arm wrestling

Bad things

Last night a friend of ours was returning from the airport late, after dropping his parents off. The taxi was stopped by some bad guys and my friend was beat up and robbed. Please pray for Daniel to heal from his injuries and to find peace about the incident. I am assuming the taxi driver was also hurt and robbed, so pray for him too. Thanks.

Christmas party

Last night I had a Christmas party for the ladies that come to aerobics. I am one of the worst party planners, but it turned out great.

Everyone came late, which added to my anxiety. I always am ready way early and Indians usually come way late. I had a friend with me to help me pass the moments.

We had lots of cookies, chocolate cake, momos and chai. I was given a very high complement by ladies when they drank my chai. Several said, "Very nice chai. You are turning Indian." So that was nice. I also think I make pretty good chai. I like cardomon chai. I squish a green pardomon pod and boil it with the tea leaves. I also give a shake of cinnomon sugur in the leaves. It makes it taste so nice.

We played charades with different movies or actors. That went over well also. And then we had an arm wrestling competition. That was my idea. So we had the Americans vs. Indians. I thought that the Indian ladies would be weak, but was surprised that all of us Americans LOST. I lost to one of my trainers who I thought for sure I would win. It was halarious. We had two ties, one between my two trainers and one with the second trainer and an American lady. I will add pictures later.

I found the Christmas story in a children's Bible and had it read it Hindi which the ladies enjoyed. Then we danced. First up was the daughter of one of the ladies. I didn't have the song she wanted so she said, "That's okay, I will sing too." So she sang, "Crazy kya hai" and did the dance too. Then we all danced and laughed at eachother. So much fun.

Finally the ladies started to leave. All were happy to have come. I was extremely happy with how the party turned out. I am thankful for those who helped me by baking sweets, bringing things, coming up with games. I am thankful that my househelp lady will come today and clean up from our mess. And I am thankful that we were able to hear the real Christmas story, maybe some of them for the first time.

Shopping Woes

Today I ventured out to go Christmas shopping. I didn't think it would be so crowded if I went in the morning. Morning turned into afternoon when my househelp didn't show up on time. So I went to Khan Market, which is an expensive, but easy market. I had only a few things on my list which I thought would be easy to find in Khan Market.

I drove around trying to find parking and ended up on the side of the street close to a "no-parking" sign. There were other cars so I figured I was okay. A little old lady who sits on the side of the road started talking to me as I got out of my car. I thought she was saying, "Give me food" and she was waving a cup of chai at me. I shook my head and walked away. All the while thinking, "What was she saying?" Later it occurred to me that maybe she was warning me not to park there. Anyway, off I went for my shopping.

First stop was the Levi store. Steve mentioned yesterday that he would like a jean jacket, so what better place to look than the expensive Levi store in Khan Market. No jackets! I couldn't believe it. So I continued walking and decided I should take a peek at the car to make sure it wasn't getting towed. But there was no car. I was too embarrassed to show my face to the old lady. I decided to keep shopping and worry about the car later.

I called Steve to see if he had ever been towed from there and if he knew where the car would have been taken. But Khan market is one place we haven't been towed from before. So I ate lunch at McDonald's and tried to not think about the car. Finally I finished shopping and decided it was time to deal with the car.

I found a local police guy and tried to communicate that my car was towed. He finally understood and pointed me to the police stand. I made my way over there and the policeman flagged a down a auto rickshaw and explained to the driver where to take me. My car was the only one in the tow yard! I felt a little picked on. But still I was guilty. So I gladly paid my debt and drove my ashamed head home.

I don't feel like going shopping anymore. Too bad for Steve. Maybe I will make him a hat!

First hat

Stupid People

I just have to tell you how stupid people make me so upset. I just want to hit them.

Today my househelp told me she quit her second job. She had only been working for them for a couple of weeks. They paid her well. The problems started when Bimla (my househelp) arrived a little late on a holiday. It was hard to find a bus so that is why she was late. But the woman she was working for yelled at her and scolded her for being late. Now I know how it is to have to wait for Bimla to show up sometimes and it can be frustrating if you have other things to do. But to scold someone like they are a child is rediculous.

Last week Bimla's brother was in an accident and she got the phone call at my house. She was very worried. His leg was got a very deep cut and he was on his way to the hospital. When a person has to stay in the hospital the family has to bring food, and sometimes sheets. It is good if someone stays with the patient to take after them. So Bimla called her second job to tell them she wasn't able to come clean that day. The lady yelled at her and told her what a horrible person she was. She told Bimla that she HAD to come work. So Bimla told her she was quitting.

On Friday Bimla told me the lady had called and apologized for yelling and Bimla thought maybe she would still work for her. But her husband told her not to because people like that will continue to get angry. So Bimla called the lady back and told her "no". So then the lady yelled again and insisted she come right away to return the key.

So today Bimla told me she went yesterday to return the key and the lady told her, "You will never find work. You are stupid." Then the lady through Bimla's work clothes out the door at her and shewed her away like a dog.

No one should be treated like Bimla was treated. It makes me so mad. But there is no sense trying to talk with someone like that. It is better to just leave it and be thankful that Bimla doesn't have to deal with her again.

Teera Zameen Per

Yesterday I watched the movie Teera Zameen Per and loved it. This is a Hindi movie, but I heard it is dubbed in English now. I highly recommend it. SO I have added my two favorite songs from the movie to my playlist here. But to help you out I am also copying the English translation to the first song, Maa (Mom). I loved it. I cried, smiled, cheered. Check it out.

Our tree

7 Random Book Facts

Thanks Linda for tagging me. I don't even have seven people to tag though. Sad me.

1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share seven random and/or weird book facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


1. I read a book this year that made me so mad that I made comments in it about how stupid I thought the author's ideas were. "Created To Be His Help Mate" is the title. DON'T READ IT!!!

2. I also would like to write my own book one day. I started a daily devotional book many years ago and I think I wrote two days worth of devotionals. Then my mind went blank.

3. A book is coming out this next year that I am in. An American lady, Miranda Kennedy, is writing a book on Indian ladies and she has a bit about my gym in it. She let me pick out my own alias and I chose Betty. Then she said she would just use my real name. So I am going to be famous. I hope it makes me look good.

4. I also have a selfish desire to have a whole book written about me. The only problem is that I haven't done anything book worthy to write about. I'm still working on that. It will probably be a comedy.

5. My favorite author right now is Erwin Raphael McManus. He has a new book out called "Awake". I have loved all his books and even listen to him online. Pastor of Mosaic church in L.A.

6. In my house I have books in three languages. I can read two of them, but only understand one. Hindi, English and Urdu. Three totally different scripts.

7. I am married to a book collector. He likes to buy books and keep them on the shelf. I like to read a book and then give it away. I am tempted to give his books away too.

So now I am suppose to tag seven "random" people. I first have to figure out how to make it link to their blogs. Then I guess I will just choose some random people by clicking "next blog" at the top of the page. Here we go.....

Janet, Christy, Steve, Lori, Billy Bob, Betty, and for Christmas...Santa! You guys are now tagged.

Hats

I have decided the next thing I want to give. I want to make hats and give them to the beggar kids. So now I have to find a store that sells yarn. I thought it would be easy to find a store because a lot of people knit. My first trip out to buy yarn resulted in no yarn.

I have one of those Nifty Knitter circle looms that helps you make a hat or scarf or leg warmers. I could make a hat a day if I don't have a lot of other things to do. But first I need yarn. Oh where is the yarn in this city?

To fear or not to fear, that is the question

Today's newspaper reports that we are on the highest alert level for terrorist attacks in the city. The airports in India are preparing for attacks or hijackings. At least three air marshals are reported to be on each flight leaving the city. http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/top-story/airports-turn-into-fortresses.aspx

Last Sunday while I sat in church, instead of listening to the sermon, I was thinking about terrorist attacks at our church and what I would do. Outside our church we have two or three armed guards. I thought about a church in Pakistan that was attacked a few years ago and several people were killed. I don't mind being killed, but I don't want Micah to have to witness anything like that. So the kids go off to Sunday school. What if someone just attacked the Sunday school area? Oh boy. I am reminded again to "take every thought captive". And I tried to concentrate on the sermon and not on my terrorist thoughts.

So today again, with the thoughts of security in my mind, I try to still my mind and calm my heart. I picture myself in God's hands and find rest. I read Psalms 140 and pray along with David that God will rescue me from evil men and preserve me from violent men. Keep me Oh Lord, from the hands of the wicked.

First round of giving

OK, so God must be really trying to teach me about giving. Yesterday I listened to a sermon and it was also about giving. Random? I don't think so. I asked God to show me how to have joy and this seems to be what He wants to show me. So I share my giving with you not as a way to brag, but as a way to spur you on to greater giving and joy.

Last week I listed online all my gym equipment to sell. I would love to get some of our investment back out of it. On Sunday I met with a friend who lives in another part of India and she was asking about the equipment. She wanted to know how much because she is thinking about opening a gym for women. I told her that I wouldn't sell it to her, but I would love to give it to her. I am all for the benefit of the women and the chance for my friend to get to know the ladies better. She told me she would still need to think about it. The minute I walked in the door after meeting with my friend, the phone rang. It was a guy responding to my online ad. He was interested in buying the equipment. I would be so much happier to give it to my friend however. Funny how that is.

Then I thought of a car that we have that is being used by some friends. We have talked about selling it to them and they are open to buying it. However, again I feel prompted to give it without cost. So I told Steve this morning (who has already been open to giving it to them) that I am now wanting to just give it to them. And you know what? I feel good about it. I guess it is joy I feel. I feel like I am helping others and that makes me feel good.

As for the investment we made that we aren't getting money back from.... I really feel that the investment is deposited in heaven, where neither moth, dust or the bad economy can destroy.

Money thoughts

After doing the "5 Things Meme" I have been thinking about the million dollars that I have to do something with. I am also reading the little book, "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn. It is about giving. Apparently I will find more joy in giving than in keeping. So, if I ever get a million dollars at one time, I hope I give it away. I would rather have a million dollars worth of joy. That is what I am really after. I have been thinking about joy and wondering how to get it and then I found out that it is in giving. I am going to try it out. Let's see if it is really true. I want to be a giver. If someone needs a blanket, I want to give them one. If someone needs money then I want to give it. There is plenty of opportunity here in India to be a giver and I want to start taking those opportunities. Even if the person I give to is not grateful (which they seldom are here), I want to be grateful that I can give. And in this way I will store up for myself treasures in heaven.