From the pages of my journal 5/1/2013

We took some fun new friends out shopping to show them where we buy our Curry Land digs. We had a good time together and for me the shopping was about spending quality time with my friends...because to be really honest I am tired of Suits (3 pieces made up of scarf, tunic top, and drawstring pants that all women wear here for modesty). Buying them, getting them tailored and then wearing them...so much money, time and energy goes into it and them at the end of the day it is just a suit and the fabric reminds me of couches, curtains, or pillow covers...it is easy to feel clownish with all the colors and prints going on. But frankly, I've got to get over my suit slump because staying in my yoga pants and tank tops is just not going to cut it.

From the pages of my journal 4/18/2013

Z and Art are off to M town and Abi is down for her morning nap - I have found a very peaceful morning. Yesterday my morning started at 5am. Perry drove me to the capital to pick up a perspective client. Perry beat his record and we made it to the capital and back in under 3 hours...of coarse he drove like a mad man the entire way.
Speaking of the perspective client...we took her out the village and the women there taught her how to make some of the jewelry using the new wire techniques we taught them. Her first loop did not pass their inspection and Sunny quickly cut it off and made her start over. It was funny to see but also heartwarming that their standards now match our standards.

Coming to America!

*If you have not seen this movie you need to ASAP!
Anyways it is true...I am coming to America. Not because I am African royalty (only in my dreams) looking for a spouse (I've got the hottest hubs on the planet!). I'm coming to America to see my nephew!!!

From the pages of my journal 4/16/2013

Yesterday I quickly got all my house work done and we went off to spend the day in Katauli with some of Art's relatives. We were there for five hours. Art's relatives are great and really gentle people. Abi thoroughly enjoyed every minute playing with loads of children and eating different fruits, cookies, and curry! She did not sleep the entire day...way too much to see and do. So when we put her to bed we didn't hear a peep from her all night. Meanwhile the rest of the evening I vegged to recorded episodes of 'Duck Dynasty' - other shows seem so boring and full of senseless drama in comparison.

Family day

At least two Saturdays a month we schedule family days...we try to plan special outings, special food, and leisurely activities on these days. We started this tradition before we had kids and so now it is even more enjoyable...as our family grows so does the range of family day activities.

 

 

 

Jinxed Mumu

First of all, Yes, I own and wear a mumu. Bro bro calls it my flying squirel dress. In hot climates they are Amazing! So don't knock it till you try it.
Second, I love my mumu. I can't wait till the end of the day when no one is at my house and I can slip on my mumu...but here is why it is jinxed...
This month everytime I have changed into the mumu there instantly is a knock or ring at our door - I do not love my mumu enough to be seen in it by anyone other than family so then I have to change back into real clothes. And every time my attitude just struggles as I choose between hospitality and my mumu.

The Truth about Chai

Ever since we arrived here and started learning language and culture the truth about chai started coming to light. That milky tea goodness in not original to Curry Land. It was introduced by the British...and now afternoon tea is as much an intricate part of culture here as it is in the U.K. Initially the British provided chai for free, then once everyone was hooked it became a money making comodity. Now adays people drink chai in the mornings and afternoons, as well as served to guests. As Z was having chai in a village one of the elders shared about how chai got it's start. Z then asked 'what did you drink before chai was introduced?' His response...'Buttermilk'. Hmmm...now I see why sweet milky tea took over so easily.