ka ngai che ("I miss you" in Mizo)

Who joined the AICS choir? This girl!

I haven't written in a week, but that's mostly because I haven't had any crazy exciting adventures to tell. It's also because I've been busy and simply not motivated to blog lol. My classes are getting better and better every week. The students are becoming more comfortable, and I am getting the hang of teaching English. We spend half of the class going over grammar (mostly verbs and the occasional problem I hear outside of class). For the second half of class we have a theological discussion. During the discussion, I correct any grammar problems I hear, but it's mostly to get them talking. They'll learn simply from listening to each other and from trying to formulate their thoughts in English. It's going well. So far I have discussed polity with my BD and MDiv students and what people of other religions think of Christians with my missionary students.

On Wednesday night I woke up in the middle of the night sick. I felt a little better in the morning, but it took all of Thursday to recover. Apparently, the top ramen-like packaged noodles I ate made me sick. I bought them at a little store students can walk to from the campus. They have a spicy seasoning that tastes delicious, but they said that on a relatively empty stomach it can make you sick. I had had it twice before, but it made me sick this time. I won't be eating that again haha.

After the afternoon and evening services,
we all shared tea together. mmm.

From Friday through Sunday there was a retreat. Every year AICS holds this retreat. They had a speaker come in from a theological college near Kolkata. It was a service-packed few days. Starting Friday night, we had a total of nine services, each lasting at least an hour and a half, some were over two hours. Let's just say I'm taking today to rest... One of my favorite parts about the weekend was hearing one of the speaker's stories. His story was about a guest speaker at his church a while ago. Everyone expected a sermon, but she simply stood up and said, "Christ loves you." She said one or two other sentences and then sat down. Feeling slightly shocked because of the short message, the congregation asked for the opportunity to ask her a few questions. One person stood up and expressed his anger that she was running a ministry that fed poor Muslims. He asked her why she was encouraging them. She answered that it was because she saw Christ in their faces. Who was this speaker? Mother Teresa. She was his guest speaker. NBD (that means no big deal, grandma and grandpa). ;) haha.

Singspiration singing. Can you find me? haha.

Because of the busy weekend, everyone has today (Monday) off. I had the opportunity to go into the city, but I declined. I just need some time to rest and be alone. I think that a little culture shock hit me within this past week, so some time to myself is much needed. I'm not in Kansas anymore. I've actually never been to Kansas... But seriously, I won't deny that I miss the comforts of home. And I'm sad that I will miss 4th of July festivities, but you better believe I'll be sporting my red, white, and blue all the way in India. ;) I've been on this trip for seven weeks and in Mizoram for four weeks. I have just over six weeks left. It's flying by. Don't get me wrong, I'm really grateful for this opportunity, and I'm learning so much about Mizoram and about myself... but I'll be glad to see my friends and family. I love and miss you all! <3