We’ve had the privilege of traveling to India and as much as it is rest for us it is also an opportunity to connect with a very special place to Kim and I and document their lives. Kim lived in India a few years ago and spent some time living with the kids at the Asha House Children’s Home in the town of Bahadurgarh (west of Delhi). We decided to go back this year (first time for me) and reconnect with not only the kids there but the parents and leaders of the home Victor and Simini. We will have plenty of posts coming soon about the kids and life in the Asha House (they have a new place they recently moved to). We’ve been spending a lot of time documenting life here and are so excited to show you. For now here’s a glimpse into what our days and lives have been like this last week and half and a glimpse into this part of India. Enjoy!
Our day starts early and one of the things Kim enjoys is washing our clothes by hand and letting dry on the roof of our home here. They stay up there until we return in the evening and we pick them up nice and dry (although many of them fall to the ground cause we don’t have pins to hold them up).
We typically walk down our road to where our driver picks us up. Kim has been loving carrying Ana Sofia everywhere in our baby carrier.
This is a look down the road where our temporary home is in the town of Pochanpur.
Ana Sofia has been loving car rides. She gets to sit car seat free in the back or riding shotgun, and our driver Yogi even lets her drive a bit!
The first few days Ana Sofia was so intrigued by everything she saw on our car rides. So much to see going on in the passing streets.
This is the view from our car as we drive through Dwarka making our way to the Asha House which is about a 45 minute ride.
On our way there we have seen amazing things on the side of the road. One of my favorites is this man’s barber shop. He’s there every time we drive by and he seems to always have customers.
I love the opportunity to show Ana Sofia so many interesting and new things in such a unique country.
Anyone who has been to India will know just how crowded the streets are. You have people, rickshaw bicycles, cars, motor bikes and an occasional dog and cow at any given time going in 2 or 3 general directions!
Of course the most fascinating thing we see are the people. So intriguing to see the uniqueness of their dress and way of life.
As we pass through the town of Najafgarh we always pass by this open market area where the colors from the vegetables and fruit just pop out. It’s fascinating to see 95% men working and shopping there.
Once we make it to the Asha House the kids are so excited to see us and spend time with us. Kim loves to play with the kids during their play time and teach them new games. Here she is playing with Sandeep and Bagwhan.
I often take a break from documenting to interact with the kids. Many of them need to just be held and talked to one on one as with any children’s home its not always possible. Here I am having a chat with Millant.
As soon as we arrive the kids are so excited to see Ana Sofia. Sandra has become Ana Sofia’s main caretaker. She takes care of her pretty much the whole time we are at the house and just loves her so much.
Akhsa is one of the youngest babies at the Asha House. She’s such a sweetie and Kim just loves holding her.
Ana Sofia has really enjoyed her time here and when she’s ready for a nap she just falls asleep on the spot. Here it is Simini’s turn to hold her through her nap time.
I have really loved spending time with the boys. It’s amazing to see how much they long for affection and a simple high five or even a tap on the shoulder seems to be so encouraging to them. Here I am hanging with Sandeep and Shanu.
One of Kim’s favorite things to do with all the kids is to read them stories. They love books and are fascinated by the pictures and stories we tell them. Here Kim does a pretty good imitation of a bird or something for Tabitha, Hersh, Sandeep and Millant.
One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with Ana Sofia and the other kids. I have dreamed of being able to show my children the world and specially show Ana Sofia how beautiful and similar children can be anywhere we go. Here she is playing with Tabitha.
Victor is the father and leader of the home. He is an amazing example of a humble and strong man who has given his life to protecting and fathering these children. Ana Sofia loves Victor Sir (as he is respectfully referred to).
My soccer skills have faded over the years but I still got a move or two on these kids! They loved playing and kicking about.
On our way home at the end of a long day Ana Sofia usually takes her afternoon nap, exhausted but content.
At the end of the day Kim gives Ana Sofia her bucket baths, which she absolutely loves! She is clean, cozy and ready for a good nights sleep!
More posts coming from life at the Asha House. Stay tuned and thanks so much for checking us out!
Hemos disfrutado mucho del primer documental de su viaje! Que lindas experiencias, que oportunidades de aprender, de servir y conocer otros mundos. Dios les bendiga y les use para bendicion de otros. Carinitos a Ana Sofia, esta preciosa. Les queremos mucho. Papi y Mami
Oh thank you so much for documenting your trip. I went to asha house in august and will be returning in May (which feels like forever to have to wait). again, thank you for sharing!