Report From India

Thursday, May 29 — Day 3

Hello All! It is now Melinda writing with a few minutes while Karanti naps and Steve tries to keep Will and Zo quiet while that happens...

So, Steve left off on Tuesday night, after dropping Karanti off with her foster mother and then going to Jyoti's...

Yesterday we left in the morning to meet again with Karanti and her foster mother. This was a short meeting, time to pass along a few schedule and medication things, and a quick goodbye. Once again, Karanti warmed up quickly, and left us with little hesitation. She did watch her foster mother as we walked down the path, but soon turned to all of us with those eyes and went on from there. We went back to our hotel where we played and napped. Karanti loves the entertainment of Will and Zoey, and they do love entertaining her. I think Steve and I seem boring by comparison.

We all went for a walk afterwards, in search of tiny shoes, as we had to give back the ones that she was wearing. We found ice cream instead. We share the road with cows, rickshaws, cars, bikes, pedestrians, carts, and just about everything else that moves. It is amazing how much life there is on the streets. After ice cream, Karanti and I went to find shoes. A success until we returned to the hotel to put them on and discovered that they squeak when she walks. She loves them but Steve and I had to find a way to quiet them this morning.

We spent a restless night, and clearly it was confusing to wake up in a strange place, but after a slow rising, she was right back to playing with Will and Zo. i am amazed at how easily she has joined us thus far. She loves the laughter and games of the children, and also the cozy shoulders of Steve and myself. We are so very blessed!

We left for the orphanage this morning for a ceremony and to gather the last of the paperwork for Delhi. Jyoti and the staff created a beautiful sending that I am having a hard time finding the words for right now. It was a loving Hindu ceremony honoring Karanti and her new life with us.

And now we are back at the hotel after a lunch at Pizza Hut. Will and Zosha were so happy to have food that they knew and loved. They have been great about the food, but were very thankful for something familiar! And now we get to where I started. I wonder if anyone is asleep upstairs?

We leave for New Delhi in the morning, and will be there until we journey home next week. Thank you for all the wonderful responses, and I can't wait to see you all!

Love from India!