Eletricity

Yesterday I met with a man named George from my church to see how I can help out with St. Luke's newly formed Global Warming group. He has the lofty goal of getting our church off of the grid in 5 years. We agree that the US needs to take the lead in really developing efficient sources of natural/clean energy for our independence as a country and the health of the earth. This became even more apparent to me as I read an article today in the NY Times discussing the electrical shortage in India, specifically in the south suburbs of Delhi. About 1/2 of India's 1 billion people do not have any access of electricity (the national goal is for everyone to have access to the grid by 2009, a lofty goal.) We always hear about the technological advancement and industrialization of India. It's happening, but the neighborhoods that would from our perspective seem "American" struggle to support the materialization, for what good is a flat screen tv or AC in every room in 100 degree weather if your power randomly goes out 11 hours of the day? I was surprised to read that many new buildings have their own generators so they do not have to shut down if the grid fails, these generators are powered by diesel fuel. India will continue to push forward despite these shortages and the monetarily and environmentally heavy costs of having 'modern' access of electricity. For me, this reinforces our American responsibility to be leader in new, sustainable, clean sources of energy not only for our own good and profit, but so it's cheaper for developing countries to develop in a healthier fashion and not end up where we already are, stuck sucking on an unhealthy system.
Guess I'll be lucky to be able to have not only the electricity, but also the internet access to do this blog in India.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/world/asia/21india.html?em&ex=1179979200&en=683cdfcc11087f26&ei=5087%0A

trying out this blogging thing...

You do not really shouldn't read this blog until mid-end of July because that is when I will be in India. I'm going to try to use this blog to keep people updated on my life who want to be updated. To make this first post a little more worth-while, here's the recipe for that yummy dessert we had at our last young adults Bible study (*wink* *nudge* Susan):
1 can sweetened-condensed milk
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 large package instant vanilla pudding
1 C cold water
Make the pudding using the water and the sweetened condensed milk, chill in the fridge for 5 minutes. Whip the cream using an electric blender. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding.
1 pint (or more...whatever is your fancy) strawberries, cleaned and sliced
1 Sara Lee frozen pound cake, cubed (can substitute angel food cake for preference or health...)
Layer the pudding mix, strawberries, and cake, make it look pretty. Eat and enjoy!!
Until July, signing off =)