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.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
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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