The premium lounge

I hopped on my bicycle on a  rainy day at 7 AM in Chennai to go the visa appointment for my annual year-end visit to Netherlands. This time I was late for my visa appointment since they had changed the office and I wasn't aware of the change until I reached the existing location. 

On being redirected to the new location, I arrived there late. I was however allowed inside but using my delay on arrival as an excuse was asked to use the "premium lounge" route. When you take a "premium lounge" appointment route you don't wait in a queue and are given preferential treatment. 

I however refused the offer because it's not only about the extra money that I need to pay, it was since I was on my bicycle, I was sweating. I was also dirty due to the accumulated rainy mud on parts of my skin and clothes. Being an addicted bicyclist, I have been going around the city for using it as my mode of travel. 

 When I refused the premium lounge I was asked to wait a little longer in the waiting area. After waiting for a while I was let in. I noticed to my surprise that there was not any queue in the normal appointment counter since  VFS (company which mediates visa application) guys had almost convinced and sent everyone to the premium lounge except me. Once in, I finished my work and came back in 30 mins. 

The year gone by has been extremely busy with work at office, commuting to office on my bicycle, the differently abled bag making project taking shape very well and the sunday Hindi fellowships for migrant workers. 

It's just hardly a week left before I start my vacation but I am so grateful to my friends at Netherlands. The host family Nachtegaal with whom I stay, have their son's family staying with them this time around. However they still offered me a place to stay in their home without any hesitation. 

It's been close to 13 years since I moved to India from the Netherlands but the church and families in this small city Zeist love me still and I don't take this for granted at all. 

I have already made 7 appointments for my 10 day visit and it's only going to increase. The only time other than meeting friends and their families is when I go swimming in a 12 feet swimming pool. 

Well, I am also working on reading more dutch this time around so I can have good conversations. I adapt when I am there to the culture including eating lots of cheese and the sour karnemelk (milk) , adapting to the weather, making appointments for lunch/dinner, speaking and greeting wholeheartedly and riding my bicycle to their homes.

Before I even think seriously about my trip there are 2 Christmas programs which needs to be completed  - differently abled program on 20 Dec and Hindi program on 22 Dec. 

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength - Isaiah 40:29-31