Entry #39

Joy in the Journey...It's time to go now. "Who knew Temple Square could be so much fun?" India has had many challenges; understanding the lifestyle, traditions and cultures. We have endured the heat and humidity, did without a car, oven, dishwasher or clothes dryer. We lost a few things (Kent - 40 lbs., Carol - 10 lbs.). but we have gained many life experiences and have made many friends. We hope that we have made a difference.

Carol, Carol Nielsen, Nick Nielsen and Kent

Visakhapatnam airport - December 4, 2009

These four pictures are compliments of Nick Nielsen. I once asked him, "How did you get such great pictures." His answer was, "You have to get up early!"

A simple fishing boat - Bay of Bengal

The beach in Visakhapatnam at sunrise

A fisherman with his nets.

This property was recently purchased by the Church

for a new chapel. Hope to see those pictures in the future.

I've been saving this picture a long time - just for this spot.

Found it at an entrance to a house in Visakhapatnam.

Entry #38

The key is under the mat...

Moving Out Day

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

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We were very happy when the landlord told us that he had new tenants for our flat. But he tried to delicately tell us that they wanted to perform a "punja" in the apartment before they moved in. This is not an unusual tradition. But, soon, we began to learn more details. First, it needed to be done at 4 o'clock in the morning of Thursday, December 3rd to coincide with the full moon -- not before and not after. Since we were not leaving until the 4th, this became inconvenient and inconceivable. If they could not perform the punja at 4AM, then they would back out of the contract. We then learned that the dining room table and chairs needed to be removed and the floor scrubbed clean. No walking across the floor after (even though my much needed washing machine is on the other side). The new tenants wanted to bring in a priest, their children, burn incense and who knows what else or who else. Also, part of this plan was for them to stay overnight. And, they did not want us to be in the flat while all of this was taking place. That's when my husband's blood pressure soared above the "safe" level. It did not take me long to figure out that this would require bringing food and needing bathroom facilities. Is this just a little too much to ask? Our landlord kept on saying, "You need to be understanding." So, to make a long story short, when the going gets tough, the tough just pick up and go to the nice hotel down by the beach. . . at the expense of the landlord.

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In order to accomplish this, we needed a quick-packing crew, some great organizational help (the Nielsens), all of our suitcases and "a room at the inn". Chalk this up to one more saga and one more chapter to add to our experiences here in India. What a way to go . . . out!

Entry #37

Counting down...Trying to sneak out of town isn't so easy. A going away party is always a requirement.

Farewell Party - Gajuwaka Branch

Monday, November 30, 2009

Cutting a cake is a tradition in India, whether it is your birthday or any special event but especially when you go away. Small pieces are cut and served. No plates. No forks.

Did these guys come just for the cake? What a great support team.

Elders Sorenson, Morrison, Alred and Mickelson

Do not enlarge this or put it on the internet. This is probably one of the few pics that will be taken of me in a sari. The women took me behind a curtain and pinned, tucked and wrapped me up. It does take a long time to dress; it is more than just a long piece of fabric! I thought they did this only at bridal showers!




Far left: Santosh
Far right: President Ratnam, former Branch President of Gajuwaka and presently District President of the new Visakhapatnam District.

Prabhu, Kent, Swaroopa and Carol

Actually, this is a future bride and groom, but they refused to have their picture taken together or just the two of them or standing next to each other. They are waiting for his mother to give them permission to marry. Swaroopa wants us to come back to India for the wedding....

Does it look like I changed clothes? This is either another tradition or they just couldn't decide which one to get for me. Before the end of the party they insisted that I change into another sari. And these were their presents to me. Naturally, they took great joy in dressing me up.

We received flowers, cards and gifts and lots of hugs.

Thanks for the memories.

Entry #36

The beginning of the end...Our final date here in Visakhapatnam will be December 4th, 2009. We are already saying our good-byes. We have been warmly received and have made many friends. Here are just a few of the people we are going to miss:

Nick and Carol Nielsen from Paradise, Utah.

Senior missionary couple also serving in Visakhapatnam.

Primary children in Visakhapatnam on Children's Day.

Young Women of Gajuwaka Branch.

Young Single Adults on Family Home Evening Night.
(We told them that we were going to put this picture on the internet

and find a wife for each of them!)

Relief Society sisters from Gajuwaka Branch.

Families with new babies - The Naveena Family.

Families with young children - The Kelam Family.

The missionaries from the United States and India.

Archana and Aparna Vuppada from Rajahmundry.

Aparna is on her way to the Salt Lake Temple Square Mission.

We are going to miss new members.

and all the kids from the Truth Orphan Home.

We are going to miss the weddings and festivities

and the 10 grandchildren who live in our apartment building

and the kids you meet on the street.

Kent teaching them how to "high 5" and "low 5".