A year already?

One year ago, we boarded a plane that would take us on a journey to change our lives forever.  I'll never forget the day we left Memphis, TN. We stopped at Kyotos to eat our last meal in country. (still think that was the best decision ever!) We went with our families to the airport and our flights got changed so we had little time to say goodbye. We had never been to this country and had no idea what to expect. We were not prepared for the change that would take place in our lives. Here are some of the memories we will never forget:

• Our first Indian meal. One sweet little boy was sick from jet lag and threw up all over the table! Rough and Unforgettable!
• The first time we were surrounded by children begging for money. Broke our hearts and we will never get used to it.
• Our first time in language school. This was when Levi got so sick and ended up in the hospital. It is also the time where his heart was truly broken and a deep love for India that came from the giver of more than we can ask or imagine.
• The first time we came to Shimla. We were overwhelmed with our new home and had no idea where to buy anything! We found ourselves sitting inside for 2 days trying to figure out what to do.
• The first house we ate at. We were not prepared! Now I take a ziploc in my pocket to every home. (just in case)
• The many days being taught "how to do life" by nationals 
• The week that the language started coming together.
• The first time to share our favorite news in Hindi.
• The first time we taught a large group. We were so nervous! Now it comes as second nature!
• The first time I went to the special needs school. Now I feel at home there.

We praise the Father for new experiences and now seeing them as common. We can honestly say the first impressions were not very good. We look back on those days and laugh as our hearts have completely changed. We are filled with the knowledge that our Father who sent us here had some changes to make in us before we could fulfill his purpose. We see those changes very clearly. Some came easily, some were very difficult, but all of them were much needed.