India

After 40 hours of travel (3 flights, several rikshaws, a motorcycle, a state bus and a private bus), we are here in Rajkot. Thankfully, Rhishi was with us to navigate within India, and we have been warmly welcomed by his family. The original plan to go immediately with them on their family holiday has been changed due to a death in the family. Rhishi's uncle passed away on Nov. 8, and for about 13 days after a death there are no travels or celebrations. We will be travelling with his family to Somnats for a service in a few days.

What have we found in our short time here? Extremely warm people, most of whom don't speak English and aren't used to white faces, but still freely offer smiles. Delicious food - sigh of relief, the "Indian" food in America doesn't come close :)! Cows everywhere. New smells and sights have assaulted our senses - some pleasant, some not so much. It will be an interesting challenge to understand our Father's extravagance in a place that is so far removed from what we've known before. A place that I can already tell will bring many lessons, whether through hardship or pleasure.

Briefly, let's introduce you to Rhishi's family: 4 year old Devsmita (who at this moment is still a bit scared of us, but likes the chocolates we brought :), his wife Hetal (an excellent cook and gracious host), brother-in-law Vishal (who gave up his room), mother Lata (with her kind smile, bits of english, and a gentleness that can be easily seen) and father Narendra have opened their home to us and we are looking forward to getting to know them as we are here. Rhishi found it strange that we would ask you all for prayer for this segment of our trip because, how did he put it, we are in for the best stay with friends we have ever had, which of course we know would be the very answer to those prayers :)!