Shama and Vikram's Engagment Party!

Vikram is a member of our office staff and Shama is a house mother. We are so excited for them to get married. It has been interesting watching how the whole engagement played out. First Vikram decided that he thought Shama was a good girl and wanted to marry her. He went to his parents and told them that he would like them to arrange a marriage. In India the parents almost always arrange the marriage. They talked with Shama's family and the two families decided that it was good so they went forward with it. Vikram came to us to tell us of the arrangement and ask if it was okay with Rising Star. We were all thrilled and couldn't wait to announce it to the children at Rising Star. We decided to do a small engagement party with the two families and tell the children. We wanted the children to know that this is good and we were happy to see them get married. In a staff meeting the other day the staff was discussing the engagement and the Americans suggested that the new couple move into the empty room at the hostile. There was a noticeable gasp from the Indian staff appalled at the idea. They were afraid that the newly wed couple would slip up and show affection in front of the children and that would be a bad example. In India public affection of any kind is not acceptable...no touching at all. It is okay for two men to hold hands or two women, but never a man and wife. We as Americans are trilled to have these two wonderful people be an example of love to the children. In so many cases in India the men beat their wife's and that is perfectly acceptable. It is really sad to see, it is just part of the culture. Vikram is so nice and sensitive he will be sweet to Shama. The courtship in India is so different than what you see in America. It is like junior high! They have hardly spoken to each other and heaven for bid even touched! Olivia made them an engagement card with 10 rupees in it and wanted to give it to both of them, it was funny to see Olivia innocently drag Vikram to Shama and hand them the card. It was awkward to see them close together for a split second and Shama say thank you and quickly back pedal. You can tell they are both happy, excited and can't wait to be together.

The closest I have seen them together!

Some of the cleaning staff and house mothers!