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What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and the beauty of community with us!

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Dec 23, 2022·edited Dec 23, 2022Author

As someone who is also focused on creating a strong sense of community, I'm glad you get a glimpse of the community that inspires me, @Catherine.

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What a beautiful memory and fond memories 🥹

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“Beautiful family” 😅 wow I can’t edit comments in substack app...

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Thanks! I've been having a tough time with comments on substack to.

These are great memories. Food is at the center of so much celebration in our home.

Wishing you wonderful celebration season!

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Dec 24, 2022Liked by Karena

Merry Christmas to all the De Souzas - all over the world!

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Thanks Kathy! I hope you have just enough snow to have a wonderful memorable White Christmas.

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Dec 23, 2022·edited Dec 24, 2022Liked by Karena

So true K. So true.... I'll try and send some Christmas pics from Goa. It is indeed very lovely here, this time of the year. The whole community works as one. Not just the home folk and immediate family - but neighbours, friends etc...

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Dec 23, 2022·edited Dec 23, 2022Author

The whole community works as one - across all faiths. I think that it important to mention too, Ricky.

In today's divisive world, I am so pleased that I was/am able to offer my children great role models and examples of how communities can hold different ideas yet work together in mission and harmony. That is what our corner of the world offered us.

Thank you for helping me think through that "Why", Ricky. I'm going to add it into the essay.

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Yes that's right. Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi are beautiful all inclusive festivals here in Goa. With everyone getting involved and into the spirit. Yes all communities too. Very true. In the old unspoilt Goan villages like Curtorim where i now live, you'd be hard pressed to tell what religion someone practised or was born into. The feeling of being Goan and belonging is something i enjoy and cherish...

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Ditto. Merry Christmas, Ricky!

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To you'll all, there too. ❤️

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