The Home Stretch

We finally feel like we're on the home stretch. We started the day at church at the Delhi Second Branch. It was quite a trip across town to get there. Despite that we had a clear map, our driver had difficulty finding the church. He stopped to ask two of his friends for directions, and stopped a few other times to ask strangers for directions. Then, we drove past the church and he took us to another place on the wrong street. We kept telling him that it couldn't be the correct location becuase the church is on Poorvi Marg, and we were on a different street. In the end, he got us there only a few (25) minutes late. Of course, Nate was disappointed to miss the first part of Sacrament Meeting, but as always he didn't complain too much. Church was, in many ways, just like our own ward only with a heavy accent. There was definitely a comfort in being able to be with the saints here, and hear familiar doctrines taught.

After church, our driver brought us back to the hotel. Although it sounds upscale to have a driver, it's not what it seems. Given India traffic, it is a necessity. Although most people in India speak at least passable English, Ravneet does not. It has certainly made for some challenges in arranging our daily travels, but we're lucky to have a driver. From the hotel, we walked down through the street market to a fast food restaurant. We sat at a table next to a woman from Singapore, and quickly became friends. It was fun to converse with her throughout the meal. She invited us to stay with her next time we're in Singapore, and we invited her to stay with us when she comes to Utah.

After lunch, we walked through the market back to our hotel. Just a stroll through the market is an amazing experience, and somewhat of an ordeal.

We've made great strides with Leena in the last day or so. I think my bath strategy has been working, and she is now comfortable with Nate and I, even when Heather leaves the room. Strangers on the street are constantly putting there arms out for Leena to go to them. At first, she would readily reach out to them. But now she pulls away from them and clings to us. Last night before bed, Nate played with Leena for about 20 minutes. She was laughing and hamming it up, and doing everything she could to keep Nate's attentions. He has taught her to do "bones" and to "give 5," and sometimes she puts her fist out for him to give her bones. She loves drinking water from a glass, although she's not very proficient yet.

We're all excited to start our trek home tomorrow. Our trip to India has been an amazing experience, but we are looking forward to the comforts and conveniences of being back in the U.S.A. generally, and at home. Mostly, we're looking forward to seeing our family and friends, taking Leena home, and introducing you and Leena to each other.
(Kent)