the planes cancelled due to weather again so we had a helicopter drop us into Lukla just now…unbelievable experience…one I surely will not forget

we did not make it out yesterday but our supplies did… Weather got too bad by the time the runway was “fixed” -I’m hoping for more than a stick on a pole that warns us to go around😵

We just flexed the schedule again an went to Rising Ray School early for scholarship distribution of supplies. I spent time with Nihdi, one of our senior girls. She is in the middle of taking her exams and there is trend pus pressure. The exams were moved back due to the earthquake and it has been extremely difficult for the children to concentrate and many lost personal items including their study notes, etc or are living in one room/tent environments with redicoilous distractions. They know their scores within two months and much of their future depends on how they score. 

We were invited to join Chetana Lokshum at The Relief Trust organization with a very impressive group of students and diplomats from social and political leadership to hear the field experiences of students sent to gather information. I had the honor of speaking to them about vicarious traumatization. Thank you Chetana!

It is before sunrise and again today we will try for Lukla! 

still at airport “the runway is broken, mem” due to a large cargo plane leaving. Our supplies got out and made it…. Our turn soon… I was interviewed by the Nepali News while waiting. Drinking tea from airport concession…😋   

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… 

on a very early morning ride to airport we had hilarious Nepal moments…

What do you do when an earthquake leaves pot holes that could swallow your car in already horrible roads? Why you put a stick with a white flag about the heights of the bumper in each one of course! Makes for an interesting game of dodge with oncoming traffic! 

And when the earthquake puts cracks in the concrete airport terminal? Prop a Oeace of bamboo against it! I’m certain it will hold back the two story wall of solid concert?!?!?!

And… When you realize one of your supply boxes is not secure and ask a porter for help? I’m thinking tape, right?  Wrong! He immediate looks at other peoples luggage? And then searches in the pile of dirt we are standing in for something that has fallen off someone else’s luggage. Resourceful fellow! 

It is Babi’s first flight  so why not start with the most dangerous  airport in the world?!?!?! Way to be brave Babi! 

Q: what is more frightening than flying into Lukla Airport? 

A: flying into Lukla Airport when the monsoons started last night…😳 Alrighty then!

last post and I am crashing! This truly was the very best medicine for fear and sadness.  This little Doctor had the cure-playtime-away from harsh realities.

The rest of the afternoon was spent at Little Moon School where I gave held psychological first aid sessions with the students and the teachers. The session with the teachers was very hard because they are so vulnerable and afraid with so few options to gain back a sense of control. But they are there, in uniform, taking care of the children… SO brave.

After the sessions we distributed buckets of needed items with a toy and a LuminAID light in each! The kids were very excited! An emotional roller coaster for sure… But one I would buy the ticket for again and again if it helps these sweet people. 

Thanks to Wolf, we have 20 tarps! Thanks Wolf! Finally, some shelter to share with families!!!  These families will have shelter because wolf agreed to sell us his organizations tarps to meet our timeline and he will purchase more…. How it’s supposed to be!  

She is recovering but the toll of the quake, her daddy dying, the burns and hospitalization, and her mother absent  is showing. We were able to give her burn cream and a teddy bear and got some smiles, I even got a kiss before we left! She is so precious!