India Post 7 - (F10/Equip)
Hi again. Today marks the final day working at Force10 India and I have not transferred over to the hotel where the rest of the Equip folks will be arriving. Some have already started (Virendra and his mom are here).
Cultural experiences:
My largest accomplishment during the day today was running an errand all by myself and crossing the street with no assistance! Okay, I know that sounds like so second grade - but you have to understand there are no lights by my work, the cars don't slow down and there is rarely a gap like the kind you'd require to do the job in the US. No you have to weave your way through traffic (on foot) and just convince them that you are serious and are going to do it. Only then will they yield and shuttle to the right or left as they speed by depending on your direction. So I weaved around cars, motor-bikes, and auto's. My coworkers were extremely impressed after I had told them I did it. The locals do it all the time. I somehow now feel respected as not just a tourist - but rather a Serious traffic walking commando!
Tonight I went with Virendra, his mom, and Jenna (other consultant) to diner at the house of Ajit (connection from the last trip). We shared a meal at his house and enjoyed wonderful conversation. Ajit is the first one I've seen who actually has a house, not an attached apartment or high density town home type setup. Ajit lives with his wide, three lovely daughters (one Janae's age), and mother. Yes I used my fingers! They actually tried to convince me to use provided utensils, but I'm pretty sure it was a setup and the local preserve-traditional-edicate police were nearby waiting to nab me. Alas, I did not give in! I fought the good fight. I ate the good food. I lived to lick my fingers and savor every last bit of burning curry on my lips. [personal note: eating rice with your fingers is very challenging!!]
Cultural Observation: I thought you'd enjoy getting an understanding on some local costs I've observed.
ride an auto all the way across town - 60 rupee ($1.33)
get a shirt pressed - 2 rupee. washed and pressed - 5 rupee ( $.04 , $.11)
diet Pepsi - 20 to 40 rupee depending on size and how white they believe you are ;-) ($.44, $.88)
pizza hut pizza and Pepsi - 210 rupee ($4.66)
buffet breakfast at a very nice hotel - 105 rupee ($2.33)
full Chinese diner at a nice hotel - 200 rupee ($4.44)
cup of coffee at a roadside shop (this is a small cup - (about 4 oz) I guess it has coffee, milk, sugar - 15 rupee [this is NOT Starbucks!!] ($.33)
Note: Gandi's picture is on every single paper rupee (not the coins)
I heard in a World Vision presentation yesterday that 79.9% of Indians live on 90 rupee a day or less. That is $1.00 a day. You can go to a few corner carts and get a small bowl of rice with a little curd for as low as 10 to 15 rupee. (Note: this is not recommended fare for tourists no matter how tight a budget your trying to hold).
The notes from the sermon yesterday:
Describing the parable of the sower
The seed feel on the the Hard Ground - this is willful sin. You know it is sin, but refuse to turn.
Repentance is turning around and walking the other way from the direction you were walking in sin.
This one is Refusing to turn around in spite of knowing you should
The seed fell on the Rocky Ground - this is hidden sin. This parable was spoken in Palestine.
There the soil looks okay on top, but just under the surface is many many rocks. in order to
grow you need to turn the soil and remove the hidden rocks.
Repentance is turning around and walking the other way. This one is turning (likely for appearance),
but then walking backwards.
The seed fell on the thorny Ground - this is having two masters.
Repentance is walking, stopping, turning, and then never look back.
This one is walking along, turn, stop, step, stop, turn, step other way, stop, turn, ....
This is walking along, stopping, turning, and going the other way, no looking back.
This is turning from my own sinful nature and instead following my one true savior.
Thanks for the prayers. Please pray that the team really jells over the next 2 days before we meet the actual clients. Tuesday morning will mark the fist time we have all met. There are 2 folks flying in from South Africa and 2 from Jakarta.
This is turning out to be quite a diverse team.
Thanks and God Bless."
posted by Winya @ 10:01 AM
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