STARTING THE JOURNEY BACK HOME

We have our bags packed and they are coming up to the hotel room with a scale to check out our weight limits for the flight. I was glad we could get them to do that as it's metric and I don't know what 40 lbs would be in metric. Kilograms? It really makes you want to expand your educational limitations. It's not good to be somewhere and not know how to do even the most basic of things. We will have our last dental visit today at 4:15 then we'll grab something to eat and Bahart is coming at 9 p.m. to take us to the airport. It really does feel like it's all been a dream and very surreal. Yesterday we got to see a horse draw taxi. There was a man on a bicycle with 8 huge bags of potato's selling them as he went along the road. Ladies with huge baskets affixed to their heads with loads of washing, limes, or other food items. The Saree's being the most common of dress here all look so elegant. It's really been something to see. There are some ladies that wear western clothes but they are far and few between. I think most of them are travellers much like ourselves. The art work that was done on Debra's hands is stictly traditonal for the Indian ladies. It's a sign of a great celebration in your life. We feel we had somethig to celebrate. The style is called "Mendi" It's beautiful. We are going out as soon as they weigh the bags and this computer will go in the carry on and the camera is packed away as well. It's been glouious and it's been such a comfort to know that the Lord has been with us all the way, that gold cross with rubies and diamonds around my neck is a constant reminder that you do come home and life does improve. I can't wait to put it back around the neck of it's rightful owner. It's never been off my neck the whole time we have been here. It's been to all the place seen all the shops and been touched by many different hands of Indian people who share in the knowledge of the Lord Christ Jesus and I think that's been an amazing part of this trip in and of it's self.

WE ARE PACKING TO COME HOME

Got off to a slow start this morning getting some extra and much needed sleep. Didn’t go down for breakfast because sleep was more important to me. We had a doctors appointment at noon and then the dentist appointment at 3:30. We spent most of the day at the hospital wrapping up last minute details. The dental was a little intense for Debra as she had to get some fillings done today and have 3 crowns set. It took a long time as they drilled out some old silver fillings. They put in my bridge but it was a matter of a little cement and some pressure. Every thing fits great and the work looks so natural you wouldn’t know they were dental crowns. I am glad it’s over that ran a little close to the wire plus it cost a little more than I had expected on Debra’s work. At any rate she has a whole new make over.
We ate at the Pizza Hut tonight. It was one square of a personal pan and that was enough. Bharat told me how to say “go to the boarder‘ it‘s easy. You say Mulund check naka. Or Thone check naka and your own your way. Come a few more times and we might pick up a little more of the language.
This will be short tonight as we are packing and fighting over what to take and what not to take back. It will be less than 24 hours now……..we are all fixed up and it’s really time to get back to our lives in Texas.
Thanks for all the prayers. We have been blessed to have this experience. I truly hope that we never have to do anything this drastic again but I am also hopeful that it’s going to give Debra a new lease on life. This will be my last post it’s really been something to remember……….

HENNA TUESDAY AND CELEBRATIONS

HENNA ART WORK DONE ON DEBRA'S HAND IN OUR HOTEL ROOM
THE START OF THE PROCESS OF GETTING A HENNA TRADITIONAL TATOO
THESE ARE THE PALMS OF DEBRA'S HANDS
THIS IS THE INK THAT THEY USE TO DO THE ARTWORK WITH.

Got another rain free day and it was awesome. Woke up with a little bit of a headache but it went away pretty fast all the humidity really makes it hard on your head. Talk to Roland first thing in the morning we get up about 7:30 a.m. so we can take his calls. It’s always a good way to wake up. Same routine we have to get out of the room for house keeping to clean and they clean no matter what you say they clean. After that I came back up and took a nap but the hospital called and we had to go in for a sonogram of Debra’s abdomen at 3 o’clock. I wasn’t expecting to have to do that but she was having some “paining” as they like to call it. It’s only from the internal stitches pulling as they heal. Nothing to worry about. She’ll get her results at noon on the 20th as to what the test have to say and it will tell them if they got all the cysts off of the ovaries. We are hoping that is the case but the test were done to make sure. Redevelopments can accrue within 2 to 3 years but with a good procedure it can be effective even longer. We went to Mocha’s for our celebration meal as we are within our time to go home window. Yes, we did partake of all the good things they had to offer as it was a celebration meal. We have the cheese fondue almost daily as it’s so superb. I did try the recommended “shake” it was wonderful. Thanks to Jordan V. for the tip of the day! Goa is below us we would have to take a train to get there to see the beaches and it wasn’t possible this trip. The Mocha’s we go to is in the Nirmal Mall near the hospital. It’s beautiful inside with red walls, velvet drapes that go from ceiling to floor with touches of gold and purple. It has mis-matched tables and chairs/couches for a trendy look. Debra says we need one of these places in Mont Belvieu. While we were at the hospital Bharat dropped by and was disappointed we have not been calling him to partake of our adventures. He says we are brazen American women! He was happy all had gone well and that we were having a true experience here in India. He knows a henna artist that does the traditional henna tattoos so he asked her to come to our room here at the hotel to do Debra’s hands in henna art. It was fun and we got to enjoy his company while she did the art work on Debra’s hands. Her name was Delphia. She spoke no English but does beautiful work. It was astonishing to watch her do the designs freehanded. It was fantastic. It wont last that long it washes off. It was a true ethnic experience we could never have anywhere else. You have to know a artist to get the work done. It’s not just something you can pop in and get done. Anyway it topped off a great day with nice weather.
I am so looking forward to getting back home and being with my family again. It’s been a tremendous time here and if I had the choice I would do it again. Everyone should have these types of experiences in their lifetimes. I thank God for his protection and the blessings of the saints as they prayed for us while we have been here. I hope with all my heart that only good things will be the result of this trip. Only time will tell.

JURASSIC PARK AND MUSIC TILL WE CAN LEAVE....

ONE OF THE CLINICS HERE IN MUMBIA INDIA
SURVIVAL FOODS
BLACK PEPPER INDIAN STYLE
I THINK THEY MIGHT BE RAVENS

Today was a better experience here in Mumbai. It wasn’t raining!! We had a rough night and sleep didn’t come easy as it gets closer to coming home it’s hard on the nerves and you just don’t rest well. Got up early and Skyped with Roland and then we went down for breakfast. The guys down there at the restaurant are really getting to know us and cut up with us and tease us about only eating corn flakes with warmed milk. Really that’s pretty good you should try it. It grows on you. We were so excited about the warm clear day we went for the mall and even being tired we enjoyed the day a lot. Mocha’s is our favorite place to just hang out. Crossword’s is also another place to just hang out. The clear day did wonders for my attitude.
I went to the dentist for some work today. Debra is waiting for her crowns to come back from the lab. I wasn’t really sure I liked what he had done to my mouth but after a while it started feeling right. He said give it a chance and he was right it does feel better but my mouth had to get used to the changes. Kind of like wearing new shoes. There is a braking in period. I only have 3 days to make sure it’s right. It feels right and when the bridge gets placed it should be even better. If the dentist is right on this he says it will add 20 years to my dental life.
When we came back to the hotel they were having a huge party of some kind. TV crews and satellite dishes where set up out front and cars were every where. We are in our room but the music is so loud it shakes the hotel. Must be some kind of important event. They have 3 levels of banquet halls here. I guess for a hotel in the middle of the city it’s a pretty nice hotel. Not like the Leela would have been but still pretty nice. At least it didn’t cost me $250. 00 a night.
I called tonight to confirm our travel arrangements for the trip home. They will pick us up at 9 p.m. to take us to the airport on the 21st. The flight is at 2:15 a.m. on the 22nd but I would rather be really early than late and have to push. That will give us 4 hours before the flight takes off. We came in really early at 1 a.m. in the morning and the airport was packed. There is not really a slow time at the airport. Things can go wrong with traffic here and I don’t want to take a chance on the trip home. Bharat will make our arrangements and I trust him. Nothing has went wrong in dealing with him. I think he was a little disappointed that we didn’t call upon his services more often but I could do things on my own just as well.
We will eat early dinners at Mocha’s for the rest of our time here. I love the atmosphere. It’s a lot of fun the music is up beat and the food is good. I had some hot chocolate there today that was to die for. Other places I am sure are good but we have this one down and they know us. I will try the Toblerone shake on my next visit. I am sure there are some other interesting things that I will try as well before we leave this place. We wanted to get henna tattoos but we can’t find a place that will do them for us. I think it’s something that only the Indian ladies are allowed to do. They do this as a sign of great respect for a special event in their lives. We asked where to get them done and no one will tell us a place to go. Like it’s secret and for their culture only. We can respect that.
As we listen to the loud music tonight and enjoy the vibration of our walls I will remind myself it wont be long and we will be back home. I will also be reading some in Colossians 1:13 for he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins….15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

JUST ANOTHER RAINY DAY BEFORE COMING HOME

Temple area in Mumbai
Muland and Thane boarder. This is where you have to change rickshaws to go from one side to the other.
Debra walking to the boarder on a clear day....one of the few days it didn't rain all day.

Woke up to the ringing of Skype. That little ring has become my favorite sound here. I had to find out how to get the head phones on and the computer screen up while I was still half asleep. Roland kept trying and I finally got my computer to come up so I could answer the call. Some time I wake up and I am a little disorientated as to where I am! I guess that has to do with waking up in a hotel in India for so long. Chatted with Roland for a while it’s nice we can talk as long as we want. Debra was ready for breakfast so we went down this morning. They had some delicious jam this morning most of the time it’s been like a lime flavor but this morning it was some type of berry. Came back to the room and slept as it’s pouring rain today heavily. We are going to watch movies today and just try to kill this day. Monday we have more dental work. Debra will get her crowns and I will get my bridge placed. They should be ready. We’ll go in for a finale check of the fittings on the 20th. Then we just have to wait for the time to come that we can get on the flight home. Debra’s incisions will be healed by the time we get back. You can hardly see some of them now. Tiny little punctures are already healing over. The largest one about 2 inches is also pretty healed over. It will make the flight home much easier on her. It is amazing your body can heal that quickly.
Well nothing exciting today just watching the TV. Bruce Willis is playing in “The Guardian” We wont go out today because of the rain. I am hating being wet all the time. We are running out of clothes so we can’t afford to get them wet at this point. In this humidity they don’t dry. On the flight they sprayed air freshener up and down the isles before we took off now I know why. You just have to keep a sense of humor about that kind of stuff. We’ll be on our mashed potato diet tonight. We did find a Dollar Store that had Roman Noodles and Campbell’s soups. (Thank You Jesus)

MOCHA'S SAVED THE DAY

Breakfast at Mocha's........Cheese fondue.......yummmmmmmm
Apple crepes at Mocha's with carmel sauce and Kona Coffee from Hawaii.......ha ha
Side of the road prayer room.
Traffic in Mumbai on a slow day.......

Most people believe that it takes months and years to transform their lives. Actually, you can literally change your life in an instant by making a single decision never to go back to the way you have been living--no matter what. What takes months, years, and sometimes decades is the maintenance required to live by that decision. I woke this morning in a bit of frustration that I am still in India. Last nights celebrations lead to horn honking all night long. Not the normal horn honking but blaring honking. I woke up with a headache and grumpy. I didn’t go down to breakfast but enjoyed talking to Roland on Skype it was good to vent to my husband about my troubles. Debra did go down to the restaurant for it gave us a break from each other. When she came back up we needed to clear out of the room so house keeping could do our room. After some aspirin and getting a good shower I was back to my old self. We grabbed a rickshaw which we are very accustom to using now and headed to the Nirmal Mall by the Hospital. We started to just stay for a while but then it turned into an all day event. We went back to ‘Mocha’s’ for breakfast and had a cheese fondue. It was fabulous and put me in a better mood. After we had done that we went up to a book store called “Crossword” I found a nice place to sit and read some of the writings of Robin Sharma. He wrote a book called “The monk who sold his Ferrari” He is an internationally acclaimed leadership guru. The Dr. Phil of India. It was a good place to kill some time and Debra ran around doing things she wanted and I read. I can’t believe how spoiled I am to my personal space. I enjoy at home long hours of private time reading and doing whatever I want. Going to the gym ect. But here you are locked into always having people around you always having noise. It’s not good for your karma. India as a whole is full of noise there is no quite places here. Even at the hospital there was constant noise from construction, working, people and traffic it’s mind boggling. First thing I want to do when I get home is to sit out on the back porch and hear nothing but birds. I had told Rikki Lane that the porch was my sanctuary I didn’t know how true that statement was. It’s screened in there is no bugs it’s the most perfect place and I miss it dearly. Roland and I have dinner out there almost every night I miss that as well. It’s so true you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
We went to “Reflexology” and had foot massages which were very nice. Debra had a man do hers and I had a lady but I had to keep telling her “rub easy” she had very strong hands. When we got the pressure right it was a very relaxed event. They brought us out cups of green tea and we sat in these lovely plush chairs. It was at least a calmer atmosphere than we had been having still there was noise. Now I know why they need Zen moments. (meditation). What was odd to me was it was mostly men not woman getting their feet done. Debra and I were the only females in the place except for the workers. Seems here it’s the men who like to be pampered.
We went back to the book store and I bought Robin Sharma’s book on Daily Inspiration. It will be some reading on the trip home as I have read all my other books that I brought with me. We all need daily inspiration. Don’t worry I wont be replacing the bible I read daily with that of the guru. What is that old saying ……when in Rome do as the Roman’s do. Not a chance on that happening!!! I only have one King that I am true to and that is Christ Jesus. Debra felt that Bharat might have intentions of converting me while I was at the Tibetan Prayer service. I just had to laugh. I have all ready been converted to Christianity and you don’t change that. It’s alright to look at how the other half lives but it’s great to be able to see the truth in what you believe. 1 in 5 people who practice religion are Hindu. That blows my mind. So does it mean if you get a henna tattoo that your hinny? I don’t think so. It means you have experienced something different. If your convictions are strong nothing is going to waver you from what you trust and believe. Those who have a strong belief in Christ Jesus are not feathers in the wind.
We had some coffee at the bookstore and finished off the fondue that we had for breakfast. We had taken it in a take away box. We had a little trouble getting a rickshaw back because of heavy traffic but I managed to flag one down. We transferred at the border between Muland and Thane and I have found look for the younger guys they speak some English. Enough to understand you. There are thousands of rickshaws so you never have the same driver. Back at the hotel safe and sound we took showers and hooked up the computers for writing e-mails and posting blogs. It wont be long now and we will be making that trip home. I am ready and so is Debra.
I am going to end my day listening to George Strait and some good country music. You never forget where you come from………..Think I will start with Amarillo by Morning………I love George……I love Roland, too.

अ पोस्ट इन हिन्दी

थिस इस बीइंग त्य्पेद इन हिन्दी। वे अरे स्तायिंग अत थे होटल टिप टॉप प्लाजा इन ठाणे। यू कैन विसित ठिर वेब साईट अत व्व्व.होतेल्तिप्तोप्प्लाज़ा.कॉम जुस्त वांटेड यू तो सी हाउ थे राइट इन थिस साइड ऑफ़ थे वर्ल्ड। नेक्स्ट इस थे एबीसी'स अ बी क डी ऐ फ ग इ ह इ जे क ल म न ओ प क्यू र स टी उ व् व क्ष य ज इ बेत ओनली डेनिस कैन फिगुरे थिस आउट। शे इस ओउर रेअचेर दिवा!

This is a post written in the Hindi. Bet you can't tell what it says. What I find interesting is that they do understand it just like we understand our languages and writings. I have done a good bit of looking into this and it's very interesting how people communicate. Speaking in tongues would have been very necessary for the purpose of being able to understand. Also, I understand why foot washing was such a respectful act to preform for another person. It's all starting to be a little clear to me now.

WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS

8:45 a.m. found us heading toward the dentist office in yet another taxi. This one arranged by the hotel. Our drive took a route we didn’t know but soon realized we had been that way before and it was fine. It was pouring rain this morning there was no way we could have hailed down a rickshaw. The car was worth the little bit extra we paid for it. The driver said if we needed to go again just contact him through the hotel. If the weather is bad it’s an excellent choice. We got our teeth whitened Indian style and believe me they have some dark teeth so I think they used the super duty stuff on Debra. She wanted the whitest possible and she got it. I just wanted my dental work to all match. She has the whitest teeth and a really pretty smile. It took a lot longer than I thought it would but then again here they are so careful to cover every detail. We were having fun they were letting me watch and we were snapping pictures of these funny guys. For all the rough stuff they put us through it’s been enjoyable because they do love cutting up with us. Every time we go they keep trying to sell Debra the dental chair and telling me just to leave a blank check at the desk they will ship it to her on her birthday because she loves it so much. Funny guys….there will be no blank check. We are lucky because he told us last year during the rainy season they worked in a foot of water doing dental work without delay. They just slosh through it and kept on going. I don’t think I would have like that very much.
It was still pouring when we got done but we found a rickshaw fast and headed to the mall. We had bought a few things there as I finally found something I thought Roland would like to have. I wanted something but it’s not easy to buy for Rollie Bear. It’s got to be special well I did find something special for my husband and I think he’ll really like my careful considerations in my selection. We can’t do any more shopping we have to be done with it. I really have everything I wanted to get. I am thinking the designer dress I got will be nice for a Christmas party.
(Kim) the restaurant that is right in front of the place we got our visas is Houston’s top Indian restaurant it is called “ Kiran’s” it’s right there at 4100 Westheimer. Just down from Central Market. Chef Kiran Verma brings her skills to this new restaurant with a unique flair all her own. She moves beyond her training in preparing authentic Mughlai dishes of Northern India to create contemporary and ethnic dishes that fuse American and French cuisine, resulting in an exciting menu that is both adventurous and delicious. The dining room features deep red paneling, fine linens and upholstered chairs, giving it an upscale feel, without being stuffy.
When to Go:
Kiran's is one of the few places in town to experience a traditional high tea the second Saturday of every month from 3pm-5pm)
We came back to the room after we scored Roland’s goodies. August 16 is Raksha Bhandan festival. It’s a festival that celebrates brothers and sisters. They make a very big deal out of it and give each other sweets and bracelets. This whole area is hanging balloons and strings of flowers everywhere. The balloons are white, green and orange. That’s the colors of the India flag. They string orange carnations and other flowers and hand them from everywhere! They even put them on their cars, in trees, just about everywhere they can hang them. The finer dresses are coming out and the music and activities are gearing up. We will watch from the safety of our room because I have never seen so many people. It’s like a sea of humans and I am the only blond haired woman I have seen. I am getting used to the blunt stares and the turning heads. I just act like I belong here. We were mauled by our first gypsy children yesterday. That was horrible to have to dismiss them but if you give one some money you better watch out. 5 becomes 10 really quickly and nobody seems to be in charge of these kids. They are like wild animals. You really have to just keep walking and Debra tried telling one of them ‘no, don’t pat on her” but when she gave him her attention that was a mistake. He had no idea what she was saying just that she had noticed him. It made him very excited and he started jumping. I told her not to make eye contact and to keep walking it took them a good while to give up but they did as we approached the boarder and they saw the police and security officers. For some reason we couldn’t get a rickshaw to stop for us so we ended up walking to the Tip Top from the boarder it’s not far maybe 5 blocks but you have to watch out walking here. It’s muddy. The road is lined with hungry dogs they don’t bother you or bark but it make you sad to see them. You can be fined for feeding them. I didn’t know that until I read it in the news paper.
The storms I am sure will put a damper on the festival but then again maybe not. The hotel is really geared up for it. From my window there is a huge bank of dark clouds rolling in over the mountain tops. It doesn’t seem to thunder or lightening here just heavy down pours. It would be cool to see a thunder storm through these huge glass windows on this floor. Safe inside it would make watching it pretty cool. I love a good storm. It reminds me kind of that God can throw a pretty good fit when he needs, too. It’s amazing to watch lightening. Maybe I will get lucky tonight and see some monster flashes. There are these huge birds that soar down through the buildings. It’s breathtaking to watch those huge wing spans. I have no idea what type of birds they are but we were thinking ‘condors’.
We will be staying in the room unless we get a call from the dentist requesting us to come in for fittings. So we are going to relax watch some movies on “Stars” the only English channel there is and just spend some time reflecting on our time here. It’s time to pull out the bible and work with the Lord a little. I miss not being able to go to church. Debra and I can get on each others nerves if we let that happen. I find study keeps the mother/daughter flare ups from being a problem. We find common ground to talk about there and I enjoy her interest. It also heals her and helps her to know that I am interested in her thoughts. You know when you have had tension with someone for a long time you need something to intercede for you while you are trying to make changes in your attitudes. We both are trying to like each other and sometimes it’s not easy. There is a difference between love and like.
Rollie I hope you have a good evening and know that I think of you everyday. It’s always good to hear your voice on Skype that little program is a great relief as we can keep in good contact. You need that connection while your away from home. I burn my “Tyler” mulled cider candle each night it’s about gone but it also helps me to remember we are just about done here. It’s a sweet smell and a reminder of home.
Take care. I am going to bed now. Love you guys…….I was finding it funny Brad and Jenny will be coming home before we do!

Stitches are out today.........

This is the stair way at the Tip Top Hotel





Our snack at 'Mocha' we took a lot of this back to the room.....but it was good for what we could eat of it.


We had to get new Internet cards today, more rupee money for the rickshaws, breakfast coupons. We don’t have anything to do until this afternoon between 2 and 4. We go to the hospital and get Debra’s stitches taken out. I check out my info with the dentist and see how he’s doing with my selections of colors. We did buy some outfits I got a beautiful green one and Debra choose yellow. She wanted to wear hers today but I am saving mine to wear when we get back home.
I wanted to try a taxi ride today and it was good but the guy thought he was carrying Prince Diana the way he hauled us around honking to high heaven. It was funny but when we got out I noticed the seat was wet and my whole back end was soaked. From the rain the window had been cracked so the seat was wet on my side. I was glad it wasn’t on Debra’s side of the car because she wore her outfit for the doctors to see. She looked really nice.
After we got Debra’s stitches out we wanted to celebrate a little so we went to a place called ‘Mocha’ for coffee and conversation. It was an Indian ‘smoking room’ with these huge bongs they smoke all these different tobacco’s in. (We thought it was going to be a coffee shop when we first went in.) They smoke the tobacco in apple juice and fruit juices sucked up through these long hoses. It was interesting to watch and I was proud for Debra being a smoker not to do it but only watch it. She vows to give up her smoking when she returns home and she has not smoked at all while we have been here. I am very proud for her on this matter. I think she would have liked to have the experience but not with her mother. They did have fantastic Hawaiian Kona Coffee!!, a dessert list to die for and other goodies to eat as well. It was very art deco looking on the inside and Debra loved it. It was a good place for a celebration.
After we left there we were both pretty tired. Long doctors days and dentist still loom before us and we need rest. She is having a hard time being still a vast transformation of the girl I brought to India with me who could not do much of anything. Now she is a seasoned rickshaw rider, communicator, money changer and has a smile on her face. She can eat a few solid items now and has already dropped a good deal of weight…almost 20 lbs even according to the doctor as of today. She can even steal my clothes already so the fight will be on now just like it always has been. She has no respect for my things and loves to steal my clothes. I think it’s been a game for us for a long time now. I win sometimes and she wins sometimes.
I had better go we have an 8:45 dental appointment. They are starting a religious festival here and it’s a big deal so things are closing in honor of the holy day. I am staying in my room and watching from the window in the safety of my room. They say it gets wild and crazy and they make all these plaster paris molds of this elephant looking thing and then at the end of the festival they throw them all in the water ways and it causes all kinds of problems with the water systems. They are called devotees and it doesn’t matter they are going to do it anyway. There are thousands of these things made and it’s a ritual to throw them into some body of water at the end of the festival. A return to nature type ideal. Hummmmmm it's called Ganesh Festival Chaturthi.

Oh one more things we got sarees today. This place is called 'Jashin' were we bought them. They are a designer celebratin store. We took our pictures with the owner and had a blast with these guys. It was the experience I wanted in buying clothes here. I tried dozens of them on and selected a red one to match my beaded shoes. I have these guys address and he wants me to send them a copy of the pictures. (Karen remember our fabric guy in Paris? It was the same here and talk about fun and we needed some fun!) The store is in Nirmal Lifestyle Mall, D-Block,L.B.S. Marg, Mulund (W) Mumbai, India. Phone (022) 32470945 The owner is named Rupesh Johnson aka 'Jashin' Of all the things we have done this has got to be by far the best as far as fun goes.



Going to bed. Roland I will have to Skype you early because of our appointment. Look for us around 6 a.m. our time…….Love you.

FLAT TIRES/DENTIST/SHOPPING

OUR FLAT TIRE IN INDIA



SEE THE GUY WITH THE TIRE? THIS IS A SNAP SHOT OF OUR DRIVERS AS THEY LEAVE US ON THE ROAD SIDE WITH A FLAT TIRE!

Woke up this morning Thursday with only a few hours of cat naps under my belt. We have to face going back to the eye hospital. Debra had a pretty rough night. Where they placed the hooks to keep the eye open really bothered her a lot. She wasn’t the most pleasant person to deal with on this matter and the drops burn. I know that…. but you have to do it anyway. We made it threw the night and she did sleep most of the time but having to be woken up for drops didn’t sit well with her. Morning was a blessing to see the sun coming up over the mountains and know that another night had passed. That means one day closer to home. The impending trip was working on me with no sleep I wasn’t at my best I have to admit. When the hospital called they sent another driver that was an older gentleman who had been driving with them for 12 years. My heart jumped with joy and they had a nice little car that was clean and the air conditioner worked well. It wasn’t going to be a repeat of yesterday. We made the trip they took a different route and all was good. Debra got her check up and it looked perfect swelling was down and she could read the 20/15 line on the chart. She was so happy that the lack of sleep had worn off. Our driver spoke good English and we could chat and visit with him which was nice. It’s on the return trip that thing went very wrong. We got outside the main part of the city and they had to cross over a very rough area in the road way. It wasn’t long after that a biker pulled up and started pointing at the tire. Yes, it was going flat. We stopped and tried to get a ‘side of the road’ van style tire service to help us but they didn’t have a tire that would work with our car. The drivers had a spare but it was also flat so they decided they would LEAVE US with the car and walk back to a fix station and get the tire fixed and return. It should have been only 30 minutes. I watched our guys in dress slacks and shirts with ties grab up the tire and walk away leaving me and Debra on the side of the road with a car/flat. As they disappear I realize I don’t have any ID on me. We are in a car that we don’t own, can’t speak the lingo here and we have a flat. I am not having a good feeling here. I did have their business cards but I don’t have a cell phone with me. As they disappear walking across a huge roadway full of traffic hauling a dirty flat tire on a 15 inch rim. My heart sank! I tried to be calm as Debra is one day out of her eye surgery. Be calm don’t get upset about anything isn’t that what they said??? I was having 610 flash backs. So we watched the crazy sights of woman carrying loads of wood on top of their heads. I wanted to take some pictures but Debra was freaking out about me pulling out a camera on the side of the road while we were lost and alone. She didn’t want people to realize we were stranded and packing an expensive camera. I agreed it wasn’t wise to be flashing that around. Anyway the sights kept us entertained but as time pasted it went way past 30 minutes. It turned into more like 3 hours. We got really hot, had to deal with flies and people honking and looking at us like we were crazy. It felt pretty crazy. They had left the windows down on the car and it’s electric so as storm clouds started to build we knew that it was going to start raining. Time to do something. I went back and somehow got the guy with the van/gas/tire repair to understand we needed to call these men. He took the business card and dialed the first number….no answer. He then said something soft, low and comforting he kept dialing the phone. He got me one of our drivers and I was able to find out they were on the way back and would be there in 10 minutes. I was not assured. They did come and I was never so happy. They then find out they don’t have the right tool to take off the tire! They spend another good hour flagging down drivers in delivery trucks to help them. We stood in the rain under a big tree while they danced around in the rain. I kept begging them to call another driver or a taxi service but oh no it would be just a few more minutes and they would deliver us. I soon realized it is true only God can deliver you. After a while someone did stop that had a jack and tools. Our wet sweaty drivers got the tire changed and told us to load up it was done. We returned to a car full of flies. We spent a good bit of time getting them out of the car and the drivers were so hot and wet they want the air conditioner on and not the windows down so we battled to roll them up and down getting the flies out of the car. They have flies like we have mosquitoes. They are very unpleasant and swarm you if you are still you have to constantly swish them away. We did get them all out and the air was blowing full blast on our hot sweaty drivers. Yes, the smell was not enjoyable! Again we would be very happy to see the Tip Top Hotel. In India that’s the way it goes. So sorry madam. So sorry. You can’t really get to upset because it’s the truth they had no control over a flat tire. Just seems we were doomed with this travel I was taking Bharat and his ever so careful planning a little for grant. That was a big mistake on my part. He really did know what he was doing and dealing with him none of these things would have happened. We used the eye hospital transportation because it was part of the price of our procedure but it was a big mistake. Who knew? It’s a live and learn and if we had of had a flat Bharat would have had to do something also to get us out of the mess. Flat tires in India are a big problem with the rough roads and pot holes big enough to eat a full grown man.
We were not put off and still had to go to the dentist office once again so we had our hospital drivers go ahead and take us to the mall. They owed us that much, a free trip to somewhere. They did it gladly. We had a fun time looking around and checking out shops. We went to the dentist and afterwards and they really drilled Debra. I can not believe she doesn’t get them to deaden her mouth. I could not do it and she wasn’t really happy be the time it was over. She was thinking a shot might be a good idea but they wrapped it up and she went without one. Not my cup of tea I can tell you it was making me ill just hearing it. Santos our friendly dentist says “Debra what language are you speaking? Oh no we don’t speak that in India are you paining? Breath through your nose now don’t move.” Drill Drill Drill…….it was outrageous!!! I stopped them at one point and said Debra have them give you a shot. Oh no she would not do it. I would have never done that in a hundred years. Anyway to make the day top out nicely we went and did some more shops. She took it like a trooper I would have been in bed! We got these ladies to show us how to do the saree ties. It’s so beautiful. I didn’t buy any I just looked it over and had a good time trying on India style. I was really tired but just running on adrenalin.
We ran a little late and it got dark…….very dark. Oh well we still had to get back and we had to do it own our on. At night the rain breaks off and they build fires all along the roads to fix food over these little fire pits. There is music and it’s festive. It’s also cooler than in the day time and comfortable outside at least it was last night. The flies go away and instead of the smell of musk and sweat you smell spices, cooking, coffee. It’s interesting and it draw you to want to stay out and take it all in. There was an ox drawn cart I pointed it out to Debra and we looked at it then went on walking. I soon felt something vibrating the ground. I look around and the ox cart is passing me with these monster size animals pulling a wooden wheeled cart. I could feel the breath of these animals they were that close to me. Cars and rickshaws also joined the ox’s along the road way. It was an unbelievable moment in time it just kind of stood still. Every part of me knew it was a moment I would remember the rest of my life. It was a moment I will always treasure. Like others that I hold dear in my heart, this is my life, it’s happening right now.
Margie and Ken are Roland’s sister and brother-n-law they just did a 6 week missionary tour in China. They teach as they can the Lord’s word in China. I know that they have had these types of moments. Ken is such a believer in the teaching of God’s word and they take this teaching very seriously and I know they have felt this for themselves first hand. Life is so very different here and it’s really something to see it with your own eyes.
I think I will close this out for today. There is more but it’s time to get some rest. I love you Rollie Bear and we are never going to regret trusting our Lord and our hearts on this matter.

On the Road to Chembur Mumbai India

CLIP ABOVE IS A CALMER RIDE DOWN THE STREETS OF INDIA

SHORT CLIP OF FUEL TRUCK IN DOWNTOWN AREA

This clip was taken just before our wreck with the jeep

Think this looks wild you should have been in the car!

If it looks close up it's because it was!!

TWO CAR WRECKS IN ONE DAY.......OH PLEASE!

RICHSHAW PARKING LOT ON THE ROAD WAY TO CHEMBUR, MUMBAI

OPEN MARKET COCONUT SALESMAN
BACK OF A TRUCK HAULING FUEL IN DOWNTOWN CHEMBUR
MAN IN THE BACK OF TRUCK HAULING A LOAD OF BANANAS TO MARKET

MY VIEW OF TRAFFIC IN CHEMBUR, MUMBAI

Today I found out what I was made out of. This has to have been the hardest of all our days here. It was Laser surgery day for Debra’s eyes. We have packed a lot into this trip! Everyday is a adventure into the unknown. To get our day started I got up to talk to Rollie Bear on Skype. We had a nice visit with him it’s good to hear his voice from home. Then we had to get up and get moving. The appointment was for 10:45 but traffic was dragging and we didn’t get there on time. There was heavy rain and high winds. We had two wrecks on the way. Not one but two. One was a light tap on the fender of the guy in front of us which lead to him jumping out of his car and yelling at our driver. He took a good look and decided he would let it pass but not without a few harsh words and hand gestures. Our driver was all of 20 maybe. He was sent by the eye hospital and not our regular escort. Then as we come into the Chembur area it was like playing bumper cars at an amusement park but trust me we were not amused. Huge trucks along with tiny cars, rickshaws, bicycles, vans, delivery trucks all fighting for a small space on the road way. It was rainy, windy and wet making slick streets and honking like I have never heard in my life. Debra said she now knows why all the taxi drivers in New York are from India. Our young driver rear-ended a jeep for our second wreck of the day but he had a big tire tied on the back so all of the damage was to our car. That one was a pretty hard hit and shook us up pretty good. Same results after a viewing of the car and jeep they had some words and both decided it was okay. Our car took most to the damage during that one. His front end was pretty crunched. After what seemed like eternity in traffic we arrived at the eye hospital. Our 25 minute ride lasted more like 2 hours. Like so many of the things in India the hospital looks awful on the outside but on the inside it’s acceptable and clean. It is hidden behind a dark dim hall way with a lift that is like those you see in a old warehouse. It was like a floor with a metal cage type door. At this point my nerves are really working overtime. Debra, thanks to the miracles of medications was calm enough but she didn’t like being bumped around in 2 car wrecks so even she was a bit tense by the time we arrived. (She will never admit to that.) After a little paper work a few test and the payment she is on the table and having it done. We are all geared up and they tell me the credit card wont go through, but after a few times it did. The weather has signals messed up and it’s hard to depend on a credit card if you don’t have electric/satellite feeds or a machine that works where you need one. It worked out. Debra was done in a very short time and we were getting instructions for her after care. She had a lady doctor by the name of Dr. Tripit Mongia and a man was also there name Dr. Jayant Shah. They were very nice and when we arrived they offered me water, coffee, tea ect. On a nice little tray with coasters. I really didn’t want to drink it due to problems I have already had but they would not let me get out of there without having a cup of something. It was only polite to take it and they watched with great interest while I drank it. I think it was mandatory for guest while waiting to have a little something. You don’t deal with nurses you deal directly with your doctors here. So I got to meet them all. They used the same machine on Debra’s eyes as they used on mine in Houston. Dr. Wade would die to know this. He says you can’t get it any where but at the Eye Center of Texas. Not so. It’s state of the art here as well. While Debra was being worked on I sat in a very comfortable office over looking a lovely garden full of coconut trees and palms. Landscaping was beautifully done and it’s the first I had seen in all my travels here. Everything is crowded, small and repetitive. What we call a small storage unit they call home. Proverty is ramped. It is hard to believe you get the compassionate medical care you need here. On the other hand we are cash paying people in a country that is starving to death. I thought on our trip through this new district I would see some nice sights but no it’s pretty much the same all over. Not matter how far you travel it’s just repeats of what you have already seen. I think the pictures say it all about what you see. We were returned to the hotel with our same 20 year old driver named Amul in the same car he had wrecked earlier. He spoke no English at all. Worried oh yes I was one sick puppy over this one. Due to his wrecking the car earlier it busted the radiator and he had to stop and put water in it. It was over heating and smoking. The air also stopped working on the car so needless to say we were thanking Jesus when we saw the Tip Top Hotel. I had Debra in tow and she wasn’t doing so well after the surgery and getting so hot in the car. I could not wait to get her back to the room and get her laid down. Whatever they deaden the eyes with she couldn’t open her lids they were numb so all this time riding back she has to pretty much keep her eyes closed. Thank you Jesus!!! I really wished mine could have been closed. I will send a little video clip of our wild ride. I tell you it was just like being in a bumper car ride! For a while I was sure we were in the Twilight Zone. In fact I know we were. It’s the first time I have been scared here and I have to say I was scared. Around Wockhardt I know my way pretty well now but we were no where near Wockhardt and it got wilder and wilder the more we got into the new district. Guess what ??????? We get to do it again in the morning. Yap that’s the deal she will have to go back for more eye drops and a follow up visit to check the surgery site. I will spend tonight in prayer! All night. I have to wake Debra every hour to do drops so I will be awake I don’t think it will be a problem to pray all night for a safe day in the morning. I have asked for another driver and car. If they don’t send someone else I think I will call Bharat and get him to send a car even if I have to pay extra for it. The car is a service from the RUSHABH EYE Hospital but I just don’t think I can stand it again. It’s not safe!! I think Amul must be his nephew.
We did make it back safe and sound and Debra peeking says she can see and she is excited as it gets over that. Between being grumpy because of all the discomforts of the surgery and the trip we are still getting alone like mother and daughters do. We are doing okay really for all the stress and pressure we are under and the lack of any food that we can readily eat. I thought I would call the dentist and cancel for today because I had just had it but to my surprise when I got in the room the desk rang up. Ms. Sims call your dentist please he has announcements for you. Okay. I call and they want to make sure we are coming today because there is a festival and the lab will be closed for a few days in honor of it so it’s going to throw us off on our schedules. They even wanted us to come for dental work earlier than planned today. Nope it’s not going to happen there is no way Debra could do it. She needs at least a day. Well then it was very important that if Debra didn’t come that I did. I just wanted to cry. They wanted me there with in the next hour. I gave Debra her medications which knock her out. Refreshed her eye drops and got her in bed. Grabbed my umbrella, went down found some strange looking rickshaw drive and said “take me to Wockhardt Hospital” He said rupee? I said yes and away we went. I thought you turned right he turned left and my heart went into instant panic. Not to worry he just took some back roads off the main road I was accustom to taking. I really didn’t want a tour of the neighborhood but he thought I did so he took me that way. We still ended up at the hospital in plenty of time. The cost was the same. Breathing easy when I saw the hospital signs. Paid the driver and ran in to find I had to wait for a while due to a broken tooth on a little boy. Oh well, Debra would be out like a light for a while so I just calmed myself and sat down to wait my turn. I wont even go into my dental but let just say it was more than I was expecting. Even got to get a little taste of that drilling with only the numbing spray….that’s for the birds! I want shots!!! God got me through it. I think I must have called on the name of Jesus at least 20 times. Upon leaving with a totally numbed mouth I got tickled with myself and my state of mind. Every try to talk to a rickshaw driver with a totally numb mouth and make him understand where you want to go? I am sure they thought I was crazy but I waved some rupees in front of them and they say jump in. I would just point and they would just drive. Made it to the “R” mall because we needed some juice and some food only to find it’s cleaning day. The food market is torn apart cleaned and restocked. Only they don’t put things back where they were before. They move everything in the store to a new location. I had wanted some more mashed potatoes my main stay here in India but they had moved them. I ended up with oatmeal, several juices and boxed milk that they don’t have to refrigerate until opened. Hummmmm well it works and it’s good. Also, got some more Korr’s tomato soup mix that you add boiling water with. It’s enough to get us fed for a few days. I know it sounds crazy but I would never go to any place to eat here. Bharat had wanted me to attend that Tibetan Prayer Service with him and do some other fun things but as of now I am thinking just make it from point A to point B. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere here to eat a meal. Just not going to happen the food is to hot. Cheetah’s or no cheetah’s I don’t want to even try my luck. The hospital food was doable but out in the real world. Watch out! It’s all fire and smoke.
We will take our lives in our hands again in the morning to have the eye surgery checked. I would not go if we didn’t have to get a refill on the eye drops. I just wouldn’t do it again. Jesus better take the wheel on this next ride. I think I have that song with me here I will play it for the driver. Wont work he doesn’t speak English.
I just tried to get Debra up to do her drops. She didn’t handle that very well and she is so medicated I can’t hardly handle her. It’s 11:45 p.m. and we have to do this hourly for tonight. They gave her two blue pills in a bubble pack but man she is talking out of her head. Something about getting her motorcycle out of the shop and tall people with dark hair. I have no clue what she is talking about but we did drops and she is back asleep already. This is going to be a long long night for me. I gave her some pudding and a few sips of juice before sending her back to bed. I don’t think sleep is going to happen for me tonight. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like in the morning!
For everything that goes wrong there are things that go right. Today was just a little overwhelming. I am looking at the long term investment here. That’s what every one of us has to do. You can’t just worry about the moments at hand. There are long term affects going to happen because of these hard days. I have to be looking in that direction and not at all the crazy stuff going on right now. Sometimes I look at life and just wonder but then I can see it so plainly that all of this is preperation for facing what is going to be really hard for us parting from this life to go into eternal life with the Father. Every part of this life is setting that stage, getting us prepared and always reassuring us that there is something better to come if we just hang on. Never give in and never give up. God has the plans we just have to trust and believe that is the Good News. I want to spend some time in prayer then I am going to try to cat nap my way through the rest of this night. August 22 will be here before I know it and I will be back on the patio reading my bible, petting my dog and listening to my bible CD‘s. Life will be back to normal soon enough……..I love you Rollie Bear…..

SOME OF INDIA HIGHLIGHTS AND DENTAL UPDATE

This photo is The Gateway of India

Chhatrapati-Shivaji Tempel ( this is also the name of the air port here in Mumbai)

Rare photo of the inside of Ajanta-Ellora Caves

Haji-Ali-Dargahs

Night time photo of the richshaws and roadway

We slept a little later this morning and as a result missed our morning Skype calls. Debra was supposed to have gotten to talk with Denise so she was a little upset with having over slept and not getting that call. Having been prepared for the new bridge/dental yesterday and them leaving it off and open until the swelling went down really makes the pain killers attractive. You will sleep they believe in pain relief in this country. But your can’t get Imodium without a prescription. At least on my mash potato and tea diet it was all good. Didn’t really have to worry about eating or what to eat it was all planned out for me. Debra continues to find ways to make her protein shakes and small bites here and there work for her diet needs. She is comfortable with it and not seeming to mind the huge reduction in food.
We went down for breakfast so they could clean the room but we didn’t have coffee and that seemed to make a big difference in the way we were feeling. We spent a good part of the day posting pictures and playing on the Internet. At 3:30 Bharat was coming to take us back for round two at the dentist office. They are making several different sets of impressions. They will not do them right after you have preparation work done because of the swelling. They want your fit to be more than satisfactory. If it takes several days it just has to take several days. Debra’s casting for her crowns will take multiple sets of impressions and at least 3 days to complete. They make sure your fit will be more than satisfactory. They say that this work should last 20 plus years. Oh and they want you to always say you got your work done at Wockhardt in India when you go home. Shouldn’t have to see a dentist for a long time which will make me and Debra very happy.
Heavy Heavy rains blanket this area today it’s like being in a shower 24 hours a day. It never stops raining. You can have wind gust between 21 to 45 miles per hour and it’s normal. It’s that like a tropical storm for us, isn‘t it? They don’t worry unless they get up over 60 miles per hour then they warn you to take care out there on the streets. Flooding can and does happen so watch out. You see those ladies walking around in the fancy long dresses dripping wet with all the scarves draped around them. Umbrella turned inside out and people everywhere outside in the rain. It slows nothing down and makes traffic very crazy. We almost had a wreck coming back from the dentist but when I screamed Bharat and the driver just kind of laughed at me. They don’t have wrecks really and it is amazing that they don’t you just can’t believe how they drive. Lanes mean nothing and which ever side of the road way is clear is the side you can drive on. I think they have no traffic laws it’s just every man for himself. No females drive here. Bharat doesn’t own a car. All his trips are from hired drivers. I did remind him today of our luggage problems and he assures me that a van will take us to the airport and not a smart car. He helped me get some more money from the ATM today and it is funny to know you can get rupees from your American bank card. Works just like it works at home.
Debra got us some of those sticky things to go on our foreheads so we could fit in with the crowd a little better. Yeah right!! We got some for common use with no meaning except for decoration. They are pretty but man I couldn’t help but keep trying to brush it off. It bugged me being between my eyes. You can wear them anywhere on the body but the face is most common. They can really get it going here. Down the arms on the hands across the back it doesn’t seem to matter as long as it’s glitzy. Being at the hotel we see a lot of wedding parties, birthing celebrations, company events so lots of people to chat with about what they are wearing and why. The wedding parties are beautiful, gold laden events. I got a small taste of what Jordan V. must have got to see. It’s way over the top here and these are nothing compared to the wedding he attended. For such poverty it’s really unbelievable what they do in the honor of celebrations. People live in the streets under tarps, trash is every where. Milk cows line the common roadways to sell cups of milk, you can buy eggs one at a time or just one banana or one ear of corn. Have a party of any kind and its no holds barred spend thousands it is just fine. I thinks it’s either you are very rich or dead broke poor. There is no middle ground. Debra was finding out what an English teacher makes and she could make a very good living teaching in India.
Well that’s another day wrapped up for us. I am watching “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” on Stars. It’s one of the only channels in English here they usually have really off taste movies or really bad movies but tonight this was on so I thought I would watch it.
You guys take care and I will post more pictures if the rain lets up I will take some on the way to the eye hospital. It’s a 25 minute drive so if it’s not pouring I should get some shots of a different area of the city. Wish me luck I love those pictures. They have become my souvenirs over the years instead of ivory elephants, Mexican sombreros, or Italian glass. Much easier to keep up with and you don’t have to dust them.
I was so glad that some of you have had prayers answered quickly. It’s a blessing. I want you to know I do so appreciate your keeping me informed of all the happenings at home. It is so good to be able to do that. Being this far from everything that is common to you even the smallest things from home are a total blessing. We continue to read our bibles here and listen to my CD’s of the NIV. You just can never know how much that means to you until you can’t have it easily at your disposal. I will never take my walk with my Lord for grant because seeing all that I have seen here I know that this world is not my home and its not much of a home to many. Our blessings are only in Christ Jesus and until he comes or takes me home I will be grateful all of my life for each and every hour I have under His control and guidance. Come whatever may I know that in this life it was worth whatever we had to go through to be able to say the Lord is my Shepard I shall not want.

SOME VIDEO AND PICTURES ......ENJOY

This is breakfast at the Tip Top Hotel Plaza. Can you guess what it is?

This is the coffee flask in our room to keep our water hot so you always have hot water.

These guys love us! They are the Ice Cream vindors right out side our hotel. Nice Guys.

Check out the transportation methods in Mumbai! Again check out those shoes.

This was Debra's IV drip bottle. They come from Germany. I was a little concerned with the writting on the bottle but looks like I had nothing to worry about......

I had a little time to kill before the dentist visit today so I posted some of the video and pictures I have taken. I had to slow down on the picture taking because of the rain. Still plenty to share. Hope you enjoy.



I was totally happy to hear about Brad's good news as well. That rocks!





This is me videoing Debra getting her teeth drilled without sedation just the numbing spray. Thought this would freak all of you out. It's real. Can you believe they let me video it???

Just some pictures

These guys were painting just out side our window on the seventh floor take a look at his feet! Below is Debra this is just before her surgery.
This is my dog in India she just loved me and my chicken scraps.

This is the hands of one of our nurses at Wockhartd Hospital......

Just notice these are the hands that we intrusted Debra's care to. Really she was great and they had done these tatoos on her hands because she is expecting. It was a blessing given to her by her friends at a party.

A Free Day of Shopping and Rickshaws.....

Today I went out in the rickshaws with Debra. She is a real trooper and seem to be feeling fine. Her energy level has skyrocketed. As for me I am starting to feel some ware and tear. We got to do some quality shopping at the mall today and it was a lot of fun looking around at all the goodies. We have been to two different shopping malls and both have their own special parts. Nice stores in both. There is R Mall in Mulund and also another called the Phoenix Mall. One of the nicer stores in called Pantaloons aka Macy’s. There was some beautiful clothes there but I would never wear these things in the states. It’s like our friends that came from England and they all bought cowboy hats. Nobody wears a cowboy hat in England. Same would go for me on my return home but I did buy those cute little stickers they wear on their foreheads. I got a bunch of different styles of those. Bangle bracelets are a big thing here as well with India crystals. There are several areas that are good for shopping the area we are in now is called “Thane” pronounced Tone-e. The capital area is Maharashrta. Now try this on for size the airport is called “Chhtrapati Shivaji International Airport India” or (BOM) for short. It is 28 kms North of Mumbai and 2A-2C are the International gates. They have some markets that you can go to by rickshaw called Crawford Market which is a city market veggies, and every thing else. Zaveri Bazaar is known for it’s gold items. Chor Bazaar is the antiques on Mutton Street but who would know what to buy there. I have become aware of such things as the Arabian Sea where the Gateway to India opens and Sanjay Gandi National Park. My money now has pictures of Mahatma Gandi on them instead of United States Presidents. I have also found butter at the local food joint. I find a nightly staple of mashed potatoes is a great diet for me with butter! I bought these little plastic blue bowls and I fix some up. We have a hot water kettle in our room. No micro waves here. Instant mashed potatoes and it’s dinner with a cup of Taj Mahal tea. I have found that the coffee I was drinking in the morning with my breakfast has done nasty things to my digestive track. I thought well it’s hot it’s okay but no not really. We are out of the safety of the filtered water at the hospital it’s best not to even drink out of a glass washed in the regular water. Live and learn! Hoping to be able to talk to someone at the pharmacy to get something I can take to clear this up.*
We were thinking we might come home early but I don’t think we can change our flights that easily. We’ll stay maybe another extra 4 days that we might have gotten away with but we don’t know until the last minute so you can’t change tickets that easy. It will give us time to know if all is well with the eye surgery and the dental stuff so it’s just as well we stay as we had planned. I just really didn’t want to be in this hotel. We are right on a main roadway and the honking and traffic even from the 6th floor seems to be loud all day and all night. The heavy rain makes everything messy and damp. Oh well it’s just for a little while. I think of all the benefits I see in Debra and the changes already it’s worth it. If things continue we are headed in the right direction. The changes they made in her medications have made a world of difference. She is on the bed with head phones on listening to bible tapes. I thought about getting her an Internet card when we first got here but it’s been good that she didn’t have it. We are going to get her one and bounce the service back and forth on the computers if that works out if not I will just get her a card. I am really happy to see her in the bible and not on the Internet doing mindless searching. That would not be of benefit to her at this point in time.
We go back to the dentist at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. I am not sure what they are going to do but we will be there for them to do it. I think they are working more on Debra than on me but then I was wrong last time. Can’t trust a dentist no matter where your at in this world. They are wicked. Eye Surgery is Tuesday.
Well I think it wraps this up for today. Just always want to thank you all who read for your prayers. We are all walking on a tight rope these days trying to do as God would have us to do. It’s hard being locked in a hotel room with a daughter with so many changes going on for us. Sometimes tempers flare and sometimes it’s just sweet. Life always like to throw you curve balls. Keep the prayers coming and we are doing the same for those of you who are in need of the same. We can never forget that each of us is bearing a cross and we need to be there for each other the best we can. I always bought an egg for Melinda while on trips for her sitting with our dogs. I didn’t forget to buy her one on this trip either. We have to hold firm to our faith with each other. God is still an awesome God. Debra asked the lady at the bookstore today if she had the Bible written in Hindi ……now what do you think she said?! There is a young man at the hospital I will be sending a bible. I think he can read it in English. I just wished you could have seen the look on that girls face. It was priceless. Ya’ll have a good night we will be thinking about you……..I love you Rollie Bear…..

This is our Angel Nurse from India