American Christine Mendes - Mangalore's Daughter-in-law
August 6, 2006

Dear Friends

Success is something that all of us want in ourlife but surely nothing succeeds like Success. Isn't it true?

How many of us do succeed in our mission of pursing success? A joyful and pleasantlife is all about the healthy and winning outcomes, facing the major challenges that come our way, and most of all, realizing our inner potential.  We have to create enough passion in our lives and ignite the dormant energies, capacities and intellects to put ourselves on the dream path and eventually make success a reality in our lives. It is very important that success will not come to us, unless we will have  removed the mental fog and haze, which is vital to realizing our dreams and will help us to surely act with conviction and confidence.

Women Vision brings to you a successful lady - Christine Elaine Mendes from Abu Dhabi who has the conviction and confidence in herself. Having crossed cultural barriers, she fell in love and married a Mangalorean, Godfrey Mendes. She has proved that true love transcends it all and it is edifying to see her bind and bond the family together in love and unity.

When I had recently been to Abu Dhabi to attend the  KCO-organized Lorna show, amidst the dazzling show there was something that struck my attention. In the midst of all the Mangalorean and Goan crowd was this lovely tall blonde lady with her family (her husband Godfrey and three lovely children) enjoying every bit of the programme. I just could not help taking my eyes off them as they were so engrossed with every part of the programme.  When I went up to her she was so warm and reciprocal and told me how she made it a point to see that her children learn to blend with their father's culture. "I cannot speak Konkani but surely can smile in Konkani" she said  with  that lovely smile,and surely the American-born Christine has proved that she is truly a Mangalorean daughter-in-law!

Christine was born to Gordon and Nancy Webber in Farmington, Maine (USA) and has a brother and sister. She studied at the Warner Southern College - Lake Wales,  in Florida and graduated in Organizational Management specializing in the Legal Environment of Business  and passed out with  Honors (Cum Laude). She is currently pursuing  her Masters in Business Administration.

Marriages are made in heaven it is said and little did Christine foresee that one day she would meet her Prince Charming Godfrey Mendes and be his loving wife. How happy and proud she is even today, to be the mother of their three lovely children   - Sonya Marita - 14 years, Renisha Vandana - 11 years, Justin Anand - 8 years.

Christine proudly tells me, "Godfrey is unlike any other individual I have ever met. It was his charm and personality that drew me to him and after that I could not imagine him not being a part of my life. We married four months after we met (which is a long story). He always makes me laugh - even when I am very upset with him. He is my best friend and I know that no matter what happens in life, he will always be there for me". When asked about her initial reaction to marrying an Indian, she said, "Godfrey was nervous how his family would welcome her but they took to me instantly and welcomed me  with open arms," and she really feels that this has been a great moment in her life.

Godfrey's eldest brother, Maxim Mendes resides in Canada and the rest of the family  consisting of 3 sisters and 4 brothers all reside back home in Mangalore, India.

Christine is American by birth but by marr