It's amazing to me that as soon as I walked into the Church house that I instantly felt like I was home! This building in the middle of a crazy busy street standing tall was home to me! From the pictures hanging on the walls to the smell, it all felt so familiar! The spirit was so strong as soon as I walked in. Its great to feel so welcome in a place so far away from home!



I loved seeing this sign outside the church in both English and Tamil!



From the moment I sat down for sacrament I was already emotional and full of the spirit. I felt the love of my Father in Heaven so strongly and it re-confirmed that I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church and I'm so grateful to be a member! The opening hymn was "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" as I was singing the words I felt overwhelmed. Each word making me realize how blessed I am to have been born into a family that loved me and that I was raised within the church! I felt as though I sometimes take the church for granted. We had to drive for two hours to go to church when back at home it takes five min and yet I'm almost always late. I loved the members I met that day and the talks I had heard. I know that they love the church and want to be like Christ! I feel so close to Christ as I serve him. There are so many people, families and lives that need to be loved and understood. I have felt so much love from so many people every single day that I am here!




This is the busy street right out in front of the church! It's super loud outside and so peaceful inside!


After Church we went shopping at a local mall. ( I know not very good to do on a Sunday, still love me,) we went to a shopping mall called Spencer's. Apparently a shopper's dream come true in Chennai! It was so interesting to see! There was three levels and lots of the same things in every store. It usually consist of bags, rugs, wood carvings, jewelry, Indian clothing and pillow cases! We had a good time walking around bargaining and seeing all that Spencer's had to offer! I really love all the things we do here at the school with the kids and in the colonies but I also really love having free time to spend with the other volunteers. We have all become such good friends and I love the time spent together!






oh just I case there is a winter storm in India and you might need thermal protection. Spencer's has a store for that!



Bensen, Krissy and I taking candid memories!



Alex if your reading this! I found you the perfect outfit to go along with the hat you wanted!

We are always being stared at when we are in the city. It feels like maybe they don't get many Americans in Chennai! Or maybe it's that we are dressed in Indian clothing when they want to dress like Americans. I have seen many shops selling American clothing. All the adds are very cheesy and the clothes are too! The other day in the village I saw a tiny salon that had a sign that said "Skin Bleaching" I asked Anand why someone would want their skin bleached and he said " You like our dark skin?" I replied with a yes then he said "you want dark skin and we want light skin!" it's amazing how some really want to change their appearance. I guess it's just like the saying.

you want what you can't have

I am always fascinated with the Indian culture as I learn about it day by day. Sometimes I will stop what I'm doing, look around and think, wow I'm in India! It just hits me that I am really here. Time is going by too fast. I don't feel ready to leave. The days are counting down way too fast!I want to stay, I am not ready to leave! So for now I need to focus on what's in front of me and when I get home I will work on how soon I can come back!
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Location:Sunday Funday!