Memory from today's journey

On the way back for the first time I waited about one and a half hours for the boat to take me across the river. Normally it took about 20 minutes. Today the river is flooded. Moreover it was time for the naoria (boat drivers) to cook and eat lunch.

Other than to cross the river, I didn’t have other plans. So to pass time I spent creatively.

·         Took off my shoes and walked on sands barefoot up and down the bank.

·         Picked up sands and made balls and then throw on the river.

·         Selected smaller pebbles and threw the targets.

·         River was just rising, so made cannels.

·         Washed my motorcycle (after over a month!).

Photo: The boat used to cross over the river ND

There was one thing I did that I would remember for a long time: I lied down on the boat – not comfortable but a fun experience.

Then out of the blue, “Jesus slept on the boat during the storm” came to memory.

I have not thought of any lessons so far, but what helped was that particular exercise brought the story of Jesus alive to me. I look forward to many more such experiences.

The two books I like

Since coming to Miao in January 2014, I have read several books. But for some reason, I like to keep three books for me to return in times of need.

 

1.     THE ART OF PASTORING

By David Hansen (Authentic Books, 2012)

 

David shares the life of a pastor from beginning to call to ministry and to leaving a ministry. Struggles in each stage is presented very well. Two particular items worth more for me. One is the area of preaching where he says preaching must bring tension to hearers. I quote,

 

“As the sermon progresses and the thesis is revealed, the congregation divides up, splinters  into individuals. Some are comforted, others are in distress. Some are angry or stubborn. I feel the battle engage. A line must be drawn in front of every listen.

 

One person looks offended. I’ve touched a nerve in a person who is normally self-possessed. What can I say to offend their pride ever more?

 

This is where preaching really begins...”

 

Another area he talks about wandering prayer. He goes whole day fishing and praying! This anecdote reminds me of the founder of YWAM who would sit in a house days praying. Sometimes lying down, other time walking around.

 

2.     I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER

By Bilquis Sheikh (Ben Books, 1978)

 

A friend of mine, Lakhsmi, gave me this book just before we left Bangalore in a restaurant near Kamnahalli.

 

This is the story of a Muslim woman, Bilquis, who came to the Lord in an amazing way. One particular incident captivates my attention most: Bilquis was having unusual dreams which seems to be related to Christianity or Jesus. She was enquiring about that. At the same there was a missionary woman named Synnove Mitchell, who desperately questions whether it was God’s will to be there. God brought these two women together for lasting relationships with one another and with God.

 

 

 

Medicines for my first daughter

Our first daughter, now almost three years, has lots of skin diseases. Consulted with several doctors, did not help. Bought many kinds of lotions and antibiotics but they didn’t solve either. About a month ago a cousin gave 14 tabs. They help little. Still did not go all.

 

For our record, I wrote down some of the medicines we have used for her. I look forward to a day when she will be free from this skin problem.

 

Millet

I am seeing this millet cultivation close up for the first time. Earlier I just passed by the millet fields between 8^th Mile and 6^th Mile.

 

This particular variety is not bitter as cultivated in Lisu area. It is good in taste.

 

But Chakma people never consume this millet. They sell everything to local Marwaris.

 

A couple of pictures I have taken over a period of time in a field between the Nao ghat and the MV Road at 4^th Mile. Its fun to watch as the plants changes over a week.

 

 

 

Photo 1 & 2: Taken on 16 November 2014 at 3.30 pm.

 

 

Photo 3 & 4: Taken on 14 December 2014 at 3.10 pm.

 

 

Photo 5 & 6: Taken on 03 January 2015 at 3.06 pm.

 

Chakma Biju

Fun to join Biju/Bihu of Chakma to mark their new year on 15 April 2015. We were at Pakhan village. Two days in a year is celebrated as new year. The first day for the end of the year. Then the next for the new year.

 

It was a very humid day but lots of games were organized. Long run for men. Kabadi for both men and women.

 

All families cooked special foods for that day. We went to three families and ate food in all homes… a heavy “eating day”.

 

Below are pictures of those special food items.

 

Photo 1: Phajanton – mixed vegetables, atleast 7 items are added.

 

Photo 2: Hogaphidi – a cone shaped biscuit made of local rice, jagri, and wrapped by leaves.

 

Photo 3: Boraphidi – a flattened biscuit, sweet and deep fried in oil.

 

Photo 4: Round shaped papad.

 

 

Shops burnt down

It occurred last night at Miao town, Arunachal Pradesh, while I was deep asleep. Woke up this morning to find a large junk of Miao bazaar had been burnt down, left nothing.

 

Five shops affected most: a restaurant built recently, two provision stores, a bakery and a meat shop. Nothing left for these shops except rubbles picked up by JCB. Two hotels were also half burnt.

 

Maximum damage due to non-availability of fire brigade (of govt). A private fire brigade was loaned that too 24 km from Miao town.  Quite a lot for Changlang District to be ready.

 

This incident reminds me a lot is needed to bring facilities to this district: medical (not even x-ray facility is available), roads (horrible condition is Miao town and Miao-Jagun road), bad water supply though a large river pass by this town.

 

A couple of pictures I have taken by my mobile phone.

 

 

 

 

a bike speck

This speck was given to me by a friend when he left Bangalore. I didn’t use it often when in Bangalore but on returning to Miao, I found it extremely useful. I used it for almost a year then it got damaged. Though no more fit for use now, I treasure this picture as a reminder of my friend.