visiting.

a couple weeks ago we bundled dechen up and took her on her first trip to delhi.... she was a champ, sleeping for most of the trainrides, winding taxi journeys and rickety rickshaw races. we were able to apply for her canadian passport and citizenship and then met up with doug and louise and headed up to the quiet and coolness of the mountains in mussoorie.

it's always great to have visitors here... not just because of the supply of licorice and maple syrup that gets delivered, but being able to show family why it is that we love it here. the beautiful views, friendly merchants in the bazaar, power outages, fresh veggies, huddles by the woodstove, chai... all things that at times get lost as normalcy to us but are so refreshing to experience through others first time experiences.

some shots from the last couple of weeks...

one of our favourite places here is a leprosy mission down the mountain in dehradun and we usually try to make it a must-visit for anyone from afar. it's an amazing home and workplace to around 80 people who spend their days spinning yarn, creating beautiful weavings and living in community with each other.

i think one of the neatest things about being parents so far is seeing how much joy this little bundle can bring to people. the smiles, laughter and excitement is amazing.... and she's only been woken up by some of the old ladies strong pinch to the cheeks a few times

we were able to make a few bike and scooter trips exploring the mussoorie area... at this chai stop they were constructing a new mobile phone tower... flip flop sandals and good climbing skills are all that are needed.

dechen's new blanket from great grandma van heyst made it just in time for our first snowfall