Well, it has already been quite an experience. We have only been here a few short days, but it seems like forever…in a good way 
The weather has actually been farely mild…although when I say mild I just mean that it has not hit 120 degrees!
We are so blessed to have AC in our room, so that definitely helps us to survive the times that it is scorching outside. Our room is like an oasis because the culture can be overwhelming at times.
We have already been to two weddings and Trisha and I have been asked to bless them both times! We even cut the cake with one of the couples and we had just met them. And after the wedding, we were asked to join the banquet and had to eat the food with our hands. Quite exciting!
The people we have met have been so hospitable to us. Even those with literally nothing to give us, but a smile. One day we went to visit some of the areas that were affected by the tsunami in 2004 and a very poor mother offered us bottled soda. I am sure that was a rare treat for her, but she still gave us her best regardless.
However, even though they are hospitable, the Indian culture is extremely different. For instance, being on time in India is not common. If they tell us we are leaving at say 2PM, it will most likely be at least 3PM. Perhaps even later. There has not been a single instance when we left on time!! And they don’t mean to be rude, but that is just how they operate.
As well, they are not very good about telling you plans in advance. We often arrive at places with no idea that we are to offer a blessing to the people or even speak in front of them. For instance, I just found out that I am to preach to 3 congregations on Sunday! And Trisha was given only a few minutes to speak to a group of women. And once again, they do not mean to be rude, that is just their culture. For some reason, they just assume that you know what is going on! And it can be very surprising, but we are adapting well!
The city of Chennai is extremely run down. Everywhere you look it is dirty and full of trash. And the people are mostly very poor. It can be very overwhelming. It is so difficult to keep things in perspective coming from the states. It is just so drastically different from our everyday lives.
I also have to report that we saw our first white person today. It only took all of five days to do so! And he looked very lost indeed…like he did not belong here! Including us, I think that makes about 3 white people out of 10 million!
We love you all and hope to update you again soon!
Wow, sounds like I should maybe move to India due to the timing thing!
I’ve always said I was on “island time”, but maybe it’s really Indian time 