One of the things I was really really sad about, was that it looked like with all our traveling trying to see as much of India and other nearby countries before our 3 months were up, that it meant that we wouldn’t get to attend our own LDS branch before we left India. BUT, when Adam’s business trip got cancelled the week before we were scheduled to fly home, it meant that instead of traveling up North to see the Taj Mahal that we would actually be IN TOWN our last Sunday! What a blessing to be able to say goodbye to all our wonderful convent ward friends! It made us oh so happy!
Both Adam and I were asked to speak the last Sunday and were able to share our testimonies and then after church we were also SO thrilled because one of our favorite deaf friends Kiran was to be baptized! Kiran and I quickly became friends when during one of our first Sundays in the branch we realized that we could speak sign language together. It was so neat to be able to use the sign language I had learned early in college and to be able to talk to many of the deaf members in the branch. I loved watching the translators each week that we were able to attend church and brush up on my signing skills.
We sure did enjoy our time in the convent branch though and just feel so thankful for the many friends we were able to make. One of my favorites being a sweet Indian Grandma whom I lovingly referred to as Sister James Bond (she told me to call her that) and who lovingly referred to me as Sister Emma Smith (she thought that I looked just like her). We had a great time teasing each week. I also had some very dear friends in RS who were always so kind and paid me so many compliments. Everyone was just so welcoming to us from the day we arrived until the day we left and we have many precious memories we will always hold dear to our hearts.
Adam was able to work as a counselor to the branch Presidency during our time in India, and I was able to work as a counselor to the Relief Society Presidency. It meant lots of meetings for both of us on Sundays, but we sure enjoyed the wonderful relationships we were able to form while we were there! Thank you convent Branch for your love and kindness to our family! We will miss you all so much!
Taking a picture with Kiran and one of the Elders we became close to while in India before the baptism.
And just for kicks – here is one of the gigantic statues that we passed by all the time while traveling around the city. The kids and I wanted a picture to remember it – and asked Naveen to stop for us to take one. It literally is probably 4-5 stories high!
