Beginning of 2008

Jan 05, 2008

It was a beginning worth remembering. Got up early in the morning at 4:15 am - Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram. Had a warm bath and wore new clothes - sandal color dhoti (mundu) and strip white shirt. Went down to Kaleri (temple) for Ganapathy Homam. It was very crowded, struggled to sit down somehow managed to find space to fold my legs and sit. The experience was unique one as I witnessed the Poti (pujari) perform the Homam. Got blessings and came back to the room. Felt energised and was little tensed as later in the day we were to offer pada puja to Amma. All that I wanted to ask amma was for a child and that too within this year. Life will not be complete without a "family"

The day went off very well. Did have some sweating moments grinding the sandal wood preparing sandal paste. Spoke to amma and sought her blessings for all the changes in life - new job in Feb 2008 - back to Standard Chartered Bank, new home later during the year, and of course all that we need in life is a child - amma's child!!

Amma seemed to be in a playful mood with me - understand from elders in Ashram it is due to the spiritual connection - will take it as a blessing. One week away from Mini was taking a toll as I wasn't able to sleep on 01st night and knowing well that it is going to be another 2 days before I reach Dubai. First time after marriage being away for 1 week was too much.

2nd of Jan passed on with some excitement of moving in a boat behind the Ashram and Maya (Mini's elder sister) locking the room and going to buy Amma doll which upset her dad as she promised that she would not be moving away from the room. Well, it was a case of simple mistake on Maya's part but dad expecting the worst got worried and tried desperate to look inside the room.

3rd of Jan was more excited as I would be back in Dubai. Missing Mini of course!....travelled by road to trivandrum, succeeded in delaying the departure so that we don't need to travel all the way to Sasthamangalam to see Mini's grandmother (aunty). Delayed because we were waiting for the Pada Puja Video and picture CDs which were not ready and also we wanted to get Amma's blessings before we left the Ashram at around 11:15 am

Reached Trivandrum airport on time 1:45 am right in time for Maya & fly's flight at 2:55 pm. After some excitement of excess baggage left on time to reach on time. Happy to see Mini waiting for me downstairs. Still struggling with severe cold congestion in chest after change of water the last 1 week as well as weather.

Now with holidays over, eager to see 2 weeks off peacefully before I await my return to SCB!