Namaskara and Goodbye: Two weeks in India

I've really struggled with what to write about India. I think part of this comes from the fact I journaled like a mad woman while I was there, and not much of what I wrote translates well into a blog. It's a lot of tangent thoughts, prayers to God, confessions of struggle and little stories of victory that don't easily live an impressive second life.

So India in a nutshell: It was one of the most difficult, intense trips I've ever been on, and I can't wait to do it again.

Here are some pictures of final sweat-free moments before arriving there:


In the airport waiting to leave.


My flight buddy for the whole way there!




A lady in a burka hanging out in Starbucks in Dubai. Everyone needs their Starbucks....


The Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world. Basically Dubai is just one big pissing contest - they have an indoor ski resort in the middle of the desert, an aquarium in the mall and this tall building that is reportedly the tallest ;)


Pizza Hut in the Middle East!


The McArabia sandwich :)







Michael attempted to learn Arabic.......


And then we were off to India!


Riding in the rickshaw. Seriously a highlight of the trip - because I like to roll like Indiana Jones.


Cows, cows everywhere. "Welcome to the birthplace of Hinduism. Where I am revered instead of a cheeseburger. Bam. Now drive around me."

View from our room:


We got to eat yummy breakfast every morning and some days had to wear traditional Indian clothes. These are our chutis - basically Indian casual wear.


Me with my chuti cutie Katherine :)



Sophia reminded me so much of an Indian Charlotte. I got a little homesick for my girl.




Everything was so colorful - even the ceiling of the church! This is my kind of country....






This woman taught me the official Indian head bob.


With our welcome garlands after church, walking back to Vivek & Darla's house.


We moved rocks. It was a good and sweaty time to think and pray.


So impressed the jumparoo for little Grace went together completely after carrying parts in all our different suitcases across the world....


First English word he spoke to me: Dinosaur.
Love him.


This is Poonja, the neighborhood ringleader :)


Google is better in India!


Sunset from Darla & Vivek's backyard


Saree shopping


Poor Michael....


Roomies!




We had the best talk on this car ride - I love you, Kristin!


The owner of the turquoise house decided to follow Jesus and quit his job at the Hindu temple you can see a very short distance away. These people are strong to make bold changes with the past remaining so close.








Room 304....was kinda the best....


My Indian papa Francis. He made me promise to bring Sam to India :)


No. Grammar.....hurts.....


Got to stare into these sweet eyes during church.




Saree day!







A friend made at the Badami caves.






Everyone asked us for photos constantly. Should've worked harder on a tan before I left for the trip.




Savithri my friend! I love her and miss her already!




She showed me some great dance moves!


My Indian mama Rachel (aka best cook in the land)


No kidding.


She's 90 years old. She climbed the caves barefoot. I was quite impressed with her.


Imagine all I could get done with that many arms.....


After days of the same breakfast, suddenly! Cornflakes!


The Hubli airport security looks like Wal Mart employees....








Getting mehendi (henna)






Little Pavan on the right - he is the neighborhood trouble maker - aka my favorite!


She gave each girl a saree out of her own closet.



















With the playground we built for the children of Badami.