This weekend was a scorcher. We switched plans and returned to mammalapuram this week because the French colony we planned to visit was going to be much hotter and a 3 hour bus ride away. I was looking forward to it because Lakshmi the elephant gives out blessings to the public-- but our schedule didn't match up with her schedule. We would have to arrive at 7am and there was no guarantee that Lakshmi would be well or that others wouldn't be there before us. Mammalapuram on the other hand was on a beach, with a pool, "American" food, and only a 45 minute bus ride away. It's a bit obvious why we chose mammalapuram.
Craig made us pancakes and mango syrup and it was so delicious. We were so grateful for American food! We went shopping in the morning for some souvenirs for friends, family, and ourselves. After, we met for lunch at Moonrakers again. I ordered the chicken sandwich-- can I just say it was heaven? Even the lukewarm chocolate milk shake, melted and three sizes too small, was exceptional.
We then went to the beach. It was so wonderful! We jumped over the waves, dove under them, and even got slapped in the face by some. It was the perfect temperature, even though it was 118 degrees outside. We lounged in the hammocks, sat along the shore, and then went on a hunt for magnum ice cream bars. We failed at finding them BUT we did find ice cream! We went to the pool thereafter, and it was warm like a Jacuzzi-- not exactly helpful in cooling off.
After Mammalapuram we took the bus back home and made it back in time for playtime with the RSO students. I know I've said this before, but seriously, they are the cutest. I want to bring them back to the states with me.
On Sunday, June 8th, we attended church in Chennai. I love church here because it's simple and no one is judging you if you have nose rings or your bare stomach showing. I also love it because the simple things make the biggest impact. Today we heard some really great talks on reverence. I liked this quote, "Many of us think that reverence is a behavior, but I believe reverence is an attitude." And I agree. Reverence is a private respect for God. And I need to evaluate myself and exercise my own attitude of reverence to give God his proper respect.
I promised a picture of Divya, she's wearing western clothes like she told us she would, and I'm wearing traditional Indian clothes. I love spending time with her at church.
This evening the Youngs arrived. They're staying in the Green House for a whole year. They're from Spanish Fork and have five children. I'm excited to get to know them, even though I'm not exactly sure how much time I'll get to spend with them. How cool would it be to move your whole family to India for a year? Let's just say I'm open to this possible development in my life down the road. :)
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