KC...to AZ...India...and Back!
We're always up for an adventure...that's probably why we love real estate so much...if it is anything, it is certainly an adventure. But we've had our share of other adventures along the way...which is where our Tourin Tuesdays will take us today. Now this time we're going a bit further out of Arizona...actually we'll be leaving the entire continent...and we're heading to Southern Asia.
So how on earth do we get an "adventure" in Southern Asia...more specifically...southeast India? 
Well it started back in 2002, when we were living in Kansas City. It was our first missions trip to India and we had no idea what we were in for...we just knew that we could not wait to go. My husband has always had a heart for this area...and I knew I was headed there about 6 years before our first trip. We went in February 2002, just five months after 9/11, so everyone kept asking us if we were "afraid" to go. Our reply was always the same..."no...not at all."
And what did we do in India? Well, we worked with a very large organization who ministers to orphans, street children, widows, ex-prostitutes, the homeless, the elderly...and a host of other ministries in between in a myriad of ways. Our first trip was nothing short of incredible. The people...the culture...the vibrant colors...were nothing shy of amazing! Let's just say it "sealed the deal" in our hearts and we knew that we would definitely return again. And we especially love the orphans and the street children. (This group now has 8 orphanages ministering to over 1,300 children).
Well...a few things have changed since that first trip...we've now returned 3 more times and plan to go again in the fall of 2008. And...we got married...we were "strictly friends" on all those other trips, so the one next fall will be our first one as a "married couple" and we are just as excited to go back as the first time. And obviously...we moved to Arizona. When people ask us why, our only response is that we just know this is where we are supposed to be and we have already made some wonderful connections with those who plan to go with us the next time.
And just so you know (you can read it on the "about me" page on our website - along with a photo of us with the orphans), but we love the field of real estate because it enables us to give and go as we feel led..and there is nothing more fun than giving your money away to those who need it most. Simply put..."We sell homes here...to give homes away there."
We are really looking forward to returning and one of the funnest things is seeing how many Asian people live right here around us. Every time we see them in their Punjabis and Saaris, it just makes us want to go back that much sooner..but not yet....everything in due time.
While we admit the cultural difference is like night and day and it might not be for everyone...if you ever do get the opportunity to go to India...check it out! It will be a life changing experience that you will never forget. 
Thanks for "hanging out" with us.
Chat with you on Friday!