Sabbath totally broken and it's only 9:30 :(

Its hard to be a "light which cannot be hidden" when I'm doing things like breaking the Sabbath. I realize that I have a strict schedule and Heavenly Father knows where my heart is and I knew this would be part of the deal, but I would hate to think anyone sees me as insincere. That's weighing on me at the moment.

On a better note, I'm staying at a wonderful home with a sweet family. Rohit started his own precision auto parts business that exports to the US. I saw so many of the same tools we use at the plant - why-why, fishbone, SPC, etc. It was pretty cool. Also their leadership does a basic LSW walk with the employees and has "bottleneck" meetings to discuss what the workers say are issues. Its nice to see so much involvement.

We were "Americanized" last night - we went to TGIF restaurant :) Scott, Mary and i shared a veggie pizza. Then Scott and I went for a quick walk around an adjacent mall to "decompress" for a few minutes. Every once in awhile I get those emails at work that make my blood-pressure rise and I know that I need to simply close them and relax a bit. With everything going on, that seems to be the best analogy of how I feel - except I can't close the email. Don't get me wrong, this is the most amazing experience but I feel like I'm not able to really comprehend the full ramifications of the siutation. There are such extremes - such poverty and wealth...Beauty and horror...similarities and differences...I'm just trying to absorb everything I can. I suppose it will hit me over months to come.

I'm pretty sure I got a new nick name - I think it is Spunky.... :) Made me think of Al and "spitfire". Hopefully I don't drive my teammates crazy...they didn't know what they were getting into :) I'm defiantly trying to be 'me'...no point in really trying to worry about what everyone else thinks....way too stressful. I figure that if I truly try my best to be true to myself then I will represent America and Rotary well. At least I hope...

Today we are off to a picnic - like I said Sabbath broken. Then, I'm not sure but I hope that we will spend some time with our families. I love the girls - Avni and Mahi - they are so sweet and fun to be around. Avni is about to turn 15, and Mahi is around 6...(not sure). The picnic should be fun - we have activities like kite flying, a 3-legged race, and tug-o-war. Pictures should be fun later! Luckily I got a bit of time to myself this morning and was able to listen to wholesome music and do a bit of scripture study. Its been *interesting* seeing all of the religions over here. That would be a whole blog entry by itself....

Breakfast time!!

PS. Thanks to everyone who is reading this - I've been getting some emails and it is awesome to see some friendly notes from home. I'll respond, I promise, I just need to find some time!! Love you and miss you all :)