Before going over to India one of the things I wanted to do was to do was to arrange to do some service while we were over in India for the poor people there. I had actually found the name of the mission president in Bangalore online (President Berrett) and decided to contact him to see if the mission had any needs or items that we could bring from the states for them. President Berrett could’t think of anything and just suggested we donate to the mission fund (which we were already doing) so he directed me to the Branch President to help. While in communication with President Berrett though, I learned that an Apostle of the Lord would be visiting India during our time there and that they were holding a special conference because of that.
Adam and I had originally planned to leave Saturday for the “vacation” part of our trip (going to Mysore) but when we heard about this special opportunity to hear an Apostle speak, we decided to postpone our plans so we could attend. We were so glad we did. We loved getting to attend church in Whitefield (about an hour’s drive) and meet so many faithful members and missionaries. We especially enjoyed getting to hear Elder and Sister Holland speak, as well as President and Sister Berrett. The conference was wonderful and we felt a special spirit being amongst the Saints in India! What amazing and happy people!
Adam was excited too because he actually got to see Elder Holland up close when he went to use the bathroom before the meeting started. Elder Holland was out in the hall (surrounded by his body guards) and so Adam waved hello as he walked by. Then I too decided I should use the restroom and actually got to MEET and hug sister Holland in the restroom (she’d had the same idea) as well as Sister Berrett. She was such a warm and complimentary person and told me what a ray of sunshine I was in my bright yellow blouse! She was so cute and it was awesome to meet her. I also introduced myself to Sister Berrett and told her how helpful and wonderful her husband had been in helping us get ready for our move to India. It was really so lovely to meet both women. And I did happen to sneak a peak of Elder Holland in the hallway too! So awesome!
Afterwards all the Saints gathered outside to mingle and continue to enjoy the wonderful spirit of the meeting. We had fun meeting many new families (including one that is also American that just moved to India with little kids) as well as the Branch President and his wife that I’d been communicating with. It was really so much fun to be among the good Saints in India.
After church Adam had set up a visit with another one of his co-workers Pallavi who had generously invited us over for lunch. However, that morning we realized it was actually our churches special day to fast so we asked if we could take a rain check on the lunch part. She was very understanding! We had a ball visiting with her family though and getting to know her and her husband better. They had a beautiful home and a cute son and lived in a very nice complex. We loved hearing about how they met and dated and their eventual union. What a great family! It was wonderful to spend the afternoon with them.
A view from their apartment balcony!
Pallavi’s son had quite the fun set up of toys in his room! I can tell he loves action figures! 🙂
Later we got treated to a walk around the apartment complex. It was a REALLY super nice community and almost made me consider wanting to move to Whitefield (except the commute for Adam would be hideous!) But we’ve decided for us the most important thing is being close to Adam’s work so we can see him as often as possible (he will be working some crazy hours while we live there). Family time is just way more important!
I loved the pool and gardens situated in the middle of the complex.
After spending a few hours visiting, we decided we’d better get back on the road and head out for our next adventures which was our 3.5 hour drive to Mysore. I had to laugh once again when we had to dodge cows while driving out of the city. Check out how close the cows were to our car in the 2nd picture! Crazy!
We got to see some cool statues and temples as we traveled…
India sure is an amazing place! We are really so excited to get the chance to come and live here for 3 months! Oh the adventures we will have! 🙂
