I am loving it.

Just as the "MacDonald's" (really just another local store selling vegetables and bread amidst all the other vendors) on a busy Kathmandu street proclaimed, we are leaving one new world and returning to our familiar one, and we are loving where we are.

And by loving it, I mean being tired, excited, nervous, sad, and mostly, grateful. Loving it. Here are some of my closing thoughts in this time of closure and re-entry.

I anticipate seeing Maia's new trick, crawling up the steps
As a Delhi man mimics her, substituting his arms for assumingly paralyzed legs
This world hurts, is joyful

One of our last rickshaw rides
A begging girl taps my leg
And I am reminded of the touch of Ella and Jackson awaiting me

My daydreams take me to the comfortable, consistent mattress I long to meet tomorrow night
I say only farewell to those sleeping on the sidewalks
They're sure to join me in my dreams

Chaotic streets, we began our journey into a different world
Flowing sarees, that world has claimed us
This hungry land of color, dust, light has stained my hands
For much longer than a month


And as for me, Eric, I'm always amazed by life. And breathing. And beauty. I've been lucky enough to experience all these things in Africa, and now India. With Megan. And I'm so thankful that in 36 or so hours, I'll be experiencing them once again with our family.

Thank you all so much for joining us on this journey.