Bits and Pieces

We're on the roof of LVPEI having lunch before joining them in a low vision conference. We've pictured Sam before (great guy), Beula is in charge of the project we had approved and Sarika is the head secretary for Sam. The views from the roof are of the city and the one with the close large building faces toward where we live about 10 minutes by auto away. (Autos don't go very fast usually--not enough oomph--but they can squeeze into little spaces!)

These young men showed up at FHE yesterday and we had a great time. Front row is Mahesh, Vasanth, Pavan, Ezra. Second row: Raj (non-member, non-English speaking friend of Vasanth), Israel, Kiren, Themsen. Back row: Elder Singh, Elder Singh II and their investigator Naryna. Both Singhs are from America, II is half Indian and brand new, both are like these young men here in that they are the only members in their families and were members one year before coming on their missions. It is so interesting to teach here because everyone looks at you with such rapt attention, nodding their heads. They love every word you say and they are so appreciative and so good. People here have such a different way of nodding their heads--sort of a "no" but it usually means yes although sometimes it means no. When the auto driver takes off without us we know his nod meant no but he uses the same nod when he wants us to get in. As Sister Kasper says, it means whatever you or they want it to mean--I don't know; maybe, etc. I'm trying to pick it up so I can demonstrate when we get home but it's not easy.

Views of the countryside while visiting villages. They vary from one minute to the next. The rice field below is one of many and where mostly women seem to work. Many village houses are built together and most are painted blue, which is a better house color in India than in America.

Shots of Old Hyderabad on the day we went to the police station to register, a requirement for all who wish to stay for a length of time. The elders said that this is where we can get pearls, as well as gold and silver jewelry, for a decent price. Hyderabad is apparently known for all these. You can't see all of the motorbike and woman sitting on it below but perhaps you can tell that she sits side saddle rather than stradling because she's in a saree. We saw a woman fall off one day. I don't know how they stay on because they don't usually seem to be hanging on to anything. Many times they are holding a baby.

Elder Tyler and Moses, zone leaders, went with us and President

John Gutty (1st Couns in District Presidency) to the police station. We had to have help for the translating. Rather interesting and lengthy experience which extended to the following Monday because the Hindus went for prayers before they could finish with us. Elder Moses is an Indian but is from Utah. Both are super along with all the missionaries here. (Had zone conference again today--what impressive young men and women (two). One of the Sisters is also an Indian who was adopted at the age of 7 by a couple in Bolder, Utah, who adopted 13 other children from India, South America, Mexico and raised them on a large ranch. Her birth mother died and her father didn't want her. She says that after coming back to India on this mission she is more grateful than ever to have grown up in America and been raised by her amazing parents. ) The two above live across from Spencers, one of the grocery stores we walk to--comforting to have someone close.