looking back.

Arrived in Delhi last night.  These photos tell the stories of our time in Omaha.  Lark marked the kids' heights on her kitchen wall in July and then right before we left and they grew a 1/2 inch!  

Changing leaves.

Six years ago we became a mommy and daddy as the leaves were changing out of the window of our hospital room.  Hudson was born. I recently got out the knitted pumpkin hat that your little premature head swam in while you were in the NICU.  It is now already tight on William's head and you are the biggest of three brothers.  A couple of days ago I realized that I actually have a 6 year old!  I said to Hudson "don't grow up.  you are already 6!"  He smiled and wrapped his arms around my neck and said "as I get bigger I get better."  He is right, but already such a cool kid and we love you.

We had a fall, halloween themed birthday since it is 90 degrees in Delhi right now...no sign of fall there.  We were blessed to be able to celebrate with lots of visitors including Zac and Jenni and our two sweet neices.  Graham and I took Hudson out for a little "date" in the morning.  He also requested olives and coconut cake.  His tastes are so much like mine as a kid.

nine 8 and under.

This last weekend, my sister and brother were here to visit and the whole family was together.  It was notable and we loved every minute of it.  Between Laura and me there are 9 kids 8 years old and under.  My parent's home was bursting with energy.  This photo was the best of about 30 or 40 shots and getting everyone situated involved a major blow to a little head and some blood.  

Being away from family is by far the most painful part our life in India.

nomads.

ones who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.  

no fixed address.  

traveler.  

a person who does not stay long in one place.

Being away for nearly 4 months felt like a long time before we left India to venture back to Omaha.  After doing all that we have done in only 4 months it feels like I blinked and our time here is now almost over.  I have thought of the word nomad often in these months as we have journeyed in a borrowed minivan and visited so many with our suitcases always half unpacked.  Our return to Delhi is nomadic as well going into unknown territory with a home yet to be discovered. 

Going from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock.

The fresh pasture for us has been the loved ones who we have fed us, hugged us , held and played with our children, who have listened earnestly to our stories and heart.  Life as nomads is by no means something we would seek for our family forever and brings unique challenges, but we are grateful for those who have made it worthwhile and meaningful.  Helping to propel us forward in the life ahead.