I always forget how different things can be here in India.
On one side there are Uber drivers shouting in the middle of the road
to my hairdresser insulting me to sell more products
to random strangers having zero filter
to awkward long distance family dynamics
to lack of “please” and “thank you”
to unstoppable stares
to auto drivers trying to get an extra fifty rupees out of me
to constantly advertising ways to get “white skin”
to the repetitive use of car horns
to sky high temperatures to cows, bikes, cars, and buses sharing a lane…
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And then on the other end, there’s the shopkeepers spending all day patiently with us
to family constantly placing food on any empty space on our plate
to children playing cricket with their sweaty smiles
to Pizza Hut pizza being topped with curry
to the rich North Indian flavors
to the comfortable South Indian flavors
to the hardworking middle aged man taking care of his children and parents
to the sweet smiles of the kid with his mango kulfi
to the warm ocean water over our sandy feet
to the wide array of colorful homes…
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I see both sides and have decided it’s worth loving still.
It’s so easy to romanticize a place, person, or object… but when you can see head and tails clearly and still appreciate it, that’s when you know it’s worth holding onto.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely will not accept the “evil” around me,
but I definitely cling to what is good.
Thank you God for that realization.
God has made so many kinds of people all over the world and I’m always impressed when I realize how different yet similar people groups are.
I praise you God for your creativity.
Now, I get to start off my birthday here where it all started a quarter century ago.️
Thank you Lord, for this gift.
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Let love be genuine.
Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection.
Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:9-11

Cheers,