Here are some photos of our meandering around the neighborhood this morning.

New food discovery: red carrots! Similar taste--crunchy and sweet.

And the last one is our 4x4' lawn being mowed.

The photo of Hannah w/small round object at her feet is to show what obstructed my path when running a while ago... my downfall.

Hanging in there

Just a quick note to say that we're hanging in there. It's been a somewhat stressful last couple of days w/household help relations and the kids (and me) having a tough time (emotionally). We're trying to figure out some schooling and schedule options. We would be grateful for your prayers for wisdom and guidance as we navigate this issue.

We've met a couple of friends. Our neighborhood is very international. I've heard German, Spanish, French, Hindi and a variety of Nordic languages that I can't distinguish from one another. We attended a play group at a lovely Dutch woman's home today; in attendance were a Finn, a Brit and myself. Most of the English we hear here sounds little like ours. :)

Our internet has been in and out, so I haven't been able to be in touch as much as I would like at times.

The reality of life here (vs. an extended vacation--as the swaying palm trees might fool us to believe) is beginning to sink in.

Shae is LOVING his job and really enjoying the new opportunities, his team and his boss. I asked him to write soon on the blog to give you the dish.

The Indian head bob

I mentioned this in the last post re: Raj, but it really deserves a post all its own. Here's a good description I found:


the fabulous indian head bob

In India, if a person shakes their head from side to side, it means “no”. If a person nods their head up and down it means “yes”. This is all pretty familiar, no? But here there is a spectacular third possibility. It is called the Indian head bob. It is achieved by the smooth and undulating weaving of the head from side to side. A “sinuous back-and-forth-up-and-down-at-the-same-time movement, as smoothly as if the head rested on ball-bearings”.

This bob possesses a myriad of meanings. It can mean “yes”. It can mean “OK”, “Great”, or “I guess so”. It can mean “Sure” or “Eh, why not?”. If exhibited while another person is speaking, it can also mean “I'm listening” or “I understand” or “I appreciate the meaning of what you are saying, even though I don't necessarily agree with you”. I have also come to learn that it can sometimes mean "OK, you crazy American. Whatever". (http://www.aforadventure.com/headbob.html)

And to expound: (http://colorblindcupid.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/the-indian-head-bob/)

The head bob can be used to convey all kinds of messages, from the simple to complex:

Yes

No

I don’t know

Okay - I hear you. Keep going.

I’m listening

I totally disagree with that

You’re pissing me off, but I’m not ready to fight with you quite yet [otherwise known as the angry head bob]

I’m not so sure about that

I totally don’t like that idea, but I don’t want to have to give a reason why

That was kind of funny, but not funny enough to actually laugh

That wasn’t really funny, but you get a courtesy bob so you’re not embarrassed by your bad joke

I hear what you want me to do, but no way am I going to do that, so I’m just going to bob and maybe you’ll shut up about it

I’m bored now, but if I keep bobbing, the person talking to me may not notice I’m not paying attention to anything they’re saying [I so wish I could adopt this one sometimes!]

As the answer to “Why didn’t you vacuum today? I asked you to do one thing, and you didn’t vacuum? Why not?” [or insert whatever honey-do chore you like there]

Our helpers: part two

I haven't written more about our help over the last few days because, as I briefly mentioned in the last post, it has been the most stressful part of my time here so far. Shae had a sit down talk today with Raj, our cook/househelper. I think a combination of differences in language, culture, expectations, and temperaments has provided opportunities for conflict. We suggested a trial period and detailed our expectations explicitly.

This is my initial description of Raj & Florence. It hasn't worked well having their daughter in our house, so we're hoping for different arrangement.

2) Raj & Florence, and their 10-month-old daughter Andrea Madonna. They are our house helpers, a married couple in their 40’s? They cook (lunch/dinner) and clean for us and have cared for the children of other families they worked for. Raj’s English is somewhat limited and Florence speaks virtually no English. I think the only word she knows is “fine” (in response to being asked how she is doing today ). The language barrier makes deeper communication more challenging… and amusing. They come around 10-11am and leave around 3pm.

They have been very attentive to our likes and dislikes, asking lots of questions, eager to please. Sometimes this can be trying. And if you say you like or dislike something, “I will make everyday, madam, everyday I make it.” Or “I will not do again, madam.” It’s odd to be “madam” and to have my wishes become law. I am eager to learn from Raj in the kitchen and be the student, not the one in charge. I showed him by recipe binder, in which he wasn’t the least bit interested, but he promised to show me everything I want to learn. “You get a pencil, madam, and write it all down for your book.”

One of the most notable things about Raj is the HEAD BOB. It is still a little disconcerting and confusing at times, but we're getting used to it. :)

Chapatis in action

Wasn't able to add this to the last entry:



Pardon the last part of the video...Matthew jumped into my arms as I was taping!

Chapati

Raju, our driver, making chapati with the kids.

The land of spicy ketchup

So, I was once sent an e-mail list of 20 ways you know you're from Minnesota. My favorite: if you think ketchup is spicy.

Well, we're not in MN anymore. I bought some ketchup for the kiddos and intentionally chose the kind that says "NO ONION, NO GARLIC". Matthew took one bite and started crying. Poor kid. It was a little spicy. I'll keep trying.

Last night Hannah said, "Mommy, I don't want any more India food, Mommy. Can you just give me Minnesota food?" She was pretty tired. We had apples and peanut butter for dinner.