Christmas in India

President and Sister Gutty hosted all the missionaries in 1st and 2nd Branch Christmas evening with a full-course meal. There were a few branch members there as well in not a lot of space. We had already eaten two meals and didn't have a whole lot which caused Sister Gutty to say, "You didn't like the food, sister!" in an apologetic manner so I had to explain. People pile their plates high and it is offensive here not to do that and to eat it all. They both look like movie stars--not the best pix here--and have two beautiful children, a boy and girl. Got a pic only of their son.

After watching the annual First Presidency devotional Christmas morning at 10, we rushed home to fix brunch for the elders and sisters in our branch. Elder Nixon is lifting up Dad. All are from America except the two sisters on the left and Elder Sadiyadi in front. They talked a lot about going-home dates, a no-no.

Priya is an assistant professor at NIFT (see sign below) and a niece to Sister Shanti and cousin to Sister Gutty who wanted an accompanist for a group she had taught Christmas carols for a program Christmas Eve night. The group was a little larger than what you see and the young man second from left was an outstanding classical singer (couldn't tell if he won but even one of the judges said he was the best and we thought so) in the American Idol type competition preceding our program. Of the singers, only the young woman in pink is a Christian but they sang the carols enthusiastically and sounded great.

Madhu says NIFT is an expensive and good school that he often wishes he had attended. The campus is beautiful and was decorated with many lights that evening. We were feeling through the mostly modern singing competition that no one would be in the mood for a Christmas program but they totally joined in and seemed to love it. Candles were lit and given to everyone in the audience--very impressive. Many afterward shook my hand and said, "Merry Christmas." In India everyone seems to celebrate and know about Christmas. There is no problem here with 80% Hindu and only 3% Christians mentioning this glorious occasion. Why do we allow so few in America to determine that we must now have a Winter Holiday instead of a Merry Christmas?

On the 17th, 18th, and 19th Branch members went Christmas caroling to every branch member's home, starting at 6:30 p.m. and going to 3 or 4 a.m We thought we'd try one night and get off the bus early and auto it home but it didn't work out and we didn't work into their schedule either. Madhu asked about the caroling Tuesday night at the Branch Christmas party (forgot my camera so no pix but it was great fun) and when he discovered they hadn't come, he organized a group who came at 11 after we had gone to bed. They persisted ringing our buzzer until we got to the door. Then more came and the watchman wouldn't let them in. They called and Dad went down to convince the watchman that they were OK to come up. It created quite a stir which worried us since people have complained already about groups coming to our apartment but everything seems to be all right. Madhu is in the grey and yellow and Rajiv is in the suit. Each has a unique sad story which makes them special to us. We have a strong desire to make a difference for them. Rajiv brought a delicious full meal prepared by his mother on the afternoon of Christmas Day and ate with us--first one to not just watch us eat, but we insisted. Madhu had us for lunch on Christmas Eve and had planned for the Kaspers and another family later so his Hindu mother was certainly busy preparing yummy food which included chipate (sp? like a flour tortilla) and papads (sp?) which are crispy, bowl-shaped, deep-fried and tasty.

Our celebration of Christmas began Tuesday with a party for the elders and sisters on the roof of Kasper's apartment building, six flights up from the ground. Not all the elders are in the pic below. Elder Singh, left of Santa (Elder Nixon who talks football with Dad and is being switched to 3rd Branch so we won't see him often) goes to Chennai today. We will miss him. Elder Toleofoa (second from right in back row) is Samoan and extremely talented. For the talent show he led 2nd Branch elders in the haka (war dance) that Billy Tenney used to do. Each branch and couple had a performance of some kind (we sang "Popcorn Popping...") and it was great fun and entertainment. Then we played the gift game which went way too long. Had cake and banana splits for dessert.

Sister Yadav (in red) is from a Hindu family and felt the Spirit of the Lord when she was eight. Eventually, she joined the Church, alientating her family for a time, but they have all joined now except her father who will join when she comes home. Sister Arza (middle) is the only member in her family. I've told you about Sister LaFevre (from America) before. What a sweetheart! The outfit I'm wearing gets lots of comments from the members who love it. Just as Sister Ferguson said in the MTC, I should add color to my black and white to seem more a part of them. I need to add to my wardrobe period.

We have thought longingly of our family and friends at home, but many here seem to know that will be so and try their best to make us a part of their family here. We are sometimes the subject of beautiful expressions in prayers which touch our hearts. We so appreciate the love and thoughtfulness of all at this most important and glorious time of year which reminds us most of all of the love and sacrifice of our Savior, the Savior of all mankind. Our desire is to serve Him in the way He would have us serve.