"Hey family so fortunately the bed
bugs weren't as big as of problem this week buuut maybe that's because
we weren't at our apartment for 4 nights. So remember I said there is a
big money crisis going on, well it's gotten so much worse. This week we
ran out of money. We had about 100 rupees left on Tuesday which is
like 1.50 usd. To pull out money my companion has to use another elders
card in our district because they have a joint account. Anyways, we met
up with those Elders and spent a whole day looking for an atm with
cash... we couldn't find anything. We were literally stranded in the
area Mehdipatnum, which is like 40 minutes by train from our apt. The
next few days consisted of the same thing: us wondering around the city
in search of money with no luck. Finally we waited in line for 4 and
half hours to pull out 2000 rupees. about 33$. There is no money in
India. No cash. Which makes it impossible to travel around to our area
and even buy food. One experience I had while waiting in the 4 and half
hour line: Waiting was boring but while we were standing in the super
long line the news crew appeared. They interviewed a few of the
irritated people. Then unexpectedly they grabbed me to the side and put a
microphone in my face. With absolutely no understanding of the
questions or remarks they made I said the only things I knew in Hindi.
"my name is Erasmus. I am from America. No money. I did not eat today.
Not good day". I'm guessing somewhere out there families was watching
the news and saw me make no sense on live television hah!"
Happy December
Recently some great things
are happening here! For starters The mission has started to take aim on
teaching not just individuals but really focus on families. Just this
week we have found two families! one of these families doesn't know how
to express in English but understands some so we have been able to teach
in HINDI language which has been difficult but rewarding for me too!
Second
I will be staying in Hyderabad for another 6 months which is great for
me! I am really happy to be here because life is good, I have a fun
companion, the gym is close to our apartment, Great ward, and I found a
store with toilet paper. Blessings
The money
issue is still a burden on everyone here. this last week I have had to
live off of 400 rupees. about 6 USD$. which is no money at all for
travel and food. lets just say I ate at some really...really cheap
places I will never go again! In fact if you want to pull out like 30$
usd you have to wait in line for 4 hours. super efficient.
I
also got to attend a Hindu wedding this week which was interesting to
say the least. Im a fan of weddings and the food (biriyani) was
incredible but the Hindu traditions definitely put some questions in my
mind. for instance people will dye their skin color yellow especially
their hands and feet. When I went to meet with the bride and groom its a
sign of respect and support to throw rice on top of their heads. Loud
chants, lots of fireworks, intriguing clothing
I am super stoked for Christmas. Hope you all "light the world." love hearing from all of you
Elder Erasmus
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