we have a hard time keeping him awake. So we reviewed our daily routines, planned everything out, and KNEW we had a successful plan in keeping him awake for his first photo session. I, Alicia, picked out the PERFECT outfit for the debut, we went to the market around his feeding time, sat in the car for 45 minutes to feed him, changed his diaper, and afterward, had a very content, wide eyed boy! He was absolutely perfect during the shoot and here are 2 pictures to prove how great he did!

HOWEVER...here are a few problems we did face in our not-so-perfect day. After picking out that PERFECT outfit, Sawyer soiled the whole thing while changing his diaper. Nice little man! So we had to settle for the more plain, backup onesie tucked away in the diaper bag. Luckily clothes are hardly seen in the shot and his attire didn't matter. But it still was a great beginning lesson for me in allowing things to not be so perfect with having a baby and being okay with it. (OH the woes of the life of a perfectionist!)

There was also another problem with his first photo (picture seen on the left). After turning all our documents into the embassy and getting a compliment on the amazing picture from the American employee with whom we had an appointment, we found out that there was one feature that made Sawyer's photo unacceptable to be turned in with his passport application. Luckily the Kodak store had taken several shots, kept them on their Apple, and we were able to go back and get reprints. Take a good, close look at the pictures again. The one on the left was the original, unacceptable one. The one on the right was the second one and was accepted immediately.

Can you spot the unacceptable feature? Let us know what you think. First one to get the correct feature gets a prize on our next visit to the States in October! Yes, you can respond here OR email us your answer. Good Luck!

Free Home Delivery...and other perks!

One can easily find MANY reasons to complain when living in India. However, among all the challenges, there are many wonderful perks that I find myself being quite thankful for each and everyday! I LOVE that we have free home delivery offered by Little Caesar's Pizza, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, 24 hour service from pharmacies, and local grocery stores. That's right! Need some more pain reliever? Did you suddenly run out of eggs? All you have to do is dial the number, place your order, and you can expect service within 30 minutes. Among free home delivery, I find these perks to be blessings as well: the press walas aka the men that ring our bell every other day to pick up any clothes we need ironed, Royal Dry Cleaners who collect and deliver our things for free that need dry cleaned, as well as the trash walas who ring our bell every morning at 9am to pick up our trash!

Loved on the Journey

We feel so blessed! Although we are miles away from "home", we feel the Lord's provision! We have been so touched as we have had so many friends and family of God stop by to see us at the hospital and our home, bringing food and gifts! We love you all and thank you!

While we were still in the LDR room, the Sharma family and Asher Sharma came and waited for several hours. However, since our labor lasted around 12 hours, they eventually had to leave. But we were truly touched that they devoted so much time to us and waited to be the first ones to see us! We love you Sharmas!! We look forward to seeing them soon and introducing them to Sawyer!

Mindy and Robert came all the way from Delhi to the hospital to see us on the very same day Sawyer arrived. They are dear, dear friends of ours and are considered family. If our family couldn't be here, the next people we would want around us would be them! So it was very special to share this moment with them.

Dean and Sarah came as well to see us at the hospital. They had just come back from a trip and immediately drove to the hospital. We were a bit sad that Swyam was sleeping during their visit. For the past 5 months, we have been telling him that Alicia Aunty has a baby in her tummy. He kept saying that I was getting fat and that if there really was a baby, that we should show him. Since we didn't, he said that we were hiding the baby from him and only took it out when we went home. TOO FUNNY! We have been waiting for this day to prove it to him, and he was completely out of it!

Erica, a friend of ours that lives in our complex, was an AMAZING help to us as well. She and her family watched Sookie while we were in the hospital, Erica came to visit at the hospital, and then, our first full day home, cooked us Chicken and Rice.


A couple days after being home, Mindy, Gita, and Autumn came for a visit. They also brought TONS of food: chicken salad, pimento cheese, cinnamon rolls, lemon cake, oatmeal cookies, chicken potpie, Mindy's salad, and banana bread! Along with the food was an envelope from our friends Erick and Colleen who live too far away to see us at this time. Inside was money to pay for a delivery from Red Moon Bakery (our fav!) in the next week.


Poonam Aunty came to visit as well! She was so amazed by Sawyer we thought she was going to cry. She also brought a gift for Sawyer wrapped in Butterfly paper to again signify Butterfly Moments!

We had a great first visit back to see Dr. Preeti, although Sawyer was getting very hungry and wouldn't stop crying when in her arms. Dr. Preeti was an amazing doctor and we couldn't have asked for a better person to assist us in this journey!

Mona and Mohit came by the house as well. It was great to see Mohit's dream of 5 years finally start to come true! He has imagined us for a long time with 5 kids: one on the shoulders, two on each hip, and two walking by our side. Well brother...not sure about 5, but definitely have 1 for now!

Collar-Tie-To the Offices We Go!

As we have prepared for this journey of having our first child in India, we have learned that there are many documents we have to get for Sawyer and in a very specific order. When doing so, we have also learned that it is best to get nice and cleaned up, put on your best "Sunday" attire, and blaze the trail otherwise you will not be taken seriously!

JP, with his collared shirt and tie, took his first trip to "the office" this past week. It was a bit of roller coaster ride, but at the end of the day and RS 500 less in our pockets, we were able to get our first set of documents ordered.

So take the journey with us as we continue to get gussied up and visit more offices in the next few weeks.

-We will revisit "the office" (aka the hole in the wall office with no computers in proper Gurgaon) to pick up Sawyer's Indian birth certificates translated in English.
-We will fill out Sawyer's social security card application, his consular report of birth abroad application, and his US passport application.
-We will take a trip to central Delhi to get his passport photos made: 2x2 photo, light background, facing forward with eyes open and ears showing.
-We will then drive a few minutes to the US Embassy holding in our hands all applications, our passports, our marriage certificate, and all our hospital information. There we will begin our pre-scheduled appointment to apply for his US birth certificate. We will also apply for his US Passport. Within 2 weeks, the social security card, birth certificate/birth abroad, and passport should be ready!
-We will then visit the FRRO office in Gurgaon, just 5 minutes down the road, to apply for an Exit Stamp. This is essential as Sawyer does not have a visa yet and will need some type of permission to leave the country in order to obtain one. This process could possibly require us to sit for an interview answering questions about ourselves, our new son, our travel plans, and our life in India.
-We will then leave India in October and fly home for 2 weeks. Within this time, we will apply for Sawyer's India visa.

A Man of Many Talents!

We truly work for the best boss/brother in Christ in the whole world!! He is a godly man that always encourages us and takes care of us better than anyone!! It truly is such an honor to be on his team. He is a man of great thought and possesses many talents! However, this we DID NOT know was among them!! We sure love you JD!

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-Video creation by Susan Burlison

Why so Serious? Why so Confusing?

We need your help! This is a commercial that plays a lot in India. No matter how many times we watch it, we just don't "get it"! We know it's advertising Honda Jazz cars, but can't figure out the meaning or implication. What do you think?

When was the Last Time...?

When was the last time.....?

• I read the Word AND learned something new from the Lord?
• I had a friend who doesn't believe in Christ and just spent time with them?
  
• I shared the true story of unconditional love?
  
• I asked someone other than my family how I could pray for them, DID IT, and checked up later?
• I saw the Lord answer a specific prayer request and gave Him all the glory for it?
• I couldn't sing a song during worship because my heart was swelling with love for Him?
  
• I invited someone I KNEW, not a waitress, to come to church with me?
  

When was the last time....?

• I complained about something going on in my life instead of being quiet and praying?
• I grumbled about the service, music, or leaders at church that I didn't like or disagreed with?
• I told the Lord I loved Him and believed in Him?
• I thought that if just one thing in my life would change, I would be so much better?
• I found myself so busy and tired because of work, family, and activities?
• I went a whole day without even remembering Christ?
• I felt completely content with everything in my life, loved life, and didn't have anything of significance to write down on this past week's prayer request list.
  

The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately as pregnancy has kept me inside, sitting/laying down with my feet up. Many truths He has revealed to me have left me pondering about myself, my family, my church family, and my culture.

This is truth! If I find myself answering "It's been awhile" or "I never have" to the first set of questions in PURPLE and "Just recently" or "All the time" to the second set of questions in PEACH, then, I am NOT living the life of purpose that Jesus Christ prayed for me about in John 16 before He was crucified. I am not connected to Him, the vine! I DO all the things in set 2 because I DON'T DO the things in set 1!!!!

Lord, help me to live the life of purpose, completely in YOU, that will fully satisfy me and leave me filled with joy! Lord, you do not call me servant, but friend because you reveal your will to me! Life in YOU is NOT to be a mystery..help me to see, claim, and LIVE with authority for YOU!!!

Summertime with the Fox Hunter, Christ-Bearer, and God's Grace..Part 4

Our interns were to learn as much as Indian culture as possible during their 2 month stay. They of course picked up several Hindi words, learned a bit about cultural dos and don'ts, and were able to see many places: rural and urban. However, their main goal was to make relationships with people they met, share their lives, and start a study! And as always, HE totally worked in amazing ways! They were able to make many contancts. After just 1 month, they started a study with 2 of their closest friends, Manny and Neill. They met three times and were able to study the topics of Creation/Power, The Fall, and The Answer of Hope. Both friends asked really good questions, were able to grasp the stories, and will be continuing to meet with us now that the interns have left!

Summertime with the Fox Hunter, Christ-Bearer and God's Grace..Part 3

Jaipur and Sanganer are 2 cities we journeyed to this summer in the desert state of Rajasthan.
Mathura is a city we journeyed to this summer in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Mussoorie is a city we journeyed to this summer in the state of Himanchal where the Himalaya Mountains can be seen; however, monsoon season ruined our site seeing a bit! The clouds were quite low!

Summertime with the Fox Hunter, Christ Bearer, and God's Grace..Part 2

Our interns arrived in India on June 2. Their flight was 2 hours late and we knew then, that this summer with them was going to full of exciting, unexpected adventures!! We had a great time just hanging out and getting to know each other for 2 months.

• Introducing them to lots of new foods including paneer tikka, fruit "beer"(NOT beer), buffalo burgers, papri and rolls, chole bature, as well as good ole American rice krispie treats that had melted and then carmelized but still tasted great!
• Winning the baby song contest at Sawyer's baby shower!
• Teasing Miss Jessie about her crushes on Robert Pattinson and John Abraham.
• Seeing the girls get henna for the first time and Kristy embarking on the new life responsibilities with a nose stud.
• Trying to remember Todd's name..or Ddot's or Ryan's or Scott's or...???
• Sharing stories and laughing in the Innova on the way to many destinations.
• Cheering JP and Todd's efforts in the 4th of July tug-o-war.
  

Overall, their hearts and love were such encouragements this summer! Jessie, thank you for your quirky jokes and fun personality that kept us laughing! Kristy, thank you for your smiling, positive attitude that always encouraged us to be the same. Todd, thank you for being a servant leader and taking care of us in so many ways! We love you and miss you!

Summertime with the Fox Hunter, Christ-Bearer, and God's Grace

We had an amazing summer with our 3 interns! The meaning of a name is very important in Indian culture and our 3 interns are very important to us: Kristy (the Christ Bearer), Jessie (God's Grace) and Todd (the Fox Hunter)! For the rest of the week, we will be blogging about all the great journeys we had together this HOT summer of 2009 in India.

Metallic Hazards and Other Myths

While we are about to end our journey of our first pregnancy, we have learned a lot from family, friends, and highly recommended literature. But there have been many lessons we have learned from our Indian friends, completely devoted to the words taught, that are quite interesting. Read all the interesting tidbits and decide for yourself whether they are to be followed religiously or are mere myths.

This is a picture that a friend gave to me when she first found out that we were expecting. According to Indian tradition, a "would be mother" should find a picture of a baby that she likes and desires for her child to be like. She is to place the picture in a place that she can view it many times during the day. By viewing this picture, your baby will turn out to be just like the baby in the picture. This was the one she used and wanted me to use it too. Honestly, I took it to be nice as I wasn't sure what to do or say, but it's been in the drawer ever since. Plus, even if this did work, this is not what I would desire for Sawyer to look like. Sorry my dear friend Sarah!

I received a text from a friend regarding the "crucial" hours of 5:30-7:30AM on July 21. This was the exact moment that the eclipse occurred in India. She was relieved to find out that I had been sleeping during that time and, when I woke up at 7:30, had only handled objects pertaining to the making of coffee. Apparently, it is hazardous for a "would be mom" to be awake during an eclipse and to handle these things: knife, scissors, and/or fire. When asked why, she replied, "Because the eclipse lets off hazardous rays that make those objects more powerful and can be VERY harmful for the baby. You must NEVER do so!

A friend gave advice as to how I should dress Sawyer the first 2 weeks of his life according to Indian culture. Apparently, I am to dress him in the ugliest, oldest clothes for that period of time so that no one will give him compliments. If he receives positive comments such as: "Oh he is precious" or "He is so cute!" this will bring attention to him and the evil spirits will come and hurt him. It also helps to put one block dot near his eyes for protection as well.

What I drink can highly affect the color of Sawyer's skin. Most Indian women refrain from drinking tea and coffee because it will make their baby's skin darker. Instead they drink lots of milk and plain yogurt. So I guess I SHOULD drink tons of tea and coffee so Sawyer will have a nice all year round tan?

Again decide for yourself whether these things are helpful tips or mere myths. But I must share that for us, we do not believe any of it because of the Truths found in the Word of God!

Hillary Clinton...How Did We NOT Know?

We have to admit that we are not the biggest fans of Mrs. Hillary Clinton. However, if we ever had the chance to meet her, we would definitely take the opportunity to do so. We had heard that she was in Delhi mid July, but didn't know anything else other than that. We found out last night from dear Indian friends that she was in Gurgaon on July 19. Where were we? It was a Sunday, JP had gone to a fellowship and I, of course, stayed home where it was cool with my legs propped up resting. Where was she? LITERALLY, 5 minutes away from our home at the ITC Green Centre. We are speechless and can't believe it is possible for us to be so out of touch with the political atmosphere in town. I will say, at least we were focused on the Lord's Day and were doing what we were supposed to. But we still wish we could say we were able to see Mrs. Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State on her trip to India.
(To our interns...we guess it was just another John Abraham moment!)

Adventures in "Maid"hood

Chatting with our maid is one daily event where we are left quite puzzled as to what people think of us as soon to be/new parents. We fear our adventures in parenthood are going to spur on many new adventures in "maid"hood that leave us shaking our heads!

About a month ago, she was looking at the crib we bought for Sawyer. It has wheels on the bottom that lock. When she saw this, she immediately called me (Alicia) into his room and began to inform me that the wheels were dangerous because the crib will roll when the baby goes to push on it. I responded by explaining to her how it won't be a problem as he won't be mobile for quite some time. She looked at me with big eyes and understanding seemed to flow in at that moment. She just laughed. I walked away wondering what she must have been thinking!

This past week a friend of mine gave us several baby items that they did not need anymore. One item was a pair of toddler shoes that were in excellent condition! Being the planner that I am, I definitely took them knowing they would be great in a year or so. When the maid saw them sitting on the table, she picked them up, got my attention and began to inform me as to how they were very big shoes. I responded, yes I know. She then continued to inform me that my baby is going to be small and these shoes won't fit him because they are way too big. I responded by explaining to her how it won't be a problem as he will be able to wear them in a year or so. She looked at me with big eyes and understanding seemed to flow in at that moment. She just laughed. Can you guess what I did? That's right..I walked away wondering what she must have been thinking!

I know Indians are not planners, don't think ahead for the most part, and pretty much make decisions for today. I, however, just spent an hour yesterday drinking coffee and planning my schedule for the next month and a half. But regardless of our difference, we are pretty sure that new adventures await in "maid"hood as we continue to embark in adventures in parenthood.

Please Be Quiet

So I had a first time experience the other day at the movie theater. Good American movies don't consistently play in India, but lately, there have been lots of great ones playing. JP and I went to see Night at the Museum 2 the other day and were super excited. As the movie began, the young, Indian couple beside me continued to chit chat loudly enough to hear themselves over the movie, play on their cell phones, and laugh. So I kindly turned to her and asked if she could please be quiet as the movie had started. She smiled without making eye contact with me and said okay. I wasn't too confident about it, but figured they would eventually stop. However, minutes later, they continued to do the same thing to the point where I couldn't even concentrate on the movie. I missed the whole beginning. That's when I decided to speak up again. At first she wouldn't look at me or even acknowledge that I was speaking. I then said, "Excuse me" and waited for her to look at me. When she did, she told me to "Just chill okay!" (Hint-Not a good thing to say to a prego lady that is trying to be nice and diplomatic, but is getting really frustrated that you are NOT being quiet during a movie that I PAID good money to watch because you are only thinking about yourself!) That's when I became the very firm Mrs. Mayfield and made sure she understood what I was saying. Apparently it worked. They stopped talking and then a few minutes later, left the movie theater and never came back. Confronting someone in the movie theater WAS a first for me, but honestly, I couldn't just let them continue to be rude and disrupt the whole movie because they were only thinking of themselves which is NOT a first for India.

Impatience...The New Life?

This is a commercial that has been playing a lot lately in India for one of the most popular mobile/internet networks, Airtel. I understand that it's just a commercial trying to sell a service that will make it's customers happier. But every time I see it, my soul is truly disturbed by it. I think it actually reflects a problem within humanity much deeper than the aggravation of slow internet services. I see it everyday when waiting in line at McDonalds, in traffic, and even among children playing outside. Sad, but true, creators of the commercial knew that this idea would sell to the masses. And yet, ironically, the less we have to "wait" to get our way, the more unhappy we seem to become. So although I have to watch this commercial, I refuse to live by it, agree to it, and see it as only an advertisement. If Paul could use poetry written by pagan poets to teach Truth, than I feel challenged to do the same with something such as a secular internet advertisement. Impatience is NOT the new life. It's an old way of life that dates back to the beginning of time that only leaves us entangled. Would love to hear your thoughts as well!

Independence Day 2009

4th of July is among my top holidays! I am proud to be an American and am blessed to live in a land of freedom where I learned about a freedom that has no boundaries: liberty in Jesus Christ!

We went to our embassy for a 4th of July party in Delhi! We had a great time with friends! However, it was one of the hottest 4th parties I have ever been to due to humidity and being pregnant. It will definitely go down in history for me!











We enjoyed "yummy" burgers and hotdogs. Coke in a can is always so much better than from a plastic bottle. Brownies and apple pie were also among our favorites served that night. I do have to admit that I missed eating my mom's famous flag cake!











We enjoyed watching our interns dance to several of the tunes played by the band as well as DJ. Josh-Pruitt and Todd participated in a tug-of-war game where the US Marines thought they knew best and ended up losing! HA!






















"America's glory is not dominion, but liberty. Her march is the march of the mind. She has a spear and a shield; but the motto upon her shield is, Freedom, Independence, Peace. This has been her Declaration: this has been, as far as her necessary intercourse with the rest of mankind would permit, her practice."
-John Quincy Adams, 1821

Reflections...Man in the Mirror

I know that all the news has talked about lately is Michael Jackson, but I just can't help but take a few moments to express a few thoughts. Despite any of his personal problems, like we all face or are capable of facing without Jesus Christ as our strength, Michael Jackson definitely made an impact on the world and, unlike most stars today, was a true artist! It's been fascinating to watch the news and see how so many around the world are responding to his death.

We had an Indian electrician come to our house to check our fire alarms. He saw the news, looked shocked, and asked us "Michael Jackson katum hogiya?" You could tell that he couldn't believe it! We were amazed that even a simple Indian electrician was affected by MJ's death in such a big way.

While watching the news this morning, I saw the most interesting story. Apparently, part of the rehabilitation methods practiced in a prison in Cebu Province of the Philippines is teaching 1500 inmates MJ dances. They actually perform for the public quite often. Here is the video of Thriller.


I always knew that MJ didn't like what he saw in the world and often in the mirror. His convictions were definitely expressed in songs like "We are the World", "Heal the World", and "Man in the Mirror". So many of us try to make the world a better place by supporting programs, giving money to those in need, serving as a way to give back, and just providing love to those who don't seem to receive it. Michael Jackson did this as well as shine in the music industry. But it leaves me still asking many questions...
What really matters in life?
When I die, I take nothing with me, and am just another existance that has ended on this earth. So what matters?Status?Popularity?Riches?Experiences?Family?But don't all those just end too?
Since the beginning of time, people have been trying to "Heal the World", but it's still so messed up! Is healing the world the right focus?
Healing...is the disease physical?emotional?spiritual?
Is there something that I can do during this one life that I live, that would have an impact on eternity?
What profit is there if a man gains the WHOLE world, but loses his soul?

Although not quite 30, I do feel that the Lord Jesus has taught me many things in life. Some of which are answers to all of these questions and it's times like these that those answers seem to ring louder than ever. I could be the best teacher to my 20 students, I could feed hundreds of beggar children in Thailand, send thousands of boxes of school supplies to children in Afghanistan, or just simply smile/love/pray for as many of the millions of Indians I see everyday. But in the end, those will all be in vain for they only affect life on earth and end here. Don't get me wrong, Jesus always modeled meeting physical needs and we should always reach out in the same way. However, in the end, the disease is spiritual and is called sin. The biggest impact and decision I can make for eternity is to follow Christ and share Him with as many people as I know! For it is life in Him that is eternal and is the only thing we can take with us when we close our eyes for the last time as Michael Jackson did this week.