After our four hour Jeep ride we waited and waited to board a flight due to typical crazy weather in Everest. They were stopping flights so the three of us hopped on the last cargo flight out. Let’s just say it was exciting and leave it at that! Landing was intense, hoping the foldable chairs would stay put, the lumber wouldn’t fly, and we weren’t gonna be covered in butter crackers and creamora!

That ride was no joke! I think the four hour ride on super narrow mountain roads in the middle of the night was a super start to this Everest trip! I feel as if my kidneys are up around my shoulders😂 They say we have about 4 hours until the weather clears for Lukla. Sitting at the airport drinking tea, lots of tea!

Checking equipment and packing for Everest today. Leaving at 2:30 am for four hour Jeep ride to small village airstrip to catch the little plane to Lukla

It has been an amazing ten days with my graduate students here with me. They were wonderful in every way! I will miss having them with me. They are heading home now and I will begin the second phase of this trip in a few days. Everest schools and home visits are next.

We shared a Nepali meal/Nepali style at Babi’s house for our last night together. The girls made us beautiful cards, dream catchers, and photos as going away gifts.

Rickshaw rides in the rain for shopping

Tonight EKTA Publishing held a reception in my honor to celebrate my newly published book. General Bala and Babi both spoke at the event on m y behalf and Bala officially presented the book! It was an evening surrounded with Nepali family and friends, my ENG girls, colleagues, and my grad students. I am humbled and thankful for all the love and support given to me.

These gorgeous flowers were delivered today as congratulations for the book launch. Thank you so much Mala & Subu