Rajamundry Youth Conference

This past week was spent going to Rajahumndry Youth Conference. We rode the train there and came back by plane. Long story....but the main reason was we were in no hurry to get there but we had to be back for Branch conference and the train wouldn't get us back in time so the mission president suggested we fly.

Swaroop lives in 1st branch. His family is from Rajahmundry. He said Youth Conference is our time to meet. We spent time with him last year when we helped with Hyderabad and Rajahmundry Youth conference. This year he was assigned to ride our train and help us get there safely. He was a great guide and we enjoyed his company. He likes his picture taken and always seems to find his way in front of my camera. Our train was called "The Special Train." It took 12 hours to get there instead of 9 hours and he said he wouldn't ride it again unless he was getting married and going on a honeymoon!! That won't be for at least 4 years. He's preparing to serve a mission.

There were 150 youth at this conference. They loved the workshops and the games and the dance. In this picture they are playing the human knot game.

This was the auditorium where the dance was held. These kids love to dance. Dance was our assignment. Staying in control and teaching 150 kids for 1 1/2 hours was a big assignment.

They loved the country line dance to "Ackey Breaky Heart." They also loved "Rose Garden" and the Jitterbug...or swing...

I used the stage to teach. These were some of the district leaders who also danced on the stage...Most of them were learning too! Smiles on their faces because they were having fun was the best part for me.

This is probably our last youth conference. We've done 5 of them while on our mission. There is an all India single Adult conference in October in Bangalore. I doubt if we'll get to participate in that as we will be coming home. I think most of the 150 kids shook our hand and told us how much they liked the dance.

One other highlight of the trip. We got on the train to Rajahmundry about 9 p.m. last Wednesday night. We had a phone call from Satish, one of the young men that dances with us in 4th branch. He wanted to know what platform we were on and in what car. Elder K told him. A few minutes later Satish, Karunaker and Vicky all showed up in our car. They rode the bus from 4th branch to the train station to come and say goodbye and send us off! That was the nicest surprise for us. They are great guys and that little jesture made our whole trip. We spent an hour wishing they could have gone with us. We actually wrote a letter to the District President requesting their help because they helped us with the Hyderabad Youth conference and were very good help. We told him that they were the future leaders and with a little training on how to be in charge of a dance....they could teach dance next year. I guess the budget didn't allow for it to happen.

Now you know why we love these guys!!! (At least one of the reasons why!!!)

Institute Graduation Fireside

Last Saturday was the scheduled CES Institute and Seminary Certificate night. Sirisha came over and cut mangos and potatoes and helped me cook so we could invite who ever wanted to come after the fireside.

Here are the Institute graduates that came over after the fireside. From left to right: Standing: Nikhil, Shaker Boddu, and Kisure.

Sitting: Left to right....Padmaja, Vani, Sirisha and Fatima (Mary).

Joined by others who attended our little get together. This is a great group and they bless our lives.

You think Boddu sitting in the middle of the room on the chair is smiling because he got his certificate but that is not why he is smiling. He is smiling because he recently found out that he is going to be a daddy.
We're so happy for him and Vani!!

Dance Time

We seem to be doing a lot of dancing these days. We meet for 1 1/2 hour every Monday before Family Home Evening and teach dancing. We're also dancing at Youth Conference. This picture is the "Limbo" at youth conference. We also taught them to swing and to country line dance.

This was the Hokey Pokey and the Congo at youth conference.

This group of Young single adults learned the dances and then came to Youth conference to help teach. They had so much fun. And all the girls wanted to dance with them. I can't blame the girls...they are cute guys. Elder K and I really enjoy this group.

We're "Slappin' Leather" here!!

Country Line Dance. We add moves and name them after these young men. That's part of the entertainment. There are about 12 in our group and it continues to grow. We've learned 3 country line dances, the cha cha, Hava Nagela, and the Jitterbug. The Jitterbug was a Youth Conference favorite.

Getting ready to perform at a Talent Show at Youth Conference!!

Coconut Water

This is a green Coconut. If you try to eat these coconuts it's mushy. Way to soft. But the liquid is so good. We've been told ever since we got here to drink lots of coconut water. It's good for your health. I got sick last weekend and have been drinking coconut water ever since. It tastes different from the brown coconut milk. I like it so much better. I'm hooked and will probably drink it every day from now on!!

1st Branch Elders called yesterday and wanted to come over and watch "The Work and The Glory" Part 1. We enjoyed having them. They're great elders! Left to right is: Elder Buehner (pronounced Beener) Elder Reiley, Elder Morrison (district leader) and Elder Jenks.

BEST MOTHERS EVER

Tribute to Some Really Great Mothers.

This is Hannah mother of Nick, Ellerey, Sarah, Brian, Stuart, & Seth.

Teresa mother of Jack, Michael, John, Tia, Jessica, James, Vickie and Rachel.

Chelsea Mother of Keelee Jade & Tiana

Tia mother of Porter & Selah
Kristina mother of Alex & Kayla

Rebecca mother of Keayen, Nataylia, Monika, & Boston

And last, but not least, my mom. My mom was the best....I used to compare her to other moms and I never felt that I had anything but the best. She disciplined me, but I never felt anything but love. Even when she was not happy with what I had done I knew she still loved me.
When things were good or bad she was the person I wanted to tell. As she got older and I knew she didn't need to deal with all the bad stuff I quit telling her. But I knew she still cared.

She loved all her children.

She loved all her grandchildren.
And she loved her Great Grandchildren.

She wasn't well in this picture but she still came to play practice. She loved being part of putting a play together and she never missed rehearsal. I believe it's part of who she was and kept her alive and young in her heart.

She loved her family. This is mom with Uncle Leslie going for a walk in the wooded field where they grew up. Their home as kids sat on this property. She loved reminiscing.

When family came by it always brightened her day and lightened her load. This is mom with Uncle Irvin. I also remember how happy she was when he & Aunt Joy went through the temple.

Mom was 17 here. Everyone tells us how talented she was as a young girl. She tried out for a play her first year in high school and got the lead roll. There were those in the community that thought she should not have the part because she was too young and a country girl. Mom did a smashing job of playing "Sunbonnet Sue."

Mom never held still. She was always on the go. Dad would try to go visit relatives and mom had a hard time sitting very long. She'd say, "Silvon, let's go." This picture truly shows who she was.

Mom always considered herself a "Jack of all Trades." She could meet the challenge of whatever the task was. She just always assumed she could do whatever needed done. At Pierre's Playhouse Tom Egbert was the builder, Peg was the piano player, Tonna Bean did Hair, Dad ran the lights, Bob directed, and mom said "I'm the Jack of All Trades." I do whatever needs to be done. One time one of the actors didn't show up so she dressed in a suit and became his character that night. She did what had to be done.

This is a familiar scene. Mom playing the piano with the grandkids. When I was growing up I would see her with her dad and brothers and sisters around the piano. Then it was me and my siblings and cousins around the piano. It's a scene that never ended. Now I see me and my daughters and sons creating this same scene.

Directing another play. (earlier in life.)

No one loved Christmas more than my mom. She made Christmas magical and exciting. I think it is a favorite of most of our family because of moms love for it. Not just the tinsel and gifts and santa claus....but because she loved the Savior.

Mom was always singing or directing a play. This was a family reunion program at the park in Victor.

Christmas always came with a picture like this.

I actually have 2 moms. My mom was lucky enough to have 2 sisters. Aunt Etta died years ago. Aunt Bonnie was always like a second mom to me. She councils and cares about me. She delights in sharing her testimony and something she has learned about the gospel. I'm fortunate to still have her in my life.

This final picture shows the love mom had for each family member. If she could sit you down and talk to you she would tell you to live the gospel and follow Christ's plan so that we can be together again...forever. That's who my mom is. She isn't sitting calmly on the otherside. I can promise you she is cheering you on, hoping we can all be together someday. Now it's up to us.

Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful mother's out there. Even if you're picture isn't on my blog I want you to know I love you and wish you the happiest of days. Think about your mother's and try to live better for them. Especially your eternal Mother in Heaven!!

Our first Up Close Hindu Wedding

Madhu's cousin sister got married and we were invited to attend the wedding. We've seen other Hindu weddings on the street but this was a front row, up close occasion for us.
The wedding was held at a place called Millennial Gardens which is 5 minutes from where we live. It was inside a huge white tent and decorated very nice.

After the bride came in (to a marching band of trumpets, claranet, keyboard and drums) she was placed behind the groom who was sitting in this chair. She's sitting on the floor behind him. He wasn't allowed to see her until later in the ceremony. This picture is of her parents washing his feet. What can I say!!! And no Kelly, don't even go there because it will never happen!!

This was when he went back and sat on the floor in preperation to see his new bride. The curtain was held until the moment they were to see each other. They actually did meet 2 weeks ago and spent some brief time together. Madhu said they will probably date and get to know each other now they are married.

It's a little different than we do things, but again.....what can I say!!!

This is where he places the silver toe rings on her toes that signify she is a married woman.

All of the women wore the same bangles at this wedding. The aunts, sisters, mother, bride, cousin sisters and any woman who was famly. They were green and silver with a touch of pink.

Here they have a big bowl of rice between them and they take handfuls and pour on each others head. This is done after they he ties the knot. There is a string bracelet on her right arm that he ties with a knot indication of accepting the marriage. The guy with the white towel is the Hindu Priest.

I love all the hand strung flowers that are in her hair and drapped around their clothing. Such a beautiful touch.

I don't know what these little colored things were but they were round and colorful and were thrown after the rice. Their photographer took some of these pictures for Madhu. (Madhu had my camera)

We had a front row seat. We were the only white people there and from what Madhu tells us that was a big deal. This is Madhu, tinku and Chero's mother. She is a very good person and has raised 3 great boys!

You'll notice we don't have tags on. That's because of the missionary restrictions that are still hanging over Hyderabad. We hope thats all lifted by June 1st and we can wear our badges again. We miss wearing them.

Painted faces, bindi, flowers, & Forehead adornments.

Vani & Shaker Bodhu also came to the wedding. They're a cute little couple!!

The dowry.....The parents had to give him all of these things plus money and gold....
I should mention this marriage was arranged by a matchmaker.

The brothers 3.....

Tinku, Madhu and Chero...

(I've probably made some mistakes in the spelling so correct me Madhu and I'll change it.)

After they served everyone a nice lunch there was dancing. This I think is the father of the bride and he got things started.

We were watching....Then they announced that we were honored guests and they would like us to join the dance. Shaker said we must go. When Elder K started dancing one man stuffed 100 rupees in his mouth. He pulled it out and said "I didn't know I was getting paid to do this!" For those of you who know us well you know we love to dance....The beat of Indian Music is just a little different than ours and it was hard to understand. I suppose we need to practice understanding the beat.
This is a mission of many surprises.
For more pictures and info I will be putting all the pictures on facebook. This is just a highlight.