Things we are thankful for

This time of year always allows us to reflect on what we have and how God has blessed us. Despite so many crazy, unusual, and stressful events; we have much to be thankful for. We are thankful for:

Clean water to drink and brush our teeth

Traffic laws and people who obey them

Clothes dryer and dishwasher

Garbage service

Family

Liam not getting carsick when we drive 

Friends

Reliable internet

Constant electricity

Appointments that occur as scheduled

Faith

Religious freedoms

Jesus Christ 

Opportunity

Education

We are thankful for so many people that made our lives in India easier. There are so many things that we grew to love and will miss.  Leaving was harder than we expected.  We loved the food, culture, and people. Here are a few of them. 

Liam with our favorite guard, Manohoran

Sister Vincey, the seminary teacher 

Liam’s primary class 

Sam, Ben’s friend

Sister Priya, my ministering sister

Friends from our branch 

The other counselor in the district presidency’s family 

Sister Sironmani, my ministering sister, and Staffy, Emma’s friend 

The missionaries we taught English each week

Our gardener, Saratha

She was the sweetest. She didn’t speak any English and I didn’t speak Tamil. We tried to communicate with signs. We left her with food and kitchen supplies when we left. She gave us some Henna plant to dye our nails when we got to the US. Of course, we couldn’t bring it and felt awful throwing it out.

We have grown to love the people in India more than we expected.  That’s been the hardest part of leaving so soon.