Christmas

Dear friends and family

We are doing well even it we are a bit too quiet. We are working hard. And we are now on Indian time.

We are forming routines that must be sign that we are adapting. I've started jogging regularly and it doesn't bother me anymore if people stare. Here are only a few joggers. We stay close to Sukhna lake and it is pleasant to jog there in the mornings or in Leisure Valley.


WORK

Irene: Stephan is now officially my boss at CompuConcepts. I am helping them to write the system. It is nice to discover that I can still do it. I work 2 hours a day.
Stephan: Every morning at work we talk about a different characteristic of Jesus, how it applies to us and how would should change to become more like Him. We've talked about grace, presence, faithfulness and forgiveness. We pray for each other, the business, etc. We work very hard and need to appoint new people. Pray for wisdom to appoint the right people. Nisha, with whom we've worked at LifeSteps, is joining us end of the month.


CHRISTMAS
All the signs of Christmas are in the church. All the believers we know are doing carol singing and have programmes to involve people who do not know Jesus. Churches in India know it's a good time to tell people about Jesus without offending them. Pray for open hearts.


BOOKS
Stephan: I've read 2 books that makes me look forward to go to heaven and the life we will have with God there. “Heaven is SO real” van Choo Thomas en “Safely Home” van Randy Alcorn. Yes, one day we'll go Home.



TRANSPORT AND LANGUAGE
Irene: We are still greeting people. It is more difficult to travel by bike, because it is winter and cold. It limits our visits to weekends. We are still saving for the Porsche. Although it is not a problem to stay at home, I get frustrated. Rickshaws is an option, but I pay skin-tax and my Hindi is not that good that I can quarrel with someone. My friend, Manisha, is going to help me learn Hindi.


CHILDREN
Raj is a blessing to us. She does the work while I'm helping the children with the school work. I'm also learning new recipes from her. Anandi is eating rotis with peanut butter. Nadia is an explorer and wants Raj to make something new every day so that she can taste it. We fed her enough curry when se was small and now she likes it. They are continuing there creative activities, because toys are scarce again. They amaze me with the things they invent. In our area it is difficult to make friends. The children does not play in the streets and parks like in other sectors. They know the children at church, but we would like to give them a wider exposure. I will also have to get creative to solve the problem. But they are very happy and enjoys India.


A Blessed Christmas to you all. You'll hear again from us next year. Enjoy the rest if you are go away for holiday.

With love
Stephan Irene Nadia Anandi
(Raja Shanti Asha Anandi)