It’s been a while since our holiday in SA. Nadia and Anandi voted going to the beach as the best part. Nadia added after some thought “and the people”.
It’s difficult for me to go en let go when we move around, but we do it anyway. The one thing that makes it worthwhile is “the people”. It was a joy to see our SA family and friends. Apologies to those we could not meet – time constraints only. And yes, all the visits were too short. Our friends in India helped us to return with joy in our hearts too.
Ivan danced to the Punjabi tune on the taxi driver’s cellphone (car radio was broken) as though it was the best thing he has heard in five weeks. The rest of us felt miserable, hot and tired. But there was no time for moping, because we had to move to a new house. In one week we found one, lost it and kept the old place. In the process we got rid of and packed most of our stuff, moved our whole home around and unpacked. It was more difficult than these few words can explain, but we did it anyway.
I am glad to be back in a routine and to find time to stay in touch with “our loved ones” – everywhere. I wonder what this next period in India has in store for us.
I wrote a small verse about my expectations:
Whatever may come our way,
each and every day,
we want to follow Jesus anyway
- I don’t mind what others say –
because He did it for “all the people” anyway.
The verse below is credited to Mother Teresa.
“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
How I do it
So how do I do it? How do I homeschool two daughters, care for Ivan, keep the home tidy, work on toddler software and stay in touch with family and friends? The truth is I don’t. Many days I don’t manage to do it all. Does not being able to do everything every day, mean I am failing or should I give up, because there are easier options available? I have seriously considered this many times. But then I keep asking myself this question: what if I don’t give up and just try again the next day?
The odds are definitely against me. I am sleep-deprived. I am “exclusively breast-feeding” Ivan for the past 5 months (serious energy crisis). Homeschooling offers a whole range of challenges. I am the only mother homeschooling around here for 100’s of miles (no support). It took time and a few brain cells (they seem to be missing these days) to find ways to work around practical homeschool problems. Trying to compete with Ivan’s strong voice while shouting words like “Gluteus Maximus” at the top of my lungs does not work (Ivan starts crying and the distracted girls don’t hear anyway). Reading while he sleeps and giving the girls writing assignments while he’s awake works better. Except for the days when he has a 15-minute power nap and wakes up all smiles and laughs and is “sooo cute” (a phrase we hear many times when we walk in the streets). I work on the software when the girls are in bed, Ivan is asleep for a while and my eyes are not closing all the time (difficult combination to find many days). Of course you all know how badly I did at staying in touch (blush). All these things (and the hormones of course) make me feel depressed some days – a very painful, lonely feeling.
But what counts in my favor? I serve a God who loves me unconditionally. I have two wonderful, understanding, helpful daughters and a supportive husband. I have understanding, caring, praying family and friends. I have Raj to help me keep the home tidy. I have this idea in my head, that it is a passing phase and things will become easier at some point. I also realize that things can be much worse and I am thankful and content for all the opportunities and things I have.
So I am never, ever, ever, ever, ever going to give up – if I say this long enough it will get stuck in my head and I won’t give up. Anyway, what else will I be doing with my time?
Friday, December 11, 2009
The gift
Anandi comes up to me one day shortly after Ivan’s birth and says “Thank you, Mom.” Now when Anandi says that without being polite it usually means trouble. Like “Thank you for the ladybirds I can keep in my room (on a plant, not a in a box!)” or “Thank you for the pack of biscuits I’ve just finished”. So, I suspiciously ask “For what?” She answers, “You know, for the baby.” It has been an amazing journey for us to receive Ivan into our family. We are thankful to finally hold him in our arms. He is very sweet, sleeps most of the night and is growing by the hour it seems – already above 5 kg after 8 weeks. He is also interacting with us with smiles and little noises (loud and impolite ones too!).
As Christmas is nearing I am thinking of the message it proclaims: God gave His Son. I cannot imagine giving my son for anyone, but God gave His Son for everyone. Why would a loving God and Father do that? It was only for love’s sake. He knows each person he created will make mistakes along the way. To stay true to His character He had to punish us. So to save us from His wrath – that we cannot survive – He punished His own Son in our place. I already got my Christmas gift this year, the gift of a son, Ivan. Long ago I accepted the gift from God, His Son, who gave me a new life. I hope you will accept it too.
Thank you for all the letters we received. I hope to reply to each. I am still struggling to find the time and energy to do all I’ve done before Ivan’s birth. But I don’t try too hard, because I love spending time with him. If this letter does not make sense, it’s because a really tired person wrote it J.
“I love these little people;
and it is not a slight thing when they,
who are so fresh from God, love us.”
- Charles Dickens
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
3,2,1 ...
The kids started their countdown from 150 and we are now at 3 nights before we welcome baby into our home. I am going for a cesarean on Friday morning. It's very special for us that al three our children will be born in India, at the same hospital with the same doctor with a period of 7 years and 4 moves in between. Please pray that everything will go well in Friday and that we will be able to come home soon.
In the mean time Nadia became 10 and Anandi became 7 years old. The weather finally sizzled down after a very long, hot summer. After experiencing some back pain, the children and I decided to join a swimming club for almost 2 months. It was just what I needed to cool down and feel as light as a feather. The zoo is doing well too. Happy and Lucky are big and naughty. Squirt got a new fish tank as home and discovered ways to ask for food if we are too slow. We almost had baby birds too, but they did not make it - that was almost a relieve. In our garden we've discovered bees, giant bats, monkeys, chipmunks, a snake, rats, etc. Stephan is going to write a book one day called "Hunting domestic animals".
I find life in India more and more harsh. I see more selfishness, hardness and arrogance. It is difficult to be different, when you feel bullied all the time. But God asks of us to bear His fruit like love, patience, friendliness, humbleness and selfcontrol. He also gives us the power through His Holy Spirit to do this. But I still blow my horn sometimes and I want to hit back when someone tries to harm me in some way. It's a daily struggle, but what a difference it would make if someone decides not to hit back any more, but rather turn the other cheek and forgive. I hope to become more and more like Jesus.
"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with everincreasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Cor. 3:16-18, The Bible.
In the mean time Nadia became 10 and Anandi became 7 years old. The weather finally sizzled down after a very long, hot summer. After experiencing some back pain, the children and I decided to join a swimming club for almost 2 months. It was just what I needed to cool down and feel as light as a feather. The zoo is doing well too. Happy and Lucky are big and naughty. Squirt got a new fish tank as home and discovered ways to ask for food if we are too slow. We almost had baby birds too, but they did not make it - that was almost a relieve. In our garden we've discovered bees, giant bats, monkeys, chipmunks, a snake, rats, etc. Stephan is going to write a book one day called "Hunting domestic animals".
I find life in India more and more harsh. I see more selfishness, hardness and arrogance. It is difficult to be different, when you feel bullied all the time. But God asks of us to bear His fruit like love, patience, friendliness, humbleness and selfcontrol. He also gives us the power through His Holy Spirit to do this. But I still blow my horn sometimes and I want to hit back when someone tries to harm me in some way. It's a daily struggle, but what a difference it would make if someone decides not to hit back any more, but rather turn the other cheek and forgive. I hope to become more and more like Jesus.
"But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with everincreasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Cor. 3:16-18, The Bible.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Adventure in the mountains
It has been too long since I've written anything, but here I am again.
Happy and Lucky are growing and are starting to challenge Nadia and Anandi about who's really the boss. It is great fun to watch the competition. The dogs found an Indian tent water turtle in our yard. It is still a mystery where he came from. So now we have another pet named, Squirt. It was a bit of a problem trying to figure out what to feed it, until Stephan shot a fly into his bucket. Squirt took the bait immediately. So he is a carnivore and loves insects. You can imagine the fun the kids have with Stephan catching insects and the look of horror on my face whenever I accidentally look into the bucket at feeding time. Yes, the whole zoo came back this summer and we are fighting to keep them outside.
On Saturday we went to Kasauli. We know it is a risk traveling in India while pregnant, but we needed to get out of hot Chandigarh (above 40 each day). This time we discovered a trail we've never seen before, the Gilbert Nature Trail. The board did not tell us how long the trail is and if it will bring us back to Kasauli, but being adventurers, we started walking. It went on and on and so did we. It became very hot and we almost finished all the water we had. After about 3 km we realized there's no circle route, we had to go back the same way. But there was a thunderstorm brewing above us. Far below we saw a gravel road that went in the direction of Kasauli. In the mean time an old man, who probably lived his whole life in the mountains, caught up with us and warned us that the weather was very bad and threatened us with very big hailstones. He invited us to stay with him, but his house was also far away. Kasauli was about 6km away. There was a town in sight and we ask him if we could buy water or Coke there. No, they don't need bottled water or Coke there. So we had little choice but to get out under the trees, risk the steep, slippery road over the pine needles and go down to the gravel road heading back to Kasauli. In the mean time thunder was crashing around us and it started to rain. But it only lasted about 10 minutes. It did not solve our water problem though. The rain cooled down the temperature quite a bit, but we were thirsty. At the point I thought I couldn't give one more step, we saw a shop with a fridge and all the water we needed for the rest of the trip. We walked nearly 12km on Saturday.
God got all the honor for our safe arrival at the car. We had an interesting discussing, about how the events of the day convinced the kids that God is real. Most people I know belief God is real, but many of them struggle to believe that He cares about us and the problems we face each day. I belief He does, even the very small details. A day like Saturday, was the perfect reminder of that fact.
God: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Heb 13:5.
Happy and Lucky are growing and are starting to challenge Nadia and Anandi about who's really the boss. It is great fun to watch the competition. The dogs found an Indian tent water turtle in our yard. It is still a mystery where he came from. So now we have another pet named, Squirt. It was a bit of a problem trying to figure out what to feed it, until Stephan shot a fly into his bucket. Squirt took the bait immediately. So he is a carnivore and loves insects. You can imagine the fun the kids have with Stephan catching insects and the look of horror on my face whenever I accidentally look into the bucket at feeding time. Yes, the whole zoo came back this summer and we are fighting to keep them outside.
On Saturday we went to Kasauli. We know it is a risk traveling in India while pregnant, but we needed to get out of hot Chandigarh (above 40 each day). This time we discovered a trail we've never seen before, the Gilbert Nature Trail. The board did not tell us how long the trail is and if it will bring us back to Kasauli, but being adventurers, we started walking. It went on and on and so did we. It became very hot and we almost finished all the water we had. After about 3 km we realized there's no circle route, we had to go back the same way. But there was a thunderstorm brewing above us. Far below we saw a gravel road that went in the direction of Kasauli. In the mean time an old man, who probably lived his whole life in the mountains, caught up with us and warned us that the weather was very bad and threatened us with very big hailstones. He invited us to stay with him, but his house was also far away. Kasauli was about 6km away. There was a town in sight and we ask him if we could buy water or Coke there. No, they don't need bottled water or Coke there. So we had little choice but to get out under the trees, risk the steep, slippery road over the pine needles and go down to the gravel road heading back to Kasauli. In the mean time thunder was crashing around us and it started to rain. But it only lasted about 10 minutes. It did not solve our water problem though. The rain cooled down the temperature quite a bit, but we were thirsty. At the point I thought I couldn't give one more step, we saw a shop with a fridge and all the water we needed for the rest of the trip. We walked nearly 12km on Saturday.
God got all the honor for our safe arrival at the car. We had an interesting discussing, about how the events of the day convinced the kids that God is real. Most people I know belief God is real, but many of them struggle to believe that He cares about us and the problems we face each day. I belief He does, even the very small details. A day like Saturday, was the perfect reminder of that fact.
God: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Heb 13:5.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Happy and Lucky
Warning: This email should be read with discretion – check today’s date! No Afrikaans this time (I find it difficult to do wordplay in 2 languages on the same words).
We adopted two Chandigarh street dogs, which happily came waltzing through our gate one morning. We named them Happy and Lucky. Lucky felt at home immediately, but Happy needed at least two bowls of food to be happy with this arrangement. At some point Happy became very unhappy and didn’t feel so lucky anymore, but after more food rations, he was happy again. Lucky has never been lucky and always gets her paw into the food bowl, but she is always a happy dog.
The geckos are happy these days and should consider themselves very lucky. I’ve made my peace with them and decided to welcome them into my home. The children and I keep a keen eye on them while they eat all the mosquitoes and other awful insects that are not welcome yet. We already have 7 little friends staying in our home. It is just a bit risky to put on the fan. Murphy’s Law dictates that if there is a gecko on the fan it will fall on a person in the room.
The children and I are pushing on with the home schooling. It’s hard work, but we enjoy it! We are happy with this way of education and feel very lucky to be able to do it. I’m learning a lot too.
I discovered a way to get rid of unwanted gardeners. I just have to ask them to clean the paths in the garden and pick up the doggie pooh. They simply refuse – it’s too low a job to do – a practical application of the caste system. I liked the last gardener and I told him that I will do it from now on – so now Stephan is the lucky one who gets to do it – but he is not too happy either.
We are happy to announce that we became lucky and are hoping to extend our family by end of October. This happened right after deciding not to extend our family anymore. We are happy-go-lucky about this new event in our lives.
We were singing "Jesus, all for Jesus" in church on Sunday. Anandi tapped me on the shoulder and asked, "Why do you sing ‘Jesus, awful Jesus’?" Maybe it was the expression on our faces that gave her that in impression. Sometime we hide our joy so well. We are happy or unhappy according to our circumstances and if our circumstances change we say we are lucky or unlucky. But JOY found in Jesus lasts forever – through all circumstances - because we know God loves us and will never forsake us – no matter what the circumstances might be.
But the truth is: I'll never live in peace with the geckos - the rest is all true :-).
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jaipur
Before Stephan’s parents went back to SA we took them to Jaipur. It is one of those places about which I have mixed feelings. I love the detail, with which they decorate just about everything – from buildings to animals. I just hate the traffic, poverty and dirt.
A young boy, Aditya, taught us how to fly a kite – they grow in trees there :-). We saw people sleeping on the pavement – lots of them. All kinds of animals work and roam around like camels, elephants, donkeys, cows and pigs. We had to find our way in intertwining spirally roads. We visited old forts and castles. I’ve met a miniature-painting artist that showed me how he paints with a mountain stone and squirrel tail brush – yes, I tried it too and it didn’t work :-). I did some hard bargaining in Bapu Bazaar and got things for half the price offered.
Murderous look:
One day while visiting the fort on the hill in Jaipur I heard some fighting. I saw a small man being dragged by his neck by a huge angry man. It was obvious that the small man did something very wrong. But I could not believe how the offended and his friends treated him – they kicked him in the back, slapped him on his head and barely gave him space to breath while they strangled him. I could not watch this any longer and being the brave/stupid kind I shouted at the huge man in my loudest voice – “Kya hoa?!” (What’s going on?!) It was then that he gave me the murderous look. At that moment my courage failed and I just watched like everyone else as this man was being dragged away – I was certain to his grave. I prayed for his protection and took a snap just in case the police needed it.
Recently I’ve read the book “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga. It helped me to understand the complex Indian culture and society a bit more, maybe even explained what happened at the fort. I had to ask myself if I look at people the way society prescribes or like God, who loves each one of us equally and unconditionally. Another scary moment …
“My greatest challenge has been to change the mindset of people. Mindsets play strange tricks on us. We see things the way our minds have instructed our eyes to see.” - Muhammad Yunus
A young boy, Aditya, taught us how to fly a kite – they grow in trees there :-). We saw people sleeping on the pavement – lots of them. All kinds of animals work and roam around like camels, elephants, donkeys, cows and pigs. We had to find our way in intertwining spirally roads. We visited old forts and castles. I’ve met a miniature-painting artist that showed me how he paints with a mountain stone and squirrel tail brush – yes, I tried it too and it didn’t work :-). I did some hard bargaining in Bapu Bazaar and got things for half the price offered.
Murderous look:
One day while visiting the fort on the hill in Jaipur I heard some fighting. I saw a small man being dragged by his neck by a huge angry man. It was obvious that the small man did something very wrong. But I could not believe how the offended and his friends treated him – they kicked him in the back, slapped him on his head and barely gave him space to breath while they strangled him. I could not watch this any longer and being the brave/stupid kind I shouted at the huge man in my loudest voice – “Kya hoa?!” (What’s going on?!) It was then that he gave me the murderous look. At that moment my courage failed and I just watched like everyone else as this man was being dragged away – I was certain to his grave. I prayed for his protection and took a snap just in case the police needed it.
Recently I’ve read the book “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga. It helped me to understand the complex Indian culture and society a bit more, maybe even explained what happened at the fort. I had to ask myself if I look at people the way society prescribes or like God, who loves each one of us equally and unconditionally. Another scary moment …
“My greatest challenge has been to change the mindset of people. Mindsets play strange tricks on us. We see things the way our minds have instructed our eyes to see.” - Muhammad Yunus
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Time for feasting
We went to SA to renew our visas, but it was also a time of refreshing and renewal. I thoroughly enjoyed the clean big shopping centers, all kinds of food, walks along the beach breathing in fresh air, spending valuable time with my family, and seeing old friends again. I kept wondering why I should go back to India. Why should I miss out on the good things in life and miss my family and friends all the time?
In John 4:32-35 I found this conversation between Jesus and his disciples:
Jesus: I have food to eat that you know nothing about.
Disciples (among each other): Could someone have brought him food?
Jesus: My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
I enjoyed the time in SA, but that is the kind of food the world dish out for us. Everywhere I go I meet people enjoying the sweeties of life, but being deprived of a nourishing relationship with our living, loving Father in heaven. So this Christmas, will you feast with me on the Bread of Life, Jesus, our Savior.
All glory and honor to God who knows and satisfies our every need. Have a blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Like grass
This was an exciting month. Anandi had a great birthday party and lots of friends came to celebrate, both the girls got chosen for a fashion advertisement and they were naturals, we welcomed a new member into our family - a puppy named Snuffels, we visited the zoo and explored new territory in Jagjit Nagar where the road actually stops.
This month I was anxious so many times over things out of my control. It is a vulnerable place to be at. At this point I was reminded that I am like grass (Psa 103:15 “As for man, his days are like grass”). It does not matter how things turn out. What matters is that God has given us his Son. In Him we have everything we need, like eternal life, forgiveness, love, etc. My own plans are nothing compared to what God has in store for me. And then something amazing happens; God steps in and changes a mess into a blessing. So we are coming to South Africa this month for a visit arranged by God. I look forward and desperately need to spend time with my family and friends.
A zoo update: Zoo life around the house changed completely. The bees flew away, the chameleons and cat-sized rats left, the geckos returned with their babies. We added a cat that keeps on eating normal sized rats in our yard; a scavenger eagle that keeps circling above our lawn hoping to catch Snuffels and miniature ants that you can only see with a magnifying glass or taste in your coffee.
This month I was anxious so many times over things out of my control. It is a vulnerable place to be at. At this point I was reminded that I am like grass (Psa 103:15 “As for man, his days are like grass”). It does not matter how things turn out. What matters is that God has given us his Son. In Him we have everything we need, like eternal life, forgiveness, love, etc. My own plans are nothing compared to what God has in store for me. And then something amazing happens; God steps in and changes a mess into a blessing. So we are coming to South Africa this month for a visit arranged by God. I look forward and desperately need to spend time with my family and friends.
A zoo update: Zoo life around the house changed completely. The bees flew away, the chameleons and cat-sized rats left, the geckos returned with their babies. We added a cat that keeps on eating normal sized rats in our yard; a scavenger eagle that keeps circling above our lawn hoping to catch Snuffels and miniature ants that you can only see with a magnifying glass or taste in your coffee.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Change of Season
Coming from the southern hemisphere I celebrated spring day on 1 September. Until Stephan came home and told me "but it's not" - it's only a leafless autumn. I struggle with change ...
In India thousands of peoples lives changed with the season. The Kosi River left 1.5 million people in Bihar homeless. In the south Christians are murdered and harassed for their faith in Jesus. Terrorists attacked Delhi. This change caught everyone unaware and I know it may be our turn one day. I started thinking on a small scale - what if one house disappears in our street? What if 10 houses disappear in our street? What if our block disappears? Can you imagine the chaos? What about a whole city, homeless, without food and water? We've prayed for the disasters. God can make houses shoot up from the ground, but I think He wants to use our obedient hands and feet also. But it is too far and Stephan refuses to let me go ...
So inspired to help people we took Anandi who has been coughing for 3 weeks to the doctor. As we approach the office I notice something is wrong. It stinks! Around the corner of the door I see 3 babies. I look at the mothers suspiciously. The children close their noses and I want to do it too. Next to the door sits a man that looks out of place. Around his leg is a dirty rag and the flies are feasting around it. That is the origin of the stench! The receptionist snaps out of her denial and after a short conversation she shows the man the door. I know he's not going to get the help he needs - but he is close enough for us to help! After the appointment, I sniffed him out in the market. He sits next to his blind friend. The friend bought a cup of tea and shares it with his wounded friend. Half ends up on the ground and he takes the heavier cup for himself. We talk to the man and explain if he does not clean the wound that he might lose his leg or even his life. But he refuses! After half an hour of begging and a growing, unsympathetic crowd we decided to bring in reinforcements. But the man has already disappeared. We prayed for him. As we went home the same smell hit me again. It's the garbage truck!"
Be strong! Take courage! Don't be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops - there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our God to help us fight for us."
- God, The Message (2 Chronicles 32:7)
In India thousands of peoples lives changed with the season. The Kosi River left 1.5 million people in Bihar homeless. In the south Christians are murdered and harassed for their faith in Jesus. Terrorists attacked Delhi. This change caught everyone unaware and I know it may be our turn one day. I started thinking on a small scale - what if one house disappears in our street? What if 10 houses disappear in our street? What if our block disappears? Can you imagine the chaos? What about a whole city, homeless, without food and water? We've prayed for the disasters. God can make houses shoot up from the ground, but I think He wants to use our obedient hands and feet also. But it is too far and Stephan refuses to let me go ...
So inspired to help people we took Anandi who has been coughing for 3 weeks to the doctor. As we approach the office I notice something is wrong. It stinks! Around the corner of the door I see 3 babies. I look at the mothers suspiciously. The children close their noses and I want to do it too. Next to the door sits a man that looks out of place. Around his leg is a dirty rag and the flies are feasting around it. That is the origin of the stench! The receptionist snaps out of her denial and after a short conversation she shows the man the door. I know he's not going to get the help he needs - but he is close enough for us to help! After the appointment, I sniffed him out in the market. He sits next to his blind friend. The friend bought a cup of tea and shares it with his wounded friend. Half ends up on the ground and he takes the heavier cup for himself. We talk to the man and explain if he does not clean the wound that he might lose his leg or even his life. But he refuses! After half an hour of begging and a growing, unsympathetic crowd we decided to bring in reinforcements. But the man has already disappeared. We prayed for him. As we went home the same smell hit me again. It's the garbage truck!"
Be strong! Take courage! Don't be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops - there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our God to help us fight for us."
- God, The Message (2 Chronicles 32:7)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
My family and other animals
These days we are running a zoo at our home. There are ants in the children's room that you don't want to squash, because who is going to clean up afterwards. We mistook an earthworm for a snake. We saw two rats the size of cats running in our front yard. A swarm of bees the size of the two rats has gathered in one of our trees. There are two enormous, speedy chameleons ruling at our gate. Not a nice place to be at :-). By the way, I'm really worried about the geckos - they disappeared off the face of the earth.
We are doing well. We enjoy making music together. Nadia plays piano, Stephan the guitar, Anandi the flute and I get to play the congas. The children are looking forward to their birthday party this month. I am painting. Stephan is doing well at work. Nadia has developed a keen interest in cooking and joke books. Anandi loves singing all day - she calls herself the radio. She has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Except for fighting the creatures of nature, I've had other struggles too these last few months. So I've learned to toughen up and fight for myself. Previously I've trusted God to take care of these issues for me, because I simply couldn't. But thankfully God knows how to handle my stubborn head and hard heart. So the burdens kept on stacking up until I couldn't carry them anymore. And then with all the boxes of my life scattered around me, I went and cried to my Father. In the act of giving my burdens to Him, I found the peace I was looking for all along. What a relieve! There is nothing like sitting on Father's lap to open the mind about what He can do and to melt the heart. You can let go too; He's waiting for you...
Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come, I come!
- Charlotte Elliott
We are doing well. We enjoy making music together. Nadia plays piano, Stephan the guitar, Anandi the flute and I get to play the congas. The children are looking forward to their birthday party this month. I am painting. Stephan is doing well at work. Nadia has developed a keen interest in cooking and joke books. Anandi loves singing all day - she calls herself the radio. She has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Except for fighting the creatures of nature, I've had other struggles too these last few months. So I've learned to toughen up and fight for myself. Previously I've trusted God to take care of these issues for me, because I simply couldn't. But thankfully God knows how to handle my stubborn head and hard heart. So the burdens kept on stacking up until I couldn't carry them anymore. And then with all the boxes of my life scattered around me, I went and cried to my Father. In the act of giving my burdens to Him, I found the peace I was looking for all along. What a relieve! There is nothing like sitting on Father's lap to open the mind about what He can do and to melt the heart. You can let go too; He's waiting for you...
Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come, I come!
- Charlotte Elliott
Friday, July 18, 2008
Two
Get Service
It was a quiet month in India, but we were busy. I wish I had a long list of things worth mentioning.
Two's seem to follow us. The first time I hit someone on the road it happened twice on the same day, first a rickshaw and then an old man on a bicycle. (No cars or people were seriously injured during these incidents.) After shopping one day I realized two things were missing: eggs and ice cream. The next week I went to buy eggs again and as I wanted to pay the man did not want to take my money. He smiled and spoke in Hindi (I understand much more but cannot hear it that fast yet). With the help of hand signs I understood that I forgot my eggs the previous week. Kind of embarrassing, because it's the only thing I bought from this man. But by now I've started to acknowledge the two-principle and walked full of hope to the ice cream man. He smiled and explained that I forgot my ice cream the previous week. I understood immediately. I was truly amazed at these two strangers’ kindness towards me. And in my mind I connected two and caring. During a difficult time we got the same verse on the same day from two different sources. Jes. 41:10 "You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you. Don’t panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." – God, The Message.
In the movie "The Endurance", there is a scene where someone is released from jail and his brother is waiting outside. They embrace and the one that was in jail said he experienced the most awful things and there was no one to help him. Let us walk arm-in-arm with, share our hope in God with them and use everything at our disposal to help others, because two is better than one. How will we be able to do this? Jesus says in Mat. 10:38-39 "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me." – God, The Message.
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."- Mother Teresa
It was a quiet month in India, but we were busy. I wish I had a long list of things worth mentioning.
Two's seem to follow us. The first time I hit someone on the road it happened twice on the same day, first a rickshaw and then an old man on a bicycle. (No cars or people were seriously injured during these incidents.) After shopping one day I realized two things were missing: eggs and ice cream. The next week I went to buy eggs again and as I wanted to pay the man did not want to take my money. He smiled and spoke in Hindi (I understand much more but cannot hear it that fast yet). With the help of hand signs I understood that I forgot my eggs the previous week. Kind of embarrassing, because it's the only thing I bought from this man. But by now I've started to acknowledge the two-principle and walked full of hope to the ice cream man. He smiled and explained that I forgot my ice cream the previous week. I understood immediately. I was truly amazed at these two strangers’ kindness towards me. And in my mind I connected two and caring. During a difficult time we got the same verse on the same day from two different sources. Jes. 41:10 "You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you. Don’t panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." – God, The Message.
In the movie "The Endurance", there is a scene where someone is released from jail and his brother is waiting outside. They embrace and the one that was in jail said he experienced the most awful things and there was no one to help him. Let us walk arm-in-arm with, share our hope in God with them and use everything at our disposal to help others, because two is better than one. How will we be able to do this? Jesus says in Mat. 10:38-39 "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me." – God, The Message.
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."- Mother Teresa
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Heaven and earth
Many things happened since our last letter. Extreme ups and downs. For example Stephan went to Delhi again, but to fetch his brother on the airport. They went to watch an IPL game, but Stephan's wallet and passport were stolen. They went on a daytrip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal (pronounced Taj may hell), but had a 7 hour bus trip - one-way. We went to Shimla for 2 days, but stayed in Hotel Dalziel (pronounced Dalzi hell) - shared a room with a mole. We went for holiday in Dalhousie, but it was too short. And many more...
We watched the movie, Narnia: Prince Caspian, in one of Chandigarh's new theaters. It made the invisible visible for me. Do you see our enemy that uses every possible means to distract us from God, that surrounds us and wounds us left and right. Do you see our God, our loving Father, that stays at our side, that turns every sad story into a triumph at the end. Do you see us in the struggle, broken, but hoping in God. Do you see us declared worthy in God's eyes to be loved, proven by Jesus that died for our sake. Will we stand one day before our majestic King, worthy, and say that we fought until the end to love others, because they are also worthy in the King's eyes, even if it cost a earthly price for a heavenly hope? In such a God I can believe, even if no one else does ...
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."
C. S. Lewis
See our Dalhousie photos at http://indiavdm.blogspot.com.
Love
Stephan Irene Nadia Anandi
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The gardener's wife
Namaskaar
Somebody forgot to close the oven door. It is steaming hot.
Except for the sun, there are a few other hot spots in our lives. Our arrival in Chandigarh was the spark for many explosive situations. It is like falling into a pot of chillies and the more you struggle, the more the people closest to you get hurt. But we have learned that there are some things we cannot change. We accept this, but keep hoping things will get better. I believe it will through prayer and perseverance.
Our gardener was blessed with a new baby daughter. Unfortunately his wife became very ill after the birth and he missed many days at work. He took her to the doctor who prescribed medicine, but nothing seemed to work. After using the excuse too many times and seeing the dejected expression on his face, we decided to do something about the situation. We arranged with a local pastor to go to his house and pray. But the day did not progress as we thought it would. Our boss informed us that we might have to move to another house in August... My reaction was not positive, but maybe you will be able to sympathize with me if you know our moving-history. I was disappointed to say the least.
In the evening we went to the gardener's house in a small town on the outskirts of Chandigarh. With house I don't mean the picture you form in your minds. They stay in an oblong, red-brick building with a flat roof. It is divided into 4 equal-sized rooms. One room per family. The walls in between the rooms have openings on top. On the sides are holes and if you put your eye next to the wall, you can see what's happening next-door. No space for privacy. There is a familiar smell in the air, they stay next to the water buffalo camp. The fan and the TV make loud noises and a mouse watches from the corner.
We meet the gardener's wife, his two sons and his new baby daughter. The pastor explains clearly that prayer in the name of Jesus is not a magic formula, but that they have to believe that God can heal them. After the prayer a few things changed that evening. The gardener's wife has a smile on her face and says she's feeling much better. My heart is filled with thankfulness for the house we have even if it is just for a short time. The gardener smiles every day when he comes to work and says everything is going well.
Thank you for your letters. They are like icy cold water in a desert. Thank you for your prayers. It makes us soar like eagles. We are praying for you too.
Somebody forgot to close the oven door. It is steaming hot.
Except for the sun, there are a few other hot spots in our lives. Our arrival in Chandigarh was the spark for many explosive situations. It is like falling into a pot of chillies and the more you struggle, the more the people closest to you get hurt. But we have learned that there are some things we cannot change. We accept this, but keep hoping things will get better. I believe it will through prayer and perseverance.
Our gardener was blessed with a new baby daughter. Unfortunately his wife became very ill after the birth and he missed many days at work. He took her to the doctor who prescribed medicine, but nothing seemed to work. After using the excuse too many times and seeing the dejected expression on his face, we decided to do something about the situation. We arranged with a local pastor to go to his house and pray. But the day did not progress as we thought it would. Our boss informed us that we might have to move to another house in August... My reaction was not positive, but maybe you will be able to sympathize with me if you know our moving-history. I was disappointed to say the least.
In the evening we went to the gardener's house in a small town on the outskirts of Chandigarh. With house I don't mean the picture you form in your minds. They stay in an oblong, red-brick building with a flat roof. It is divided into 4 equal-sized rooms. One room per family. The walls in between the rooms have openings on top. On the sides are holes and if you put your eye next to the wall, you can see what's happening next-door. No space for privacy. There is a familiar smell in the air, they stay next to the water buffalo camp. The fan and the TV make loud noises and a mouse watches from the corner.
We meet the gardener's wife, his two sons and his new baby daughter. The pastor explains clearly that prayer in the name of Jesus is not a magic formula, but that they have to believe that God can heal them. After the prayer a few things changed that evening. The gardener's wife has a smile on her face and says she's feeling much better. My heart is filled with thankfulness for the house we have even if it is just for a short time. The gardener smiles every day when he comes to work and says everything is going well.
Thank you for your letters. They are like icy cold water in a desert. Thank you for your prayers. It makes us soar like eagles. We are praying for you too.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Delhi
Nameste Ji
It is swarming with life here. It's spring! Our lawn is full of squirrels, birds and other creatures. The garden is a rainbow of flowers. I've seen my first gecko and after 5 years my reaction was still eeeehhhhhh! Stephan showed him the door with a free flying lesson to the neighbours. I know .. harmless creatures that like to have their meals in my house .. I don't think so.
We had 3 journeys since we've written last. Khasauli, Delhi and Texas (Stephan for work). You can see the photographs on our blog. I will share our Delhi trip with you. After shopping in an enormous market the first evening, our car disappeared. At first we thought it was stolen. But a very helpful man on the pavement, that greeted us so friendly when we parked there, told us the police took it away. He's like the internet and tells us everything we want to know: who, where, how, how much. Just a bit too much, I think. I suspect that his purse is a lot thicker after the transaction and that he gave us away. Apparently we stopped in a no-parking zone (there is no board and 10 other cars!). I am furious and want to make gestures as
though I am calling down all kinds of evil on him (they are sooo superstitious), but reconsider. I am here to share Jesus' love with these people. I think I didn't manage that and the man look half sorry especially after Anandi starts crying.
We took an auto-rickshaw to the police-station. We are at the mercy of the rickshaw-driver, because we have no clue where he is taking us. Eventually we reach a large parking area where hundreds of cars are chained on a lease like dogs. After some fruitless protests and Rs800 later, our car is free again. Now we can get back home. But we have no idea where we are and there is no-one to ask. I have a feeling where we should go (Stephan thinks we have to go the other way - so I know I'm right). We drive, but I don't recognize any of the names on the few road signs. We are stuck in Delhi Saturday evening traffic ... I have visions I've seen in movies of aliens and flood waves storming at the cars in the traffic jam. I realize I cannot even open my door if I want to get out, because the others are too close. Eventually I am able to attract one of the driver's attention and he tells us we are
completely wrong. We have to turn around. Half an hour later we manage to turn. Stephan grabs the map and works out a route to get back home. It takes 2 hours and 3 wrong turns to reach home. We decide to avoid Delhi in future.
But the next day is a different story. We visit Delhi Bible Fellowship with our friend from SA. The message is about how David handled difficult situations. I get flashbacks of the previous evening. Afterwards we eat at McDonalds and after a short nap we go to a huge wood in the heart of Delhi. On the hills we see just the tops of the buildings. Who could guess that Delhi can be this beautiful!
We are busy and every now and then I drop one of the balls I try to juggle. But we are going forward, sure of what we must do. We visit the church, the satsang, friends, take Hindi lessons, go rollerblading, walk in the gardens, learn new things, write programs, drive, manage, play tabletennis, talk to Jesus, sketch, etc.
We appreciate you like a comfortable chair that you take along everywhere you go (something special from your own world). Or a bit of sugar after you've bitten into a chili. We need your letters and prayers. Thank you very much for that.
It is swarming with life here. It's spring! Our lawn is full of squirrels, birds and other creatures. The garden is a rainbow of flowers. I've seen my first gecko and after 5 years my reaction was still eeeehhhhhh! Stephan showed him the door with a free flying lesson to the neighbours. I know .. harmless creatures that like to have their meals in my house .. I don't think so.
We had 3 journeys since we've written last. Khasauli, Delhi and Texas (Stephan for work). You can see the photographs on our blog. I will share our Delhi trip with you. After shopping in an enormous market the first evening, our car disappeared. At first we thought it was stolen. But a very helpful man on the pavement, that greeted us so friendly when we parked there, told us the police took it away. He's like the internet and tells us everything we want to know: who, where, how, how much. Just a bit too much, I think. I suspect that his purse is a lot thicker after the transaction and that he gave us away. Apparently we stopped in a no-parking zone (there is no board and 10 other cars!). I am furious and want to make gestures as
though I am calling down all kinds of evil on him (they are sooo superstitious), but reconsider. I am here to share Jesus' love with these people. I think I didn't manage that and the man look half sorry especially after Anandi starts crying.
We took an auto-rickshaw to the police-station. We are at the mercy of the rickshaw-driver, because we have no clue where he is taking us. Eventually we reach a large parking area where hundreds of cars are chained on a lease like dogs. After some fruitless protests and Rs800 later, our car is free again. Now we can get back home. But we have no idea where we are and there is no-one to ask. I have a feeling where we should go (Stephan thinks we have to go the other way - so I know I'm right). We drive, but I don't recognize any of the names on the few road signs. We are stuck in Delhi Saturday evening traffic ... I have visions I've seen in movies of aliens and flood waves storming at the cars in the traffic jam. I realize I cannot even open my door if I want to get out, because the others are too close. Eventually I am able to attract one of the driver's attention and he tells us we are
completely wrong. We have to turn around. Half an hour later we manage to turn. Stephan grabs the map and works out a route to get back home. It takes 2 hours and 3 wrong turns to reach home. We decide to avoid Delhi in future.
But the next day is a different story. We visit Delhi Bible Fellowship with our friend from SA. The message is about how David handled difficult situations. I get flashbacks of the previous evening. Afterwards we eat at McDonalds and after a short nap we go to a huge wood in the heart of Delhi. On the hills we see just the tops of the buildings. Who could guess that Delhi can be this beautiful!
We are busy and every now and then I drop one of the balls I try to juggle. But we are going forward, sure of what we must do. We visit the church, the satsang, friends, take Hindi lessons, go rollerblading, walk in the gardens, learn new things, write programs, drive, manage, play tabletennis, talk to Jesus, sketch, etc.
We appreciate you like a comfortable chair that you take along everywhere you go (something special from your own world). Or a bit of sugar after you've bitten into a chili. We need your letters and prayers. Thank you very much for that.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
On the road again
No, we are not moving again, but I am on the road again with our new 4-wheeler. It's a white Maruti Suzuki 800 AC. The first day I caused an accident when the guy in front of me stared so much at me in his rearview-mirror that he almost drove over a bicycle. To my relieve, the poor man on the bicycle got up in one piece. I lost a lot of my courage, but it's coming back slowly. My ears are closed for horns/hooters even if I know it's meant for me. There are two things in the traffic that I do not understand. One is the roundabouts/traffic circles. When you are in a circle you have to wait for the cars that are trying to get in - my mind is working in the opposite direction. Another is the robots/traffic lights with counters that tell you how long a light will be red/green. When there is still 3 seconds green left the traffic stops, but they start driving when there is still 3 seconds red left. I tend to do it differently. We enjoy the car and are thankful for it. It opens up lots of possibilities for us.
Sport
We are planning to buy a table tennis table and invite people to a social event each Saturday where they can come and play. We'll also have badminton and paint for the arty people. We hope it will help our church community to get involved with outreach as they invite their unsaved friends. There are many young people in Chandigarh that come to study and we believe they would be interested in such an event. We want to share Jesus with Chandigarh. Pray with us that this will become an event where people will experience Jesus' love and power.
Small group
This Friday we'll start with a small group at our house. There are two other families that want to start with us. We look forward to that.
Hindi
I started with my Hindi lessons. Manisha, my friend, is helping me to work through a 30 week course. After that I will be able to speak Hindi. Let's see.
America
Stephan has to go to America in a month's time to start off a new project. He will be away for a week or two. We don't look forward to that, but we can cope.
Project Provision
Two of our friends, Mannu and Nidhee, have started a project to help people on the streets. Every Friday they buy food and hand it out to people that live on the streets. These people do not have facilities to cook, so they have to buy food that is cooked. It is very cold this time of year so they are handing out blankets also. It is still a new project and they need lots of wisdom on how to handle all the situations. You can imagine how it is if a crowd of people is in need and there is not enough for everyone. If you want to get involved, let us know.
Persecution
About 50 churches and 600 Christian homes were attacked in Orissa (these numbers you won't find in the newspapers). Pray with us for the church that is suffering very much in that region. I would just like to mention that we are very far from were this is happening and we are not in danger at all. India is a big country with lots of disasters.
Our family
As you can conclude from our news we are doing well and are getting very busy. Nadia and Anandi are doing well too. You can look at our new photos. We have pictures of Nadia's art and some of our home (as some of you requested). Our container arrived in one piece and we can now make music together again. Stephan plays piano, Nadia the flute, Anandi the tambourine and I am the audience. I am considering learning to play the Indian drum :-).
Sport
We are planning to buy a table tennis table and invite people to a social event each Saturday where they can come and play. We'll also have badminton and paint for the arty people. We hope it will help our church community to get involved with outreach as they invite their unsaved friends. There are many young people in Chandigarh that come to study and we believe they would be interested in such an event. We want to share Jesus with Chandigarh. Pray with us that this will become an event where people will experience Jesus' love and power.
Small group
This Friday we'll start with a small group at our house. There are two other families that want to start with us. We look forward to that.
Hindi
I started with my Hindi lessons. Manisha, my friend, is helping me to work through a 30 week course. After that I will be able to speak Hindi. Let's see.
America
Stephan has to go to America in a month's time to start off a new project. He will be away for a week or two. We don't look forward to that, but we can cope.
Project Provision
Two of our friends, Mannu and Nidhee, have started a project to help people on the streets. Every Friday they buy food and hand it out to people that live on the streets. These people do not have facilities to cook, so they have to buy food that is cooked. It is very cold this time of year so they are handing out blankets also. It is still a new project and they need lots of wisdom on how to handle all the situations. You can imagine how it is if a crowd of people is in need and there is not enough for everyone. If you want to get involved, let us know.
Persecution
About 50 churches and 600 Christian homes were attacked in Orissa (these numbers you won't find in the newspapers). Pray with us for the church that is suffering very much in that region. I would just like to mention that we are very far from were this is happening and we are not in danger at all. India is a big country with lots of disasters.
Our family
As you can conclude from our news we are doing well and are getting very busy. Nadia and Anandi are doing well too. You can look at our new photos. We have pictures of Nadia's art and some of our home (as some of you requested). Our container arrived in one piece and we can now make music together again. Stephan plays piano, Nadia the flute, Anandi the tambourine and I am the audience. I am considering learning to play the Indian drum :-).
Thursday, December 13, 2007
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)
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)
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