Meeting and evaluating

Tuesday, December 29
The early morning walk starts at 6:30, after we do an hour of work online. We go through the lanes and streets with our yard dog. Gypsy needs a long walk - and even so he is frisky throughout the day.

A quick learner: no tugging on the leash
and an immediate sit-down when we pause

Then the day really begins. W is working on the visa situations on several fronts. We prepare and rehearse a talk for the first weeks of January. I have some letters to write.

We are surprised when our helper hails us as
we're walking past her house.

And at 11, K and I meet with a friend from the walking group. Madju explains how she keeps her arthritis pain under control with Indian herbs and natural foods. K has tried many of the foods herself (but without helping).

The ingredients for Chai tea: Indian basil,
ginger, cinnamon, and peppercorns

Sumathi and her daughter Amitha (visiting from Singapore) join us for lunch. Amitha is marrying next summer and we hope to attend the wedding. We met her boyfriend last Christmas - a fine fellow indeed. Today is also Sumathi and Augustine's anniversary. What a treat to spend time together.

Friends old and new 

Amitha will be setting up her house before the wedding - she comes over for ideas on furnishings and layout. We share some tea before they go home.

Exploring the tea cupboard

While we're at lunch, W is retrieving a parcel from a family in the US. They have blessed us for Christmas - and we are stunned at their generosity in finding and sending children's books (for learning English) and dog toys (dog management!) We are delighted with the books and the dog is ecstatic with the squeaky toy he drags around the yard.

It's time to review our year. We discuss how God has blessed us. And how have we blessed others? We are so grateful for people who have supported us  during this transition to a change of vocation. We love this city and its people but there are times when we really miss old friends. Knowing we're not forgotten helps a lot :-) .

Funniest snap of the day: on the opposite hilltop,
a cell tower disguised as a very tall tree (left)

Read more: (ESV)
*David and all Israel were dancing before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 13:8

*For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

*God gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21 

*The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Luke 2:20

*Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

Moravian Prayer:
Loving Giver of life, receive our words and deeds of celebration as offerings of praise and thanksgiving for the magnificent gift of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please accept our undying gratitude for his life, death, and resurrection.

It is difficult to discern your will, God of Wisdom. The Scriptures inform us, but interpretations can be controversial, even adversarial. Forgive our allowance of such disagreements to obstruct the work of your Spirit in us. Show us how to live the way, the truth, and the life of sacrificial love. Amen.