Was amazed to see how fully these people embrace their pioneer heritage. Sangeeta, who conducted the program for 4th Branch, Kaspers assignment, said at the end, "I hope we will all appreciate the sacrifices of the pioneers and the legacy they left us." Evidence that we are not just an American church.
Filled waiting time for food with contests and games. Young man on the left is an elder who was beating everyone until the young man in plaid took him on. He beat everyone, including Dad (felt terrible when I clicked the off button instead of the pic one and missed getting it), who said he was very strong. Dad's hand slipped or maybe he's just getting old--could it be? Above right is his last match with the Branch President which ended in a standoff. Food was ordered from a restaurant and each individual received a half gallon tub of already seasoned rice and chicken with various toppings to make it spicier or less so. Chicken was not in pieces but a combined leg and thigh. I liked the chicken but not too crazy about the rice. Dad wouldn't even try it. I don't think we're going to get into Indian food too much except when we go to the villages and there is nothing else to eat. Of course, Sister Lyerly always took a peanut butter sandwich and apple slices. It's a bit offensive not to eat with them though. Elder Elsby, our humanitarian country director, said to always take a coke to the villages to drink on our way home. It will kill whatever bugs we might pick up. Guess I'll have to give in.
Fourth branch meets below a store next to a real "Levis" store. Renni, who was in charge of games, kept reminding everyone when they got a little loud or rambunctious, "Let's remember church standards; we need to keep church standards." I am thoroughly impressed with how important the gospel and all it entails means to these child-like and happy people.
2 comments:
That is really interesting that the people there appreciate what the pioneers did. I've heard some high-brow intellectuals in the Church wish that the brethren wouldn't talk so much about pioneers because we are becoming a global church. I think they are afraid it might alienate people. In truth, I am not really sure what problem they perceive, but it is nice to see that people in India are thankful for that tradition. In many ways, the people there are pioneers, too, and I would think that they would get great strength and motivation by hearing the stories of the early pioneers.
Again, really enjoy all the detail. So is your first project going to be with the eye care place?
Cameron
I thought the same thing as Cameron - the people in India are pioneers, too, and face their own set of challenges. Gage really enjoyed Pioneer Day at the church where they got to play "pioneer games" and make homemade butter. He enjoyed the stories of the oxen too!
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