More memories from good ol' USA

The annual gathering of the 11-numbered gang from college. With so many pictures yet to share, I'll choose a few and at random, share in time. Here are several more special memories.

Taking a break being a baby. Sometimes.

I'm sharing with you a clip of Shane at 8 months, ready but not yet able to crawl. He's taking a break being a baby. He is quiet yet attentive. Today at his 9 month milestone, he's ready and able to crawl. Take me with you little boy.
Ready or ready, here you come!

Back in India

Yes, we're back in India after 2 wonderful months in the USA. As Libby wrote on her blog, the trip was relatively smooth and now we're recovering from jet lag. Some people have asked how we're readjusting to India. On the positive side, we're thrilled to be back with friends and colleauges, happy to taste familiar foods again, eager to jump back into our work here, loving the cool (80s) sunny weather, and enjoying the hustle and bustle of our city. On the downside, our ankles have been gnawed by mosquitoes, we've begun the losing battle against ants invading our food, and must limit our flushing of the toilet due to limited water.

But before we jump into life here in India, I want to reflect, pause to cement many great memories of our time in the USA into our memory, and be thankful.

There were little things: hot showers, maple bars, Fall leaves turning color, shopping at REI, and more.

Also, we were thrilled to talk to a couple of thousand (literally) people about our work and life in India. These meetings ranged from dinner with families to talks to about 250 people at a time.

Amidst about 100 meetings over the two months, we did find a little time to play. One of the things that "fills us up" is time outdoors in the middle of Creation. Particular highlights for me (in no particular order): sailing on the Columbia River with friends, two days of fishing with my dad and a friend, and flying kites for 4 solid hours at the Oregon coast. There were many lovely steaks, salads, and burgers that also made me happy. And time with family.

Lastly, Shane had many firsts that were a blast to watch. Petting a cat, touching grass, seeing leaves blowing across the ground, sitting up on his own, watching American football on TV, learning to do the "army crawl", and more.

May we never dance too fast through life to miss -- or forget -- beautiful moments when our mind and spirits say, "Yes! This is how is was meant to be!"