He Provides.

Psalm 116:12-13 "How can I repay the Lord for all His acts of kindness to me? I will celebrate my deliverance, and call on the name of the Lord."

As you may have already heard, We have a new flat that we will be moving into very soon. Our Father has provided us with a place to call home for the next 10 months. It's more than we ever thought or imagined. It's newly constructed, spacious, and very colorful.

I have to share this neat story with you.

One of my goals for the month was to have a new place to live. I didn't see how in the world we were going to be able to do that, but I was hopeful.
We had seen this one house that I really liked but it was a top floor flat. Needless to say, these are a little less than desirable when it's 120 degrees outside. So we kept looking. I eventually became completely overwhelmed by the whole decision making process. How were we ever going to find the perfect place? How were we going to know when we had found "the one"? I began praying that the Father would make it very clear.
So we went back up to the North on Tuesday to look at a couple new options. After sitting in the property dealers office (closet) drinking chai for a while, we discover that the new options are already taken. The property dealer shared with us that he had leased out 6 flats the day before. So we started discussing our other options. There was one! One option. The colorful house. So we came home to figure out what our new game plan was going to be. And while I was washing dishes, I was asking the Father to make His plans known. To make it super obvious. To.... and then it was like the Father just said patiently, "Stop and think for just a minute what you are asking for. What are the options you have right now? Do you think I'm trying to make it clear? Hello.... You only have one option, how much clearer can I make it!"
So after sharing my heart-to-heart with my hubby, getting it cleared with our supervisors, making a t-chart, sleeping on it, and looking at two more "options" , we are 100% sure that this place is for us, for this season.
Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement to us during this time of trusting and waiting. Here's a video of our new flat. Hope you enjoy.



Now:
We have someone moving into our current flat on Monday. So wee are thankful for friends who are letting us stay at their place till our new flat is ready. It's almost finished, they are just going to put in ceiling fans and finish out the bathrooms. Hopefully we will be in and somewhat settled before our friend, Scott, gets here next Friday. Okay, maybe not so much on the "settled" part. We'll see, I'm hopeful!

Beads. A Symbol of Hope.

 After reading my SIL's blog and another blog I follow, I decided that I should post too! 
I am a very passionate person. I get very excited, animated, and spirited (all Webster definitions of passionate). There are a lot of ministries that I truly have a passion towards. I just had to narrow it down to one for this blog post.

 Her name is Josephine, and she has an incredible testimony. She is a believer who is trusting our Father to provide for her family through her beads. After her husband's death, Josephine was faced with the challenge of providing for her three children, one of which has a physical handicap. 
 The Father answered her prayers for direction. A woman from the states taught her how to roll beads out of ornate paper. This allows her to work and provide for her family from home. 

 Joe had the opportunity to meet her and photograph her while at work.
 What amazes me is while looking at these photos, you don't see the face of a woman who is anxious. You don't see the face of a woman who is fearful. You don't even see the face of a woman who bears the pressure of the title widow, even though I'm sure she's still grieving her loss. 
 You look into her eyes and see the joy of the Father. You see the assurance that her husband is with the Father. You see a peace that passes all understanding. You see Hope!

 We had the opportunity to take some of Josephine's beads back to the states when we were home from Christmas. We were able to share her story with the Bridge Class. Between the class and others in our fellowship, we were able to bring back more than enough money for an entire month for Josephine's family! Thank you for your love, prayers, and blessings towards this family.
 I have added the brief story of the Cross family. This is the story we handed out with every set of beads. If you are interested in helping or would like more information about this ministry please let me know. You can leave a comment or send me an feeblefeet@gmail.com

Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in our confident hope.... When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."

Wesley Cross Jewelry

The product in your hand was an initiative to bring a smile and financial security to the family of the late Wesley Cross.  Mr. Cross was an Indian man from Delhi who worked for years for World Vision.  In the last years of his life, he was diagnosed with diabetes and subsequently became blind and was therefore forced to quit his job.  After that, his kidneys failed requiring Wesley to undergo weekly dialysis.  As the dialysis became an increasingly greater burden on the already financially strapped family and friends, Wesley decided to discontinue the treatment.  He died in May 2009.  Wesley is survived by his wife, Josephine, as well as two daughters and one son.  The oldest Cross daughter had begun nursing school, but was forced to quit due to finances.  In addition, the younger daughter was forced to quit school (12^th grade).  The son has been bedridden since a childhood illness and requires constant in home attention.  Josephine desires to work but cannot leave her home because of her bedridden son.  After being trained by a friend, Josephine has undertaken the initiative to make “paper bead” necklaces and bracelets.  The Cross family has a basic financial need of about $200 per month.  All profits from Wesley Cross Jewelry donations will serve the needs of this family.

House Hunt Continues.

Just look at this Property Dealer's sign. Joe pointed out three things about this sign that don't fit in Delhi.

1. Houses don't look anything like that here.

2. You never see yards like that in the city. (if you even see a yard at all!)

3. The sky's of the city are never quite that clear thanks to the smog.

In fact, here is a picture of the first house we were shown this last week.

 Looks just like the picture on the rental sign doesn't it?! 

Update on our House Hunt: We have spent the better part of the week on the hunt. We have a great national guy, G, who is helping us with all the property dealers. G is such a blessing. He's from the area and so he knows all the ins and outs that we don't have a clue about. 

In the last couple of days, we've seen some really interesting places. By interesting I mean...

-one with a giant hole overlooking the downstairs neighbor's bedroom

-one with no western toilets (I draw the line here!)

-one with no doors or cabinets

-one on the very top floor of the complex with no air conditioner

-one with the living room rented out to someone else

You get the idea.

BUT we have found one that might work. It's super cute and colorful. Plus it's brand new! We'd be the first to live in it :) The landlord is an extremely nice gentleman that speaks English really well. (A huge blessing!) The reason I say might is because he was originally planning to sell it, but he is considering just renting it. He's supposed to let us know his decision tomorrow. 

We are asking the Father to give us wisdom on this house. 

This is a picture of our auto driver stopping for gas after a long day of house hunting.

This is Joe talking with G about another house option while we are at the gas station waiting.

(please notice that sign behind him)

Valentine's Day 2010

(my hubby made signs for me)

I know I'm a couple days late posting about Valentine's Day. We've been extremely overwhelmed with trying to find a new place to live. Like everything else about this country, the process to find a place takes a long time. (The only problem with this is we don't have a long time. We have till March 1 to be out of our house.)
Please pray that our Father will provide a new place for us to "shift" to soon. Pray for peace and assurance during this time of transition.

Phil. 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Now back to the Valentine's Day post...

We got to enjoy a dinner at a local Italian restaurant we'd been wanting to try out. We shared the bruschetta and ravioli. (Not Italian Gardens, but still super yummy!) 

(me with the bruschetta)

Then we went and celebrated with some Cocoberry, frozen yogurt. We are always looking for reasons to celebrate with this amazing treat, and I think we succeed. The guys all know us and our orders!

This time I did branch out though, banana yogurt with strawberries, granola, and white chocolate chips. 

( Valentine's Day at Cocoberry)

We eyeballed these mugs months ago, but needed a reason for the splurge. We think they will be good keepsakes to remember this adventure for years to come. 

Remember our Valentine's Day in India. 

Remember when I started drinking coffee. (Not just those $5 drinks from Starbuck's)

Remember every morning, sipping on coffee while spending time with the Father through His Word and prayer.

Remember looking over and seeing the leader of our house on the other couch doing the same.

Remember the overwhelming love of the Father.

John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Guess who...

Can you guess who's hair this is?

It's my Hubby's hair believe it or not. I know it looks a lot darker in the pile on the floor, but I promise it's from his head. I took a picture to prove his new do...

Handsome Hubby!

You never know what his hair is going to look like. I love to joke that he's had way more hair styles since we've been together than I have! Guess that's what happens when you marry a hair stylist though.

 Oh, and while I was taking his picture these sweet little boys were posing for their own photo session.

A First.

Being in the big city has the big city feel. People are very friendly, but very busy. They love to meet you for a cup of coffee, but that's about it. 

 

(my friend B, me, and her sister S)

10 months after being here we finally were invited into one of my friend's homes for dinner. It was so fun! We had great conversations about their time in America last year. It's always interesting to see how someone else would describe it. They couldn't get over the fact that we have to carry our own bags at the hotels! B's mom says that was the first time in 45 years that she's ever carried her own bag. They were also talking about how friendly New Yorkers were. I just laughed and told them about some true Southern hospitality! They've promised to come and visit us sometime in Arkansas! Can't wait to hear those stories.

We loved getting to eat some yummy home-cooked Indian food.

(mutton, rice, paneer, and chutney)

(buttered parantha and Sprite)

This is Ceaser! He loved Joe. The whole time we were eating he just insisted to sit right by Joe. 

He liked me after I slipped him a piece of my parantha. hehe

Can't wait to go back. We are planning a BBQ soon!!

 

Temples

Mark 15:38 "And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom."

We had the opportunity the other day to go to a local Sikh temple. This temple was pretty quiet and uncrowded. I found it interesting that we had to walk through flowing water to clean our feet before we could enter. We also were to cover our heads.
I observed many different types of worshippers. Some sat against the wall, some sat with their legs crossed in the middle of the room, while others laid prostrate with their face buried in the floor. It was overwhelming to see their public devotion.

Here are a few pictures:

(They provided our head coverings for us. *Make-up on Ams... see previous post)

I couldn't help but think about this experience while I was reading in 1 Kings this morning. Reading about the temple that King Solomon built and how it was to be built exactly like the Father commanded. How the Father was pleased and His presence filled the Temple.

Before coming to India I really had a hard time wrapping my mind around these stories from the OT. I'm so thankful for all these experiences that help the OT come to life for me and give me hope.

1 Kings 8:60-61 "Then people all over the earth will know that the LORD alone is God and there is no other. And may you be completely faithful to the LORD your God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today."

Make-Up Artist

I was sharing, with a national friend, about the difference in our culture the other day. One of the biggest difference in the  area of "beauty" is the color of the skin.
Here in India, we see commercials and products that push the product because it lightens the skin. They have bleach as an active ingredient in their Olay soap bars. (I try to steer clear of these products in fear that my skin might become translucent!)
In America, it seems to be quite the opposite. The "sun kissed" look is preferred. You'll find lotions that will supposedly make your skin look darker. (I've tried them, and they just made me look orange!)
Anyway, I really enjoyed sharing the other day with one of my national friends about my experience with the tanning bed. (She had never heard of such a thing) She couldn't get over the fact that I had "laid in a bed of bulbs" consistently for a couple of months just so I wouldn't be the exact shade of my wedding dress. The more I explained, the more silly it sounded!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a friend's house. She just finished studying cosmetics for 2 months and needed to work on her portfolio. Since my skin, in this culture, is coveted she was excited when I accepted her invitation.
We had a great couple of hours together talking about life, the Word, eating chocolate cake, and taking "snaps" in front of the Christmas tree in her clothes! (Her girls bunked (skipped) class so they could be home for the occasion)
Hope this helps her portfolio! It sure was fun :)

Me and my Make-up artist, Before

During

In Make-up Artist clothes.... After

My Make-up Artist's beautiful daughters, and the Christmas tree.

And because I'm so proud of myself I just have to add... I rode the Metro all by myself! I know people do it everyday, but it was a first for me. Didn't have any problems either, once I found out where I was originally. (It's hard to know where you are going if you don't know where you are right now!)

Made Me Smile.

Today I got a facebook message from a sweet family member. She works with 4th-6th grader on Wednesday nights at her local fellowship. After sharing about us and our travels, the students took the time to write Joe and I letters. They were too cute to not pass up sharing on the blog. The Father always knows when we need an extra smile and word of encouragement.

"What is it like in India? Is it a nice place, Joe and Amberley? It's nice here but Thursday we're supost to get snow, ice, sleet. I forgot, my name is .... How is your family? I forgot to tell you and Joe look like a good couple. Good luck!"

""Joe and Amberley, I love you and I pray for you. I play football. I am 15." (He's actually 10.)

Revenue office, but way crazier

I've heard sermons preached on the topics of patience and perseverance. One thing that I've heard is "Be careful when asking for patience because usually that means that the Father is going to put you in a situation that is going to test your patience." Guess what... We didn't even ask for it, but we got it!
Since our return to the city, we've had to register with the government. This registration office is a lot like the Revenue office except picture less structure and more people. Crazy!!! To register it requires that you travel to the main office within the first 14 days of being in country, give copies of every important document that you've ever owned, and promise to let the government know anytime you plan to move or leave. (Makes me a little nervous, but "you gotta do what you gotta do" right?)

We first went on Monday. After hours of lines and hundreds of people, we were told that we needed our lease to be notarized and different information regarding our school admissions. We were able to get the notary done on Monday. Paid way too much for it, but we got it!
Tuesday we spent the day tracking down the school administrator (who happens to live next door, literally!) and getting the correct paper work. It needed to be addressed as a "bona fide" letter. Check. Check.
Today we went back to the registration office. After sitting for a 3 more hours, we finally got registered.  Woohoo. What's funny is we saw some of the same people from Monday there today. Guess we weren't the only ones that had to get different documents.
We had to celebrate our trial of patience and perseverance with our favorite dish, MoMo's!!

This Nepali man cooks up incredible momos just right around the corner from our house. We've enjoyed building a friendship with him. I think he even missed us while we were gone to the States. I know we missed him!

Here's a pic of momos. I found it online. Our momos look just like that, just served in random bags instead of nice china plates. (Last nights momos were served in a denture cleaner bag!)

And, just had to wish our little nephew, Carson Jack, a  Happy Half Birthday today!!!
Auntie Ams and ChaCha love you so much.