Saris And Bhajis

Last night we held an 'India Night' for our Relief Society meeting.  An Indian sister in our stake moved to England with her family 11 years ago and we invited her to talk to us about her homeland.  I love to learn about different cultures and I was enraptured with descriptions of Sister Braganza's traditions; the way older people are respected, wearing wedding rings on toes, Rangoli art, henna tattoos and so on.  We had a taste of some wonderful food and of course, we got to try on some beautiful Saris.  I defy you to tell me that anyone wearing a Sari doesn't look beautiful.  In fact, I rather wish I had one!

The highlight of the evening for me was when Sister Braganza told us of her conversion to the gospel.  It started with an arranged marriage to a Latter-day Saint!  (I must confess my views on arranged marriages are very different now, Sister Braganza loves her husband dearly and her story showed a different side to the tragic tales we often read in the news.)  She was raised a Christian and had a testimony of her Saviour but had some questions that couldn't be answered.  Her future husband shared with her the Plan of Salvation and from then on she had discussions and was baptized two months after she was married.  Sister Braganza was the only member in an area double the population of London with the nearest temple to India being in Hong Kong.  The Indian saints often only make it to the temple once in their lifetime.  She and her husband wanted to be able to attend the temple regularly and to be sealed, so after much prayer decided to leave the country.  Three months later, after 9 years of marriage, they were sealed as a family in the London temple and made a home here.

I am humbled by their faith and dedication.  They moved COUNTRY so they could regularly attend the temple.  I am so thankful that I have the blessing of a temple four hours away, that I can go a couple of times a year and not just once in my lifetime.  I was reminded last night of the many blessings I have, and I am so thankful.

- I love this sister, she is Ethan's primary teacher and has always wanted to wear a Sari since she was a little girl.  Last night her dream came true: