I wanted to send one last update before I return to the states. I leave in one week. It hasn't fully hit me yet. Well, in my last email I asked for yarper for opportunities and I think Dad heard because we're constantly being presented with them; opportunities to not only learn about Jainism, but also to share with friends and make new friends.
A week before our paper on Jainism was due, people were coming out of nowhere inviting us over to help us and answer any questions we had. We were even invited to spend a few days with some Jain monks and nuns. It was really interesting. We got up a 5 and went to listen to their teachings and just spent the whole day observing and talking with them. It was great. We even wore our sarees.(For those who are interested, we have pictures.) We've also met some Tibetan refugees who come to Ahmedabad for 3 months to sell cloths. They're a beautiful people. They all have these smiles that make you want a picture of all of them. They made us some Tibetan food and we had a chance to talk with some of them and just get to know their stories. It was such a blessing.
Oh, our paper is done by the way, which is a huge praise. The cool thing was that Tori and I yarped for this not to be another assignment but to really see the people for who they are and Dad allowed us to get a glimpse of them through His heart. We were able to really love the people, not so much the religion, but the people. And that has been our intro into our last few weeks here.
If you didn't know, it's hard to say good-bye and through it all we want to leave these people knowing that they are loved. So far it's been really good. We've decorated for Christmas so it's been an open door to share.
Here, Christmas is not really celebrated or even acknowledged. Most schools and businesses don't even have a day off. So anything we share is new for them. We've especially been able to have some good conversations with our neighbor and close friends. Next week we plan on baking some Christmas desserts and having our friends come over for coffee, desserts, fellowship, and good-byes. It's been great because there's been no stress involved. Dad has really planned out our last bit of time here.
For the next week guys, be in constant yarper about opportunities to share with our close friends and softened hearts among the people we're living with. Yarp that we are out of the way so that Dad can work. I love you guys and I appreciate all of you. You mean so much to me. I'll see you soon!
Love, Abbi