I returned to India on June 20th after a stay of a month and a half in the US. It was for the wedding of Ittyrachans' daughter ,Melissa and for the First Communions of Jonathan, Michael and Isabel that I left for the States.While there, I did participate in the baptism of Theres's child at St.Philomena's church. I was asked to give a talk to the Men's Club at St.Philomena's church. The talk went OK , with more than 30 people participating.The pastor was waiting at the door to receive me and he was present throughout the talk. It was a cold and rainy morning but it went OK without affecting my voice or the tone of the presentation.I was also successful in renewing my passport while staying in NJ.Had to go to NY for an expedited issue of passport. Jogy prepared the application and I had go to the passport office with all the necessary documents. Jogy waited there until my return after an hour with the submission of the documents to the Office. The passport was ready the next day evening. I got it at 4p.m.If I had not renewed it, I would have to go through a heck of troubles to get it before the expiry.
Some sad events happened in the month of June with the passing away of my first cousin, Vakachan(M.P.Varghese).I was thinking of giving a call to him but within a few days after my return I got the news that he had passed away suddenly by a heart-attack. He was very gentle and kind, religious and well versed in the knowledge of the Bible. He was leading a quiet life after his retirement from the Union Bank of India.The passing of the Former Chief Minister, Sri Oommen Chandy was another sad moment as Kerala witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of love and grief at his demise.
