Today we started with breakfast and then blessings! Nisha’s parents presented her in-laws with gifts and blessings. Then her in-laws presented her parents with gifts and blessings. Then it was my turn-they all presented me with a saree!! (Must watch video). The red color kumkum represents Indian blessing and custom. The gold is haldi and that also represents the same. To say I have been blessed while here is an understatement. They have made me a part of their family.
After a delicious lunch prepared
(Nisha made an okra dish which was good, Anusha made a white pasta which was superb!) we got ready for our photo shoot. It takes awhile to properly dress in a saree.
The saree was made of such beautiful fabric-a pale yellow adorned with silver studs and lace. Absolutely gorgeous. I was completely out of my element. When I wear a dress I am very uncomfortable and just off. However, it was a fun photo shoot and I do like the pictures. An exquisite gift indeed.
When we came back, Nisha’s family presented me with a silver Ganesha statue to take home. It’s so ornate and thoughtful and I just love it! We said our goodbyes as they had an overnight train trip to get back to their home. I’m honored they had a whirlwind trip of a day and a half just to come meet me.
Nisha, Sumanth, and Sumanth’s father and I ventured out to sightsee. I saw a flock of eagles-that was super neat. We passed government buildings, the governor’s compound/house, tons of shops. I scored more souvenirs for the kids.
We went to a temple so they could worship. (Calm down Christians, I only observed).But it was neat to watch. There’s a huge statue that only what I’m guessing are monks or priests can only go in. You’re in a queue to wait and receive blessings, request blessings, make a donation and an offering and the “monks” go into the room with the statue and ring a bell. Then they scoop some kind of water in your hand to drink. Then you lie on the floor and pray, slip your shoes back on at the door, and you’re done. (If I didn’t note already, shoes off at the door before going into homes, some shops.)
Well I got told by a cow today. Cows are sacred in India and are looked upon and bestowed blessings as gods. So this cow at the shrine. I’m thinking, yeah she looks safe to pet. I walked up to her and she immediately charge me and horned me in the upper abdomen. I’m fine, I’ll have a bruise and my ego is bruised. Do not like the mean cows.
We hit a toy store so more spoiling nieces and nephews. Then headed home. We had lunch leftovers for dinner but Sumanth is the man and got some kfc and a coke for me bc I was craving it. “Lord baby Jesus, we’d like to thank you for this bountiful kfc.” (That’s a movie quote). His family presented me with one of my Taj Mahal pictures frames too which was very sweet.
And now I’m ready to crash for the night. Another great day full of blessings.
