The essential guide to a perfect Indian Party

1. Have good food.

When Indians say that they eat meat, they generally mean chicken, not beef. When we invited our neighbors over, they told us that they wanted to come over on Friday and not Saturday because one of the guys does not eat meat on Saturday. We took that to mean that they wanted us to make them some meat- like, some manly meat. We went to the store and picked out some nice seasoned beef. Enough for all the guys next door to enjoy. When we served it, they asked what it was and Emily said, "beef." I followed up with, "you know, cow." And then we realized: we were talking to Hindu Indians.

2. Remember your guests' names; use household objects as a guide when necessary.

Emily started this fad. We have a little 3 year-old friend who we called "pair of shoes" until we could remember that his name is Predju. (It actually does sound similar).

So tonight, one of the neighbors was asking me if I remembered his name. I was babbling and making up excuses about why I forgot when all of the sudden... I remembered his nick name! Ball of Cheese. I shouted, "Wait, Ballocheze!" The whole room erupted in laughter. I was so sure that he was going to walk right out the door because I called him a ball of cheese. But to my surprise, he gave me a high five and said, "you remembered!"

3. Music is a must-have.

We got to playing some music for each other, just enjoying the different types of music that was being preformed. We ended up singing My God is Mighty to Save, and Blessed be the Name of the Lord for our new friends. It was sweet. And they loved it. And we are praying that someday they will be singing with us.

4. To ensure good party conversations, always have a Monique handy.

Monique was talking to one of the girls who came over, and she wants to go to church with us on Sunday. Aaaaaand, she saw one of the post-it notes with a Bible verse on it that Monique had put up last weekend and commented on how much she liked it. Monique told her to take it, and she so excitedly did.

5. Make secret plans.

I can't reveal this one yet, but it is going to be good.

Soon an exhaustive Indian survival guide will be out, but for now, I need sleep. It is almost two by now, and I am helping a family pack up for a move tomorrow before work.

GOOD NIGHT.