Our India Life

RETURN TO SENDER
We receive requests from all over the world to have missionaries visit those interested in knowing more about the Church.   In many cases, the people live far from New Delhi, and all we can do is send them a copy of the Book of Mormon and other Church literature.  Due to the vagaries of the postal system in India, we get some of our mail back.  While not uncommon to get things back looking like they have been run over by a truck (multiple times).  This one tops them all.  The postal service tied the string around the package to keep it together...

CLEANING THE CHURCH BUILDING
Just this year the Church in India began having members clean the church building and grounds.  The US has been doing this for years.  While it is a way to save costs, the primary reason is to allow members to perform service and to have respect for the church buildings.  In India, this has been much harder to implement because of the holdover of the caste system (at least that's my opinion).  Sister Stevens and I wanted to help be a part of cleaning when it was our branch's turn, so we show up with our US mentality - not a "broom" or "mop" in sight.  I didn't catch me or Angela in the act, but these pictures will give you a clue on how floors are cleaned in India.

Typical broom - Oh my aching back

Mopping (a rag draped over a squeegee)

COWS RULE
We were coming home one morning from our walk and these cows were sitting in the middle of the road right in front of our apartment...totally oblivious of the traffic.

Not phased a bit!

Smile...

Sister Stevens New Dress

For those who don't know when Angela's birthday is, this won't seem like I'm slow in posting, for the rest of you just pretend you don't know.  Someday I'll find a way to change the posting date so my procrastination is not so obvious. 

Since coming here and seeing all the ornate Indian dresses, Angela has wanted to get one that she could wear.  The typical Indian saree is 15 meters of material that you wrap and tuck  and pin around you - but be careful or it's laying on the ground.  Angela opted for a more "western style" dress, and found the perfect one for her birthday.  Of course it's so ornate, she could never wear it here, so dressing up at home is the best she can do for now.  


Angela's New Dress

A new dress needs a new
necklace and earrings

Pictures of Old Delhi

A while back, Sister Stevens went with Sister Black to Old Delhi.  Elder and Sister Black live below us and have been called for 23 months as Public Affairs missionaries.  Because the church is relatively small in our mission, their focus is to work with government and opinion leaders in developing a good name for the church and publicize humanitarian and welfare efforts supported by LDS Charities and the Church's legal entity in India - The Indian Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

But I digress... Old Delhi is a madhouse of narrow streets, hundreds of vendors and thousands of people shopping at all times of the day and night (well starting at 11 am and going long into the night.  Angela loves it...and I'm sure you know how I feel about it.   I thought you might enjoy some of the pictures they took the last time they were there. 

The only way to get around in Old Delhi

Flower leis - not unlike Hawaii 

Hand-made jewelry

 

Beans and spices of all kinds

School bus

 

Happy 38th Anniversary

It seems like time has really gone by quickly as we think back to celebrating our 37th anniversary shortly after arriving in New Delhi.  Well we reached #38 as of July 29.  As is our tradition, we went out last Saturday (our P-day) and had another great meal to celebrate.  We found a restaurant that had both Italian and Indian food (am I the only one that thinks this is an odd combination?), so Angela had spaghetti and I had one of my favorites, buttered chicken with parantha (one of many types of Indian bread).  We also shared a great tasting grilled chicken salad.  I kept myself out of the dog house by buying some flowers from a guy on the street (literally) just down from the office.  After a leisurely stroll around the mall, we took a sweaty ride home in an auto, and finished up our lessons for Sunday.  We love our lives together and a chance to be of service in such an interesting place as India.   

Happy 38th - Life is Good