Here’s how I survived:
1. Gmail can do everything your cellphone can do for you in the case of an emergency, assuming you have tapped into this resource.

• I can call my friends from my gmail (MAKE SURE YOU SAVE YOUR CONTACTs IN GMAIL, IT SAVED MY SANITY)
• I sent text messages through google chat
• Updated my twitter and Facebook all from with Google Buzz or tweetdeck

2. Landlines are worth keeping. Most people have switched to relying solely on cellphones but this weekend I was grateful to have a land line because I kept the phone in bed with me in case of emergency.

3. The people who need to get in touch with you will find a way to you. I could hear my phone sending me alerts but my screen was shot. Could you imagine the curiosity that was killing me?!

• As dramatic as I make it sound, I have survived almost 3 days without a cellphone and as long as you stick with a plan of action your people can find you.
• If you don’t use gmail, your carrier allows you to send text messages from their website to contacts which is another convenient tool when you’re in a bind.
• Sidenote- keep your living space clean cause you never know who might show up to look for the missing person.

4. If you are just not that interested or desperate for the outside world (like me) you can scratch all of the above and take a sabbatical. It may very well restore your sanity to not worry and just “take it light” as the islanders like to say. Unplug yourself from everything and everyone and have some ‘me’ time. RABDARGAB! Anyone remember that!? Ha!

I’m suppose to get my new cellphone tomorrow. Am I excited?! You bet your ass I am! I learned a few valuable lessons nonetheless.

1. Get a case for my phone
2. Brace yourself to have the plug pulled on you at anytime and be ready to roll with the punches
3. Get cellphone insurance
4. Memorize vital numbers. You know who needs to know where you are.
5. If I didn’t have my phone to distract me, I’d probably finish the 6 blogs I have waiting in the wings… :/

Cheers,
Liz

I met Serena in college. From the moment I met her, she radiated love, sincerity and goofiness, in that order. It only makes sense that she put that goofiness to use! Jokes aside she is a very talented woman. Let me brag on her for a minute. She’s a voice-over artist for anime. Recently, Serena was featured in a Nikon commercial. Isn’t she cute? Serena is quite the little songbird too! I love listening to her sing. I hope we get to sing together one day. Here’s where it gets even cooler. I love when world’s collide. Darin from my earlier post helped direct and shoot a promo/music video that Serena was featured in. Did I mention she’s got a lil swagga too? Check out her out spittin’ some rhymes in the Lakewood Church Youth Music Video .

Photo by Darin Rios Photography

Her equally awesome husband Jorge was part of the photo shoot as well.

Photo by Darin Rios Photography

I met Jorge back in 2003 or so when he was fancying Serena. I won’t say I didn’t bust his chops but I could tell that he was legit.  Jorge is an up and coming entrepreneur. He’s got his sights set on success. Check out his company. www.pathway2savings.com .

So why did I write this blog? Simply because I am surrounded by extraordinary people and they need to be spotlighted. Darin, Serena & Jorge are just three of a host of amazingness that surrounds me. I have to show off my friends. They are worth sharing with the world.

The next 9-12 hours turned into an experience worth sharing. I had the great honor of watching a professional at work. Darin Rios, whom I had I met briefly before and had seen his work prior to meeting him, was the photographer of the day. We jumped in his car and drove around to a vacant field and spent the better part of the day taking pictures. I watched  as he captured every possible light, angle and pose with passion and vigor.  With one DSLR camera, a 600 ws strobe light and a perfectly overcast day beauty and artistry joined hands and kissed. It was a learning curve for me because Darin let me play the role of “assistant director”. I was secretly geeking out. (hehe) Darin’s super chill vibe mixed with Serena and Jorge’s good looks made it an easy work environment. I didn’t notice the time passing.

I should tell you one of my all-time favorite photographers is the uber-talented Jeremy Cowart. I saw this picture posted at an event and it caught my eye right away. Upon taking a look at Darin’s site for the first time I saw my favorite photographer’s signature styles staring back at me but in a very unique way. I share all of this to say, I won’t be surprised WHEN Darin makes it big. He’s driven, talented, and determined. So I’m glad I met you before you hit it big time homie. Cheers!

Part 2: Jorge & Serena

DISCLAIMER: I am writing mainly for personal growth and reflection. If you like what you see/read, awesome! If you don’t, no worries. I’m just sharing my experiences, take it or leave it. I’ll blog as often as I can or if I experience something blog-worthy. Maybe one day I can show my kids for a few laughs.

Over the next few weeks I will be making posts. Feel free to check my back here or not. hehe

         We arrived in Nainital this morning at 8ish. It was my first experience in an overnight economy class coach cabin. I was apprehensive from the get go. As we entered the train, I realized that most of the cabin was filled with World Vision staff. I sat on one of the benches for a long while, quite still, observing the goings on. Everyone was snacking away. I have to say since I’ve been in India I have less of the munchies. My plan was drink little to nothing if possible. This was to avoid using the restroom on the train. We had dinner before we left the house so I was set for the night. If I didn’t eat then I wouldn’t be thirsty. An hour in everyone started unfolding the benches that turn into sleepers. I had the hardest time deciding where to sleep, the very top bunk or an aisle bunk. Either way I was preparing for a very restless night. I was afraid I would roll off the aisle bunk but if I went with the top bunk I was afraid of mosquitoes. I decided to go with the top becoming after flip-flopping about it in conversation with Saumya. She could tell I was apprehensive about the whole situation. I tried to stay awake as long as I could so when I got to my bunk I would be too exhausted to over analyze my surroundings. Finally sleep weighed heave on my eyes. I hoisted myself up onto the top bunk. When I got up to my bunk I realized the ceiling fan was inches away from me. I pictured myself turning over and getting my fingers caught in the fan. Yikes! I pulled out my bed sheet and made myself a little cocoon. Two thoughts crossed my mind: 1.“This is going to be one interesting night” 2. “If my parents only knew what I was doing”. I woke up pretty often, usually at every stop. My back was killing me at times. On top of that I was paranoid about my laptop so I slept with one hand on holding to the case. Around 6 am the “chaiii-aaaahh, chaiii-aaaahh!” began. Unbelievably annoying to say the least. The tea guy gets on the train and peddles his tea for the morning wake up call. I wanted shoot someone.

         After we got the Nainital we boarded a bus that took us from the train station up the mountain to our hotel. Ok, I’ve been to Thekaddy in Kerala, India and I thought that was breath taking. This place just took the cake. I wish all you were here with me to experience this paradise. There is no way I could describe the scenery in words. It’s something the eye has to take in for the soul to respond. I left my camera charger at home. So You’ll have to hang on to your britches. 

          I taught my one class and one clinic today. The diploma of worship and music students are great, I really enjoy teaching them. I had them sing a piece for me today. They have beautiful voices. There are only three students left of the five. I came to find out Rojith does attend NTC anymore. He was a having a hard with understanding English and decided to go home. Samuel went home to visit his mother while I am here. She has been very sick. Samuel was very interested in the classes and was super disappointed that he had to leave. I hope in the end everything will work out for Samuel. For now the three students that remain are making great progress. Aradhana has really come out of her shell. She wasn’t hesitant at all to sing for me. Which surprised me because she’s quite timid. Lazar and Titus have very pleasant voices. Out of all the students I’ve taught so far, they have to be the most malleable and responsive. I also had my regular afternoon clinic for non-music major students. I had a whole new batch today. They had tons of questions. I like their questions because it keeps me on my toes.

         From the beginning this has been quite an experience as far stretching. I know I had to stop talking about missions and get out there already. When the opportunity to combine music and missions came along. I felt like it was something I needed to really think and pray on. I’ve never given classes in vocal performance, legitimately. I had to rise to the occasion and study up. There is so much to factor in when it comes to your voice. Using personal and textbook knowledge I managed to pull something together that works for the students to understand and apply. I focused mainly on teaching them about proper vocal health, breathing exercises, the anatomy of the voice in connection with the whole body and general music theory. I pretty much had to give them a semester class in an easy to swallow 3-week capsule. So far so good is what I hear. Bejoy (the music director) told me he was getting a lot of positive feedback. I was ecstatic to hear the students were enjoying the classes. It motivates me to work all the more harder.

         After the afternoon clinic I stuck around to jam with a few of the guitar students. Woringam in particular is an amazing guitarist. We sang everything from Delirious? to Nickelback and even taught me some new chords. Voringam will be helping me lead worship for Sunday morning chapel service. I’m looking forward to it. Time got away from me because we were having such a great time. I forgot that we’re leaving for Nainital, India for a World Vision retreat. Everyone I’ve mentioned to about my trip has sung the praises of how beautiful it is. If it’s anything like Dehradun then count me in. 

         I woke up today just as the power was going out at about 4:30 am. I think there is something living in one of my shopping bags. I’ll have to do some investigation. I don’t know why I am up so early. It’s not like me. At least not in the states its not my usual “call time”. The sun is just starting to rise. I’m going to lie down and see if I can get in at least another hour of sleep. Bbl.

         I forgot my camera connections so it’s been difficult taking pictures. I’ve taken a few with me laptop but I’m waiting on a friend to send my power chords so I can seriously start taking some pictures. Since the wi-fi is up and running again I’ve been spending a couple of hours in the I.T. office surfing the net and catching up on emails. I taught 2 classes today. It seems like we’re making progress. I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback. It’s an awesome feeling as you watch the light bulb go off in peoples’ minds. Jacob Joseph, the head of the music department here on campus is very interesting. He’s has a great testimony. I’ll have to get him to share it on tape one day.

      This is an SOS for my brothers and sisters in America. I’m not sure if word has spread to America about the persecution of the church in Orissa but it is very sad news. The Director of Pastoral Affairs for NTC has shared with the campus staff and students that Hindu radicals have killed 14 Pastors. Hundreds of churches have been destroyed. Believers have been chased from their homes and resorted to living in the forest for refuge. The government recently set up refugee camps for Christians who have had to flee. We received news today that now they are being chased out from the camps as well. Many have fled the state to neighboring states. Please keep out brothers has sisters in your daily prayer. Sometimes it can be difficult to grasp the gravity of a situation when you aren’t in the thick of it. Today has been declared as a National Day of Prayer. Everyone can feel a cloud of mourning within the entire student body and staff for the loss. We continue to pray. Please do the same. Prayer moves the hands of God.

         The church service this morning was wonderful. To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to a 3-hour service but I really enjoyed listening to all the Hindi songs and the message was phenomenal. Pst. Lijo shared from Genesis 1:2-3. He shared an encouraging message for the body of Christ that is deeply moved by the church persecution in Orissa. Even though we may not see or know why the persecution is happening we know that God is still in control. In Genesis 1:2 we read that the Spirit of God was hovering over the darkness. God created Light and separated darkness from light in the next verse, day & night. I don’t know what was happening when then spirit of God was hovering over the waters and from the text we can’t tell how long it went on for. I know one thing if for sure, the spirit of God doesn’t hover for nothing. Pst. Bejo equated this to the situation in Orissa. We may not see what God is doing but he is definitely up to something….pray for our friends.

9/6/08 Saturday 2:30 pm

 Listening to: “Homebird”- Foy Vance, “Hometown”- Adele

        I woke up rather early again today. Either I haven’t adjusted to the time change or I just miss my bed. I have been without a cell phone or watch since I reached here. It’s kind of a relief and annoying at the same time. I ask what time is about 10 times day. I brushed my teeth and went downstairs. The plates were set out for breakfast. I plopped on the couch and picked up today Times of India. I’d like to subscribe to it for my place in America. Its good to know what’s going on in India since it is such a hot bed for commerce and economic growth.

As I sat reading the paper, two visitors came in. I stood up to greet both but then I wasn’t sure if I should leave the room or not. Sometimes I’m not sure what the rules of engagement call for. The two visitors were pastoral overseers in different areas in India. I had breakfast with them. I wasn’t sure about that either. I tried to wait till they were done but Molly Aunty insisted I sit with them. I was fine with is as long as I wasn’t being disrespectful. One of the pastors was very friendly. We hit it off. His name was Sam Thomas. It made me chuckle a bit. Since Sam Thomas is one of my good friend’s back in the states. I shared that tidbit of information. Pst. Sam Thomas used to be a well-known surgeon in the area. He left his practice to serve in the ministry full-time. I asked if he missed his profession, he responded quite passionately. “I don’t miss it since I have come to find a bigger a passion and that is preparing the bride. I love what I am doing now.” He shared that his wife had passed away almost a year ago from cancer. It’s never an easy subject to talk about. Pst. Sam has two sons of which one is serving as a youth pastor in Chennai at a church called, Asraya. I took the opportunity to share about my friend Erin being in Chennai. He said many missionaries attend Asraya church. I felt a kindred spirit with Pst. Sam. Hopefully I’ll see him again.

Went to the city for the first time since reaching Dehradun. We caught a ride with a few other people from campus. It was like a mini Delhi I suppose. Saumya and her mom were my escorts. I got to wear normal clothes today. I was stoked about that. I bought a few outfits to wear on campus. Most salvars come without sleeves. I had to add the sleeves to wear on campus. Which is fine for now. I also bought a pair of Japanese “Converse”. The real Converse they carry didn’t seem to look quite right. So I decided to go with a funkier off-brand that looked like it was imported from Japan. I got quite a steal. Rs. 400. I love the exchange rate. Even though when I came to India in 2005 I got Rs. 48 to US $1. This time I got Rs. 43 for US $1. 4 Salvar kamis, matching bangles for each, two pair of simple brown Bata sandals, 1 pair converse, a sari, a pair of “Aladdin” shoes and 3 orders of masala dosai for my friends and I = $125. It doesn’t get any better than that. We spent most of the day in the city. The pollution isn’t as bad as Delhi but still all the diesel exhaust is enough to make you want to wear a gas mask. We took an auto-rickshaw home. I can taste the smoke in my mouth. Mm MM good! 

9/5/08 10:30 pm

         I taught three classes today. I have to say, I miss teaching. The students are so receptive and sweet. I love watching them taking in a new idea and watching it settle in as they understand it. A few students stayed after class to chat a bit longer. I’m glad I was feeling better today. I could give more of myself. I was done for the day at 2pm. I was spent. I think at about 3 pm I went to my room after lunch to grab a catnap. That catnap turned into a 4-hour, sweat drenched coma. I had to force myself out of bed. I went downstairs to find Saumya reading the newspaper. I guess dinner was about to be served since there were a few dishes out on the table already. After dinner Saumya and I chatted for quite awhile. I tried to get her to mimic my American accent. Now that was funny. I tried to mimic hers. I think it was pretty awesome. She disagreed. The power has been out since shortly after dinner. We headed upstairs to hang out with our trusty emergency light in hand. She taught me a game similar to MASH. I showed her MASH. Remember M.A.S.H.? I’m sure the girls do.

         It rained for the first time since I arrived here. What a terrific experience! It was more of a light show than anything else. Saumya took me to the 2^nd floor deck or terrace, as they like to call it here. We could see the lightning create beautiful silhouettes of the mountains that enveloped the campus. The sky displayed beautiful shades of purples. The wind is blowing through the trees. It sounds like the ocean is right outside my window. I have my curtains pulled back to let in crisp cool breeze. I don’t feel sleep setting in any time soon. Everyone has gone to bed. Saumya invited me to her room to chat. I might just stay in my room and read under the emergency light and listen to the wind. I’m diggin’ this.