first haircut

I feel like I know so many locals now that I have been here for a month. The funny thing is they all know me too, I guess it’s not hard to recognize one of six white girls walking around town. Everything time i pass my favorite shops or restaurants they say hi and offer me tea. I love the people here and they treat me so well, I feel part of it maybe because I work at the mission hospital or maybe it’s because I’m one of the few white people they have ever interacted with. The other day I got invited to a local party. It was called a mundi which is a celebration of a baby’s first haircut. I had never been to one let alone every heard of one. I didn’t realize how big of a celebration this was until I realized that everyone in town was going to it. My friends and I got dress up in our traditional Indian clothing and jewelry. Getting ready for this party was comparable to getting ready for prom. Really exciting, you wear your nicest clothes, and a lot of pictures were taken.  The family had an entire building rented out, along with a DJ and someone to cater.  We were served a 9 course meal on banana leaves and we had to use our hands to eat. I was so full!!!! Later that night I practiced my Indian dancing.