THE KOCHI DIARY ( Extracted from one of my diary page)

Ernakulum also known as Kochi (MAPcourtesy inter

It was one of the most unexpectedly exciting travels I had ever had in recent time. As I’ve always confess profusely earlier too that travel always bring a lot of fresh energy and does refreshes my perspective. This particular travel was a unique one because I was able to attend my sis in-law’s wedding and witness mush love from the people and community. Such experience brings a lot of possibilities of healing and pure joy. It was overwhelming to see how the adorable bride and the groom are so much in love and are so happy for each other. Hey… sounds familiar? Am sure some of us have gone through the same experience too… So folks, this is my travel story…called THE KOCHI DIARY...

TRAVEL

We took the Go Air flight from New Delhi airport. Reached Mumbai airport (via) at 4:15pm after started from Delhi by 2:30pm and finally reached Kochi by 6:30pm. It was dusky by then. Our friend called Caleb was really kind enough to come and pick us up from the airport. He’s such a gentlemen. He was equally as excited as us because he said it’s his best friend’s wedding. He not only drove us to our destination but also brief us about Kochi and some of the interesting stories about him and his circle of friends including the groom. It took us an hour and a half to reach our destination… we crosses some forest and some sleepy towns. Though physically exhausted, I was so thrilled to be back to the woods and as the raindrops touches the roof of our cute little car, I realize then that this is my day (this is my moment)… I requested Caleb and my Husband to please stop the car… I open the door and bared my soul as I step out. Sounds crazy but it was so accomplishing and am so proud of myself that I did that (sound of laughter as I write this).

PEOPLE IN KOCHI

Having come from cities like Delhi, it was such a calming experience to see how the people and community as a whole in Kochi are as compared to Delhi. No doubt for some really really weird reason I will always love Delhi as my first love but Kochi came as a heart stealer ( you know what I mean?)… The visit really slowed me down and helps me walk instead of rushing. The simplicity of the people and the serenity of the hills and the sound of the waves surely validated the saying “God’s own country”.

KERALA AYURVEDIC MASSAGE (one thing unmissable while in Kerala)

The rich oil lavishly poured and the smooth hands that run through your weary bones and joints were something one has to experience personally. I had a full body massage and most exciting part is this…  Uncle Thomas discounted the price. That was a huge relieves (hahaha).

SEA AND THE SEA FOOD

Yes that’s right…its sea and the sea food. Walking down the beach and listening to the sound of the waves rushing was a treat in itself. My husband (my travel partner who’s my travel critic too hahaha) and I went to CHERAI beach. The beach is lined by gorgeous coconut groves and eats out places. Though it was a humble and simple beach, we had a perfect view of the beach from the hotel called the Arabian Sea Food Hotel where we had our lunch. The menu ranges from juicy prawns, tender squid, aromatic pomfret fish and the Kerala samber, coconut shredded mixed vegetable and not the least the Kerala RICE. Generally the dishes are flavoured with tamarind added with refreshing curry leaves and coconut and don’t be surprise if your dinner is served up on a banana leaf.

Cherai beach waves

Exotic cuisine with a dash of lemon juice

I told you " IT HAD THE PERFECT VIEW"

A VISIT TO THE CHINESE FISHING NET AREA

For one second, I feel I was embodying the famous Kylie Kwong while visiting the fishermen community there. She’s such an inspiration for any chef in the world. I do claim myself to be one (I mean a private practitioner though)… The Chinese fishing net story in Kochi (earlier known as Cochin) traces back to the time where the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler (forgot the name sorry) introduced these nets here. Surprisingly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China (seriously?). Met many fishermen. Well it definitely smell very fishy and definitely do not intend to say that it’s stinky but it’s stinky actually (No offence).

Chinese Fishing Nets

Time to pull out

The catch

HILL PALACE (TRIPUNITHURA)

Outer view of the Palace turn Museum

Built somewhere in 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace is now converted into a rich museum preserved and collected from different parts of the world and gifts given by different nobles and traders as well. Well, the worst part was “NO CAMERAS inside”. So we couldn’t take any pictures inside. If you’re someone who loves to see antiques and have interest in wooden crafting work, this interesting palace turn museum is definitely your next destination. No sandals inside too, but am just ok with that because the floors are made of woods and it’s neatly polished. Infact the cracky wooden sound when you walk makes the entrance quite a homecoming.  

  

 MARINE DRIVE VIEW

 Heard a stroll along the long tree-lined coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially late afternoon or dusk but couldn’t go there. So I just caught the street through my canon camera as I was on way to Vypeen Island. Am so sure that the bustling backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats, can be observed from my boat.

VYPEEN ISLAND

To start off the visit, had a simple yet refreshing lunch at one of the small hotel there. The island looks like a little palm size globe altogether. We walk pass many tourist and many from the west. The spice market was amazing. Thank God, I bought the fish masala and some vegetable masalas from one of the shops there. This beautiful couple were selling those herbs and spices; they are so good to talk with that they nearly robbed off my purse by pushing me to buy many other herbs too. But God send a policemen called my husband who brought me back to sense… otherwise I thought of buying the whole shop (another laughter)…

On the left located the old Synagogue (not seen in this foto)

Had lunch here for Rs 65 ( Rice, Indian Bread, Mixed veg, Pickles, two types of Fish)

They have some of the best spices in the world i bet...

TRAVELLING BACK FROM KOCHI BY TRAIN (DURONTO)  

If anyone wants to know more about the people and society of the eastern part of the world like India, you MUST travel by train (sleeper class) at least once. I met some few travellers and every time we broke into conversation, we realize how diverse are we yet how we all aspire and are inspired each other’s culture and thinking.

Nearly twisted my ribs taking this shot (oops)

Our train for obvious reason started off from the Ernakulum junction (Kochi) and crosses some of the most interesting locations such as Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, UP and finally Delhi. It was double the treat because when you look out, you see crossing different geographical locations and see how each community are so different from the other. In the case of Rajasthan, I was personally intrigued to notice how the typical Rajasthani colourful turbans were flaunt around by men even in the station area. I wasn’t really sure which particular station was that but I just knew it for sure that “oh boy this is Rajasthan”… One can also see different classes of the community earning their livings. 

View of the travellers waiting for their train

Up against the wind

harvest time People

Rain drops

Paddies dried in the sun

I hate my husband for taking this pic while i was sleeping but i never love him less...

After all, cheers to the wedded couple who invited us to Kochi... Cheers to their union and as they embark a new journey and those unforgettable memories me and my loved one created together. Thank you for dropping by...

Getting to know "THE GOD WHO CREATED THE HEAVENS AND EARTH"

The last few days I was going through the book of Genesis (have gone through many times before I mean since my Sunday day school days. pretty long though) and was quite amazed to realize how I’ve really miserably missed out many crucial revelation of God as mention in the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the Bible... (Some of the perspective and conviction I want to share for God's glory...)

  

Picture courtesy: Internet

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...Genesis 1:1 (NIV) 

As I read and study the verse, i realize how God went public and made a statement and declare his sovereignty, authority and ownership in creating the heavens and the earth. Therefore this declaration nullifies many of the judgement and opinions people think of WHO Christ was or is..... So much been said and written about Christ who he really must be... Some few are mention below

• Mahatma Gandhi said “He was one of the greatest teachers humanity has ever had"...
• Baha'i faith says Christ was a man who's a prophet but superseded by Muhammad and Baha'u'llah 
• Hinduism says: He's one of the gods ( must be an incarnated akin to Krishna or a wise man) 
• Islam believes: who was a man a true prophet sent by God but superseded by Muhammad. 

My intention is not to hurt any religious sentiments but to see and understand what people really think about Genesis 1:1. The verse therefore strongly implies that God (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit) is not just a good teacher humanity has ever had or a prophet but HE is the creator. That HE is the only source and apart from HIM there is none.  

The astounding chapter 1 and 2 of Genesis surely reveals the attributes of God. Interestingly enough, till Revelation...God continue to claim that he is the author and finisher of our faith (our life). As I study through both the chapters, i can't help but imagine how God must be really busy creating the universe...setting each puzzle pieces into the right places and corners...the galaxy, the constellations, the blue ocean, lash valleys, the colourful birds and animals...hey and the dinosaurs too. Once a little girl was ask by her teacher why she loves the planet earth? She said because this is the only planet that has chocolates (how cute was that)…

I really love what Max Lucado says …Heaven declares the glory of God and the skies proclaim of his hands….Nature is God’s first missionary. Where there is no Bible there are sparkling stars, where there are no preachers there are springtime, where there is no testament of scripture, there is a testament of changing seasons and breath stealing sunsets, if a person have nothing but nature then nature is enough to reveal something about God….

Indeed there’s something we can learn from nature… it simply demonstrate the indispensable vitality of all the creation have with the creator. Nature proves that God is the source of all living beings. God gave life and that means HE is the living God. Nature therefore perfectly proves God is God. So why God did created heavens and earth? His living word says, God created the heavens and earth as expression of his glory. Famous Christian author/writer John Piper mentions in his book “Desiring God”… God’s ultimate purpose and joy is in the display of his glory. That’s exactly true because when we are very conscious of God’s existence; our eyes see his glory reflected in his handiwork. Mr Piper’s famous quote says “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”…WOW…I really love this quote. It takes an inner changing of heart to be most satisfied and that’s only possible if we only believe that God is the creator of heaven and earth…only when we have faith and believe that God “Christ” is the only way…It is not only through his power and wisdom that God created us but also because of his goodness. God not only blesses mankind to have authority over all the creation but God did bless the rest of the creation as mention in verse 22 of chapter 1 Genesis. Such is the goodness of God. 

So folks, personally for me… after getting to know what exactly it means to know the God who created the heavens and earth… I can’t but agree with what Max Lucado says: How vital that we pray, armed with the knowledge that God is in heaven.  Pray with any lesser conviction and your prayers are timid, shallow, and hollow. But spend some time walking in the workshop of the heavens.  Seeing what God has done—seeing what your Father has done and watch how your prayers are energized! God bless you all.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ( really?)

I wonder what it was really like on the eve of 15th August 1947 in India... I wonder what was going through Pandit. Jawaharlal Nehru's (first Prime Minister of Independent India) mind the mid night he gave that historical speech to the FREED nation and people. It was however interesting to know that Gandhiji went to Calcutta instead to be with the marginalized communities and people... Today we just celebrate the 67th Independence day... I wonder what was going through our present Prime Minister's mind when he stood and face the nation and gave that speech... did he ever felt what Nehru and Gandhiji felt that midnight? Did anyone of us felt so proud and truly felt the sense of freedom in a true sense? 

The murkier the politics are getting into around the world, the depravity for truth, justice and equally are at the verge of extinction. I sometimes wonder if John Lennon's infamous song " Imagine" comes true... Country after another country either because we do really care for one another or because every country will bow down and worship.. Technologies and spaceships's getting more and more accessible... everyone talks about rocket today...but hardly can find one who talks about FORGIVENESS. Infact corruption has become a household name. It spreads faster than cancer. GENDER ISSSUES, RAPE, TERRORISM, INFLATION, POLITICS, RESERVATION, etc etc....Our own countries faces different circumtances but the reality of our HEARTS are the same..... No one goes away scot free. We take home our own share of realities. If you happen to read this article, I beseech you buddies to look around and see that though the problem seems gigantic, it is never too late to start making a difference. There is no wrong time to do good...

GOD IS WITH US AS WE WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY

(Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...Psalm 23:4)

I've heard that there is a road that goes between Jericho and Jerusalem known as the "shadow of death". It was named due to its narrow way and steep sides. By the name itself, it gives me weird sorts of extreme fear. Am sure not many travelers have trotted that path and cross that valley. Similar to what David encountered,

as a shepherd, he was very much aware of these types of narrow trails that if the sheep got on them, would usually result in the death of many sheep sliding down into the ravine. I can imagine young David walking alone with his sheep and making every effort to walk pass that valley every time he crosses that way (Psalm 23:4). By the time when evening sets in, the darker it would get, the more treacherous the attempt to navigate the trail. As it would get darker, the temperature would drop and your heartbeat rises. Also as darkness descends, the vicious wild animals appear looking for their evening meal. 
The other perfect example was Elijah. Elijah witness God’s outpouring of his power at Mount Carmel. Indeed he had that magnificent mountain top experience where he defeated his enemy. But God interestingly didn’t let Elijah stay there at the mountain top for long. In the next chapter, we see how Elijah went down the valley. It was quite unbelievable to see the same anointed Elijah who killed countless of Baal’s prophets running for life from King Ahab’s wife Jezebel. He himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" … To make it short, the Angel of the Lord came and attended him. God encourages the DISCOURAGED Elijah… Friends, God was with Elijah during the mountain top phase and also in his down the valley experience. He is the same God today…   

The Valley of Doubt and Uncertainty

I’ve been in this valley many times. I’ve question my own worth and God’s perfect plan for me. When I was a younger, I often imagine if I was born with a silver spoon like many people around…I’ve doubted God’s purpose for me. I left home since I was very young. Along with my elder bro, we stayed in a hostel of the school where we studied. Parents never have enough to support us but they never give up on us. We always wait for the monthly pocket money our parents send us through some people coming. As I grew up, the experience that I went through being a refugee in my own homeland due to war left a huge scar in my mind and heart. I was never comfortable with taking risk. To talk about tomorrow or future was always something I’ve feared. Many of us also undergo hunger (real hunger), separation, parents getting divorce, becoming orphan or you are an adopted child and many more. But Psalm 23:4 has changed my life. God changed my heart. I must confess that I still don’t know what my future holds, but today am sure and know who holds my future. BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW.

The Valley of Fear

Imagine it’s raining, lightning and thundering, windy, slippery and dark evening, you’re feeling hungry and tired, you can hear the vicious wolves howling and coming for your sheep and for you as well… David must have had a real tough call to make each time he crosses that path. David displayed what it takes to be a good shepherd to his sheep and he also displayed what it takes to be a sheep under that good shepherding of God. Psalm 23 assured us that nothing can change the fact that you belong to God, and He is in ultimate control of your life. Ask God to make you aware of His presence with you and to give you the peace that only He can give – the peace that surpasses all understanding. Remember that God will help you overcome anything that’s causing you fear. Ask Him to give you the strength you need. Realize that God will be faithful to you, even when you’re not faithful to Him. Use your time in this valley to learn how to trust God more, knowing that struggles build trust by showing you how to live out your faith. Let’s remember… “Safety and security is not found in the absence of danger but only found in God’s presence”… Let’s walk that valley under God’s presence.

The valley of Death

God knew that every person would sooner or later have to walk through the shadow of the valley of death as their physical life came to an end. From this perspective, the emphasis on this verse is found in the comforting words that "God is with us" even in this journey. One of my husband’s friends died of freaky road accident few days ago. He was just 26. So, at that moment “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God” sounds crazy… How can his sisters and his old mother thank God over the death body of their loved one lying cold and lifeless? It was not his fault. I really feel like crying as I write this now… friends am not trying to convinced you and console you but God said… no matter in whatever circumstances we are, God is with us. He promised us his presence till the end of time. The empty tomb is the perfect reminder that DEATH is not that ugly and scary… truly death has no sting. If you’re walking through that valley today, may the good shepherd leads you and empower you and give you much needed grace and comfort.

The Valley of Detours

Moses was the perfect example of a person who has visited this valley. Faces many blocks and criticism. But God led Moses and his people and he was with them till the end of the journey. If you’re walking through this valley of many blocks coming your way, remember even though you don’t know where the detour will lead, God does. Lift your eyes beyond your circumstances to God and trust Him to guide you well. Cooperate with His plans for you so that you and I can understand his heartbeat and understand the bigger picture.

The Valley of self-pity and the feeling of been unloved

I never ever imagine in my wildest dream that I’ll be walking through this valley someday. Today, am overcoming and am in a much better space because God is healing me and his people. After all the personal crisis and brokenness faced, I really can’t imagine how many people goes through that valley every hour and every moment of their lives. To me, there’s nothing more humiliating and more pitiful than to feel that you’re not loved. By walking down this valley, God taught me that there’s no perfect love apart from his love. The cross was the perfect ring that reveals his love for me. God loves us and there’s nothing that can separate us from the love of God. We are indeed much more than a conqueror.

The Valley of Suffering

Having worked with People living with HIV and AIDS, I just don’t have any audacity to share my own suffering. My friends have suffered enough and I always can’t imagine if I’d be in their shoes. In all these dark bottomless pit of suffering, it is so consoling to know that, because God is sovereign, nothing can get to you without
first coming through Him. The ultimate suffering was displayed on the cross. Christ definitely knew what suffering was. Am so glad that Christ knows what goes through my life. He definitely walks with us even through this valley.

The Valley of Storms

Invite God to use the storms you go through to stretch your faith. Understand that God can use storms for correcting (returning you to a right relationship with Him), perfecting (to mature you and prepare you for serving more in His kingdom), and instructing (to teach lessons you couldn't learn otherwise). As you struggle through a storm, keep in mind that He is rooting for you. Not only that, but He is praying for you to remain faithful and learn to trust Him even more. Don’t panic, no matter how much rain falls, how loud the thunder crashes, or how close the lightning strikes, because God is more powerful than any storm you could ever experience. We just need to have that little faith.

The Valley of Disappointments

Things are not happening as expected, no acknowledgement or encouragement from any angle. Feeling like you’ve wasted yourself and all your investments not bearing any results. Feels like quitting and fell so burnout… friends, seek counsel from people who are close to God, rather than from worldly sources. Bring your problems and pains to God and ask Him to empower you to handle them according to His will. Ask God for encouragement, and know that He will give it to you. Remember that if you wait until you feel like doing something, you often won’t do it, but if you decide to take action no matter what your feelings, your feelings will follow. Trust that obeying God will always bring His blessings into your life. Remember that nothing is impossible for God, and that problems are platforms for Him to work miracles if He chooses to do so. Know that you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Don’t quit living a faithful life; if you do, you’ll miss out on God’s best for you. Be persistent in faith until your circumstances change – and know that, in the process, you will change for the better yourself.

The Valley of Correction

David was corrected (confronted) by Prophet Nathan after he committed adultery and sin against God. Like David, even for many of us, we really doesn't like been corrected. Seriously, am so bad in this matter. But God said he disciplines and prune his children. Recognize that every crisis is an opportunity to take a personal inventory to determine how closely connected you are to God. Many times, our pride that entangles us tend to deceive us by saying we’re perfect, so to be humble and meek is only to be taken by the weak. However God reminds us today to unlearn what we've learned. We can be full of ourselves... and that hinders the fresh air to pass through... Christ's life was the perfect example...he will surely lift you up because he loves to lift up the meek and humble... 

Hubby trekking through the valley (Manali)

Conclusion

David's soothing voice of confidence in this verse (Psalm 23:4) is that even if he must walk through the valley of death late in the day with shadows abounding and potential for disaster with every step; he would fear no evil. In other words, he was able to walk through this valley with peace. Why? Because he knew God was with him and that God's rod and staff would guide him and bring him comfort. He had his first-hand experience of God’s protection… he didn't simply heard about it from somebody but he experienced it personally. Indeed, His rod and his staff, they continue to comfort us… His grace surpasses our sin and infact i truly agree to what Phillip Yancey said: THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO TO MAKE GOD LOVE US MORE or LESS... Remember, the great shepherd went to look out for the one sheep missing leaving behind the 99... what GUTS and audacity he displayed to reach out to you and me...

If you find yourself walking through a valley right now, let God comfort you and may his presence be real to you as He walks alongside you. No matter what, whether you're experiencing that Mt. Carmel moment or the valley moment... He still rules and we're in his mind right now.  AMEN.