Celebrity Status Achieved at ताज महल

That is Hindi for:

aka. Taj Mahal

I went there my first day in India.  After a two hour taxi "tour" to find the actual tour bus, I rode as the only white tourist on a bus for 5 1/2 hours from Delhi to Agra.  Most interesting part about the Taj?  Apparently I was the main attraction.  First of all, it was VERY crowded, because it was a Sunday - day off for Muslims, Hindus and Christians.  Everywhere I went, people wanted to take their picture with me.  I saw two other white people and they were an old french couple.  Seriously - boys, girls, all ages, wanted ME in their picture.  Some were too shy to ask me, so they would just follow me for a little bit.  Flattering at first, slightly annoying after awhile.  But I did take pictures of them too, so maybe its equal (but not really).

Aside from that though, it was totally awesome.  You can read more about the Taj Mahal here, but I will tell you that it does have quite an interesting story.  It was built in the 1600s and has AMAZING craftsmanship.  The most recognizable part is the big dome, which is actually a mausoleum.

But it is actually a huge complex with several buildings (including a mosque), fountains, gardens, and surrounding walls.  The other structures were equally as cool as the main building.  So here's a how it goes:

Enter through here.  This is inside the outer walls.

 Then you will pass through here:

Which, once you enter, is lined like this on either side:

Then you will see the "Taj Mahal", the actual mausoleum and as you head forward on either side you will see this (which I think is supposed to have water running down the middle): 

 
On both sides of the Taj you have these mosques, which are huge.  See that little dude in the picture?

 The mosques were as ornate and very cool inside and out.

Inside the big white domed mausoleum is the tomb.  Seeing the stonework in there, I can see why people say this is so amazing.  It is really indescribable.

 All the colors in the pattern are individual inlaid stones.

Some more of the detail around the complex: 

And then it's back out.

And on the way out to the outer gates, I saw these women.  They're carrying bundles of the grass they just cut from the manicured lawns.

That's it.  Wha'dya think?

One Dozen

A dozen eggs

A dozen roses

 A dozen donuts

Dozens of Memories in a DOZEN YEARS

Happy Anniversary, babe.  Thanks for holding on. 

Here's to a dozen more.

Cell phones and TVs, but no toilets

Sad, but true.  We visited a community the other day to assess the needs for a type of latrine we build and for a clean water project we would like to pursue.  It is termed "the slums", although it is more on the outskirts of the city and the communities are actually very well organized.  But yes, there were actually sattelite dishes on top of little shacks.  But it was very clear that the need was there for what we have to offer.  This news clip describes the desparate situation: 

The first "community" we visited had 300+ families.  They have been there for about 3yrs.  There are one or two latrines that individual families have built, but that's it.  The have to pay 12 rupees (30 cents) for about 5 gallons of "potable water", although it is not anywhere near safe to drink. Some of them are starting to build homes out of cement and brick, which will be done bit by bit as they can afford it. 

The next area, adjacent to the first, has been there for 7 years, so the living spaces are a little bit more permanent, but the same situation exists.  Most resort to using the jungle-ish area some 100-200km away to go to the bathroom.  This community has electricity (sort of) and LDS charities has put in a few wells for water that are being well utilized, but still 98% of the people do not have a toilet or latrine.  And usually if they do have a latrine/septic system, they say they only use it for "emergencies" because it is so expensive to have it cleaned out, which has to be done about every 6 months.

Hopefully, in the next week I will have good news to share about the actions we are taking to help these communities.   Since this visit, we are already breaking ground for a "Soilet" (which I will write more about when I have pictures) and are making plans to build more wells like this one:

All so we can help these kids grow up healthy with a better chance at life.

I really am in India

Just so you know, I made it to India after a somewhat arduous journey.  (ie. delayed flights, missed connections, no one to pick me up from the airport.)  But it all worked out I am here now sweating and basking in all that India has to offer.

While I hope there will be more detailed posts to come, here's a glimpse so far . . .

Went here on Sunday:

Worked here on Tuesday:

 And have seen lots of these revered animals walking the streets:

India is very similar to other less developed countries I have been in.  The biggest difference is the traffic/driving - it is absolutely insane!  And I thought I had seen some crazy stuff, but this tops it.  It is hot here, but not unbearable.  It's just one of those places where you accept that you will be sweating all the time.  I love the women's clothing.  And they are just as intrigued by us as we are by them.  The projects we are working on seem to have good depth and will have lasting impact. 

More to come on all of this . . .

A proud day for mom

You try to teach your children how to be good, how to be nice and how to make good choices.  And even at a young age, you wonder if any of it is sinking in.  But, for now, I am happy that my eight year old has made one important decision that I can be very proud of (although, with Corbin, I have little doubt that he will almost always make good choices). 
Corbin was recently baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and has taken upon himself the name of Jesus Christ.  He will now be held accountable for all of his choices.  I hope I have taught him well.  :)

Corbin is genuinely kind-hearted and has the sweetest spirit.  He is obedient, is always giving compliments to his mom, and tries to help his brothers.  He understands things far beyond his age and is an eager learner of things temporal and spiritual.  We are so blessed to have him in our home!  Corbin was anxious and excited for his baptism and so happy to have his dad perform this ordinance and share this day with him.

And so many people were there to support him! 

I know he felt very loved.

Best primary teacher ever:

Best Buds:

Awesomest Bishop (who has helped us in so many ways):

And family from near and far:

 Corbin is so blessed to have so many great priesthood holders as examples to follow!

We are so proud of you, Corbin!  We love you!

To find out more about what we believe about baptism, go here (and make sure you click the "view more"), or about Jesus Christ, click here.



The baby of the family

That's right, the last of the Maxwell clan graduated from HS!  Way to go, Mason!

And his family loves him enough that we braved the cold mountain rain to celebrate the big occasion.

Luckily he treated us with a little guitar action to make it worth it.  You are an awesome musician, Mason! (more on that in a later post...)

And good thing for us his graduation party was mostly indoors, and hence, much better weather.  It was a fun afternoon with lots of food, family and friends.

especially the tasty graduation caps, made by yours truly (and my husband).

Congratulations, Mason!  We can't wait to see all the great things you will accomplish!  Love you!