As you've all heard by now, Mumbai was under terrorist attack for three days last week. I was in downtown Colaba - the center for all the attacks. In fact, the restaurant my friends and I were eating at was only a block away from Leopold's Cafe - the site of one of the shootings. Additionally, the Taj Hotel and Gateway of India were only two blocks away. There was much confusion inside the restaurant as the owners locked us inside for our safety. We received information in pieces from people watching the news on the outside. We all thought it was a street fight between locals, but then learned that it was an organized attack on the city. I was stuck downtown for two days as there were no reliable means of tranportation and for safety sake, I was instructed to stay put and indoors.
The media is calling this attack "India's 9/11" and I believe that my experiences in 9/11 were not just for me...but for the people here. I hope that I'll be able to comfort the people of this city and bring the hope and peace that can only come from God alone. Mumbai is a resilient city and from what I can see most people are going about life as usual. I believe that most of the trauma is from those in downtown who witnessed it all. Similar to in NYC, there's a sense of fear and anxiety looming about. But many are refusing to live in fear. I pray for God's mercy and peace to fall upon this city and to heal the hearts of the people.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Everything's New!
I know we say that NYC is the city that doesn't sleep...but I have to say Mumbai is a pretty happening place as well! It's 10:20 pm and there are still cars, autorickshaws, people, hawkers bustling around. I moved up to Bandra last Friday and have spent the last few days getting the flat in order. I finally bought some things for the place and now I have a working kitchen! In fact, today I cooked my very first meal (Filipinos be happy...) - ADOBO! Yum yum good. Also today, the carpenters, electricians and plumbers finally finished all their work and I was able to give my place a full, deep cleaning. This shows how OCD and germaphobic I really am! Lysol everywhere the eye can see! I just can't seem to keep the outside out here! Although I have a door, I use a curtain as my actual "door" when I'm inside. It's just too hot without everything open. I take cold showers everyday. Mainly because hot water has to be heated in this mini-boiler inside the bathroom powered by electricity. It worries me a bit that the outlet is so close to me...I hope I don't fry myself in the process!
Everyone is REALLY nice here! I've met many locals in my area and they're so quick to share their lives, home and time with me. My next door neighbor constantly sends dinner over via their 11-year old daughter. I've become quite good friends with her. Today we had our first English lesson where she read from her book and I helped with pronunciation and definitions. She's so chipper, sweet and absolutely adorable. She's my official translator here in my building complex. I don't how many times people come to my door and speak in their native tongue. All I can do is smile and gesture "I have absolutely no idea." Also it works out because no one speaks to her in English (except sometimes her brother), so she's eager to have looong conversations with me. My little cousins have given me great practice in keeping little ones entertained.
Indians ask LOTS of questions...and no question is off limits. They don't ask in a malicious way, but in a let's get down to the important facts of life way. Without fail, one of the first few questions I get asked is, "Do you have a husband?" I chuckle and say "no, not my time yet." I've seen that people do marry quite young here and have children much much sooner.
Many of you have been asking how the food is. Well, it's YUMMILICOUS! There is much more of a Western influence here in Bandra - so the food is a hybrid of Indian, American and European. Every chance I get to go to an Indian restaurant, I definitely pick my waiters brain on all the dishes. I'm sure by the time I leave I'll be able to decipher the Indian menu! There are so many different types of curries and spices. My palette is getting accustomed to the heat and chillies are slowly making their way (though very slowly and in tiny tiny amounts) into my food. I still emphasize the "NO SPICE" request at restaurants. I don't want a repeat of chomping down to a chilli disguished as a string bean. My face literally fell off. Also, it's customary to eat with one's hands. Watching local eat rice, curry and gracy with their hands is quite amazing. One person I met here said, "If I don't eat with my hands, my stomach doesn't feel full." I stick to at least one utensil...my rice in hands method isn't advanced enough to make it to my mouth with making a complete mess.
Also now, we're preparing for all the Christmas activities. I've got to bring my acappella pitch skills out from the back closet as we're thinking of doing some songs together. I left my "bling bling" (my old acappella group's name for our pitch pipe) back home! What would I do without it!!! I recommended to bake gingerbread cookies and have decorating stations at the party...and then I got these funny looks, "what's a gingerbread house...we don't have that here." It's funny to see the things that are norm and things that are strange here. For example, I said we could have fake snow everywhere and make it snow from the ceiling. I got a laugh from the group...what's fake snow? We don't have snow here..."I'm dreaming of a white Christmas means nothing to us here." Haha, I LOVE IT!
I'm learning all the curvy and crazy streets here in Bandra. It takes days just to get orientated! The streets have their map names and then their actual names that locals use. The first night I took a rickshaw back to my place, I got SO lost! I kept passing by shops that I recognized; however, I had no idea how to navigate back home. Soon enough I'll be able to!
That's all the updates for now...have to hope out of this cyber station and head back home. Miss you all so much and thanks so much for your notes and emails! I feel the love :)
Carolina
Everyone is REALLY nice here! I've met many locals in my area and they're so quick to share their lives, home and time with me. My next door neighbor constantly sends dinner over via their 11-year old daughter. I've become quite good friends with her. Today we had our first English lesson where she read from her book and I helped with pronunciation and definitions. She's so chipper, sweet and absolutely adorable. She's my official translator here in my building complex. I don't how many times people come to my door and speak in their native tongue. All I can do is smile and gesture "I have absolutely no idea." Also it works out because no one speaks to her in English (except sometimes her brother), so she's eager to have looong conversations with me. My little cousins have given me great practice in keeping little ones entertained.
Indians ask LOTS of questions...and no question is off limits. They don't ask in a malicious way, but in a let's get down to the important facts of life way. Without fail, one of the first few questions I get asked is, "Do you have a husband?" I chuckle and say "no, not my time yet." I've seen that people do marry quite young here and have children much much sooner.
Many of you have been asking how the food is. Well, it's YUMMILICOUS! There is much more of a Western influence here in Bandra - so the food is a hybrid of Indian, American and European. Every chance I get to go to an Indian restaurant, I definitely pick my waiters brain on all the dishes. I'm sure by the time I leave I'll be able to decipher the Indian menu! There are so many different types of curries and spices. My palette is getting accustomed to the heat and chillies are slowly making their way (though very slowly and in tiny tiny amounts) into my food. I still emphasize the "NO SPICE" request at restaurants. I don't want a repeat of chomping down to a chilli disguished as a string bean. My face literally fell off. Also, it's customary to eat with one's hands. Watching local eat rice, curry and gracy with their hands is quite amazing. One person I met here said, "If I don't eat with my hands, my stomach doesn't feel full." I stick to at least one utensil...my rice in hands method isn't advanced enough to make it to my mouth with making a complete mess.
Also now, we're preparing for all the Christmas activities. I've got to bring my acappella pitch skills out from the back closet as we're thinking of doing some songs together. I left my "bling bling" (my old acappella group's name for our pitch pipe) back home! What would I do without it!!! I recommended to bake gingerbread cookies and have decorating stations at the party...and then I got these funny looks, "what's a gingerbread house...we don't have that here." It's funny to see the things that are norm and things that are strange here. For example, I said we could have fake snow everywhere and make it snow from the ceiling. I got a laugh from the group...what's fake snow? We don't have snow here..."I'm dreaming of a white Christmas means nothing to us here." Haha, I LOVE IT!
I'm learning all the curvy and crazy streets here in Bandra. It takes days just to get orientated! The streets have their map names and then their actual names that locals use. The first night I took a rickshaw back to my place, I got SO lost! I kept passing by shops that I recognized; however, I had no idea how to navigate back home. Soon enough I'll be able to!
That's all the updates for now...have to hope out of this cyber station and head back home. Miss you all so much and thanks so much for your notes and emails! I feel the love :)
Carolina
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai!
I've finally made it! Both my flights were late, but thankfully I made a friend (from my flight who was super helpful and entertaining. Right from the beginning, I've experienced the kindness and friendliness of Indians. For example, I asked an older lady for directions and she literally held my hand and walked with me for about 10 -15 minutes until we parted ways.
Mumbai is a VERY busy city. It's like New York + Hong Kong + Manila times 100. Traffic and people everywhere. It's a little overwhelming to say the least. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon enough. For now, I just walk very slowly and take my time crossing the streets. Jay walking here is pretty scary. First of all, I keep forgetting to look the opposite direction from what I'm accustomed. Second, there's no sense of traffic laws as cars, motocycles, autorickshaws, buses weave in and out like there's no tomorrow. Two days ago while on the high way, I saw two cars drive on the wrong side of the road against traffic just to go by faster! SCARY. There wasn't a divider and we were definitely going 50 mph or more. One of the locals told me that it was a typical practice. Oh my, the drivers here have nerves of titanium!
And yes, it's really HOT! It doesn't feel quite like November or winter here. More like a sizzling summer day. I'll be nice and tan when I return!
The streets are very colorful and are lined with street vendors selling literally everything - sarees, sandals, purses, watches, cellphone cases, placemats, books, nuts, fruit drinks, jewlery and underwear. I thank Grandma for teaching me how to haggle - I'll be sure to make use of my bargaining skills. Though looking like a foreigner doesn't quite help... Maybe my stern face will do it. Or it might just crack them up! Vendors are very aggressive and persistent here. Slowly, I'm mastering the hand wave and head shake that I've seen Shefali (P. Kevin and Lynette's eldest daughter) do to firmly decline their offers.
Right now I'm staying at the YMCA. It's nice and neat - double beds, desk and attached shower. Interesting difference here - the shower stalls aren't separate from the sink and toilet. It's just one room with everything together.
Yesterday, P. Kevin and Lynette took me to check out some apartments in Bandra - the new, happening place. Apparently, this is where all the movie stars live (granted in really big mansions facing the Arabian sea and not in the densly packed zig zag streets further in)! There are also lots of ex-pats here and with that comes more Westernized shops and eateries. However, the standard for grocery shopping is much like Chinatown's wet markets and fresh fruits/veggies stands. Again, thank you Grandma for teaching me how to navigate through.
That's all for now - hopefully I'll get my own internet settled soon after I move into a more permanent place. Hope to hear from you!
Love,
Carolina
Mumbai is a VERY busy city. It's like New York + Hong Kong + Manila times 100. Traffic and people everywhere. It's a little overwhelming to say the least. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon enough. For now, I just walk very slowly and take my time crossing the streets. Jay walking here is pretty scary. First of all, I keep forgetting to look the opposite direction from what I'm accustomed. Second, there's no sense of traffic laws as cars, motocycles, autorickshaws, buses weave in and out like there's no tomorrow. Two days ago while on the high way, I saw two cars drive on the wrong side of the road against traffic just to go by faster! SCARY. There wasn't a divider and we were definitely going 50 mph or more. One of the locals told me that it was a typical practice. Oh my, the drivers here have nerves of titanium!
And yes, it's really HOT! It doesn't feel quite like November or winter here. More like a sizzling summer day. I'll be nice and tan when I return!
The streets are very colorful and are lined with street vendors selling literally everything - sarees, sandals, purses, watches, cellphone cases, placemats, books, nuts, fruit drinks, jewlery and underwear. I thank Grandma for teaching me how to haggle - I'll be sure to make use of my bargaining skills. Though looking like a foreigner doesn't quite help... Maybe my stern face will do it. Or it might just crack them up! Vendors are very aggressive and persistent here. Slowly, I'm mastering the hand wave and head shake that I've seen Shefali (P. Kevin and Lynette's eldest daughter) do to firmly decline their offers.
Right now I'm staying at the YMCA. It's nice and neat - double beds, desk and attached shower. Interesting difference here - the shower stalls aren't separate from the sink and toilet. It's just one room with everything together.
Yesterday, P. Kevin and Lynette took me to check out some apartments in Bandra - the new, happening place. Apparently, this is where all the movie stars live (granted in really big mansions facing the Arabian sea and not in the densly packed zig zag streets further in)! There are also lots of ex-pats here and with that comes more Westernized shops and eateries. However, the standard for grocery shopping is much like Chinatown's wet markets and fresh fruits/veggies stands. Again, thank you Grandma for teaching me how to navigate through.
That's all for now - hopefully I'll get my own internet settled soon after I move into a more permanent place. Hope to hear from you!
Love,
Carolina
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Less than 2 weeks away!
It's slowly sinking in that I'll be taking off in less than 2 weeks! I don't think I'll fully appreciate it until I touch down in Mumbai and feel the Indian heat on my face. I can't say I'm nervous, but sometimes I do wonder if I'm fully ready to go and just rock it. I want to go with no agenda, no 10-step plan, no conventional expectations. Rather, I want to launch off with God and see where He takes me. I'm expecting Him to work in my life as I reach out to others and share His life and truth. I'm expecting Him to teach me all the great secrets of His heart - the ones that you can only learn in the stillness of waiting and abiding in His presence.
This is the stuff of life. I'm thrilled.
I'd appreciate your prayers for the following:
1. Smooth transitions in my life here in NYC before I leave
2. Safe and healthy travels
3. Find a home when I arrive in Mumbai (I've learned that I'll be staying at a staff member's place while he goes on a short vacation. During that time I'm to scout the city and secure my own place. I'd love to find something homey - ie: not a hostel or YMCA. Believe with me for a furnished apartment/sublet!)
4. Openness, flexibility and courage while leaving my comfort zone
This is the stuff of life. I'm thrilled.
I'd appreciate your prayers for the following:
1. Smooth transitions in my life here in NYC before I leave
2. Safe and healthy travels
3. Find a home when I arrive in Mumbai (I've learned that I'll be staying at a staff member's place while he goes on a short vacation. During that time I'm to scout the city and secure my own place. I'd love to find something homey - ie: not a hostel or YMCA. Believe with me for a furnished apartment/sublet!)
4. Openness, flexibility and courage while leaving my comfort zone
Monday, September 22, 2008
Adventures Ahead!
The most dangerous prayer I've ever prayed..."Lord, here I am. Send me." This year has been a whirlwind and I've learned so much about God, who He is and His heart for my life. I've been wrapped up in God's love, grace and mercy and I just don't dare let go!
Below, I've included a snippet from my life story of how God took me on a wild journey that would bring me to the heart of Mumbai, India for the glory of His name and the proclamation of His good word! Feel free to check in here for updates, prayer requests and little glimpses into my life.
Much love to you,
Carolina
*************************************************************************
A year ago, I resigned from my job to pursue other professional passions. I embarked with faith and expectation, but the 10 months which followed were incredibly arduous and wearisome. Though there were victories, much time was spent crying to God (and friends) about where my life was going. There were times where I had no words left, only tears, a gripping pain in my heart and desperation in my soul.
Below, I've included a snippet from my life story of how God took me on a wild journey that would bring me to the heart of Mumbai, India for the glory of His name and the proclamation of His good word! Feel free to check in here for updates, prayer requests and little glimpses into my life.
Much love to you,
Carolina
*************************************************************************
A year ago, I resigned from my job to pursue other professional passions. I embarked with faith and expectation, but the 10 months which followed were incredibly arduous and wearisome. Though there were victories, much time was spent crying to God (and friends) about where my life was going. There were times where I had no words left, only tears, a gripping pain in my heart and desperation in my soul.
God used this season to refine me. He called out my obsession to plan. God had abundantly more for my life, yet my planning limited Him. My striving led to anxiety and disappointment. In His love, God gently said, "I am the I AM. Allow Me to lead you." Slowly, I learned to stop spinning my wheels and to patiently wait and listen. I also realized my struggle with fear and anxiety resulted from not fully trusting Him. He used various circumstances to prove the extent of His love and faithfulness to me. I became even more confident in His character and promises and am now able to live in reckless abandonment to Him.
All I experienced these 10 months brought me to one Friday evening when I was invited to meet with the pastors from a sister church in Mumbai. I already had plans to go to a weekly prayer meeting, so I disregarded the invite. However, my mentor wanted to go, so I tagged along with the intention of leaving early. I entered dinner as one who didn't deviate from routine, but as soon as the pastors started speaking, I became a captive listener unaware of time. As soon as Pastor Kevin described the rejection girls experience because of their gender, my heart hurt as I was overwhelmed by God's deep love for them. As the time passed, I felt God say, "Listen to Me. Are you ready? Then go."
These past months changed me and brought me to a place where I could hear and respond to God's desires. From November through January, I will be serving Pastor Kevin and Lynette of Every Nation Mumbai in evangelism, small groups, campus ministry, leadership training and one-to-one mentoring. My hope is that God would use me to bring His precious, life-giving Kingdom to Mumbai and that His people would know that God Almighty is head-over-heels in love with them. What a privilege and joy it is to walk with the Lord while sharing His truth, hope and life with others!
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