The weather was too dangerous to get into Lukla so we wound up in Baktipur. This is one of the harder hit areas. We distributed supplies and Held small group sessions with the teachers and children. It is almost unbearable at times to see the fear and anxiety in their eyes as we talk. This group had a harder time communicating and it broke my heart-sometimes lots of words aren’t needed ….

The school is only using minimal spaces and only on the first floors because they want to be able to get the children out quickly if they need to. The buildings are not safe. The principle is constructing a structure of aluminum sheeting and bamboo for the tiniest students because the teachers can’t move them quickly from the larger structures. 

The scene in the old town looks like something from an apocalypse movie, except it is very real…. People must have thought the wotld was ending as everything came down around them. children and families trying to clear rubble to find any personal item at all and glimpses of people’s lives woven through the rubble( a toy, a book, a cup, a blanket) will stay with me a lifetime.The makeshift   temples have been formed where families once lived speak of loss and prayer. 

As we left the area the devastation followed  with gaps up to 6 feet where the earth has dropped and in order to access the areas dirt and rubble have been placed in the creavices to create a steep ramp effect ( points for creativity again). It makes for crazy travel but you can access. As you ride along suddenly half the road has dropped away and buildings sit like drunken men on bar stools leaning at unnatural angles along the route.

These people need help and are so vulnerable now. The day turned out to be exactly as it should be and was an incredible day. Please keep praying. We try for Lukla again today…