We have heard over and over to give ourselves grace and be patient with the transition. That's easier said than done with 2 small kids living in a foreign land. We want our house set up tomorrow. We want to be able to speak the language today. We want to know the social norms and customs. We feel like children in a country of strangers.
Traveling...the adventure begins
Our travels overall went pretty smooth, but we would never use the adjective fun or enjoyable. It definitely was a lesson in endurance. How do you pacify a newborn and a toddler for 20 hours of travel only to leave the next day on a 7 hour taxi ride? Well, we did it. We did not discover any secrets. We simply prayed a lot…took many deep breaths…and tried to no complain. The kids did great. We had some moments where we weren’t sure we were going to make it, but we did.
Days in a Guest House
Our first night in India was spent in a less than stellar “hotel.” We wound up having to rent another room just so both kids would sleep. Sam was out of his mind; he wanted to sleep but was too overtired. The next morning after arriving, we left for our city in a taxi van. We had to rent another taxi for our stuff to fit. We made it to our city and our staying in our friends’ guest house. It’s really nice. 3 bedrooms…3 bathrooms…huge courtyard. It has been helpful to our adjustment to have something like this instead of staying in a hotel.
New Home
Search Chris has been busy running errands and accomplishing tasks while I take care of the kids. Our friend here has been very helpful. There is so much to do! And…things are slower and take more time/paperwork. BUT…we have a place! We signed a lease yesterday. It’s a really beautiful place. I agreed to it without even seeing it because Chris liked it so much. We will be on the 2 floor of a 3 story house. We have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a huge kitchen (for Indian standards). We have a veranda…and when you look out you see the foothills of the Himalayas. There’s a courtyard for Sam to play and a grass area a few blocks away. We feel as though the Lord truly picked this place for us because it’s the first one Chris saw! We can start moving stuff in, but we also have to buy everything from light bulbs to a washing machine to groceries.
Thanksgiving
We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving with 2 families that have lived here for awhile. We were at our new friends’ home. We had a great spread of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken, corn, rolls, pie, etc. We were encouraged that we can still cook “American” staples here. We love Indian food, but can’t eat it all the time! Sam loved being around the 10 other kids. Aly has a new buddy, Shaeah, who is 5 months old. They spent the day napping together. We missed our families, and I shed some tears. But, overall we are adjusting to our new world.
A New Cuisine
Like I said, we have had to adjust to the new diet here. We eat American breakfast (eggs, cereal, toast, etc). Usually an Indian meal once a day, and then something less spicy. When you order out, even KFC here is spicy. My brother would love it! I ordered Sam some chow mein noodles, and they were fire noodles. The noodle touching his chin left a red mark! We can’t wait to go “real” grocery shopping and find our local markets.
Thanks for all your prayers, emails, and calls. We appreciate all of you. I cannot say that this week has been easy, but we are doing so much better today. Chris said he feels strangely “home.” I’m not there yet, but in many ways managing 2 little kids looks similar to life in Wheaton.
So, my goal is to post a blog with pictures every Friday with some recaps. We’ll try! Love, Dana (for Chris, Sam and Aly)
Traveling...the adventure begins
Our travels overall went pretty smooth, but we would never use the adjective fun or enjoyable. It definitely was a lesson in endurance. How do you pacify a newborn and a toddler for 20 hours of travel only to leave the next day on a 7 hour taxi ride? Well, we did it. We did not discover any secrets. We simply prayed a lot…took many deep breaths…and tried to no complain. The kids did great. We had some moments where we weren’t sure we were going to make it, but we did.
Days in a Guest House
Our first night in India was spent in a less than stellar “hotel.” We wound up having to rent another room just so both kids would sleep. Sam was out of his mind; he wanted to sleep but was too overtired. The next morning after arriving, we left for our city in a taxi van. We had to rent another taxi for our stuff to fit. We made it to our city and our staying in our friends’ guest house. It’s really nice. 3 bedrooms…3 bathrooms…huge courtyard. It has been helpful to our adjustment to have something like this instead of staying in a hotel.
New Home
Search Chris has been busy running errands and accomplishing tasks while I take care of the kids. Our friend here has been very helpful. There is so much to do! And…things are slower and take more time/paperwork. BUT…we have a place! We signed a lease yesterday. It’s a really beautiful place. I agreed to it without even seeing it because Chris liked it so much. We will be on the 2 floor of a 3 story house. We have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a huge kitchen (for Indian standards). We have a veranda…and when you look out you see the foothills of the Himalayas. There’s a courtyard for Sam to play and a grass area a few blocks away. We feel as though the Lord truly picked this place for us because it’s the first one Chris saw! We can start moving stuff in, but we also have to buy everything from light bulbs to a washing machine to groceries.
Thanksgiving
We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving with 2 families that have lived here for awhile. We were at our new friends’ home. We had a great spread of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken, corn, rolls, pie, etc. We were encouraged that we can still cook “American” staples here. We love Indian food, but can’t eat it all the time! Sam loved being around the 10 other kids. Aly has a new buddy, Shaeah, who is 5 months old. They spent the day napping together. We missed our families, and I shed some tears. But, overall we are adjusting to our new world.
A New Cuisine
Like I said, we have had to adjust to the new diet here. We eat American breakfast (eggs, cereal, toast, etc). Usually an Indian meal once a day, and then something less spicy. When you order out, even KFC here is spicy. My brother would love it! I ordered Sam some chow mein noodles, and they were fire noodles. The noodle touching his chin left a red mark! We can’t wait to go “real” grocery shopping and find our local markets.
Thanks for all your prayers, emails, and calls. We appreciate all of you. I cannot say that this week has been easy, but we are doing so much better today. Chris said he feels strangely “home.” I’m not there yet, but in many ways managing 2 little kids looks similar to life in Wheaton.
So, my goal is to post a blog with pictures every Friday with some recaps. We’ll try! Love, Dana (for Chris, Sam and Aly)
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