My 10 Favorite Things About Our New Home

Saturday morning all 7 of our kids, both our ayahs, Nikki, and I left the town of Ongole, the place that was home to all of us, and headed off to Hyderabad.  After a 9 hour drive in which we changed diapers and fed children rice while weaving through bumpy Indian roads, pulled over on the side of the road to let cows pass and catheterize Promise, and both Nikki and I got peed on, we arrived at our new home!

While I will miss Ongole, there are so many great things here in Hyderabad and incredible opportunities for the kids.  One of those great things is our new home.  It is so gorgeous and every day I like it more.  Here are my 10 favorite things about it so far:

1. Our living room

Look at all that space to play in!  And so well lit by my number 2 favorite!

2. The windows

These big open windows are found all throughout the house, each with a beautiful view of the city - love them!

3. This little nook

It holds all of our most frequently needed supplies and some pictures of our adorable children.  Such a small thing but it makes me so happy :)

4. Our bedroom

It is big enough for us and our kids to all sleep together!  Also, another great window.

5. Our 'front yard'

All of this where our family lives is actually the penthouse up on the roof of the home.  Outside our front door, the rest of the roof is open for the kids to play in the sun which is such a blessing!

6. The neighbors

Downstairs in the main part of the house are offices, team space, and the new SCH critical care home.  All of the most fragile babies are here where they can be near the good hospitals and then will move to Ongole once they are more stable.  There are currently 8 living here (Alicia, Ivy, Ruby, Dahlia, Kenneth, Riley, Zahra, and Gabe) with 20 more that will be arriving soon!

7. The play room

This is the greatest room ever!  Made for the babies and filled with toys and therapy tools, my kids also love going down to visit.  Such a great place for all the kids to interact and play together!

8. The window seats

On each level of the stairwell are more gorgeous windows and each has a little ledge in front of it.  I'm loving being able to sit there and enjoy the view while eating, reading my Bible, or writing in my journal.

9. The volunteer kitchen

Also downstairs, this large kitchen creates a nice place to visit with the other volunteers, make some homemade meals, and IT HAS A COFFEE POT!!

10. This view

How could you not love it?!

Well, that's a little bit about our new home.  More on the city of Hyderabad to come... :)