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.