Hi Everyone --

In case you haven't heard, we are back in the United States -- permanently! We had uneventful flights and easy transfers, which made the 36+ hour journey bearable. We have had terrible jet lag as well, but we seem to be recovering from that as well.

We are in Waterloo, Iowa at this time. Doug is working, and he has a desk and but no phone or desk computer yet. I have spent a lot of time running around. Hannah went to seminary every day last week, but this week she is in Omaha with Michelle and Ryan and Helen. Seminary has been canceled there every day this week because of bad weather. Actually, it's been cancelled here in Waterloo as well. We are expecting 6-12 inches of snow tonight with blowing and blizzard conditions tomorrow. It's sure not the 90 degrees and flip flop weather we are used to!

We have been looking anxiously for a house. We have probably seen 20 homes, but haven't quite found the right one yet. We did put an offer on one last week, but 3 other people put offers on it at the same time. Needless to say, we didn't get it. We're ok with that. It needed a lot of work and a lot of future investment (like a $50,000 roof) and it's ok that we are still looking.

We looked at cars yesterday. We drove a couple we liked, but we're going to see if there are a couple of different options on the same vehicle, just different amenities. It would be great to get some of these things checked off our list. It's hard to test drive cars when it is so cold and snowy!

I guess this is the last installment of this "Life in India" blog. We certainly had 3 years of intense adventure and excitement. It was a lifetime experience that we have learned so much from -- and continue to learn from. Thank you -- everyone -- for your love and support from far away. We couldn't have done it without you!

Love, Lucinda