One Day At A Time

We did it. We actually got something done! HA I know that doesn't sound like any big deal, but when we are in a brand new culture in a language that we don't understand and in a city that we don't know at all to know what is where, it is a big accomplishment for us to get anything done right now! We believe that will all soon change and we will be able to get a lot more done very soon, but right now it's quite the adjustment.

So, I am sure you are asking what it is we were able to accomplish. The big thing we did is arrange for someone to come to our new place and cut out 2 holes in the wall to put in window air conditioners! In the States, that would've taken about a 10 or 15 minute phone call, right? Well, here it took us about 6 hours! And the holes aren't even done yet, that's tomorrow ... we think.

We started the process yesterday, went back today to finalize it. Find out that they won't take a check or cash for the payment, it has to be what is equivalent to a money order. So we go to the nearest bank in hopes that we can somehow communicate that we need a 'money order' for a specific amount. It takes about a half an hour to get is straight. At that point we are so glad that it's going to happen. Then they tell my dh to come back in an 'hour or two' to pick it up. WHAT??? It takes 2 hours to print out a money order? But, of course, we just simply said, "no problem, thank you very much for all of your trouble, you have helped us so much, we will be back." We go back a couple hours later, and sure enough ... they have it! What sweet relief! (there used to be a picture of the bank here, but I had to take it off when I realized their address was on it!)

It's one of those moments when you walk outside and stop and think, "did that just really happen? Am I really living this?" Yes, yes, we are!

Then we go back to our complex and give the facilities manager the money order and they schedule it to be done tomorrow morning. Now the typical culture says that that may or may not happen, just depends on what better options there are at the time ... so we will see if we get any a/c's installed tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Later, I went to another part of town (another crazy taxi ride) to go to store that I was told has very reasonably priced furniture. So I walk in and there's no one in there ... not even a store clerk, but the door was open. So I stand there a few minutes and just look around and then a lady walks in wearing a burka and explains that it is prayer time and asked if I could come back in an hour. I am totally shocked, but I just simply apologize for disturbing her and tell her again I am so sorry and that I will come back tomorrow. I walk outside and I hear the call to prayer. Again, that same moment ... "did that just really happen?" Yes, yes it did. I start walking down the sidewalk to find another cab (please lift us up for our own transportation!) and the thought crosses my mind, "how many salespeople in the States would pass up a sale because they won't miss prayer time?" hmmm I don't know, maybe there are some, but I would venture a guess that there aren't many. I do respect this commitment that this lady showed to her religion, it certainly speaks loudly. I just continue to pursue sharing the freedom and Light that we have! I will go back tomorrow and hopefully be able to establish the beginnings of a relationship with this lady.

So while I was in the cab, I was able to take this picture:

Can you see what this is? This is a lady, dressed in a sari, riding side saddle on a motorcycle, holding a gift! This is something that continues to amaze me here. These ladies ride side saddle on these motorcycles as they FLY through the streets and they don't even hold on. You can see her hand is in her lap and not even holding on to the bar behind her. We never see them holding on ... I can't figure out how they don't fall off. One time, we actually saw a girl, probably about 12 years old, riding side saddle on the back of a motorcycle (probably her dad driving) eating her breakfast as they flew down the road, dodging taxis, buses, rickshaws, and animals in the street. This must be a talent they learn at an early age, because I just can't figure it out!

I also saw the first monkey here that we've seen after I left the store. It's kinda a crazy looking monkey, but it's a monkey:



eck.... there were about 10 or so monkeys on this street today and I had never seen them there before. Lots of times their owner will have them do tricks to earn money, but this guy was just kinda climbing around. It looked a little mad ... we didn't get close to it.

It's an adventure every day ... but we have a plaque here that says, "One Day At A Time" and that's a super good reminder for us everyday. We try to accomplish as much as we can each day, but we have to be patient as we are learning how things work and how to do them. It's like learning to walk all over again ... and talk. But we know, that we know, that we know we are right where we are supposed to be ... that peace transcends everything else.