Jan - August 2016

We try to take care of our lungs and wear our family set of masks when we are riding in autos.

The weather was so nice we camped on our rooftop! Not exactly nature... but was SO fun.

Bread can get fairly large around here.

Marion and I enjoying our favorite park spot, the rose gardens overlooking Qutub Minar.

Sunday meeting at Dwaar, our chrch...

... followed by a picnic complete with blankets, watermelon, dogs, and a cricket match.

Our amazing friends, the Gongs, came to visit us!

The best part was they were here to enjoy "playing color" during Holi.

The park near our flat gets gorgeous in Springtime!

Terrible photo. Awesome weekend. Spending time with some long-awaited friends.

Muddy Puddle Jumping!!!!!!!

Marion's 1st day of preschool in May. She was very brave.

After losing my guitar in an auto-rickshaw, an amazingly honest driver returned it, and a wonderful guard kept it safe until returning it to me the following day... A MIRACLE.

Marion loving the zip line at a new indoor play place in Delhi.

Marion and best bud, Sean, soon after we arrived in 2014 (1.5 years old).

Marion and Sean handling their goodbye. The two friends are heartbroken not to live in the same city any more... despite what their faces say:)

And our hearts hurt as well, after saying goodbye to the Coffey family, who we've known since our internship in 2009, and who were a wealth of joy, wisdom, and laughter to all of us.

and then in June... We headed to America!

The reason was our companies World Staff Conference, the bonuses were spending time with amazing family and friends all over the country.

OHIO

Spending time with Susan's family.

Making homemade ice cream!

Enjoying the back yard and eating on the patio.

Flying through the air at Cedar Point, our favorite (the only good:) roller coaster park.

Spending a couple days in Amish Country with Andy's dad's family was SO relaxing,

and eventful... yes there are giraffes in Ohio!

MICHIGAN

Camping in Holland, MI is a tradition on Andy's mom's side of the family. Sitting around the fire, going to the beach, and not having cell phones yet, made it the most relaxing week of our trip.

Cooking for 30+ people over a fire isn't easy!

Cousins with their spouses and kids... in height order:)

Big Red, the icon of Holland's Lake Michigan coast.

ILLINOIS

Andy's family who now live near Chicago, IL.

It was sweet to watch Marion spend time with her cousin Carter! Andy's parents couldn't get enough of them.

 

It was wonderful to be back downtown. Chicago traffic doesn't seem so crazy anymore, and there seemed to be barely any people living there ;)

MEMPHIS

Our Memphis chrch more than took care of us. They spoiled us... with meals, a home to stay in, a car to drive, and much encouragement. This is some of our house group that sent us out in 2014. Ugh it was hard to leave.

We finally got to explore the Bass Pro Shop in the Pyramid!!! Look it up if you don't know what it is. It was indescribable.

We spent time with friends in parks, restaurants, and homes.

Marion loved catching up with Memphis friends she has missed.

COLORADO

Then it was off to Colorado for the  World Staff Conference. Every 5 years all company staff from around the globe come together for renewal, encouragement, and rest.

An India reunion before the conference began, with former and current staff and interns, and LOTS of kids!

The view of the conference center from above, the fresh air and mountain views were amazing.

Despite meeting so many people and the busy schedule, we really did feel refreshed and renewed.

Marion's first time fishing! (No catches, but lots of fun)

After the conference, our India team headed further into the mountains for a week. We said sad goodbyes to those departing, and happy hellos to those preparing to come.

and now a new season of friendships begin. Marion and Bridget had their first "hike" together, and are looking forward to being best friends in Delhi soon.