Happy Saturday! We have had a great week, filled with many things, of which I can only share tiny pieces with you!
First, last weekend was Diwali. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to remember the Hindu god Ram defeating another god, Ravan, in battle. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also celebrated, but she will only visit your home if it is very clean. (Because of this, our apartment complex set the huge trash pile outside on fire, which we were thankful for!) Diwali is like the South Asian version of Christmas and New Years put together. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains, which are all of the major religions here, other than Muslims. During this 3 (in our city it was actually 5) day festival, all businesses and many homes decorate the outside of their buildings by hanging lights like we do on Christmas. Many people have parties in their homes for family and friends, and everyone lights firecrackers and fireworks in the streets or on their rooftops. While we did not celebrate Diwali, we did go over to a friend's house for dinner and firecrackers. It was like Kyle was back in Kansas, up on the roof setting off firecrackers, fountains, and other fireworks with the boys! (It was cute to watch him!)
Secondly, we had our housewarming party/ Christian worship ceremony in our home yesterday. It is common to invite neighbors over for a welcoming party after you have moved, so we decided that would be a great way to get to know people and tell them more about us. We had 15 people attend, most of whom were friends or people we meet with often, but a few were neighbors. Others that could not attend also brought us flowers and chocolate, which was SO sweet! Our party was very good, and we felt that it opened several doors for us to get to know our neighbors more soon. We also wore our very traditional South-Asian clothing, which was so fun!
And finally, this is what I saw out my window while eating breakfast this morning. Just another day in paradise, people!
First, last weekend was Diwali. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to remember the Hindu god Ram defeating another god, Ravan, in battle. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also celebrated, but she will only visit your home if it is very clean. (Because of this, our apartment complex set the huge trash pile outside on fire, which we were thankful for!) Diwali is like the South Asian version of Christmas and New Years put together. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains, which are all of the major religions here, other than Muslims. During this 3 (in our city it was actually 5) day festival, all businesses and many homes decorate the outside of their buildings by hanging lights like we do on Christmas. Many people have parties in their homes for family and friends, and everyone lights firecrackers and fireworks in the streets or on their rooftops. While we did not celebrate Diwali, we did go over to a friend's house for dinner and firecrackers. It was like Kyle was back in Kansas, up on the roof setting off firecrackers, fountains, and other fireworks with the boys! (It was cute to watch him!)
Our trash pile burning! Hooray!
(Our building during Diwali)
Secondly, we had our housewarming party/ Christian worship ceremony in our home yesterday. It is common to invite neighbors over for a welcoming party after you have moved, so we decided that would be a great way to get to know people and tell them more about us. We had 15 people attend, most of whom were friends or people we meet with often, but a few were neighbors. Others that could not attend also brought us flowers and chocolate, which was SO sweet! Our party was very good, and we felt that it opened several doors for us to get to know our neighbors more soon. We also wore our very traditional South-Asian clothing, which was so fun!
Family photo, South Asian style!
Our ceremony 'stuff.'
And finally, this is what I saw out my window while eating breakfast this morning. Just another day in paradise, people!
This is our view from our dining room.
This is a man shimmying up the tree! We have no idea why...
Have a great weekend!
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