My second day here is being spent with the Sherpa community celebrating Sherpa New Year. I am very honored to be an invited guest. I respect the Sherpa I know so much that have guided and protected my family and I as we have trekked the Himilayas. I was very excited to learn more about this beautiful culture. This party was an opportunity for those of the Sherpa community that have moved from Everest to Kathmandu to join and celebrate tradition. It was a large gathering and the day was filled with incredible food, drink, blessings, dancing, song, and community! I had a wonderful time and it was so good to reunite with Sherpa friends! Thanks for a very memorable day! 

Up and at em’ this morning. First full day here and off to planning meetings at the University. Very excited that my first 3 hour graduate lecture will be on Tuesday and will be titled “Critical Incident Management” we are expecting around 40-50 students plus invited guest! Lots of work to do!  

I arrived to a chaotic crazy mess at the Kathmandu airport. The using and chaos and loud voices all mingle together felt familiar. The challenge was for little ole me to manage those 5/50 lb cases, a back pack, and a carry on  off the belt and out the door where the Calvary (Pasang) would be waiting with welcoming smile, wonderful laugh, and a beautiful khata. I did it! Only about an hour and a half and I stumbled out the doors into the sunlight and dust filled air of Kathmandu! Over the yells of the throngs of men trying to “help” or gain a driving fair i could clearly pick out a singular voice yelling “Pasang” and pointing me to the end of the row. As I glanced in that direction Pasang appeared out of the crowd. It is always such a relief to hand over the reigns after the long journey, take a deep breath, and know that dear friends have your back. There was lots of activity and large crowds lining the road with Nepali flags as we drove out-Nepal has won the Soccer Championship against India. This is VERY BIG news here! Cars line the roads for Mike’s, literally, waiting to try to purchase fuel. I am tucked in my apartment and will assess what is possible and needed to logistically function here and get unpacked. Looking forward to a grand adventure!  

So I have a 14 hour layover in Doha. I did in fact, leave the airport to get a room, shower, and stretch my legs ( feel like they may never straighten again). I’m sitting in a restaurant now and just had what can qualify as one of my best meals ever- giant fresh prawns, smooth hummus & warm pita, okra salad, fresh local fruits and amazing baklava dripping in honey! I might have to miss my connection so I can do this again! 

arriving in Houston ready to catch my flights. Everything is finally packed, weighed, and ready to roll- 5/50 lb. bags full to the max! I will fly feb. 15 and arrive on the 17th and go through Doha. 

Goodbyes have been very difficult but we know this is a sacrifice we make as a family out of an abundance of gratitude. I want to take the time to say thank you to family and friends for each and every kind word of encouragement, thoughtful gesture, generous sharing, and precious prayer. 

There is so much work to accomplish both at the University and with Empower Nepali Girls Safe Learning Spaces. 10 weeks seems like such a long time to be away but not nearly enough time to do all the things we want to complete… 

Thank you all for the love and support!

In two weeks I leave for Nepal for an extended stay. ENG has 12 of our 19 schools where we have scholarship girls adopted and 6 of these fully funded and ready to take action on. This progress on our Safe Learning Spaces project all since November! We are so very thankful to all that have made this possible! 

We still have lots of work to complete so please donate if you have not done so yet ( or feel free to donate again) at:https://www.crowdrise.com/NepalSchoolsEarthquakeRelief

we stole just a few last days of summer to relax on a lake in the mountains of Tennessee before heading home ..,,, precious moments…thankful  

we have found a little slice of paradise to hide away our last few days of summer together. A little cottage over the water, our dock out the back door, mountains, cool breezes at night, trails to wander, and an incredibly beautiful stocked lake..,, thankful for this time