Tuesday, 13 May 2008 - "Breakthrough"

I tell you, God is at work even in the midst of yoga bootcamp. As I mentioned before, God has blessed Henry with a roommate he gets along with.
Well, Roy's been having a tough time keeping up and he'd mentioned to Henry that he was going to talk to the instructors this morning (Henry suspects Roy is getting ready to quit). They've already lost 28 students due to health reasons or sheer frustration. Well, Roy's been withdrawn and uneasy the past week or so and he hasn't been sleeping well either. Last night, as he lay tossing and turning, Henry walked over to him and asked him if he can pray for him. Oh, by the way, Roy is Jewish. Roy says at this point, he's willing to try anything. So, Henry prayed for him and without another word, they both went to sleep.

Well, this morning, Roy seeked out Henry in his small group class and told him that he changed his mind, he is not quitting. He also said that he told his 22 year old daughter who is moving to Arizona that she needs to find a Christian church there.

Henry himself has lost 15 pounds and have been feeling light headed. The doctor there told him that he needs to work on raising his blood pressure. However, he is in good spirit and going strong (he's actually ahead with his postures/dialogue). 4 more grueling weeks, but he's more than half way done. Yippee....

Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for Henry's health and that God will give more opportunities for him to witness to his roommate and others.

Blessings,
Arleen

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, 15 April 2008 -

What a change physically, mentally, and emotionally. I suppose it started in Guadalajara (MX); I was able to pass through security and the Mexican Immigration (without) being processed! I handed my completed form and was allowed passage only to find out in Mexico City that it has not been (fully) processed. I must exit the terminal and go directly to the Mexican Immigration to be processed (located on the other side of the airport). The only thing I was concerned with was not missing my flight to Acapulco ! Off to the races.

As soon as I stepped off the plane my whole entire life changed! My schedule, eating habits, and everyday routine have been altered for the next nine weeks! Didi from Bikram Sunnyvale was the only familiar face! Even the place I call home is now known as Room #2321 with a roommate from Albuquerque (NM). One positive note is that I met people throughout Europe , Asia , United States , Canada , S. America , Mexico , Australia , New Zealand , and Philippines . The yoga studio is great. It is very large, hot (120 degrees), humid (60 percent), and mirrored; the studio is large enough for approx. 500+ people. Kareem Abudul Jabbar (Retired center for the Los Angeles Lakers) joined us a motivational speaker and fellow practitioner!

The first week was rough and grueling due to scheduling, climate, physical, and emotional changes. There is little time between morning yoga sessions, posture clinics, brunch, afternoon posture clinics, afternoon yoga sessions, dinner, and yes . . . posture clinics! Lectures and small posture clinics will begin next week.

Bikram took a boot camp approach in the beginning; being hard and abrasive. Although, he stepped over the line on several occasions with female students with his remarks, he tried to be helpful. But it’s all good. I am thankful that my roommate and I get along. We’ve heard horror stories with other people regarding their roommates! At any rate, the first week is under the belt and ready to move forward! I am thankful that I can be a student in Acapulco . The beach, pool, and surroundings are beautiful! I'll send pics later . . .
Henry

Well, it’s 3 down, 6 to go…weeks that is. Henry’s intention was to send regular updates of his adventures in sunny Acapulco but…24 hours just does not seem enough hours in a day for him. He has to be present and accounted for at 8:30 sharp every morning for his yoga session. If you come in at 8:31, you must make up the whole session again. Sometimes, they don’t finish until close to midnight. To be certified, you need to put in 900 hours of training in 9 weeks. Phew. Now you know why 24 hours / day is not enough. His day off (Sunday) is spent studying, memorizing and catching up on some ZZZs. He’s got another test on Anatomy today. 6 people have already dropped out. This is "boot camp" for yoga complete with the drill sergeant and everything.

Despite the hot weather, gorgeous beaches and exciting people and scenery, the farthest he’s ventured in the city is going across the street to Walmart. Truly folks, he’s really working over there. He does check his email when he gets a change but replying to it is another story. He can receive text on his phone but he can’t send any.

On the bright side, he’s doing really well in his classes (but of course that’s just my opinion and I tend to be bias). He’s got a wonderful beach front view from his room window (from what I’ve seen through Webcam) and he gets along really well with his room mate. He’s told me many horror stories about others and their experiences with their room mates. Thank you for all your prayers. God provided someone he’s compatible with and Roy is a nice guy…
I’ve met him.

It’s quiet and sometimes lonely at home but we still get to see him and talk to him every night. Thank you all for your support and encouragement and offers of help. We’re just counting down the days…..

This site is © Copyright Fremont Community Church 2006-2007, All Rights Reserved
Steve's free web templates