Neal's language helper's family lives in Delhi. He's told us on many occasions that we should go visit his family while we're in Delhi. This one particular time, since he would be there as well, we decided to take him up on his offer.
He and his family were thrilled when we arrived. He came out to meet us at the car and immediately took Elijah in his arms. His brother's son is just one and a half years older than Elijah, so they were anxious to have them meet.
His father owns a clothing export business, and they live above the small factory. Here, to the right, is the guys at the door of the factory and their home.
In Indian culture when close friends or honored guests come to visit your home you all sit on the master bed together (if you can fit). This is also where you eat some snacks and drink chai. If you don't offer your guests something to drink and at least two snacks to eat you're considered rude (sadly, I've been 'rude' quite a bit...though it hasn't seemed to stop people from coming to my house:).
They actually intended for us to eat a meal with them, but when we told them we could only come in the afternoon, they didn't just offer two snacks...you can see the spread of food - quite elaborate.
Elijah's favorite was the cookies, of course, and he ate probably seven or eight of them. If we didn't have the whole family practically watching and rejoicing over Elijah's love of what they provided I would have stopped him after two.
The family was so sweet! When we arrived the mom and aunt embraced me, and rubbed my back. (When we were leaving the aunt kissed my cheek, and then had to wipe the red lipstick off:) They were overly kind and gentle with us, and we were very blessed to receive their hospitality. To the left is Neal's language helper, his dad, and the grandson.
They all wanted to walk us back to the car in order to be with us as long as possible. So sweet! We hope to go back and visit them again.
(Neal's language helper told me later that his mom and aunt loved me so much. He said they thought, since I was an American, that I would be stiff and a little snooty. But, I went right up to them, hugged them, smiled, and seemed to really enjoy their company - and they just loved me:)
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