Just Enough Time... My stop off in Chicago...

When I bought my tickets to the states in December, I was pretty excited that I was somewhat bummed about my 6 hour layover in Chicago. Mostly cause I just wanted to get there!!!

But I was THRILLED about my 6 hour layover after I messaged this cute newlywed couple I knew and found out that they could come see me!!! They took the train out and waited for me to get off the plane, switch my bags over (one of the stupidest things I think you EVER have to do), and were waiting for me outside! It worked out PERFECTLY.  

Hitesh and I met in college when he came from India to get a Masters degree. Our friendship continued when he was on my Relief Team after Hurrican Katrina.  Most of the time people think he is this sweet quiet kinda person, but when their backs were turned, a joke or a comment would always manage to slip out within earshot of me.  The summer after that I headed off to spend the summer in India(1st time ever overseas!) working at a school, and at the end of the summer I visited his family. He is like a teasing older brother I never had. I am so glad he is truly part of my 'family!'

YUM!

 This last May I was able to go back to India for the 1st time since my 1st summer overseas! It was so bittersweet. Why did I go?  

To see Hitesh marry this sweet lady Mannali!!!!  The summer I spent in India was based in a city called ... yep, Manali!!!  (Doesn't your child need to be named after me or something?) It was my first Indian and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it for anything!

She is a sweet fun-loving gal that I have LOVED getting to know! She gets the first hugs now which Hitesh of course makes a fuss about but secretly adores it!

Our Veggie style Deep Dish DELICIOUS pizza. SOOO good after 20 hours of plane food.  

 Mannali was so sweet! She bought me some gifts! She knows I collect Starbucks City/Country mugs. (Secret addiction, I will never tell how many I have)

I wasn't able to take the mango pulp onto my connecting flight, but I definitely took a raincheck for when I come to visit in the fall!

 One last picture of us together!

Thanks so much sweet friends! I loved seeing you THREE times(Hitesh - Twice for Mannali) in one year!!! That's pretty good considering I live overseas. My hometown is in Louisiana, and they live in Chicago!  I am looking forward to many more years of friendship!