Public Speaking, Beaches, and Sarees

Sunday morning Ben and I attended two different church services. It was assumed that we would both speak at both services. At the second service, I was asked to sing with Ben. Each service had over one hundred people. Ben loves to speak in front of people, but I was less than thrilled to speak in front of everyone, much less sing. Sudip once told us that everyone will think we want to speak because we are from the west. (This is not his only prediction that ended up being accurate.) I had already spoken at the all night prayer service and Bible school service at this point. I had used up any enlightening speeches I had left in me. So, I had to figure out something to do...

I got away without saying much in the first service. I just rambled on about how God will bless the congregation if they remain in His will. (It was all things I believe, but really just a five minute elaboration of that blanket statement.) In the second service, however, I got creative. Much to the pastor's dismay, I was tired of sitting on the stage having everyone stare at me. I politely refused the five people that tried to escort me from the congregation to the stage, and I soon found Hari's mother and sat with her.

When I was called to speak, I talked about how in the South, it is an honor to your parents to sit with them in church. I told them how much I wanted to honor Hari and his mother by sitting with her. I felt it was important to emphasize that I was there to visit Hari's family and not to speak in church and put on a big show. This ended up being a good way to get out of saying much and also a good way to show Hari's family how much I care about them.

I mean no disrespect to Hari, his family, or his pastor by saying that I did not want to speak. I just do not enjoy public speaking. I'm not sure what was conveyed to the people in India from the people in Mobile as to our reason for being here, but my reason for being in Gudlavalleru (the town Ben can't remember) is to spend time with and love Hari's family. They are very precious to me, each and every one of them (and I think I've met everyone related to Hari within a hundred mile radius of his hometown). Despite the language barrier, their love for God, Hari, Ben, and me is overwhelming. They've done nothing but shower us with abundant hospitality, delicious food, and gifts that I will cherish forever. They also...

took us to the beach! About ten of Hari's family members, the pastor, and the guy that had been translating for us in the services (sometimes) piled into two vehicles and drove the thirty km to the beach. Granted, it is not as clean as the beaches in Alabama and Florida, but it is fun to spend time with family at the beach. It was early evening, so the heat was no longer stifling. And when you go to the beach, it is not acceptable to stay on the shore. Everyone is expected to get in the water. Of course, it is inappropriate for ladies to reveal their legs, and most people don't own a swim suit anyways. The only option left is to get in with all of your clothes on (except for children: they can swim in their underwear). This made for some pretty funny pictures. We had fun splashing each other in the surf and building sand castles. Then we had snack time, where Ben and I were (as usual) showered with many snacks from the local vendor. I'm going to be sooo fat!

When we returned that night and washed up, the ladies decided that it was high time I started dressing right. In India, you show that you are a real woman by wearing a saree. For those unfamiliar, a saree is basically nine yards of fabric that is folded in a complicated pattern around your (belly-baring) blouse and underskirt. It is a right of passage for girls eighteen or nineteen to get their first saree. After about thirty minutes and three people helping, I finally achieved my saree perfection and ate dinner in style! I tried to return the saree, but they insisted that I keep it. It is a very special gift that I will treasure always. Hari's family was such a blessing to be with, and they are one family that I will truly miss as I continue my travels.