India Journal 1

It's been a month since leaving for India and absolutely about time that I highlight some of the details surrounding our trip to gather our newest daughter. Some of it I wrote while in-country, and some of it I' filled in later (once home, where I had more time)- so there are some tense inconsistencies, but so be it!

17-10-2009

After having completed packing the night before (Friday night), our Saturday was simply for relaxing and putting the house in order.

That morning, I ran off to The Mercantile for my monthly adoption breakfast with friends. Knowing my family wanted me home (it being our last weekend as a family of 5), I stopped in for only a hot chocolate and “30 minutes” of gab. Okay, it ended up being an hour, but I’m glad Eric forgave me. :-) Jo, and Shannon, and Anne were there and they were all so encouraging and sweet knowing the thoughts and feelings that were running through me. Heather, caught me just as I was getting in the car to head home- she had a big week that week, too! Lots of hugs and happy tears. Then, a great family breakfast.

After lunch, I went to Namratha’s house, where a friend of her’s, Sungeeta, painted my hands with henna (mendhi) in celebration of our upcoming trip. The paste was in little cones similar to what a pastry chef might use, and she spent an hour doing designs. Each hand had it’s own design on the palm, inner wrist, and fingers.

An “E” for Eric and “T” for Tisra were hidden in amongst the doodles. Sungeeta worked so artistically and quickly, it was mesmerizing to watch. After the designs were completely “piped” onto my hands, they had to remain there to set. Namratha walked me home since I couldn’t turn door handles myself and I was able to simple sit, relax with the family and watch a movie with my palms facing up. To prevent the henna from drying and cracking off my hands, I swabbed a sugar water on them. After 3 hours, I was able to wash it off- in perfect timing for dinner with Tim and Angie. Burgers and cupcakes- fabulous gluten-free cupcakes!

Then, it was off to the airport to pick up Jess! As I stood there at the checkpoint waiting for her friends of ours popped off another flight. A quick hello and conversation about *this* being the time we'd waited for. It felt unreal. We’d been planning for so long! It was happening! Then the Vegas flight came in on time at about 9:30pm and we were home shortly after and finally in bed about 12pm.