Report of 15 April 2010
Hello from the United States -
Tax day today. I look at all the benefits of this taxation - good roads, potable water, affordable food - and I think any country that takes such good care of its citizens is quite worthy.
We flew on the early morning of the 12th. Sitting together is not guaranteed any more, and we had 2 aisle seats, plus one seat across the aisle, which actually worked out very well. Navin was grilled in Frankfurt - "Where were you born? What will you be doing in the U.S.? What is your mother's maiden name?" - and that was a little unnerving for him. The grilling was not unexpected at all, because both boys look Middle Eastern and are in an age group of much interest, and I knew they would be questioned. I was relieved we were alongside, and now I won't rest easy until Naren makes it safely in. The usual tough questioning at U.S. Immigration in Chicago also ensued - "What are you doing in India? What's a medical missionary? How can you afford to do that?" - and this is completely par for the course, but bugs many people when I narrate it, because I am legally entitled to be in this country.
I was dreading flying United, connecting from Lufthansa, but they were great. The flight attendant got us some extra snacks because we were starving. Navin's vegetarian meal came quickly, and he ate well. We were picked up in Chicago by our wonderful friend, Colleen Taber, and we got to the Taber residence comfortably. Dinner that night with the very friendly Mark, Christopher and Colleen Taber - pizza. Navin ate his with an expression of sheer rapture: pizza is an unaffordable treat in India.
Jan, my mother-in-law, came up to Indy the following day and helped us rent a car. That was extremely considerate. We hit the road for Texas, and are here now. I speak at my alma mater tomorrow, and look forward to it. Navin helped me finish the talk, and I am grateful for all with tech savvy. We are staying with former professor Richard Luduena and his wife Linda, and their home and hospitality are fabulous. All feel tremendously welcome, and are relaxing. Navin has gone to see his beloved friend, Arwen Freeman; her mother Aurora picked him up, and we will see all the Freemans tomorrow. We see Linda Johnson, another former professor, for ice cream later tonight, and look forward to her geniality and sense of humor.
At my pre-employment physical 2 days ago, I filled out the medical questionnaire asking for family history, etc. That got a bit difficult, as the change now is that my mother is deceased. I think my mother's passing will continue to manifest in many ways. I now wear a chain that used to belong to her, and I do a double take every time I look in the mirror.
Hope all of you are well.
Unw -
R
Tax day today. I look at all the benefits of this taxation - good roads, potable water, affordable food - and I think any country that takes such good care of its citizens is quite worthy.
We flew on the early morning of the 12th. Sitting together is not guaranteed any more, and we had 2 aisle seats, plus one seat across the aisle, which actually worked out very well. Navin was grilled in Frankfurt - "Where were you born? What will you be doing in the U.S.? What is your mother's maiden name?" - and that was a little unnerving for him. The grilling was not unexpected at all, because both boys look Middle Eastern and are in an age group of much interest, and I knew they would be questioned. I was relieved we were alongside, and now I won't rest easy until Naren makes it safely in. The usual tough questioning at U.S. Immigration in Chicago also ensued - "What are you doing in India? What's a medical missionary? How can you afford to do that?" - and this is completely par for the course, but bugs many people when I narrate it, because I am legally entitled to be in this country.
I was dreading flying United, connecting from Lufthansa, but they were great. The flight attendant got us some extra snacks because we were starving. Navin's vegetarian meal came quickly, and he ate well. We were picked up in Chicago by our wonderful friend, Colleen Taber, and we got to the Taber residence comfortably. Dinner that night with the very friendly Mark, Christopher and Colleen Taber - pizza. Navin ate his with an expression of sheer rapture: pizza is an unaffordable treat in India.
Jan, my mother-in-law, came up to Indy the following day and helped us rent a car. That was extremely considerate. We hit the road for Texas, and are here now. I speak at my alma mater tomorrow, and look forward to it. Navin helped me finish the talk, and I am grateful for all with tech savvy. We are staying with former professor Richard Luduena and his wife Linda, and their home and hospitality are fabulous. All feel tremendously welcome, and are relaxing. Navin has gone to see his beloved friend, Arwen Freeman; her mother Aurora picked him up, and we will see all the Freemans tomorrow. We see Linda Johnson, another former professor, for ice cream later tonight, and look forward to her geniality and sense of humor.
At my pre-employment physical 2 days ago, I filled out the medical questionnaire asking for family history, etc. That got a bit difficult, as the change now is that my mother is deceased. I think my mother's passing will continue to manifest in many ways. I now wear a chain that used to belong to her, and I do a double take every time I look in the mirror.
Hope all of you are well.
Unw -
R
posted by Renu Weiss at
12:57 PM
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