The students just returned this week from a four day holiday where they celebrated Diwali with their families.
I spent the weekend with the Father here at the school and a new acquaintance, Claire, from England. We really enjoyed our time together and it was nice speaking fluent English with someone who was familiar with customs of the west.
First, we visited Thanjavur to see a temple that is 1,000 years old this year. I have to admit it is the most beautifully built temple I've seen since I've been here. It is constructed entirely of stone and wasn't overdone with paint like most.
Next, we went to Vailankanni, an incredible Catholic church by the coast. It is famous for a crippled boy who was onced healed there. People from all religions go to worship at this church. Just outside the building, there is a stretch of sand about 1 km in length where people kneel and pray the full length of the grounds until they reach the site where the boy was healed. We ate fresh fish from the ocean and watched as men and children in their clothes and women in their sarees jumped in for a wash and swim.
The next day was Diwali, so we returned to the school. Driving was an adventure with fireworks (patasu) being set off on all the streets. We had a few close calls under our vehicle! After arriving at the school, I went on a walk with Claire to show her the local village. We were greeted by my usual walking buddies along the way with Diwali sweets. Back at the school, the current was cut. What a lovely Diwali surprise! Had the students been there, the generator would have been put on, but with only 5 of us, there was no real need. The two of us sat outside with Father and Math Sir. I'm thankful the power was cut, because our original plans were to sit in the room and watch a movie. Instead, we had three hours under to the stars listening and seeing fireworks from all surrounding villages. The school grounds have never been as quiet and peaceful as they were that night. They prepared a dinner by candlelight for us. Right as we sat down, the lights came back on. Claire and I decided to turn them out and finish with only the candles. We were enjoying ourselves and not ready to go back to normal routine just yet.
The next day, we set off for Madurai to see one last temple. The drive was incredible with mountains, rivers and palm trees. We may have prefered that the journey ended there! Arriving at the temple, it was the first time I didn't feel welcome in India. "Foreigners" as they so loosely labeled us, were charged to enter. After walking inside, we were not so kindly informed by many people that "those people" shouldn't be in here. At this temple, you have to be Hindu to go inside (or at least look the part). Even so, this was the first place I had four different groups of people request pictures with me. I'm not welcome in their place of worship, but my skin color is still fascinating!
Though slightly perturbed, we found ourselves especially thankful for the love of Jesus and a religion that encourages others to come and join.
Diwali weekend was a nice break and I really enjoyed all the experiences we had. However, I was never happier than when my students returned full of smiling faces and hugs.
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