Incredible India...

Sights, sounds, smells...everywhere you look there is something new to see, to do, to experience.

We arrived at the airport in Dehli shortly after midnight on March 19th. We were each thankful for an almost uneventful trip. Minus a short encounter with a customs agent, our journey was exciting and without stress. We have found India to be a beautiful country. I am continually struck by the numbers of people, the driving conditions, the vibrant colors, and other interesting things. Certainly though, we are no longer in the United States. In Pennsylvania you typically would not see a 6 member family on one small motor bike. Generally you would not run into a tiny green gecko on your bedroom wall. And as far as I know, Americans do not allow cows to roam the streets freely. Different from home? Most definately. Indescribably incredible. Absolutely. But let me try...

Our first day we were thankful for the opportunity to sleep in a bit. After refreshing ourselves we jumped into some cultural discussions with our host and later a shopping trip to buy new Indian "suits". These outfits consist of long baggy pants that I compare to pajamas and a knee length lose shirt. To complete the look, you wrap a scarf around your shoulders and voila! The materials to choose from are vibrant and colorful, and we eagerly chose two kinds to have stiched. Tired and content we fell into bed that night only to wake up a few hours later. Clearly it would take some adjustment time.

Despite the short rest we rose the next morning ready to face the big city of Dehli! We saw India Gate {the photo above}, browsed a large market and later a bazaar, tried Indian McDonalds, and took in the sights of what they call "Incredible India." And incredible it was!

However, I feel it important to describe the feelings that came underneath this tourist type day in Dehli. As we walked from place to place there were countless merchants that persistently followed and grabbed people in an attempt to sell a few cents worth of their goods. Beggars sat on most corners, many having an infant on the ground by their side. I was at a loss for words or actions when a boy no older than six grabbed my hand and pleaded for some change. A beautiful country and just below the surface, if one takes only a second glance, is the pain of poverty and years of suffering.

I find that as we slowly begin to adjust

and come to a slightly better understanding of this culture, Jess and I are met with calm emotions and joy to be in this amazing land. Each day brings a new twist and story and we look forward to them like a child does Christmas! I have begun to see the wealth of the people of India in some of their values that seem to have been lost in our own great nation.

I find myself a student of culture. And I am here to learn.

♥Nebin