Charis Around the World

Stories from India
By Lauren Tardy
 

Jordan and Lauren Tardy Shhhh…Don’t say the “P” word! A Story from India I’m sure it is safe to assume that we all enjoy talking about birth, babies, pregnancy and the like…otherwise we wouldn’t be involved in this kind of work!  Little did I know Indian culture and American culture are not the same when it comes to talking about pregnancy and I learned it by mistake! One evening I was with some friends talking about pregnancy and sharing my desires to help women in India.  We were all sitting in their home-three sisters, their brother, and my husband.  I was going on about baby and pregnancy related things not thinking a thing of it.  After a while I asked what the word for pregnancy was in their language.  To my surprise, the three of them had shocked looks on their faces, began to giggle and look at each other.  One of the sisters, almost embarrassed, leaned over to me and whispered the word to me.  They explained that you don’t talk about pregnancy in front of men! Boy did I mess up!  We were able to laugh it off and it ended up not being a big deal.  I told them I didn’t know and that I will make many mistakes.  They extended grace and it ended up being a funny cultural moment. This is one of many things we are learning about the culture here.  I’m sure there will be many more stories like this one.  Hopefully we will be able to laugh them off. Please be praying for us as you remember us.  We are currently learning language and getting acquainted with culture and life here.  We hope to use small business to be a blessing to communities here in India.  I am also hoping to use childbirth education to help women and families.  I have heard it is hard to get into the birth world here because it is such private thing.  Please be praying for many open doors and opportunities! Feel free to contact me if you have questions or ideas for ways to use these skills in other cultures.  God Bless! Lauren laurentardy@gmail.com Jordan and Lauren Tardy at the Taj Mahal in India

Our International Charis Family
Your stories from around the world touch us and we pray for your safety.
Thanks, Love and Blessings to every one of you!