Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I'm glad to hear that some companies haven't shy'd away from saying "Merry Christmas" in their ads. It really doesn't make me much difference because we didn't buy much in way of Christmas presents this year. I guess we contributed to the poor economic showing by not buying much at all. Here's what we got for Christmast this year.

#1 Kim and I took the trip of life time to Mumbai, India.

#2 Kim got two newly resurfaced hips!

#3 We survived the whole ordeal! Hallelujah.

#4 I got to see my wife's face painfree for the first time in years.

#5 We took our kids on a cruise for Christmas. (something we had planned and paid for back in March not knowing what was coming in October & November.) We spent a record low on excursions and extras on board.

#6 We got to spend an entire week with our grandson Noah and he really got to know us for the first time. He says Papa pretty good now. He hasn't gotten Mimi out yet but its coming.

#7 Kim walked on the beach in Jamaica and got into the ocean for the first time in 3 years or so. It was very cool.

#8 We dove with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman. Always awesome.

#9 We did buy the kids all a digital picture frame and filled them with pics from home and family.

#10 We get to help celebrate Kim's dads 80th birthday in Muskogee, Ok on Saturday.

It has certainly been an eventful and blessed year for the Ellis household and all in all we took a different tack on Christmas, just being together and spending time was most of what we did. It was as good as I recall. Kim continues to get slowly better all the time. She did an amazing amount of walking on the cruise, all over the ship, off at all three stops, and back home. It was pretty tiring but she did just great. On Sunday back at home as folks were leaving the house, someone noticed she was outside in the driveway, giving hugs, saying goodbye, without her walker, the cane, or anything. She had forgotten to use it on the way out the door. Need I say more. What a memorable year it has been. We thank the Lord for every moment of it.

Happy New Year, for 2008!

Busy, busy days!

Things are back to virtually subnormal at d & k's house. If we both didn't have our India experience in the back of our minds, we'd think we'd gone back many months. Yesterday was a fairly normal day. We got up early, sniffed to see if I'd fixed the coffee the night before, I had. We got dressed for worship as we do every Sunday, joined a good crowd for worship and an ok sermon. I'm just not sure about our preacher! We then went home, changed clothes and headed for the Texans game with some anxiety about how Kim would make it all.

We parked in the green lot, handicapped slot still, and made our way up and over Kirby. It's probably 20 steps up to the ramp, up and over and maybe 30-40 steps down to the Reliant area. Then its a fair walk to the gate, thru the line, and up to the elevator. We're still not all the way back but who would be this soon? She walked all the way to our section, and determined to sit in our seats, left the walker up with the handicapped folks at the top. It was exciting to see her determination to make it down 40 more steps. And what a game she saw, the Texans soundly beating playoff bound Tampa Bay! It was fun. Then we did the whole thing in reverse, back up and out, over Kirby, to the truck. She was breathing pretty hard by the time we were walking over Kirby but not hurting, just out of breath.

Then our Life group came over for Christmas eating, singing, and some carolling near our house. We started with Lynne's in-laws who live half a block away, then back to some folks right across the street. We might have gone longer if it wasnt' so warm and the mosquitoes weren't so bad. I wore shorts and got eaten on pretty good, but it was really enjoyable. Guess I should've taken some pics of it all so I could show but I didn't. We had a great time singing and being together. Our group really loves to sing together and I think the neighbors enjoyed it. And Kim did great. I thought I might have to get a rope to hoist her up the stairs last night but she made it fine.

It may take her awhile to get going this am but she's doing fantastic. We praise God for such success and progress thusfar. We keep praying and thanking Him for everything. This already has been a blessed holiday season and we plan to enjoy it immensely.

ttyl, de

Kim Back at Work!

As some of you already know and for those who don't Kim went back to work this past week. It probably would've been good if she could've had another week but these were on her schedule so she took off. I dropped her at IAH on Sunday and she was off to work for 5 full days. It certainly would've been preferable to work maybe 2 or 3 days but the days were contracted so off she went, two days in Kansas and now in her 3rd day in Wyoming. It's been a bit of a struggle for me because I'd been by her side for 6 weeks seeing to her and trying to take care of her every need. I have talked to her every day and she's reporting as of Thursday night that she's definitely tired from all the work but doing quite well. Travel in itself is hard, sleeping in motel rooms, in a different bed, being in different time zones, but she's holding up well. I think the high in Wyoming may have hit 27 degrees so that makes it work as well. She's able to walk now, still with her walker as the Dr ordered, but walking quite a lot. (Can't drive yet) She's standing to do her presentations on those days, not all day, but standing pain-free. I'm amazed at her determination and spirit. Her muscles are still adjusting and from time to time not very happy with it all but that's expected and part of her recovery.

Lord willing and the snow don't rise too much in Denver she'll arrive tonight around 10 pm. The good news is she only has a couple of days next week and so she can recoup from this trip a bit longer than her normal weekend turnaround. I will try to take and post some video this weekend so you can see how she's doing. Gotta plant some pansies too. Keep praying for a full recovery. I dreamed one night this week that we went hiking together. It was sweet and she hiked all around. Dreams are great sometimes. I look forward to this one becoming a reality someday. Sometimes this whole experience now seems like a dream. It's not though, its an answer to a 1000 prayers. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. He has blessed us and continues to do so.

thanks for reading, de

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for checking in at the Ellis house this Thanksgiving weekend. By the hit counter's numbers quite a few are still checking in to see how we are doing and we appreciate it. It's either that or you just have enough to do, lol! Seriously, there's so much for us to be thankful for this holiday weekend. Here's just a few from my list:

Thanks to the Lord for answering so many of our prayers. Kim and I were riding to Sonic yesterday so I could cook dinner and recalling just some of our experiences since a month ago. Yes, we really did fly to India and she got two new hips at the hospital there. It's still pretty hard to believe now that we're home, safe, and blessed so much. Prayers have gone up from literally all over the world for Kim and I. There's just no substitute for the strength and comfort the Lord has given because of your prayers.

Thanks to so many of you for being there for us during this time. There's been so many expressions of love, prayer, support, encouragement, email, phone calls, blog comments, cards, food, and so much more, we just can't imagine having gone through it without you.

Thanks to Kim for entertaining my wild thought so she might get better. Yes, this was pretty much my idea from the start. Many have thought us crazy and yes, we have thought the same. She was onboard from the beginning and I didn't force her to go or anything, but her strength, perseverance, and faith continually inspires me. No one can really imagine what all she's been through for so long, especially over the past month. Thank you dear. I love you.

Thanks for so many little things this year. I'm grateful I can now drink the water again, rinse my toothbrush under the faucet, and wash my mouth with it. For a month it was all bottled water for everything. Thanks for some sanity and order on the roads when I drive. I may change my mind over the weekend but I'm thankful for stoplights, stop signs, good pavement, and little to no honking. lol I'm thankful for clean air. Yes, we live in Baytown and there's lot of concerns about it but its the cleanest air you've ever experienced compared to Mumbai. The worst NOX day you can ever imagine in Houston was cleaner by volumes than the best day in Mumbai. I suspect its better during the rainy season but it was not something I'd want to live with for very long. I could go on with a long list but that's enough.

Thanks to some of the really bright spots on the blog over this past month that really kept us going. Thanks to all the children who kept up and commented. I know your folks helped you but it really was special to both Kim and I. Thanks to our Aaron, Allison, Kami, James, Jared, Noah, and the rest of our families who were really brave and prayerful for us. I know they probably thought we were completely out of our minds but they never expressed it and kept up the faith for us. Thanks to both our parents who supported us in every way. Thanks to everyone for your humor. Laughter is truly medicine and we laughed out loud so many times for the funny things that you said. It really made us feel so much closer than 10,000 miles from home. Lastly, thanks to several who came close and shared in our journey. We got to know several of you in ways we never had before nor probably would have if not for this experience. That is special to us. Each one of you has been a blessing to us and we thank the Lord for each one and pray he blesses you. Say a special prayer of thanks for us this weekend. We can't say it enough, thank you Jesus!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from us to you!

love, de & ke

Oh, yeah, Kim's doing great and continues to work hard. She'll be good as new I think by the first of the year!

Plugging Along Back in Texas

Not much new here in H-town. We're back at home and trying our best to recover from our adventure. Virtually all of our international trips seem kind of like a dream after you get home, like, were we really in those places? It seems so far away but it certainly was real. I was especially glad we didn't try to make the trip to Delhi as the Taj Mahal was shut down to visitors for a few days because of the unrest in near by Pakistan and because it would've been additional strain on Kim. She continues to recover nicely here at home. We're trying our best to stay up with the exercises as that is what will help her continue to a full recovery but the first few days have been challenging. Our sleep patterns are off, night to day and such plus we're adjusting back to my cooking. Fortunately, friends from church have also brought some food by the house which is really nice. Kim got out and attended a sorority meeting yesterday for about an hour. (with her driver of course) It's an ordeal for her right now just to do all those normal things, showering, getting dressed, riding, getting in and out and she was tired after we got home but she's doing great and working hard. Her leg muscles are still not very happy with all the changes and exercises and her right leg is still behind the left as the left side was operated on first. We're going to try to go to the Ganders playoff game tonight if she feels up to it. We were fairly certain they'd not still be playing but they are. Don't know much else for now except that we're blessed more than we deserve. We are looking for each day to be better than the previous one. Maybe today or tomorrow I'll take some video of her walking and post it.

Thanks for still reading,

de & ke

Wakin up to reality!

We're home and there's certainly no place like it. After a long, long trip we made it. Several folks checked in to see if everything was ok since I was off the blog for 2 days. We were both ready to make the trip and called to see if we could catch a seat two days earlier than planned and Continental said yes, so we bugged out. It took us 48 hours to get here and we managed to meet Jared who had gone to see his best friend Brian Johnson play football in Salt Lake City. He had no idea we would be meeting him at the gate in Houston and we were so grateful to see him. He came home for a few hours and a bite of El-Toro and I took him back to catch his 9pm flight back to ACU. We took a nap in the afternoon before that and managed to stay awake until almost 11 to try to get back to Texas time. Kim managed the 13 steps up to our bedroom and slept in her own bed, her bed, her pillow, her dog, yes, her husband, and we both slept much of the night. It was sweet.

Today we woke up to a good bit of reality. We both felt as though we'd been run over by a huge truck or a 777 airplane or at least I did. I know if I felt that way Kim must've felt it even more. There's so much to do now that it could be a tad bit overwhelming. Our baggage is scattered prett much everywhere. There's loads of laundry to do, the house to get situated, the yard mowed, the mail gone through, well you get the idea. Paul Schultz house sat for us while we were gone and we can't say how much we appreciate him looking after things. We began today, after a good cup of Stagecoach coffee, Yeah!, with Kim's exercises. For the trip there wasn't a lot of occasion to do all her exercises so today we start again, ouch! She was stiff and sore and we both realized that there is still such a long way to go but she's doing terrific! She's working very hard and making slow but steady progress. Physical therapy is not my profession and it would probably be helpful to have someone else push her and we'll get to that in a few days but for now, I'm the guy for the job. Bottom line is, therapy hurts but its the path to her recovery. Coming home early gives us a couple of extra days to get everything somewhat back to normal.

The reality of today is, we're so blessed its impossible to describe. God has answered our prayers and given us a safe travels, two successful surgeries, some good recovery time, and now safe trip back home. That part of our journey is behind us. Neither of us will ever be the same folks who left. Hopefully we'll be even better, more sympathetic, more Christlike, more thankful, more bold people who can testify to the goodness of Him who loves and provides for us. The ultimate reality is that He loves all people and wants to bless us. Sometimes we have to look around for it but its always there, often in people and in places we don't expect. Many of you have been that to us. Many, many good, kind, and caring people in India were his blessing to us as well. We thank Him for each one.

Blogging again soon, de & ke

Home Sweet Home!

We're at home in Baytown. Some 48 hours ago we got up in Goa, India and began to make our way home. Three flights and more than 20 hours of flight time later and we arrived back on Burnet Drive in Baytown. There's more to say but for now that's enough. We're about to lay down for a nap to get us through until hopefully regular sleep time here in Texas. I'll blog more later but for now, we're home. Kim made the trip just fine, not totally uneventfully but we made all our flights and we're glad to be back in the good ole US of A. We did manage to make a quick stop to El-Toro for some lunch before our nap. Thanks for keeping up with us and most of all for praying for us. More updates to come.

love, de & ke

Some New Pics of Goa

Not much new and exciting to report today. While there is a lot to see and do the reason we're here is to continue Kim's physical therapy. That makes me the bad guy some of the time. Jane reports that Brad Wims has called them "physical terrorists" living proof that no pain, no gain is the reality when it comes to therapy. Our instructions, yes they have pictures for me, include about 6-8 exercises which she is supposed to do hourly, then another set we add and do three times a day. It doesn't really leave a lot of time for siteseeing and such, maybe next time.

We did get a car today for about an hour and half and have him drive us to see Panaji, the main city near here. We had him stop while Kim stayed in the car so I could snap a few photos. The city was first discovered, inhabited, and ruled by the Portuguese about the same time Columbus came to America. They ruled for more than 450 years. A good bit of the old architechture still exists and they are trying to slowly save it and restore it.

Here's a few pics of Goa and a couple of others. Counting the days now.

de & ke

Local book store............overlooking the city

Downtown church

city street, temple on the hill and from behind

More local street scenes

Bombay High Court Building

Outside this morning.

21 Days and Counting

About this time 21 days ago on Thursday just after noon we left home with Paul as our driver the big airport. I know I've stated over and over that words, photos, videos, just don't do justice to everything we've seen and experienced. We left home with heads and hearts filled with the kinds of thoughts and emotions anyone feels before a really big trip going to somewhere you've never been before. I think going internationally jacks up those feelings even more. You don't really sleep well the night before, you're trying your best to remember all the important things you need to pack, tickets, passports, medical records, xrays, peanut butter, and an extra stash of those 10 packs of little butterfinger bars, baby ruths, and a big pack of little paydays, you know the really important stuff, got it.

It wasn't as it were our first trip overseas. We'd been blessed to do it a number of times. I think the thought of going to India, such a big country, with a billion people, and a vast conglomeration of rural and wilderness settings to some of the most high tech folks around made it all the more nervous and exciting. We were coming for the high tech folks at the hospital this time. A flight to Paris, a transfer and another 9 hour flight to Mumbai, and 26 hours later we were there. After a brief night in a hotel and just less than 12 hours later we entered Wockhardt Hospital, met some of the staff and barely got settled before the testing began.

24 hours after that they wheeled Kim out of my hands into the preop room. Five days later they did it all over again. We're now 17 days and 12 days post hip surgery and enjoying some quiet time at the beach. Kim can't get down to the beach so we're staying pretty much around the hotel, the pool, there's only a ladder to get to the pool, so we're laying low, getting some sun, and keeping up with the exercises, many of which she is to do every hour.
Last night though was surely one of the highlights for us as we dressed up, Kim in her newly acquired "saree" from Mumbai, and me, well I just got dressed and went downstairs for the hotel's Diwali celebration and reception for all the guests. There were free refreshments and horderves, (little hot snacks), a tradtional duet playing music and at the end they had fireworks. It was really great. We followed that with dinner by the pool on one side and next to the Indian ocean on the other side. It was a specialty seafood thing they started up just last night. (just for us, not!) More about that later.

All told by the time our evening was done we'd spent about four hours enjoying the festivities, eating dinner (2 hrs), and doing a wee bit of shopping for Diwali items. We were both whipped but for the first time in 21 days, we felt as close to normal as we had in I can't remember when. Of course Kim was in the wheelchair much of the time but today she didn't spend much time in it at all. 21 days, in some ways it has been an eternity, in other ways it has flown by. It's strange just how feeling normal makes all that struggle and pain just disappear for the briefest moment. (Easy for me to say huh?) It was a special evening. We're counting the days.

We constantly thank God for blessing us as he has and we can't say it enough. "For all that you've done we will thank you, for all that you're going to do, for all that you've promised and all that you are, and all that has carried us through, Jesus we thank you!"

Here's a few more pics from last night.

Blessings to all, de & ke


Dinner by the pool...seafood! Kim standing by our table...nice saree!

Special Diwali flower design before and after


Another flower design, with lights.

New Pics Today, Not Much Else

Not much to report today but rest, rehab, and relaxation for us both. Thought I'd take the time to post some pics of some of the folks in Mumbai and our new location at the Marriott in Goa. Kim won't have an airline mile or Marriott point left by the we get home but it sure made it nice to fly over and back on Continental airline miles and now to stay several days at the Marriott without costing us any except those miles and points. It seemed that at every turn the Lord showed us the way and made a way for all this to take place. We are daily overwhelmed by his blessings, especially the blessing of answered prayers, His presence with us, the blessing of family and friends and the technology to share with you this great adventure we are on.

We're about to get dressed for a big Diwali festival and celebration here at the Marriott. The music has already started. The boats are floating by decorated in lights and we're going to go and take it all in, as much as we can. Kim's done well today with her rehab. We slept in a bit, enjoyed the grounds, and the pool. I walked down the beach aways to where swimming was allowed and got in. We met some folks who just moved to Mumbai a few days ago from Toronto. He works for Accenture and is helping them get off the ground in Mumbai. They'll be there for a year or two. It'll be quite different than Toronto. They had a sweet little 14 month old girl.

Here's some scenes from Mumbai, the folks from Kauai, some of the sweet, kind, caring, and helpful people who were there for us at Wockhardt Hospital. When you pray next, thank God for their hand in Kim's surgery and progress so far. We certainly couldn't have done any of it without them.

Happy Diwali! de & ke


Diwali buying frenzy................. Andrea Peeler from Kauai.....her first surgery was today


7th floor nurses...they were great...Dennis from Scotlans......Bharat our right hand man

Marriott entrance in Goa.....pool and ocean....


more.... self explanatory...me in the pool


Kim by the pool.....visiting with some folks from Toronto.....early bay pic this morning

Made it to Goa!

Wow! What a day today was. I woke up early again, about 5 am and couldn't go back to sleep. Too much anticipation of the day and what it would bring and it was plenty! Seemed like everyone in the hospital that we had ever seen from day one came by to check in. Another couple from Kauai arrived at the hospital today. Andrea, the wife, will start on her adventure of having both hips resurfaced starting tomorrow morning. We said goodbye to Deni and his wife who we had come pretty close to while there, took some pictures, met with the Dr for the last time, had physical therapy, Kim not me, and headed out for the airport. Tomorrow or the next day I'll try my best to describe traffic in downtown Mumbai towards the airport. It was like nothing we had ever experienced but eventually we made it, through the terminal and boarded our flight. It was a 45 minute flight and looked like rain when we arrived. We are now at home in the Marriott Resort in Panaji, Goa, India. Again the drive from the airport to where we are was supposed to be 45 minutes but because of the rain took more than two hours, but we're here finally. I'm wiped out and and know Kim must be. Today's events have not been without their challenges but we look forward to the next few days here by the beach. Yes, Bill R, I have my floaties with me, thanks. We haven't seen the water yet cause it was dark by the time we got here. Just ordered a Marriott burger which should arrive in about 10 minutes or so. It's late here so we're gonna share it but i know it will be good. Then some much needed rest in a more comfortable bed for as long as it lasts. Will update tomorrow. Keep praying as we are not nearly through all we have to go through but Mumbai is behind us. It was a blessing in so many ways that we will never forget. Most importantly, Kim's surgery is behind her and better days are ahead for her. Thanks for continuing to read. We're counting the days until we're back in the good ole US of A.

love from Panaji, Goa, India, de & ke

Final Post from Mumbai

Well, our time in the city of Mumbai and at Wockhardt Hospital is now just about over. It's evening here on Tuesday and tomorrow morning we'll depart for Goa for the rest of our time. We had another extremely busy day. They've ramped up Kim's physical therapy a fair bit in anticipation of our leaving. She's walking all the way down the hallway to the physiotherapy room, doing her exercises there and then walking back. She's doing really, really great. She's obviously still using the walker but becoming less and less dependant on it while still using it for stability. We both went shopping today for traditional Indian clothes. Kim walked to the elevator out of the hospital, got into the car, up a few steps to the Sarree shop, looked at dozens of beautiful options and got one. The shop owner called over the gentleman who sews the matching blouses, took some measurements and promised to have them ready by tomorrow before we leave. She made her way out of the shop, back down the steps, and into the car without pain...well the normal pain she used have getting in and out of the car. It's just amazing to see her doing normal things that used to cause her terrible pain and now to see her reaction when it doesn't hurt anymore. The video crew came back to our room today to interview us on camera. They plan to edit and show it on Nov 14 at a national health conference in Delhi. The hospital wanted to fly us both there for a day or two and for her to speak about her experience but it meant extending our stay another 2-3 days. It was certainly tempting as they would pay our way, put us up, and give a tour of the Taj-Mahal, tempting indeed but we couldn't see making two extra flights in addition to the ones we've already got scheduled. So they brought the video crew by and let her speak on camera, me too, and then got video of her walking down the hallway. Pretty cool stuff. The assistant surgeon also came by for some video of his own of Kim walking. He then showed Kim some video of a lady who had the same surgery just six months ago. She was walking up and down the hallway just as normal as anyone else. We look forward to those days but know there is much work ahead.

This certainly won't be my last post on the trip but its our last night in Mumbai. It has been an amazing experience from the beginning until now and our hope and continued prayer is that Kim will continue to improve and grow stronger. I'll check in from Goa and update you on how she's doing. There's just no words to say how much each of you mean to us and how much we have coveted and appreciated your constant prayers, emails, comments, and calls. We look forward to heading home just one week from tonight.

And thanks again for reading.

de & ke


Kim and the nurses........ and the physical therapists

Every good Hindi woman rides side saddle on a motorcycle


This is Sharad who worked in Baytown....and what we ate at his house last night.
Tomato soup, not pictured...corn with pomengranate...veggie rice dish
Some flat wheat bread...crispy and some other flat bread...fried
In front are some Diwali treats...some little sweet fried pies...mmmm!

Must see video!!!!

Doctor Malhan Update

It's been a busy, busy day for us both. I woke up early to check on the progress of the Texans to see that they finally got in the win column again. I guess what it takes for them to win is for me to pick against them in KHOU's profootball upickem contest or for me to go to India. I think I'll stick with just picking against them. Then it was breakfast, another load of laundry in a bucket, to the gym for a quick workout, and back for my dentist appointment. If you want it done here, they'll do it, and pretty darn quickly. Deni, the scottsman, has had dental work, and today had a cataract removed, not counting both hips being resurfaced. He'll be a whole new man. I've had the most thorough physical health check I've ever had at once and today, two fillings, cleaning and polishing, for just over $100, and in just under 45 minutes. It was intense but I was thrilled to get it done. I hate going to the dentist. Then had a consultation with an endocrinologist, since I am diabetic. She went over all my records and results with a fine tooth comb and finished by saying, "I wish all my diabetic patients were like you." I do try very hard to do all the things I'm supposed to do to keep it under control and for now, praise God, it is well under control, even under stress! If you're in the diabetic boat with me, please work hard to take care of yourself, eat right, exercise, take your meds, and have regular checkups. If you're not, work hard to take care of yourself, eat right, exercise, and have regular checkups.

Kim will soon be engaged in her 4th therapy treatment of the day. They are working hard to get her ready to bug out of here on Wednesday afternoon. Lord willing, we'll fly about an hour to Goa for the rest of our time here. Hopefully there, we'll rest, enjoy not having a new hospital wing under construction outside our window, eat some fresh seafood, continue the rehab and let Kim continue to heal. Dr Malhan gave her a little more lengthy rehab time that what she probably anticipated. Deni is already on crutches and when Kim asked about it he responded by saying that Deni walked in on his own two feet, no cane, no walker, so he's more able to go to crutches. She's doing great behind her walker and he said she'd probably need it for as long as she's been using it, probably 3 or 4 months, then a cane for about as long as she's been using it, more than a year. That's the reality. He asked her how many people she knew that had undergone hip replacement and how many of them had been using a cane or walker prior to their surgery. The answer was we knew no one that was in the shape she was in prior to surgery. So, its gonna take awhile for her to be able to walk normally. Her muscles just don't know how to do it and they have to be rebuilt and trained.

So here's a heads up when you see us next. Kim will be using the walker for some time to come. She's doing great, her legs are moving well and without the pain she had, but its going to take awhile before she's running any races or even walking unassisted, but its coming! So pray for us and for patience. I know its not something a lot of folks pray for because you don't get patience you get tested. This is hers, mine, and ours. She's gonna need all the positive encouragement she can get.

Gonna rest a bit before I go to a local man's house for dinner. I met Sharad at the gym a couple of days ago. He noticed I wasn't from around here and he spoke great english. He inquired about where I was from and I said Houston, TX. Ah, Houston he said. As we talked I told him I was really from Baytown but that no one would know where Baytown, Tx was all the way over here. He said, Baytown huh, "I lived and worked in Baytown for more than 3 years as an employee of US Steel in the mid 1980's. Talk about a small world. We struck up a friendship. I went over to his house a few nights ago and am going for dinner tonight. They sure eat late around here. Dinner's not until 8 pm or after. Sharad left Bombay back in 1965 and came to the states to pursue his education. He a citizen in 7 different countries. He's about 65 or so and is still consulting part time around the world. Quite a character. You just never know who you're gonna meet and where.

Cya, de


Here's some local boys playing cricket. It's really the only sport in town.

And a neighborhood street at night

Sights, Sounds, & Smells!

It's just impossible to describe all we've experienced so far here in Mumbai. I've done a fair job of giving you a desciption of what Kim is going thru and I hope the pictures will give you just a sense of what I've seen on the streets but yesterday was something new. I headed out last evening to the Nirmal Lifestyles Mall where the supermarket is located to pick up a few items. It's not very far and is cooling some in the last couple of hours of daylight so I walked. On my way there I pass lots of auto repair shops which seem to be busy all the time. On either side of the street there's an open concrete ditch. I suppose it carries the drain water out when it rains but it also carries less desirable stuff as well. It's obvious from the distinct sewer smell in some spots. It also functions as a local spot for the men to relieve themselves. I know that's not something you prefer to hear but its true. Almost anywhere, at anytime, if you need to go, you pull over and go. As I walked there's one young man down in the ditch and another on the street. They seem to be digging in the ditch, which also acts as the occasional trashcan, for anything worthwhile to salvage. I didn't stop for long to investigate as the thought was just too much to comprehend. Folks digging thru the trash is a regular occurence here, I guess because they're just looking for something to eat.

As I approached the intersection to turn and head to the mall I notice the traffic is heavy, kind of unusual for Sunday evening. Crossing the street here is always very exciting because of the hectic pace of the autorickshaws, big trucks, cars, and motorcycles which fill the streets, go every which way, and constantly honk at each other in their coming and going. As I near the mall, I'm approached by a girl, maybe 8 years old, dark hair with beautiful dark eyes. Her clothes hang loose from her and they're old, and filthy. She holds out her hand for anything so I reach into my pocket and pull out a bill, a 50 rupee note, and give it to her. It's about a dollar and a quarter or so. Then, its on. She turns and hollers out to others and from that point on for more than a block, I'm beseiged by an older lady holding a very young baby, much in the same state as the 8 year old girl and others. They're all begging for me to give them something. The girl grasps my arm constantly, the mom holds up the baby and the bottle, all pointing to their mouths. There's no words to convey my feelings for most of the next block. I already given them a little something and am determined not to do any more right now. I say no but that doesn't do. They have both arms and continue to plead. Finally, two men on their way to the mall holler something and they let go. They don't want to let go but finally do. My heart doesn't stop racing for many minutes.

The mall is now completely insane with people. There's 50 times more people than I've ever seen there all together in my numerous trips. It's modern, all kinds of stores much like one of our malls. There's all kinds of fast food, McD's, Ruby Tuesday (which i just spotted last night), pizza hut, coffee shops, all completely packed. It's Diwali season here, their Christmas, so its much like the mall traffic at home during Christmas. Everyone is well dressed, their snacking, talking on their cell phones, just enjoying the eveing. The supermarket is the same or even worse. In my previous trips there'd be 2/3 express lanes and 4/5 normal lanes open. Tonight there were 12 express lines and 25 regular lines open, all working, with customers 5/6 deep in each line and baskets full of groceries. Trying to get the few items I needed was nothing short of insane. I got my stuff, paid, and headed out. I stopped by Pizza Hut and tried to order a pizza to be delivered in an hour or so but my attempt was futile. I finally told them I'd just call from back at the hospital.

Crossing the street to the other side, I knew I'd pass by a pretty large group of folks who live there on the sidewalk. I posted some of their pictures earlier, the street boys I think I called them. Clutching a wad of 50 rupees bills in my hand I approached them. As the first boy took the bill, he shouted, and it was on again. I proceeded to each person there, in pretty rapid fashion to hand each one a bill. Those who were awake began to wake those who were asleep. One pitiful looking soul, I have no idea his age because its probably not relative when you live on the street here, just didn't want to awakened but finally woke up enough to take what I offered. I gave out everything I had in my hand and tried to move quickly on. It wasn't easy. I'm not certain if I really helped, but I tried. I was nothing like I had ever seen or heard or smelled in my life. I prayerfully thought of just how blessed I was to be able to walk to the store, purchase pretty much whatever I wanted or needed, and walk safely back to my air conditioned room at the hospital. I needed the walk back just to process it all.

We finished the night by ordering three large Pizza Hut pizzas and pepsi's for the staff on the floor last night. They really didn't know what to think when we asked them what kind they wanted and invited them to come to the room when it arrived but I think they enjoyed it very much. One hawaiian chicken, one veg, tomato and onion, and one pepperoni pizza. I honestly think that was the best tasting pepperoni pizza I have ever tasted. It was quite a day. Kim's still doing great by the way. She's walking better and better at each therapy session.
My apologies for the length of this blog but I needed to share my experience. Thanks for reading.

de & ke

Another Special Lord's Day

Noah pic Kami took recently...Dr checking her....incision

I made a dog friend outside the hospital

Security outside on our floor....several of the nurses for a visit. They're great!

It's quiet for the most part here on Sunday. Dr's take off and there's not nearly as many folks around. Make's it nice for us to spend a quiet day of rest and reflection. We've been contacted several times by a young man named Sachin from the church here in Mumbai. He even came by for a visit once. He called late in the week to ask if he could help make arrangements for us to come to worship. We'd love to do that except its about an hours ride by car in lots of traffic. Kim hasn't been riding yet and we just weren't sure it was the best thing for her recovery so we're staying around the hospital today. We'll worship again today much the same as we've done the past two Sunday's, just us & the Lord. It's quite special but we can't wait to get back home and be back with our church family.

Have I told you how great she's doing and how hard she's working? She is. I'm so proud of her because as hard as the surgery's were, this part is not any easier. It hurts, a different hurt though. There's absolutely no more of the pain that she had before we came. Now its just muscle pain, tightness, and soreness from learning how to walk all over again. She's getting better every day, with every step. There's just no words to describe how we both feel about how God has blessed us and how much we appreciate each and every prayer offered on our behalf. I know that neither of us will ever be the same, hopefully better, closer to God, closer to each other, and more grateful for family, our church family, and the many friends who have written, commented, and called to check in on us. It has meant so much to have you thinking of us.

For those wondering about my health check up or not, the Dr's all said, "you're 50," like I didn't know. I like the scales over here because I only weigh 94.4. Pretty cool. On Friday I had blood tests twice, a 2D heart echo, a treadmill stress test, sonograms, chest xray (no it hasn't all dropped to my waist yet), PSA test, eye exam, hearing exam, dental exam, yeah I was exhausted too and consulted with a regular Dr and a cardiologist. Cost $190. I'm fine, all the numbers checked out aok. My blood glucose was 102 to start the morning then breakfast and two hours later it was 112. I can't think of much better results and I praise God for them. Hopefully he'll bless me to keep on serving Him for a long, long time, and give me a chance to tell others just how good He is and how they should trust His great love.

Gotta go now. That's preacher jargon for I'll tell you I'm about through but I'm really not. lol Think I'll do some laundry today. That consists of some Tide in a 3 gallon bucket. How many have done that before? I sent some out after about a week and it came back clean and folded but I just didn't like the way it smelled so now it all goes in and out of the bucket. I bought an inexpensive clothes line and pins at the store and strung it up in the bathroom. I've not got dishpan hands or something but they sure smell better. In all honesty I'm not sure the clothes I brought will survive past this trip. I seldom considered the luxury of heading to the garage to throw in a load of clothes in the washer and dryer with fabric softener, but now I do.

A couple of other details you might be wondering about, there's security everywhere, on our floor, ER entrance, front door, side door, and 3/4 at the hospital entrance. Despite that there's folks everywhere but if you want to get on the elevator anywhere you have to have a pass. I guess being a white American is my pass cause I've never been asked for one but I've seen dozens of others asked. They deliver 1 liter bottles of Aquafina water to the room every morning, sometimes 3 or 4 or more, pretty much all you can drink, cause its not recommended to drink the water, only bottled. Kim and Deni, from Scotland, are the only two patients on the floor now and Dr Malhan is on vacation now for Diwali, which is their Christmas. The care of the nurses is terrific though and she really doesn't need much but rest, rehab, rest, rehab....you get the idea.

Thanks again for reading. Hope you enjoy the pics from the past day or two and hopefully a video.

Love you all, de & ke Oh yeah! Boomer Sooners! 42-14


Here's some video of some kind of worship service.