Babita grew up in the village of Borang and her a Dad recently moved back there to live. He was a Ghorka solder for many years before retirement and it was an honor to meet him. While he was 

  very dignified and stern, we had a moment I will treasure. 

Spending time in a remote village is like living in a fish bowl. We were the first Caucasian people to visit there in years and the very first for many of the villagers to see. Therefore, we were a novelty and our every move was watched by many eyes, lots of talk about us and curiosity and zero privacy and I really mean zero. It was a bit disconcerting but at the same time very endearing. The entire village gathered for each interaction or school meeting or home visit. Our “camp” was located in the water buffalo field ( yes you read correctly) next to the spring that provides water to the village and a bathing spot for the water buffalo. We even unintentionally shared a cooking pan with them I guess you don’t say no to something that big! 

The women of the village were so very warm and welcoming. They all wanted so badly to sit with us and talk but they did not speak English so miming and translation was required. It always amazes me that when there is a will there is a way. We had wonderful long interactions and learned from each other about similarities and differences in our respective worlds. Mostly we learned about bridging differences and taking chances to share kindness and friendship. 

So this has been my home away from home for this week. We just made it back to Kathmandu after 4 remote school visits. I just took a wonderful HOT shower and would like to document some of my favorite moments. So many things happen here that are both magical and surreal on the other side of the world. 

 Heading to camp in Borang. The primary school here is the one Michael, Bryce, and I have adopted. We will be in this remote village where visitors have not been for years. Pasang says very few westerners ever come. Babita grew up here. We are so honored to help this school with resources.   
    
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Spent a wonderful day at Rising Ray School! It was wonderful reunions and we will be working with the school to restore two spaces for a science lab and a  computer lab for the students. These improvements will this will help the school meet requirements to progress for higher offerings through grade 12. Thanks Kiri, for making this possible!

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Loved this day so much! Organizing and purchasing materials for teachers and school libraries and planning for our celebration of our college and university ENG girls tomorrow! As we sat in the floor surrounded by books and teaching supplies we all felt very emotional thinking of these beautiful books being read to the children! Thank you to everyone that supported!!! Great great work!

Had a great dinner at AD’s house tonight with wonderful people.Sari made it in and I’m thrilled she is here!  

The sun is coming up in Nepal and I am back in Kathmandu safe and sound. I am glad to see the morning. As usual the impact of the children in Chitwan hit me once I let my guard down. I dreamed of dirty rooms full of beautiful children that disappear before me and we can’t get to them all. I think this is a natural reaction and it is associated with the awareness that the conditions for me are temporary/transient and I hsve it so easy here, I have options and resources but there is no Change in sight for many of these kids.  It breaks my heart. I think I hope that never changes. What we do is never enough and we can’t fix everything but we sure can give it what we’ve got! It makes one hell of a difference to each child we can get to and every single one counts. So, it’s a new day … Let’s GO!