2003 Visit:
This would be my 2nd visit to Papa's birthplace to see all my loved ones again, before returning to Malaysia. After 5 1/2 years in India I have decided to retire from Jet Airways.
Papa had 5 brothers and 6 sisters. All the Brothers have passed away but 3 of his sisters are still living (as of 2009 all have departed to be with the Lord.)
Above photo was taken in front of Papa's birthplace - his childhood home before migrating to Malaysia in 1929 ( I think). Marthen Bose(recently deceased) my first cousin is next to me, and next to him is my eldest first cousin, Thamby - in fact the oldest male on Papa's side right now. He is 80+ and is the son of the Papa's eldest Bro' Chacko. Rev Abraham Lincoln, Marthen's brother escorted me on this trip. He was a dear friend who passed away after this trip of mine. He is not in this photo but will appear shortly.
The house of course has been rebuilt. Papa's youngest brother (Abraham) took over the house from Grandfather since I believe it was custom to leave the family house to the youngest son. He looked just like Papa but always rivaled him. I remember him well when he visited us in Batu Pahat ( Papa in UK). I can still remember the small tin of cashews he gave us. Loved it.
Still in Kurianoor.
Below is Papa's youngest Sister, Thankamma, with her son Raju extreme right, and daughter standing behind Meriam. Lincoln Achen is 2nd from left. (Thankamma has since passed away)
Back in Cochin:
Visiting Papa's neice (Calicut Aunty, Annama's daughter) Geeta. Her son Santosh extreme right lived with us for some months in Mumbai. We became very close and treated him like a son, sometimes harshly????? Yeh Santosh???
Geeta standing next to Meriam has not been too well but God's Grace is sufficient for her.(Geeta has since departed to be with the Lord.)
Next to Geeta ( from the left) is her Husband Thomas Kutty, Santosh's wife, and Lincoln Achen. Santosh is the proud father of a boy and I believe he has also been blessed by a baby girl 2 months ago.
Next to Geeta ( from the left) is her Husband Thomas Kutty, Santosh's wife, and Lincoln Achen. Santosh is the proud father of a boy and I believe he has also been blessed by a baby girl 2 months ago.
Another group photo of the family; this time with me in it.
June 2003, our last Trip to Cochin, India to see all Papa's relations.
Here we are in Leela Kochuma's house have high tea. George 'Chian is seated right. They really spoil you with good Malaylee food.
George is a very dear 1st cousin of mine and has taken me all round Kerala on my first trip.
Drives with his finger on the "go button" - horn - all the time and it becomes a habit to honk every 10 secs. But that also applies to the virtually all drivers in India.
One of the few last photos of Lincoln Achen, my dear 1st cousin and friend. Probably the only Mar Thoma priest who prayed in tongues and had the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Spent a lot of time of his ministry in Canada. He is safe in the arms of Jesus, worshipping Him together with all the angels and saints.
Abraham Lincoln - no kidding that was my beloved 1st Cousin's name. He was a Rev (Achen in Malaylam) and would have been made a Bishop but for objections from certain parties. He was very Pentecostal in his beliefs and prayed in tongues. He passed away in 2004. Took the trouble of ushering us all round Kurianoor, visiting every relation possible.
Thambychayan's wife - she was not well at then.
Papa's Sister Annamma is seated front right.
Visit to Maria Pengal's (another of Papa's sister - No 2) home. Her son is Brunei Babu.
Binu's grandmother.
2002 - Tour of the back waters of Kerala. Spent night in the Boat house, but in the middle of a vast lake with motorised sips passing to and from. Didn't enjoy that part.
Photo of Meriam with Calcut Aunty an grand daughter
With Soosoma Aunty.
Photos of my Grandma and Grandpa at the family home
Boat trip
Meriam just finished a lovely breakfast. All ready for the Boat trip.
Meriam enjoying the boat ride.
Me and Meriam really lapping it up.
Night on the House boat
Middle of the Lake. Desolate
The Vadaketh family is beautiful family of the Kerala with full of love. You can plan a tour with your family to establish more love and spend proper time with your family. You can visit the place easily from Kerala during weekend. This place is perfect for planning a family tour.
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