It is Christmas Day and we found a Christmas Nepali celebration at a church across the city. We were some of a few non-local to attend. We created quite the stir… People were welcoming, gracious, and warm…. Many namastes and Merry Christmas greetings were shared.
We spent the afternoon doing home visits for scholarship girls . We split up so we visited about 12 homes. We got to see where the girls live, meet parents, take photos, sing songs, teach Christmas carols and enjoy tea. Some of our girls are living with a family of 5 or more in one 14 by 12 room. They were so proud we had come to see them! I brought ribbon for their hair and made ponytails… Such sweet moments. The children love attention and are very affectionate. Beautiful Christmas. We miss family and friends but what a special gift shared with these girls and their parents ! Our day ended with an ENG celebration of wonderful food, amazing new friends, songs and games.., tomorrow we travel to Chitwan

.* a mother crying and repeating Santa baad as we left the one room home
• taking photos and sharing them
• the little girl thinking buzz was no excuse for a dog
*Making braids with colored ribbons
* little voices reading out loud together
* twinkle twinkle production using flashlights on phones in a one room home
* voices rising together in prayer… The Nepali way
* ” I have to say goodbye but I don’t know how… I will see you next year. .., yes??? ”
* Bryce playing Santa
* Joy to the world!!!

Today we visited our girls at two kathmandu schools and presented scholarships. I am overwhelmed with these children and teachers. They are so bright and eager. And joyful…, it is easy to forget the environment as you get lost in the contagious smiles and giggles and deep brown eyes..,, so beautiful ! The poverty is beyond comprehension at times. We continue to try to process what we are experiencing..,,,,

ENG hosted the first career conference today and presented scholarships to the girls… Each was presented with a backpack, school supplies, and a coat . The children are so beautiful and smart and were SO excited. The smiles of the girls are so infectious and they love to talk and giggle even when the language is difficult. We found plenty in common— families , school, I played games with a group of small children outside… A form of duck- duck- goose… And then we had dinner with a group that taught us a card game with lots of laughter ! Some girls had left their village for the very first time to be here. It was a day I can’t quite put into words…. Overwhelming in the most wonderful way! We start visiting schools tomorrow…,,

Today I spent my birthday and my 29th anniversary in China with mike and Bryce. About 30 years ago when that little girl from petal ms accidentally met that handsome guy from New York on the steps of the student union at university of southern mississippi I could not have even dreamed of the amount of joy we would share. We depart for kathmandu in a few hours for Our next chapter together. I love you Mike…

As we are packing up to travel to Nepal this week I find myself simply overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference. We are so grateful for the support of the community we live in, the love of our families and friends, the heart of our church , and the graciousness of complete strangers. There are so many worthy causes and so much need in this world. Thank you to all that have supported our girls in Nepal. YOU have made a difference!