Back from Bangalore

We welcomed Andi and Mike home from a two-year work stint in Bangalore, India with a homecoming celebration at the Andersons in Hudson.

Their story was reminiscent of Ellen's Peace Corps experience in Zambia, Africa. Their transition to life in India was relatively easy, because they anticipated a great change. They did not, however anticipate how difficult it would be to come home...to American excess. They are overwhelmed by large discount retailers, which is somewhat ironic since Andi works for Target Corp. They mentioned they had to leave Target shortly after arriving, because they couldn't stomach watching people fill their carts with what would've amounted to many months supply of groceries and household items in India. They are surprised with the size of the cars we drive...and decided to purchase smaller cars upon their return. I'm sure if we would've had more time to talk without interruptions from 9 little people, they would've shared many more stories to highlight their new-found awareness.

Maybe we could all use a reality check in a third world country...a voluntary re-evaluation of wants vs needs...necessity vs. desires. A big part of me longs for a simpler life...a society that is less concerned about how much we can acquire and more concerned about relationships. Hopefully, someday, Adam and I...and even the boys...will have an opportunity to experience this first-hand. Until then, we'll have to be content listening to the stories of others...and learning from them.