Latte anyone?

Wow...again, so much to update!! So I have officially been in Pune for almost one week...and I love it! God has been so good and has allowed everything to work out far better than I expected! I'll give a quick rundown of what is going on...
As I said before, the first night here was a little rough. Felt so alone and a little afriad/unsure of what was to come. God was quick to the rescue because the next morning I headed over the coffee shop that my host family owns and operates. Within about 30 minutes my host had introduced me to about 10 people and the next thing I know my new friend offered to take me around town and meet other people on his motorcycle. So I came back after one morning and had pretty much met the whole city! ha!
Pune is very westernized and has a good contrast of old india and new india. It is a University town, with over 100 different colleges throughout the city, so students are everywhere! But that makes it really fun and exciting! I was introduced to a couple of American guys my age that were working in the city and with the University. They have been really helpful in getting to know other people and getting to know the city. Thank God for nice people!
On Monday I started training at the coffee shop... for those of you who know me you are probably laughing right now because you know I don't even like coffee. But dispite that minor detail, I am have a blast working there!! After three days I actually feel like I know what I am doing... I am getting pretty good at making all the cold drinks like Frappacinnos and teas. The steamed milk is my weakness...it is hit or miss if you order a Latte or Cappucinno from me. But the other staff member, who are all Indian, are so nice and full of mercy (although I'm sure they think I am just a stupid white guy) They like to laugh (mostly at me) but I like to laugh at me too, so it works out great! The girls that work there like me because I am tall and can reach all the to-go cups... I am glad I am useful. or something. The coffee shop is such an amazing place, I wish you could all see it. My host family has really poured all of themselves into and it is basically their own type of ministry. They treat the workers fairly (which is so rare in India) and are truly Christ like examples for these young people. It is amazing. I am just honored to be a part of it, even for a month.
It has been so nice actually becoming part of the community here, and not just a tourist. Getting to see how real like in India works has been so exciting. Everyday I feel like I see something new and learn something new. I call india the "land of rules" and all these rules I don't understand. It has been such a humbling time (and pretty hilarious) just trying to attempt to understand daily life here (it is sooo different). My host (who is Indian) and I were having a conversation one day about the differences between Americans and Indians. We made a pretty good list of differences; First of all Indians are taught from a young age in school just how to memorize information, not really learn it, so because of that, many lack good sequential thinking skills. Also, many indians just know one way to do something and refuse to acknowledge any other alternatives. He also said that regard for human value is just less here. Culture here puts of stronger focus on out witting the other party, rather than just general concern for people. Now I know I have no clout to say any of this and these are huge stereotypes, but I am just simply stating what I have seen first hand. Anyway, basically my point is; everything here is so different...not bad at all..just so different. I love learning more everyday about this place and trying to put all these pieces together. I don't really expect to ever really "get it" but I am so glad that I am getting exposed to this culture that is so unlike what I already know..makes life much more exciting!
As this trip goes on, I have really become so much more hopeful about the world. I know that seems a little strange considering most people think these types of "exposure" trips are suppose to envoke all these strong emotions and painful realizationsa bout the world. I am not denying that our world is FULL of problems that need to be address and it is our responsibility to address those. But after getting to see, meet, and work along side SO many differnt people on this trip, and then taking a step back and seeing all these little endeavours compiled together to make something big. It really is amazing to see God's work throughout this country, whether it be through water testing, bible translation, or just working in a coffee shop. I am so hopeful and full of excitment about what God is doing. Now that being said, this trip has all convicted me to do more, but I feel like I am up for the adventure, whatever that might be.

The last few days God has really put on my heart the idea of living in reality and living in the moment. I am reading a great book called Lion on the Lamb by Brennan Manning and it talks a lot about childlike faith and not having expectations. This trip has been so great in getting to confront my brokenness and failures and accept them as part of me. I am working everyday to truly know Jesus more, not just know about him, but truly know Him. And to do that I know that I miss first accept His gift of unconditional love. It has been much harder than I expected but I know that accepting his love for me allows me love myself and thence allows me love others, which is the end goal.

Thats all for now...peace, love and coffee.

Matt-