Bapatla diary 6

You must first watch the video below to get in the mood!



When our hosts in Bapatla found out that Jonathan was planning to propose to Kandyce, they swung into action. Within about 48 hours, they planned, prepared and pulled off the most amazing engagement party I expect ever to be a part of.

On Saturday morning, Jonathan and Kandyce were whisked away to Guntar, a city about an hour away, to buy special clothes, for a "small function" or so Johnson told them.

Then around mid-day Sunday things really went into high gear. A massive tent was erected in the sandy field in front of the children's home...

huge amounts of curry, rice, and other dishes were cooked over open fires and propane-fueled outdoor cookers...

Kandyce was "sari-ed"...

The children and all the rest of us put on our best clothes, our party-waals and nice shirts...

and in the early evening, we gathered in the tent. Kathy (Kandyce's mom), Coty and I were (again) seated front and center on the stage in front of the massive "Joyes Engagement" sign. I didn't so much mind this time because I could look down at the excited, exuberant children seated on the carpet on the sand. They waved, winked, and flashed thumbs-up signals throughout the proceedings to Jonathan and Kandyce, who were, of course, also seated onstage.

Singers sang, preachers from the town blessed the happy couple and prayed, Coty spoke a few words, Kevin, Jess, and Grace were all compelled to come forward and speak, and a cake was cut. I kept wondering, "Am I in some kind of movie?" It felt unreal and incredibly fun. If you have not already done so, please, please go over to Jonathan's blog and read his account. He does a much better job than me of capturing the uniquely Indian craziness and joy of the evening.

*photo by Jessica Rodgers

After the ceremony, we declared Jonthan and Kandyce to be the most engaged couple we'd ever known.

We left the tent after the hour and a half long ceremony, ate our curry dinner...and then there were fireworks! Literally!

How many people do you know who have had 200 children wave sparklers to celebrate their engagement?!!