Pros and Cons.... things don't add up

I've been feeling a lot of turmoil about our life here. I think it's because I've had multiple opportunities to try and articulate the ups and downs of life here to our many guests over this last season (4 sets of dear friends and family that we traveled with and hosted in Bangalore over the last few months).

To be honest, I find myself feeling defensive when our guests come and see some of the beauty, luxury and ease of some parts of our life. There are lots of unseen costs, stresses and drains. But I'm grateful to be reminded of the many good things, too.

Palm lined avenues, household help and inexpensive spas sound nice. They are. But some serious restrictions on personal freedom, no car to drive myself, endless details to manage, illiterate help--loyal and honest as they are--who don't follow through, don't have initiative and have to be asked countless times... these things are challenging. Mango season is great. Getting diarrhea a few times a month is not (not from mangoes, just from food/water in general :)).

I think I'm a bit weary in general because of the heat, lots of travel, being pregnant, etc. We just weathered an extensive and extended search for a new house here (hoping for a little garden space and safer street for kiddos as #3 arrives) that ended in futility. Long story short: the real estate mafia won. At this point, I'm relieved to be staying where we are but a bit baffled by the whole process. The layers of corruption, greed and self-serving are disillusioning.

Dear readers, I know strains and trials are not unique to us here. I am sure there are many things weighing on you, too. And I pray that wherever in the world you are, you sense God's presence and care for you.