2001? We came to India in January, 1950, when my parents began a 7-year term with the Mennonite mission south of Hyderabad. We arrived in Kodai that April and began 1st grade with Aunti Powell. My only memory of her class is that it was the first stop along our yearly advance around the lower Quad and she used a ruler on our hands when we needed it. The Bruton property across the lake from Block dorm was home for us Mennonite kids. Over the next 7 years I developed an attachment to Kodai from the unique experiences we all seem to share and remember. Although missing parents was hard at first, we gradually grew to appreciate and take advantage of our independence. We left Kodai after completing the 7th grade, full expecting to return, but that did not work out and we settled in Fresno, California. I attended college in Fresno and married my bride, Tammy, in 1965. We have two children, Adam and Amanda, who were born during my first career as a research chemist with Standard Oil. A career change in 1970 took us to dental school in San Francisco. In 1974 we came back to Fresno to begin my general dental practice. Now, 29 years later, I find myself almost 2 years into retirement. This welcomed transition came just after our 40-year reunion in Estes Park. I still volunteer in a free clinic but with our new found freedom we are enjoying more travelling, spending time with our 2 grandchildren, and other activities like golf and whatever. Both of our children are married and also live in Fresno. Speaking of travelling, I finally had the time to go back to India in February, 2003, after 46 years. I spent 3 short days in Kodai, visiting the school and checking our old haunts. Although much has changed, a lot was familiar and it was a dream come true to be back. I enjoyed a wonderful evening dinner at Shelton Collage with SaraAnn and Merrick Lockwood, and got to play my first round of golf in Kodai. On the 17th hole, while looking for my ball, my caddie finally found it in the hole??? and informed me that I got a hole-in-one. Well, he got a good tip but I never could verify the rare event. Doesn't that sound like an India experience!!!
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