Chai and Curry June 1, 2013

 Adam and I have been a part of the Indian Community in our area since moving here.  God has given us a passion and love for India and we know that He has called us to India (or Indians).  We were invited to a special Indian fellowship at the home of a dear Indian family.  



A pastor and his wife from Tamil Nadu were special visitors.  We had a wonderful time of hearing the Word preached by the pastor and his wife, worship in English and Tamil, an Indian potluck, and of course a wonderful time of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  My heart was so thankful towards the Lord because I know that this will be such a blessing to our children.  They will have Godly uncles, aunties, and cousins who are Indian. 

We really loved watching the precious children.  Each child was asked to tell what they were thankful for.  I am really impressed with the way these children are raised to be so respectful.  I have a feeling these ladies will be a great help to me as a new mother once the kids come home.  We have invited them to walk alongside us in this journey.  We talked about arranged marriages, raising bilingual children, and many more things that we have been concerned about.  One thing that I really loved was that all the children take piano and violin lessons.  One child excitedly and proudly used his talents for worship.  The mothers expressed how these were things the children could use for the rest of their lives to worship God.  This is exactly what I have always believed about music lessons for kids.  I felt like we were really on the same page as far as parenting goes.  What a comfort this is to my heart as we really don’t have family close by to help us out.  Perhaps they will become our extended family, and how happy we will be for our kids to grow up with close relationships with other Indians.

For the potluck I brought one of Adam’s very favorites…Indian rice pudding.  It was a hit, especially with the kids.  The recipe is as follows:

Cook 3 cups of dry Basmati rice (be very careful to not overcook it)

Let this rice cool. 

Bring 2 cups evaporated milk to a boil in a large pan

Add rice (I only used about ¾ of the rice)

When it begins to thicken add 3 cans coconut milk, 1 ½ cups golden raisins, crushed cardamom to taste, and 1 cup of sugar.  When it thickens again add pistachios, 1 pint of half and half and mix.  Refrigerate with plastic wrap touching the top so a film will not form. 

You may add more or less sugar, depending on your taste.  I advise to add a little at a time until it is like you like it and the same with the cardamom.  You may like less or more than we do. 

“You are the helper of the fatherless. Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.”   Psalms 10:14, 17-18