​Being in Mumbai for the last two weeks has been relaxing and chaotic all in one. We had a record-breaking skills challenge of 1800+ kids followed by a six-day tournament, with a two-day tryout right after. In between all the basketball, I have been able to go to church, find a CrossFit gym, eat at some good restaurants, meet a lot of new people, do lots of walking and acquire the best farmers tan you have ever seen!
One of my favorite new friends is a guy who is only a couple of blocks away from my apartment. He has special needs and is in a wheelchair. His caretaker puts him on the same street corner almost every day from dusk until dawn with a tip jar connected to his chair. Every so often the guardian comes to collect the money that has been accumulated and presses it into his pocket. The man in the chair seems so happy sitting, smiling big, and swinging his arms uncontrollably at all the people passing by. Most people walk by and try not to see him, but he sees everyone with excitement and even lets out a squeal at times. The first time I saw him I was uncertain of what to do, not knowing if I should give him money, feel bad for his situation or be happy with him. I decided every time I pass by, I was going to acknowledge him and try to have a small goodie for him. A couple of days ago I brought him a candy bar and he let out the biggest yelp of joy while clapping his hands together. He spotted me yesterday and had a huge smile on his face as usual, and started waving eagerly. I went up to him to say hello and gave him an animated high five. I hope that when I see him I give him love, cheer, and good company. What he gives me is so much more and makes my heart smile. Every day I pray that I let God's light shine through me and for people to be encouraged by it. I see him and I can physically see what I am praying for. Each time I walk up to that busy corner, he gives me love, joy, and inspiration. 
There are lots of young street kids around that ask for money, for food or for you to buy the product they have in their hand. I had just finished my dinner at one of my usual places and two ran up asking for me to buy the small packages of tissues they held in their hands. I said no thank you, but they were insanely persistent. I am sure it can get exhausting always getting rejected, ignored or yelled at for peddling their things to others. I tend to think, as much as I do not like to be bothered by someone selling me goods, it has to be just as bothersome having a job that entails you to constantly be told no and shooed away. Instead of buying their merchandise, I started a conversation with them. At first, they were confused as to why I was talking to them, but I just kept chatting. They were about 10 years old and we began speaking in broken English about where we were on the street, what they liked, how old they were and so on. This lasted for about 15 minutes until my ride pulled up. A couple of days later I was at the same restaurant and one of the boys saw me. He ran up to me and instead of asking me to buy the tightly gripped tissues, he eagerly reached his hand out to shake mine with a playful grin. I squeezed him with a strong hug, told him he was one of the coolest kids I knew, made small talk and asked if I could take a selfie with him. He nodded his head with the most enthusiasm. It was so great to see him act his age rather than a laboring salesman on the street. 
No matter who we are, we all need someone. We need to be acknowledged, smiled at, encouraged or just have some love shown towards us. I urge everyone to selflessly be this person. Make a goal of showing an act of kindness towards someone every day. The best part about it is that when we think that we are reaching out to someone else, usually they are blessing us 🙂.

​I just returned to my apartment from traveling to eight distant cities in twenty-seven days. Before I left on my long trip, I had just settled into my new living arrangements and was only here long enough to unpack. Once I returned from my journey, I didn't realize that I do not exactly remember where I live in my building. A sweet lady stopped me in the lobby and as we were chatting she asked me what floor I lived on. Only remembering what my door looked like, I took a wild guess at the second (which turned out to be correct lol). After talking for a bit, I found my door, came into the apartment, threw everything I had on the floor and collapsed on my bed. It was so nice to be back! As I began to unpack, it was like I was a kid in a candy store, finding things that I forgot I had in my room and holding them up like they were something new. Initially, when I left, I was only scheduled to be out nine days, but because of changes, I was out a month, so having access to more than my light packing was amazing. Even though I was glad to get back and rest, I am extremely grateful that my plans were changed and I was able to encounter new places, with new people, with new experiences. 
This time has gone by so quickly, and yet I am still on the move. I can honestly say that I am loving the fast-paced, constant travel, continually active atmosphere. It keeps me on my toes, sharp and ready. If you know anything about me, you would know that I have high energy, so this is a perfect blend for me to exert my ambition into something I truly enjoy. 
It was after a skills challenge we decided to go to the top of the mountains. While on the way, our driver told us about a beautiful waterfall on the other side, so of course, we opted to go see it. Along with the twists and turns, you could see the amazing view out before us (if you get motion sickness, you would not have made it through the first five minutes without getting nauseous). We would randomly stop for selfies and to take in the culture of the city below and the beauty of God's nature around us. My favorite part was the monkeys! They were everywhere, just hanging out and doing their own monkey thing. Once we got to the waterfall, we had to walk down lots of stairs to see it. The monkeys were all around, which I was loving, but was careful not to bring their attention to me, knowing that they outnumbered me if something went awry. The waterfall was a majestic site. It glistened in the sun and the sound of the water crashing below was harmonic. It was cold and the crisp air added to its beauty. Other than laughing at the intoxicated fellow who got in the below freezing water and took a selfie while standing underneath the waterfall, it was picturesque (Lol!). 
From the mountains to the monkeys, to the waterfall, I see God's beauty. He gives us life and puts us among his astonishing creations.  As we continue in our normal, busy lives, pausing to see His works can allow us to capture His closeness every day.