December is...

wedding season. so on any given day you'll stumble upon random occurrences such as this,



men playing music on the streets. it was just practice but i enjoyed it as much as if it had been the real thing. honestly, i think it was just for me.



Christmas-time. so of course you go caroling. and we did!



donning a santa hat doesn't hurt either





(and of course) the time fat guys in red pop up everywhere. yes, even India.



lets have a close look, shall we...



who knew Santa was such a creeper? ooh ooh i did!


that's all friends,
ciao!

and now, as promised

some photos!




This is Sophie, she's from DC and moving to C.Springs next fall. we are in this shot enjoying a brownie at the Oxford Bookstore, one of my quiet places here. i know it doesn't look like i'm enjoying it but believe me, thats the best brownie in Kolkata. though that really isn't saying much. they just don't know how to do chocolate here.




These my kids! oh how i'm going to miss them. this was one of the first performances of their Christmas program. i'm constantly amazed at how much they've learned and how well they do each time. i heart them. and if i could have a favorite it would be Binoy, the little drummer. the kid's got rhythm!


i apologize if you feel cheated for only getting two photos. i blame this internet cafe, which shall remain unnamed, for their ridiculous hiccups in connection speed. that is all.

ciao my loves!

ahem. this is not what i expected when i said i wanted to stater pain and brokeness in the face. but its what i got. this being a slight miscomunication between a certain fellow and i. hmmm. its quite annoying to have an enemy who knows your weak spots. who has seen the look of fear on your face and knows just how to evoke it again and again. i hate feeling used. i hate the dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach when i feel trapped. i hate not knowing how to say no. and i'm tired. i'm tired of being the nice girl who complies. tired of having to explain my brokeness. tired of having to face the effects of others brokeness.

i'm just tired
& as much as i'd like to run away
i know i'll be ok
because He is for me and He loves me

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. - Philippians 1:19-20

hello imaginary readers and friends...

there are goats everywhere today.
i'm not sure why but i've learned not to question the daily sights and sounds of this country.
I'm back in Kolkata after some time in Nagaland and then a village just outside of the city. questions, fears, hesitations, feelings are different this time around. i don't want anymore comfort. i want to stare this pain/poverty/ungodliness in the face and know what i'm getting myself into. its a fearful thing to ask for, i think, but my strength comes from the One who is more powerful that any of these and that's all the assurance i need.

stories and photos to come.
love you all, ciao