Great post Steve.  You - and your family - are very brave.  From some of the hustle-and-bustle and TRAFFIC I've seen in India, I don't know that I'd be as brave to just "go live there" :w00t:, but you're right - that's the best way to experience a culture and learn about/from them.

You are also right that we all approach things differently and having that open mindset can be a valuable tool for approaching any situation.