Monday, November 1, 2010

Home Again Home Again

             I'm home in the States again.  Catching up with old friends and learning all the new stuff that's changed in the US, Alabama, Huntsville, my church, and people's lives.   I've been expecting all the new things, and am slightly and pleasantly surprised by the things that have stayed the same.   1 week and 4 days into being home, and I'm getting used to the world about me.   I think my greatest anxiety is in getting a new job soon, preferably in a ministry position.  Haven't been in a Wal-Mart yet, so I can't say if other's experience at being overwhelmed by the choices and choices and choices of Wal-Mart will hold true for me.  (I rather think it won't).   I do miss the slower-paced life and the ability to just walk down a street and buy whatever I think I might need and just talk to the wallahs/vendors on the road.    I am happy to notice that the Southerner hospitality and friendliness is still there in our communty, despite our U.S. orientation towards time rather than event and our strong sense of self-reliance.   Strong community and family values and an orientation towards warm human relations are common points between Indian and US South culture.   I've now attended my home churches' big church setting of worship service and of Sunday School/ Life Groups and haven't been weirded out (yet).   I do note the strong emphasis on programs and timeliness that is present in the church settings as well as in the American culture at large.   But really, the best part of coming back for me has been reconnecting with friends here in Huntsville.   My greater life-journey will continue, though my journeys in South Asia have been completed for now. 

Grace and Peace in Jesus to all,
Paul Lanier

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, welcome home (five months late!) I'm intrigued by the festival that you talked about in the caption for your photo. What is it?

Paul L said...

Laura, thanks for the welcome home. (I believe I'm a month late in picking up on your comment.) The festival is called Holi, and people splash colored powder on each other. (the only colors not used are black and white). I don't really know the reasons for this. It might be a celebration of good triumphing over evil and it might be a celebration of the incredible diversity in India. People love it and many get into the fun. It's almost like a human version of painting of Easter eggs. :-)