And The Verdict Is In

An uneasy calm prevailed in the city as people waited for the verdict on the disputed Ayodhya site. Most people opted to stay home the closer it got to the hour of decision. Normally busy intersections in town were deserted. If life were like one of those old western movies...a tumbleweed would have rolled down the empty streets.

The verdict itself is a little confusing. Basically, they decided to split the land into thirds and give it to three different groups. Each group will have access to their piece of the land. It was a decision to try to please everyone. There seems to be mixed responses. But overall, people seem to want to just live in harmony. In an article on the front page of the newspaper this morning it said "now its time to learn to live in peace. we are a people of one nation..peace will take us towards prosperity". So far this morning, all seems to be quiet on the western front. Thanks for your prayers!

The Ayodhya Verdict

There has been a 50 year dispute over land in the state I live in. Two different religions consider this piece of land holy. On Thursday, Sept 30th, the High Courts in the state capital will finally issue their verdict on who has rights to it. I live in a city where tensions run high between these two groups so most likely, a "bund" will take place. This just basically means, the city will close down all the shops and roads so nobody can really get out to 'cause trouble'. I have food, water and good neighbors so I will be snug as a bug in a rug. But if you could just be lifting this situation up!

Exercise Advice

So, today Heather's househelper taught me how to exercise. People tell me I am fatter now. What they really mean is hey you look better than you did when you were all sickly from the typhoid. But..nobody likes hearing the 'fat' word. Being the kind lady she is (she really is a sweety) ....she decided to give me some health advice. Ok for one...I have to get up really early in the morning. Then, I hold my nose and perform the Valsalva manuever. After doing that a few times, I then have to flail my arms around in a random fashion. I got so crazy with it I almost hit myself in the eye.The final exercise included walking back and forth in the room a few times. I tried to make her proud as I demostrated each exercise. Who needs to join a gym...

Fruit

Recently someone brought the topic of fruit up. In the circles I run in, there is alot of talk about fruit. The fruits of our labour. 'How fruitful is your outreach'? people ask. We talk about fruit in terms of 'numbers of decisions made'. And of course that's all wonderful. But someone brought it to my attention that in the Word...that's not what fruit is. Fruit has more to do with my character than it has to do with numbers and good works. How do I act when nobody is around? Was I kind today to the man who sweeps my porch even though he tries to rip me off? Did I gossip today? Real fruit, the kind that will last, comes from abiding in Him. And so today I choose. I choose love..joy..peace...patience...

Invasion of the Mold

This monsoon season has been the worst in 15 years they say. Last year we barely had any rain at all. I "heard" about mold last year but I didn't really pay much attention since it didn't seem to be that big of a deal. Well, apartments around here are pretty cheaply made. And the structure is just not sturdy enough to endure so much rain. I had the building owner come look at my water damage once and he was basically like "yeah, it happens, this building was cheaply made". At least he was honest.

So, in the monsoon season, the walls stay wet and then mold grows... on EVERYTHING! I even found mold on my toothbrush cap. Since things stay so damp, mold seems impossible to conquer. Here are the state of some of my walls (YES even my beloved PURPLE room). Apparently I am allergic to mold and it hasn't been a pretty sight. Oh well....sunnier days are ahead. ;-)

Char Duckan

Heather and I are in the middle of our two week language intensive class. Since it is the weekend, we decided to take a little day trip up the mountain to a charming little hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayans. One of my favorite places there is called Char Duckan. "Duckan" means store in Hindi and they are a dime a dozen here in South Asia. The thing that makes this place special is...well..the view... And also, the owner has put an awning outside of his store and put several chairs and tables. He has himself a little gas stove and basically is a short order cook. He makes a pretty fine breakfast and I have to admit, I admire his business mind.

Unfortunately,this time around, it rained the whole time. So, we couldn't really see the mountains. This picture was taken last year when the weather was clear. But, I still enjoyed going. This morning, we sat underneath the awning and had waffles, omelets and chai for breakfast. YUMMY.