A Joyful Reunion

On September 2ND, at 2:30 in the morning, I finally cleared Indian immigration in Chennai and collected my 135.5 pounds of luggage.  No visitors are allowed in the airport, so a large throng waited outside of the international terminal.  As I exited the building, standing atop the gates were Ashwin and Priya with the colorful welcome signs they had made, and Prabhu, our family photojournalist right behind.  Needless to say it was incredibly wonderful to be back together, with giant hugs all around.  The next morning, Ashwin and Priya eagerly combed through my luggage - Priya was thrilled with the birthday gifts and Ashwin was elated that the Wii had survived the trip unscathed!  Thanks so much to everyone who sent packages from the US - they are being thoroughly enjoyed. 

I have spent the last few days adjusting to the time, heat, etc.  I am so impressed with how thoroughly Ashwin and Priya have adjusted to life here - they are very comfortable at their school, both are learning Tamil, and both have made new friends.  I am also amazed at the fact that in the time that they've been here they have never complained about the heat.  I have been struck at how hot and humid it is - with very little cooling at night.  Prabhu told me that he had hoped that by September, it would have cooled off more, but a friend explained to us last night that "September is our second summer in Chennai".  You would have thought that one would be enough....  Ah well, so happy to be here in spite of the temp.  

More soon.   Leann