Finally, an Update!

Gita is doing well in Kathmandu (she is the one in blue). Michael says she is well adjusted and making lots of friends. He described her as outgoing but independent, which is dead-on. She recently volunteered to move from Papa's House (the original orphanage) to the new orphanage down the street to help the new girls from Narti get adjusted. Some of her friends and "sisters" were coming from Narti so I'm sure she was excited to be reunited and living with them again. I'm supposed to get a copy of her VERY FIRST report card sometime in the next few weeks. Michael says she is doing well in school and seems to be picking her lessons up quickly. I can't wait to go back and see how much she's learned. When I met her in Narti she didn't know how to hold a pencil, write, color or even draw. It never occurred to me that a child had to be taught how to color and play, especially at nine years old.

Jesse is going back to visit over the holidays and he is bringing all of the children (132 of them in Kathmandu now!) temporary tattoos from me and special gift for Gita. I've written the children letters a few times and they all seem to make there eventually, but sending gifts is out of the question, so I'm very excited.

I'm still working on setting up a fundraiser or two and have two ideas I'd really like to put into action, but the details are still foggy. I'll post my action plan SOON to get these fundraisers up and running for those who are interested in participating.

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy Holiday season!
Laura

Gita-Gita-Bo-Bita!

Just a quick update on Gita. I wasn't able to smuggle her home in my luggage (I tried!), so I've been getting updates on her from Michael. She's too cute not to share...

Gita in her new dress. She could be my flowergirl in that dress!

Gita opening the stickerbook I bought for her before I left. Michael gave her my gifts when she arrived in Kathmandu.

Gita looking through the barbie photo album I left for her filled with pictures of us, her drawing and painting and her friends in Narti.

As you've read I fell in love with a little girl named Gita while I was in Narti. Since returning from Nepal, Gita has been moved from the village orphanage in Narti, to one of the large orphanages in Kathmandu. She gladly accepted the offer to move to Kathmandu where she'll receive more structure, better care, access to healthcare (including braces) and go to a much better school. Michael (the founder of the organization) has sent me a few pictures and emails updating me on her status.

Before moving to Kathmandu Gita's history was documented for her records in the SWAN office. She was newly rescued when I arrived in Narti and this hadn't been done yet. According to Gita she is about 9 years old (the Kamlari girls don't know their birthdays because nobody cared enough to keep track) and was born in India. Her parents came to Nepal when she was a toddler with her and her brother. She was sold into slavery and the rest of her family moved back to India. Boys are rarely sold into the Kamlari system because they become the care-taker and bread winner when the parents become to old to work. Gita believes she lived as a Kamlari for 4-5 years before being rescued by SWAN. Technically she is considered an orphan because her parents left the country (children who are sold anre NOT seen or treated as orphans in the legal system), but it is unclear at this time whether she is considered a Nepali or Indian citizen.

Michael said Gita is loving Kathmandu and has a "bit of magic to her", as she is in awe of her surroundings. When the girls get to Kathmandu they are taken to get a new outfit and Gita chose to buy a white (eek! Who let her buy white?!) dress. She had two outfits with her when she arrived that were both very worn hand-me-downs. The new dress was a special treat and I'm sure the trip to the city was nothing she'd ever imagined. The first three days I spent in Kathmandu about put me in shock, now imagine a little girl who has never been outside her village, seen running water, let alone large buildings, extreme noise and traffic jams. I'm not sure whether to feel excited or scared for her! Jesse (the volunteer I went to Narti with) was in Kathmandu for a few days with her before he went home. He said the first day of school they tried to put her hair into two tiny ponytails, with no success. They finally resorted to one tiny pony on the top of her head. All the girls wear yellow bows to school and Jesse said Gita looked like an excited unicorn with a giant yellow bow on her first day of school. See, she does need me for something. Now who is going to put her hair in two ponytails? They should have let me sneak her through customs.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures and I'll keep you updated on her, should anything new or exciting arise.

The Nepal List

It is only fitting that I post my "final thoughts" about this trip, especially since I've had some time to think about everything and put it in perspective. For some reason a list feels like a good idea.

THE NEPAL LIST

1. Poverty is nothing we can imagine in the US. It is so much bigger than our version of poverty.

2. Pollution in a third world country is life threatening on a daily basis. Piles of black, rotting garbage lining the street run into the small, local rivers that run through the city every time in rains. Water trucks pump water from the rivers, which are also surrounded by mountains of garbage.

3. Be thankful for garbage services, especially recycling! 4. Respect for living things (including the earth) is cultural and learned.

5. If a woman is sitting on the floor of a packed bus with a newborn infant, you should give her your seat.

6. People in poverty don't have the luxury of wearing clothes to match the season. Wearing t-shirts and shorts in 100 degree weather is a true luxury.

7. Running water is heaven.

8. Smiles and nods go a LONG way.

9. Spend time with your family, no matter what. I realized how much I need them when I was half way around the world.

10. I learned to be truly independent. Relying on a phone call or email to cheer me up did the opposite when the power was out- I had to FIND ways to cope all on my own.

11. You'll care about something more if you actually see and experience it. I've given money to MANY charities in the past, but never really experienced what the money was going towards. Going to Nepal, working in the orphanages, and living the lifestyle makes me care about helping the kids and people of Nepal more than if I hadn't been there.

12. Give time and if you can't give that give money. A little money goes a long way if given to the right cause.

13. Dogs without owners bark more at night. Adopt a dog for everyone's sanity.

14. In countries where they don't eat cow, they eat goat. It's just as gross.

15. There is no Tofu in Nepal even though soy beans are grown just outside Nepal in China. It's too expensive. Being vegetarian means rice, rice, rice, and vegetables.

16. Don't go to Nepal if you can't eat curry. You will starve.

17. Note to self: I don't get sick eating the food in Nepal, I get sick readjusting to the food here when I come back.

18. The idea that teachers shouldn't hug kids (especially elementary school teachers) because they could be accused of inappropriate touching is BS. The kids I worked with wanted and needed hugs every chance they could get. Hugs are therapeutic and some kids need them more than others.

19. It is possible to fit 31 people in a Toyota van. I have proof.

20. Always take Tylenol PM on long flights. Always.

21. Thank God I grew up camping and pooping in the woods. At least I had that going for me.

22. No matter how much you want to take a kid home (Gita!), someone will stop you.

I have so many stories and things to say about my time in Nepal that I find it hard to sort it all out in my head. Overall, my trip was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. When people ask, "How was your trip?" all I can say is hard, but amazing. The environment was harsh and shocking, but the kids were amazing and all of the people were so nice. I went to a third world country and I came back wanting to go back for more. That says it all.

Finally, More Pictures

I've been home for almost a month now and am just now getting around to posting a few more pictures. Enjoy these and I'll post some "final thoughts" about my trip soon. Keep checking back, I'm hoping to host a fundraiser for the Nepal Orphans Home soon. -Laura

Jesse, Aleisha and I cram into a cab to avoid a down poor with Vinod (front seat), Aleisha's Nepalese boyfriend. They are the nicest people I've ever met.

Gita and I trying to hide from the heat in the middle of the day. Narti, Nepal

The girls learn to paint for the first time. They loved it, but many were intimidated at first. Some of the girls took 3-4 hours to complete their art.

I visited the family of a girl I met at the hostel. She was visiting a friend at the hostel and invited me to stay with her in Lamahi, a nearby village. Laxmi's mother is on the right along with her cousin and her baby.

A scene from Narti. The village is minimistically beautiful, but speaks to the poverty level.

As I mentioned before, I got a souvenir. My tatoo means "Lucky One" and is written in Nepali.

I Came Home to Surprises!

Hi all, I'm home and am just getting a bearing on the time change, but still don't have my head wrapped around my trip yet. Maddie (my dog) went missing while I was gone and I've been readjusting to the time change, so I haven't had time to think much. Over the next week or so I'll write a final reflection of my trip. But, in the mean time, I have good news.


Yesterday was my 28th Birthday, and the day I got engaged.

Yesterday I went to lunch with Mom and Kara for my birthday. I came home around 3 and Justin met me in the driveway and covered my eyes as we came into the house. When I opened them there was a Noble Christmas tree fully decorated with lights and all, included about 70 pictures from over the past four years we've been together. I just thought is was a very creative birthday present, since Justin knows I love Christmas and pictures. I said, "Wow, it is like Christmas in July! Thank you!" and wondered around the tree a few times looking at the pictures. Finally, Justin pulled me away from the tree and said something to the extent of "Ever since the Christmas we met my life has been amazing and I love you so much...(there was more, but it's a little hazy)" and I was saying things like, "Aw, I feel the same way" and "me too" never suspecting this was a proposal. We've been apart for a month while I was gone and have been disgustingly affectionate over the past two days because of it, so I didn't think anything of it. Justin also has a strict policy about mixing occasions, so I never suspected a proposal on my birthday. I looked up and he was crying and he said, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you" and was shoving a ring (gorgeous!) on my finger. At that point I just kept saying "Oh my God, Oh my God." We hugged for a minute and I yelled, "Ask me so I can say YES!" He did, I said yes.

On My Way

My taxi will be here in 5 minutes to whisk me away to the airport. I'll be back home before I know it. I'm sad to say good-bye to all of the kids, my new volunteer friends, Michael and of course Gita, but so excited to see everyone! Send good ju-ju my way, L

It's Dog Thirty

What time is it? It's dog-thirty. The 13,561 street dogs of Nepal are barking right now and three of the of the seven volunteers are scuttling around (at 11 pm) getting ready to leave at 6 am for their placements. Therefore, I can't sleep. I'm a little anxious about my last day tomorrow and making the long trip home, too.

I bought a selection of 5 different slices of cakes at the local "wal-mart" (it's not, but it is) to celebrate my last night tonight. They all had the faint taste of soap. I never got traveler's flu here, but the cake might do it. We all had Dalbat (the national dish that is eaten twice everyday), omelets (hello, protein!), and forks full of random cake to celebrate my last night. Afterward we went to restaurant I like nearby, the only one near by, to have beer, but all three tables were totally full. Emma, who is going to come back in a couple of months to work for Michael, went in to ask if we could get beer to go and the owner invited us to sit on the back patio- his back yard (they live above the restaurant. So, the 7 of us sat on the owners patio in the dark drinking beer and telling stories from our stay and hanging out with is dog. It was the perfect last night.

Today I spent my time at Swayambhu, a beautiful Buddhist temple in Kathmandu. The temple is known at the Monkey Temple because of all the monkeys who live in, on and around the temple. There are thousands of stairs leading up and around the temple and many different temples within. I specifically asked to go there since I heard it has great views of the city. I wasn't disappointed and even got to see a monkey chase two local boys who were sitting on a bench in the temple. It was super funny until a monkey approached me and I was trying to remember if I got a rabies shot. We hiked around the temple for a long time and then had lunch before heading back to the volunteer house.

Once we got back Kelsie, Makenzie, and I headed out to find a phone, somewhere local that would print my pictures in one day (mission accomplished), and a jump drive so I can take Jesse's pictures & video home with me. We hoofed it around Dhapasi and Basandara (the local neighborhoods) but finally decided to take a taxi to Batbutini, the wal-mart of Nepal (except, there is only one). I bought a jump drive and some color books and crayons for Gita. When I got back to use the jump drive, which cost roughly as much as it would have in the US, I realized it was used. There was permanent writing on the back of it and the part that gets inserted in the computer was dirty and gummy. Damn it. So, needless to say it doesn't work and I have to fight traffic and barter with a taxi to get me back there again tomorrow. Annoying.

Well, back to Nepali Wal-Mart tomorrow and to pick-up the pictures to leave for Gita, then to the airport. Pray for no bundhas and a correct, hand-written ticket (uh, yeah) and I'll be on my way!

One more thing, I just reviewed a few blog entries to remember what I've shared and reflect a little and I read all of my errors...the perfectionist in me wants to fix them, the Nepal in me says "who cares?" and the power is taunting, "I'm going to go out on you before you can get them fixed anyway!" : ) I knew you'd understand.

See you so very soon, L

PS. Tried to pack Gita, she wouldn't fit.

Narti Video & a Quick Good Night

Before I say good night, 

Jesse made a video of a few clips from Narti.  I think it really catches the spirit of the girls and our time there (minus the icky stuff).  Keep an eye out at the end...we almost died.  

Brown Eyed Girls Video; Narti, Nepal, July 2009

Just two more nights and I'm heading home. I'm feeling a little sad to leave because I've made some good friends here and I'd like to be here when Gita, my favorite little girl, makes it to Kathmandu, but I'm eager to get home to my man ; ), my puppies, my family and my bed.  

Got a special souvenir for myself today, can't wait to get home and show you.

Nighty-Night

As I Promised... Pictures from Narti

Here are a few pictures, but the internet is slow so I couldn't include many.  Enjoy and I'll see you soon! 

: )  Laura

Receiving Tika, a farewell blessing, from Karmu and the rest of the girls before leaving.

Jesse and I right before boarding the bus and waving good-bye.

Gita and Sumjhana, the littlest girls, after enjoying a rare treat of Pepsi, cheese balls & caramel.

Irmela's gift of henna (my arm's not broken, I'm just too lazy to rotate the picture).

This is Gita, my favorite little girl.  

The girls getting ready to leave the picnic...half rode in the bus, half rode on the bus. 

The girls cooking at the picnic we threw them on the 4th of July.  It is unbelievable how well they can cook at their ages with only an open fire and pan.  Maybe it's because they lack McDonalds.

 

The Lawajuni Girl's Hostel in Narti where I stayed and worked.

And...I'm back!

Hi there!

I made it back to Kathmandu yesterday morning at 6 am after a hellacious bus ride. I took my malaria medication when I got on the bus but didn't drink lots of water like I'm supposed to (with 12 hours on a bus in the middle of Nepal, I didn't want to have to pee) and it made me super ill. I spent the first two hours nauseous and leaning over Jesse to vomit out the window. Special. My seat was pre-purchased and in the drivers compartment with about ten other Nepalese men. Um, no. I squished in with Jesse for the first two hours until a seat opened up near him. There was no way I was going to ride in a closed compartment by myself with strange men throughout the night. My Tylenol PM finally kicked in and I was pretty much out until I woke up to watch the sun rise over the valley on the other side of Kathmandu. The bus was more comfortble than the bus I rode on the way, but in worse shape with lots of sqweeky noises, bumps and grinds. Jesse says I'm good bus luck because we made it both ways without any major delays (strikes, break downs, searches, etc.).

I spent yesterday doing a whole lot of nothing. My time in Narti was rewarding by physically and mentally difficult and I was drained when I got back to the volunteer house. I showered (yey!), emailed, had a huge lunch (the man at the little restraunt looked at me like, "You're going to eat all that?" Jesse and I ate until we couldn't.), napped and talked to Justin @ 4am his time (sorry!). The day flew by and I think each will until I get to the airport in a few days.

Today Michael (Papa) is making Tifin (lunch) for all of the kids at the Kathmandu houses. I'm excited to go have lunch with the kids on their day off from school (Saturday is Holy Day in Nepal) and to see the basketball court that the donations I brought paid for. Apparently, the kids have been have a great time on it and I can't wait to get in on the action. Before that though, I'm going to drop some of my clothes off at a laundry mat, buy a few new items to wear, and go to a restaurant called OR2K and have a pancake or two. I like the food here, but it is so different from home that the occasional American food fix is nice.

Now Narti...

I'm not really sure how to explain Narti without going through it picture by picture, but I'll try. It is a rural village, a few hours north of India. The land used to be all jungle, but has since been turned into rice patties. Most of the land was taken from the Tharu people by anyone who was more educated (starting with the British), mostly the higher castes. The Tharu people are one of the lowest castes in Nepal. The landoweners still own the land, but the Tharu people work it and live on it for a portion of the profit. Some patches of Jungle still exhist and are amazing, tropical and beautiful.

The Kamlari caste consists of girls who are sold by their parents or family into slavery to people of a higher caste. This is a common practice still, even though there are many people who are working against this system. The girls are often sold because their parents can't afford to care for them or because both of their parents die and they are given to an uncle or other family member who doesn't want the burden of caring for them. The family make relatively little money usually from the sale, but they are so poor that anything helps. Traditionally, in the Tharu culture, if the husband dies for any reason the wife commits suicide, leaving the children without anyone to care for them. From what I understand this is happening less and less, but is still a cultural norm.

During my stay in Narti I lived with the girls at the Lawajuni Girls Hostel, which is located on the grounds of the school. All schools in Nepal are "private" and are paid for by the families of the children who attend them. The hostel is supported by Papa's House (Michael's Hostel/Orphanage in Kathmandu) and the girls are rescued by an organization called SWAN. Once the girls have had some time to adjust socially, physically and mentally, they are then given the options to move to Kathmandu where they'll receive a much better education and better structural support in the home. Many of the girls choose not to go the Kathmandu because they are overwhelmed and uncomfortable with the idea of leaving the hostel where for the first time in a long time they're safe, well fed, and have friends their own age. The older girls rarely leave because the school system is so poor in Narti that they'll leave Narti in grade 8 and be put in grade 1 or 2 in Kathmandu.

The Hostel is "bare bones" and lacks running water and electricity much of the time. The girls all bathe and drink from a pump that is located about 300 feet from the hostel. They eat twice a day with snack inbetween if they need them and every meal consists of rice and cooked curry vegetables. In the afternoon they'll have toasted rice flakes (yum!) or boiled milk with rice in it as a snack. The girls will often climb the mango trees in the area to hunt for fruit.

All of the girls have some time type of scarring from their time in servitude. Many of them have large burns on their arms, legs or hands or pock-marks that look like they're from a cigarette. Some of the girls have larger scars on their face and on their heads from being hit with objects. To get those types of marks I can't imagine the abuse they must have suffered. Some of them suffer from PTSD and have ticks or other small quirks that are easily recognized as stress induced. Jesse doesn't stay at the hostel (he stays with Krishna, the founder of SWAN) because some of them have been sexually abused. While the volunteers help in many ways, from what I can tell their primary impact is just building trust and confidence in the girls. I went to Narti to teach but I was also a counselor, hair dresser, playmate, and friend.

The girls at the hostel have very little in the way of things. They each have a school uniform (which fit poorly for most of them since they're hand-me-downs on their third or forth rotation) and a few outfits. Most of their clothes look very worn and are missing buttons and/or have broken zippers. The little girls who arrive have it the worst because their clothes have been passed down the longest and they literally come with nothing but the clothes on their back. Michael sent the girls metal boxes with latches on them while I was there and the girls use them as a dresser/storage. They were thrilled to move their things out of bags and cardboard boxes into their new metal ones.

Despite the conditions and the girls' pasts, they are all very sweet and kind and have unique personalities that shine through the language barrier. Like any mix of girls, some of them are quiet and reserved, while others are outgoing and obnoxious at times. The live together like sisters and sisterly arguments are normal. I was surprised how catty and "mean-girlish" the older girls could be at times, watching them at times was like being back at home with my junior high kids.

On my second day in Narti one of the girls took my clothes off the line where they were drying and hid them in her stuff. She was one of three girls about my size, so I had an idea who took them. A few other girls found them and brought them back to me which caused some drama. She was embarrassed and had a hard time feeling normal around me since. I explained to her that I wanted to leave my clothes for her and the other girls, but I had to wear them while I was there. During the picnic I let her wear my shorts and t-shirt and that seemed to mend the awkwardness. At first I was annoyed, but they have so little that it was hard for me to be mad.

Most days I spent my mornings reading and talking to the girls as they came in and out of school. I didn't dare leave the hostel (even to pee...painful!) until after school was let out or I'd be stormed by tons of children. After that I would clean, get ready for the day and Jesse and I would decide on the day's lessons. At 10:30 the girls eat breakfast and our English lessons started at 11:00. They usually lasted for 1-2 hours and about 15-20 girls would usually attend (the numbers got lower and lower the longer we were there and the harder the lessons got). The Jesse and I would walk to a little shop in Narti and have water, soda, and the occasional omlette or biscuits. Then we'd go back and teach art if it wasn't so hot that everyone was sleeping and hang out and play for the rest of the day. At 6 or 7 we'd walk back to the shop and have another break and buy water for the night and Jesse would head back to Krishna's house. I would head back to the hostel, enjoy the sunset (often from the top of the school), eat with the kids about 8 and then head for my bed and mosquito net.

The girls have no structure and set bed times, so I often didn't fall asleep until late into the night. Most nights I would wake up to one of them babbling or crying in their sleep. The girls go to bed so late and get up so early in the morning that they seem to struggle during the day. I know Michael is concerned about the lack of structure there, but Krishna is the one who is really in charge of that hostel since he lives close and manages the rescues. I wanted so badly to see the girls there have the structure that the children in Kathmandu have. In the hostels here there is a set bed, meal and study time and play happens in between. The kids know the routine and everything is very orderly and lacks the chaos of the daily routines in Narti. The hostel functions better than the school, but only because Sabita Didi works her butt off to make sure the girls are at the very least clean, fed and they chores are done. In all fairness, the girls do a good job of caring for each other and have a bond that was clear the minute I stepped foot on the property.

I went into Lamahi twice, once with the oldest girl in the Hostel, Irmela, so she could show me off (not really sure what we were doing besides visiting the SWAN and Plan Nepal office) and then again with Jesse later in the trip to use the internet and buy gifts for Sabita Didi before we left. That trip was fun because Krishna let us take his motorcycle so we didn't have to bother with the crowded busses. It was nice to have a break from the hostel and even nicer to feel wind on my skin. It was still hot wind, but wind none the less.

I have so much more to tell you, but it is best told through pictures and video. Jesse is working on posting a video with clips of our time in Narti today so I will link that as soon as I can. I'll also post some pictures later today or tomorrow.

I'm headed in home in just under four days and can't wait to see everyone when I get back! Have a great weekend! : ) L

Tan Ankles, Boiled Milk & It Smells Like Poop

Hi All! Thanks for the comments and happy thoughts...

I'm in Narti living and working at the Lamajuni Girl's Hostel which houses about 30 Kamlari (ex-slave) girls. My friend Jesse and I have been teaching English and Art to the girls in the afternoon once they're out of school. They attend school on the property from 7-10 am, and when I say attend I use that word loosely. The school is really a shame and to some extent a waste of time, which is why I chose to teach them outside of school hours instead of becoming involved in the school.

Jesse is awesome (he told me to say that- he's sitting right next to me emailing his own family) because he came into Lamahi (a very small version of Kathmandu) with me and surprised me by guiding me to the internet shop. I think he was sick of hearing me talk about home...whatever works.

The girls at the home are great for the most part, but I'll be honest, they're driving me nuts at this point. Living with 30 girls for this long is rough. I live in their room, don't get any privacy and god forbid I should go to the toilet alone (when I say toilet, I mean an outhouse with a hole in the ground). I'm ready to head back to Nepal where I at least share a room with female ADULTS. I'm leaving Narti on Thursday night and will arrive in Kathmand on Friday morning some time (Thursday night your time).

I'm so dirty that my ankles constantly look tan. There is a pump, but bathing with my clothes on isn't that effective. The girls are very modest and I struggle to find a private place to change everyday. They eat rice and curry vegetable for breakfast and dinner everyday (I'm craving a blizzard and mom's pizza and a salad daily) and drink BOILED milk from the hostel cows. I drank it the first day and I almost vommited (I hate cold milk) and have had to refuse it ever since. Oh, and it always smells like poop. My room is above the old septic tank and when it heats up to 100+ degrees everyday I can't help but notice it. The cows smell like poop, the water from the pump smells like sewer and the squat toilet smells like poop. If it's not poop, it's BO. Nobody wears deodorant and are lucky to bathe once a week.

Everywhere Jesse and I go people chase us (kids), follow us (adults) and ask to take our picture with their cells or practice their english with us. So annoying. Jesse is like a celebrity around here and everyone remembers him from last year. I can truly say I know what it feels like to be a minority and treated like a side show in the circus. People don't mean to be rude, but damn it's annoying. I'll be happy to get back to the US where I can be a wallflower.

I live with lots of creatures in Narti. Goats, cows, chickens and dogs roam freely onto the hostel land and a toad, lizards, mosquitos (thank god for malaria meds and mosquito nets), a mouse (who ate my tank top and pooped on my bed) and a rats who live in the attic space who are frequently visited by a large python live in my room. I know you're all dying to come with me next year!

On the positive side, I've met a little girl that I've fallen in love with. All of the girls are very sweet, but Gita is a shining star. She is 5ish (Kamlari don't have birthdays) and couldn't hold a pencil when we got there. She has only been out of slavery for 3 weeks and has already come so far. She is a spunky little thing and loves to learn anything I'll teach her. She's learned to draw (she refused to even color during the first lesson), write her name (a huge feat!), the alphabet and a huge array of English words. If I could take her home with me without being caught I wouldn't think twice about it.

Jesse and i threw the girls a picnic on the July 4th. It was extravegant for them, costing us about 4,000 rupees ($100 = 7,700 rupees). The girls requested the food they wanted to cook, we bought it and rented a bus to take them to the park for a day of fun. They cooked an amazing meal (including bread, yey!) over three campfires (amazing) the fed about 60 people with food left over. We had a great time and I enjoyed taking the girls for a hike through the jungle around the lake (muddy pond) to get to the temple in the middle. That was right up my ally.

Today the girls dressed me up in full Tharu dress and took pictures of me. My bone structure is bigger than theirs and they snapped two bangles trying to get them on and off of me (fatty! Huh?). They even put soap on my hands and wrists to get them on and off. It was a little painful and embarrassing, but they got a good laugh at my expense.

This has been a great treat to write you while I'm in the "boonies" and I'll be back at you later this week. I'm doing well and am quite happy here, but ready to hoof it back to Kathmandu to wrap up my trip. I'll be back at you late this week and home the next!

Until then, Laura

PS. Thanks for the celebrity gossip, Yen and Chris! I learned about Michael Jackson on the Nepali news. I couldn't understand a word except for "Michael Jackson" and a picture of him covered in white cloth on a stretcher being put in an ambulance. I'll never forget I was in Nepal when Michael Jackson died. Which reminds me, everyone here always asks if I know George Clooney, Jean Claude Van Damm and various WWF wrestlers. I always say yes and that we have dinner often. ; )

The Girls At Papa's House

Girls During Homework Time

Jesse During Homework Help

Boys Before School

Good Bye!

Today I followed the same routine in the morning and then got to chat with Justin (the first time we've really been able to talk-talk).  Justin noticed I didn't seem to be responding to things like he thought I would and he's right. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and having a hard time taking everything in.  I can write about it and even talk about it, but I can't really give my perceptions or thoughts about it all.  I just need more time to process everything.  I can't wait until I can come home and actually share what everything is really like with you.  Once you can see the pictures I've taken you'll be able to better understand the magnitude of my experiences. But for now, the technical writing will have to do. 

Last night I attended a birthday party at the Possibility House (they boys hostel) for Daddy, known as Vinod to adults (picture above, you can't even tell there are 53 children there because they are in the rooms facing into the entry way where they candles are).  It was the happiest party I've ever been to.  The kids (53) made him cards and each one presented their card saying, "Happy Birthday Daddy!" and "Love you Daddy!" Then Vinod opened his three presents and each time he opened a card or a present the children would cheer at the top of their lungs.  They all sang happy birthday to him and it was the best sound I've ever heard- Happy Birthday with a strong Nepali accent.  I have it on video to share when I get home.  The power went out right before the party so all of the festivities were by candlelight.  Two small cakes fed 60 people and Vinod and Aleesha (his American girlfriend) had their cake as a married couples do on their wedding day. The children cheered as they smashed it in each others faces.  Then there was dancing and singing by candlelight, talent show style, as gifts from the children for Vinod.  It was the best birthday party ever. 

Today I went out with Vinod, Aleesha and Jesse to Themmel where I was able to have buy school supplies, soap, and a Kurta (traditional dress to wear during my placement in Narti).  We also went to lunch as a nice, Americanized restaurant.  I was feeling very home sick this morning so I treated myself to fattening food I normally wouldn't eat at home.  We had a great time. Vinod is a comic and had me laughing all day long.  I bought my kurta on the way home and it was only a few miles from the house.  Monsoon finally hit today while walking home and it made for a muddy, slippery walk up hill. But, I was laughing all the way and it was the first time in the afternoon I couldn't smell my own BO (gross, but true).  Thank God for monsoon.  We stopped at the market to buy potatoes when I glanced the wrong way to see a goat's head being cut off at the butcher "shop." All of me wanted to cry, but I held it in until I got home.  It is important to me that I remember that I'm not here to judge or impose my views, simply to observe and help.  Therefore, the goat crying stayed in until I made it to the volunteer house bathroom.

The lesson for the day: I can eat American food, but I'm still in Nepal.

Finally, we made it home and I've been packing to leave for Narti tomorrow morning at 5:30 am. The bus ride will take 12 hours assuming there are no Bundahs (road strikes).  I am not looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to seeing some country, mountain side and breathing some fresh air.  I will be there until roughly the 11th or 12th of July.  I'll be living with and teaching girls from the Kamlari system, which is indentured servitude.  The girls have been rescued and are now in the care of VolunteerNepal.  Many of the girls come there not knowing how to hold a pencil or use the toilet. If they do well in Narti they are then released to the homes I've been helping at in Kathmandu.  

If you're interested, one of my housemates, who has raised TONS of money and spends much time here made a video of the children from the past week.  These are some of the same kids I've been working with since I've been here.  Notice how happy they seem. There energy, determination and happiness in the video is completely genuine and it doesn't even really do them justice. 

Possibility House and Imagine House Video: Click Here!

I will post again when I return from Narti and before I leave Nepal to come home.  Love you, miss you and see you soon! - Laura

PS.  It is very late here...I don't have time to proof read! : ) 

Bundha & Pashupati

This morning I went back to Papa's House to help with the girls and they all loved my skirt. Many of them yelled, "You are booteeful!" I was braiding a 4 year old's hair when I spotted lice. I knew the children probably had lice, but it was a little unsettling since we make such a big deal of it in the US (I'm getting itchy thinking about it). Another little girl came over a few minutes later and noticed the lice and started picking it out of her hair and killing it.

After the morning routine I met Sushmita at the volunteer house and we took Sarah to the airport. I was sorry to say good bye to her, I feel like we've become good friends in a few short days. Last night we went to a local restaurant and had fresh and fried veggie momo for dinner. The power was out so we ate in the dark for a bit until one of the boys brought a lanter. The bill for both of our meals came to $1.16 US. Amazing. I still can't get over how inexpensive everything is here. I've been in Nepal for three days now and I've spent less than $10 and I've bought a skirt, and had a few meals out.

I experienced my first bundah, or strike, today. Last night someone was killed on one of the main roads in Kathmandu. When this happens the family will protest and shut the road down until they are appeased. We left extra early to accomodate and we took a million back roads to avoid the mayhem. If I thought Kathmadu was poor, the back roads gave me a new perspective. After a few 10-15 minute traffic delays we made it on time.

After that we went to Pashupati, the second largest Hindu temple in the world. It is spread out like a small city with a park-like atmosphere in some of it. Only Hindus can enter the main temple area, but guests are allowed anywhere else. As we walked through a set a temples there was a bridge in front of us with an Ox standing on it. Throughout Nepal (including highways and city streets) you will see ox wondering around. When a family member dies, if the family owns a cow and an ox, they must let the ox go in the street in homage to that person. After that they are free to roam for the rest of their life. On the bridge we could look out over a very polluted, trickly of a river. on the west bank of the river there were 5-7 platforms, two with burning mounds on them. Sushmita explained that when a person of the Hindu religion dies, they are brought in their best clothing and jewelry to be cremated on these platforms. There is a sitting area for their families to watch and direct family members wear white from that day for a full year. Once the body is cremated the remains are pushed into the river. Sometimes people scavenge for gold or jewelry that wasn't lost during the cremation in the river. While we watched from the bridge I could smell sewer so strongly that it felt like I was tasting it. There were children playing in the river and sorting through garbage on the east bank side.

When we left the bridge we walked up a very long, large flight of stairs towards other religious relics. About half-way up Sushmita showed me a hole in the stone stair wall. If you stand back as far as you can (about 12 feet) and press your hands together, extend your arm, and close your eyes and then walk towards the hole and you put your hands directly into the whole it means you're pure hearted and lucky. I hit it dead on (and I didn't even peak).

We sat and overlooked the whole place (it is very large) and I got the overwhelming feeling that I didn't want to be there anymore. I loved how old it was and the temples and statues were beautiful, but the polution and public grieving bothered me. It didn't really seem to fit with how sacred this sight was supposed to be.

Later I had a Nepali language and etiquit lesson and now I'm going to go with Jesse, another volunteer who has been here before and raised over $22,000 for Volunteer Nepal, to the boys home to help with homework for a few hours. I met some of the boys this morning and they are an energetic and rowdy bunch, but very sweet and polite. Once they saw my camera I was stuck taking at least 20 pictures (how could I say no?) in front of their school.

Later tonight Jesse and I are going into Themel (an area of Kathmandu) for dinner and to talk to a tatoo artist. Jesse has a huge tatoo he got here last year and only paid $50 US. It is really beautiful and apparently the artist trained in the US and has a very respectable parlor. I'm going to try and pick up some extra school supplies while we're there too.

Back at you soon! : ) L

I'm a Fighter

Nepal, Dahapsi
Volunteer House & Training

I'm going to type this as fast as I can. Yesterday I spent 20 minutes writing a detailed description of my first day in Nepal to have the power go out as I was about to click "post."

Yesterday I spent most of my day trying to figure out what time it is. The jet lag was considerably bad since the difference is 12:45 hours. I woke up at 5 am after a night of fairly good sleep. I met my housemates in the volunteer house and everyone is very nice. There were 10 of us her when I arrived and in the past 24 hours it's been narrowed down to three and the other two are leaving tomorrow. The other volunteers are from Alabama, London, Korea, Italy, San Francisco, and Australia. Sushmita is the volunteer coordinator and is the one who provides me with language training and tours of Kathmandu.

Yesterday and today I went to Papa's House, the girls home, in the morning to help platt (braid) all 47 girls' hair before they go to school. The first day they were curious about me and very polite. Today they were more brave, asking me if I was a "fighter" (Sushmita thought it was because I wasn't wearing jewelry and wearing shorts, which are usually reserved for men) and giving me the nickname LoLu, even though they could say my name just fine. One of the girls told me I need to get a skirt, so I promised her I would get on today and wear it tomorrow when I came to get them ready for school. She also suggested dangly earings, but I wasn't able to find an inexpensive pair in the city today. The girls are very sweet and literally fight to hold my hand on the walk to school. The crave every little bit of attention they can get.

Once the girls are at school I walk back to the volunteer house to meet Sushmita for sight seeing and lessons. I've been butchering the language for two days now and don't understand a word except for Namaste. Yesterday we went to Bodhnath, a Tibetan temple or stupa. It was overwhelmingly big and everything was colorful with prayer flags flying everywhere. We paid our respects at the large prayer wheels and witnessed burnings in honor of boudha.

Getting there was its own challenge, we hoped on three different minis (Toyota van taxis that can mash 24 people inside- no joke) on the way there and then again on the way home. On the way there a family of 5 got on and there wasn't enough room for the two year old little girl to have a seat. Her mom (holding an infant) wedged her between my leg and hers. I wasn't sure what to do so I just picked her up and put her on my lap. She was so light, like a little doll, and didn't mind sitting on my lap at all. It was 85 degrees out and she was wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants, causing sweat to run down her face. I kept brushing it away, trying to keep it out of her eyes. Even though she was very dirty and sweaty she was one of the prettiest girls I have ever seen. I have never witnessed traffic like that in Kathmandu in my entire life. There are no lanes, lights or rules. Honking is continuous and its like the biggest rat race I've ever seen. I could never drive here. I'd be dead in about 3 minutes. The side roads are small and narrow and can barely fit a van, let alone two. People, motorbikes, vans, cars (taxis), and cows share the road and I've almost been hit by a bike a few times. Apparently, if a driver hits cow it is 2 years in jail, but if they hit a person they just have to pay a fine. Let's just say I try to stay out of the way and keep my head up!

Today I went with Sushmita into downtown Nepal to see some sights and visit the national museum. About two years ago the monarchy was over thrown and the king's palace was turned into a museum by the government. Unfortunately it was closed. Once in the old part of the city the road was very narrow (vans can't fit) and most people walked or rode on motorbikes. It was very crowded and smelled of insence everywhere. There were hundreds of shops and restraunts. Everywhere we went there was some homage to Boudah, either a temple, prayer wheel, monument or statue. They are all very old and well used. While I was there I had lunch, took some pictures, and bought a skirt (Shagita will be so happy tomorrow morning and maybe they won't think I'm a fighter!).

Later today I'm going to walk down to a little restaurant with my new friend Sarah (Australian volunteer) to celebrate her last night in Nepal. She has been here for just over two weeks and volunteered in Narti, one of my possible placements. The restaurant only has two tables and is owned by Sushmita's uncle. The food looks amazing, although I couldn't eat it yesterday when I was there, I was feeling too sick due to the jet lag. Every restaurant here offers a large amount of vegetarian food and all of it looks and smells good. Today I had naan (flat bread) with yellow curry vegetables. I don't like curry from home, but the curry here is very good and a more balanced flavor. Every meal at the volunteer house (breakfast and dinner) is steamed rice, beans, and curry vegetables. Lucky for me I like it. When I got to my placement it will be more of the same. Most Nepali's only eat two meals a day due to a lack of money.

Pollution here is a big problem. People often wear masks to shield them from the dirty air. It is difficult to see the hills that are just beyond the volunteer house. There are no real public garbage cans here and people just throw their garbage on the ground. As Sarah and Pam say, "There is rubbish everywhere!" It is very dirty and sad. Many homes don't have running water and virtually none have washers for their clothes. All showers are cold because it is too expensive to heat the water. I can't wait until I ge into the country and they air is a little bit lighter. The poverty slaps me in the face everywhere I go, but the people seem happy and don't seem to notice the conditions they live in because it is normal to them. Nobody owns a car unless they use it to make money as a Taxi. At most a family might own a motorbike, but most people walk and take taxis or minis.

The most surprising thing about Nepal so far is that they are dogs everywhere. They are all medium sized dogs who are lethargic and look like they could use an extra meal or two and clean bowl of water. I want to take them all home with me. At night they come alive and all I can hear is dogs barking over music and people talking in the alley.

The exchange rate here is 77/1 and my $100 got me 7,700 rupees. Most things here are very inexpensive. For example, a plate of momo at the little restraurant down the street cost 25 rupees and a coke is 15 rupees. A nice meal might cost me a $1US at most. In the city things a more, but still relatively inexpensive. My skirt today cost 400 rupees, $5.20 US.

I talked to Michael about how to spend the money that was donated and we are going to meet about it tomorrow. I want him to tell me the best way the money can be spent and go from their. He thought it would be better to spend in on something special for the girls that would be out of reach otherwise and I thought that was a great idea. I'll keep you posted on what is decided after we talk.

I tried calling home over the past two days but the phones have been down or the person on the other end can't hear me even though I can hear them. I talked with Mom today briefly and had a broken conversation with Justin. It is on 2 rupees per minute to call home but the connection is unreliable at best so I'm relying on email to communicate.

I'll probably leave for my teaching placement on Thursday or Friday, so I'll try to post again before I leave, assuming their is power.

I'm missing everyone terribly, but am starting to feel a little more normal now that I'm adjusting to the time and feeling more confident in my surroundings. I hope everyone is well and that Stoli and Maddie are keeping Justin company at night! Love, L

First Day- SAVED!

As I said in my last post, the first update I tried to post was lost in the power outage...so I thought. Thanks to Auto Save, I found it! So, here it is, DAY ONE.

I got here last night around 10 pm. I forgot to bring a picture for my visa so that held me up a little at the airport, but not much. The airport here is very small & much more laid back than other international airports. The people who worked there actually smiled and helped me when I didn't know what was going on. I took this as a good sign.

I was picked up by the volunteer coordinator, Sushnita, and brought to the volunteer house. As we would through the streets to the house I couldn't make out much except that there was "stuff" everywhere. When I arrived at the house the power was out and everyone had been sleeping for awhile. The house manager, Babita, showed me to the girls room by flashlight. I went right to bed, but just laid their for a while listening to all the sounds. Along with the sounds of cows, birds, crickets, people speaking Nepali, there was constant dog barking. There are tons of dogs here, which surprised me. They are all mixed breed, medium size dogs that look like they could use fresh water and an extra helping at dinner, but they're all very calm (lathargic?) and nice. I fell asleep after a while to be awaked to rain coming in the window during a down pour. It felt good though so I didn't close the window and a little later one of my roommates got up and closed it.

The house is two stories and well laid out. It isn't fancy, but it has everything we need. The boys sleep and use the bathroom downstairs and the girls are upstairs near the kitchen. Today there were a total of 9 volunteers here (a full house) and now it is down to 5 of us since the others either went home or to their placements. I'll know more about my placement tomorrow, but it sounds like I will be leaving on Thursday or Friday. I'll be gone for two weeks and will arive back on the 10th or 11th of July.

I woke up at 5 this morning and killed some time reading. I hadn't met anyone but Babita the night before so I didn't know any of the four women sleeping in my room. My bed is a small four post bed with a pad that is about as thick as a sleeping bag. There is a sheet down and then a blanket to cover with, but it was so warm I didn't need it. The temperature doesn't really drop at night here like it does at home. At 6 Pam got up and I had tea and "biscuits" with her and she told me what to expect during my training period (which is resetting my internal clock, learning language, seeing historical sights, working with children in the morning, and choosing my placement. She is very nice and has been here since early May. Her children flew in from Italy and London to spend two weeks with her here. They're leaving on Wednesday to go on a rafting and trecking trip together. Once everyone was up and moving about seven, we ate a standard breakfast of rice, curry vegetables and beans. It was actually very good, but I've been having a hard time eating since my stomach thinks it is night.

Once we finished eating some of us walked down to Papa's House, the girl's home, and help to braid (platt) their hair for school. Their are 47 girls living their at this time and they all wear uniforms to school. Michael is their primary care taker and I've never seen a man braid hair before, or that efficiently. The girls then lined up single file at the gate and we walked them to school. One of the girls help my hand the whole way and told me I should get dangly earings. Most of the girls have their ears peirced and many have their nose pierced. We high fived them on their way into the school gate and then walked back to the Volunteer House.

Sushmita met me at the house and we went into the city to a giant Buddhist temple (that I cannot remember the name of for the life of me). We had to transfer busses & "minis" (toyota vans) three times on the way their and three times on the way back. It was chaotic and cramped. On one of the buses a family of five got on and there weren't quite enough seats so the mother sat by me, holding her infant and wedging her two year old between my leg and hers. I wasn't sure what to do so I picked the two year old up and put her on my lap. She was perfectly content sitting with me and looking out the window. She was the prettiest little girl I've ever seen. It was about 85 degrees today and she was wearing a dingy sweatshirt and sweatpants and sweat kept running down her face. I kept wiping it off or her trying to keep it from her eyes. Finally, we arrived at the temple. The temple was mind blowing. It was huge and their were prayer flags everywhere. We spun on giant prayer wheels and witnessed ceremonial burnings (nothing living!). It was a lot to take in and I'm still not real clear on everything I saw.

After the temple we headed back towards the house and stopped at Sushnita's uncles Nepali restraunt. The food looked amazing but I wasn't feeling well so I didn't get to try it. I'm going to walk back their tomorrow and eat. For $100 US, I got 7,700 ruppees and the food only costs 15-40 rupees per item. An expensive meal might cost about $1 US.

Finally we walked back to the house and I've been reading and resting since. Everyone except for Alan, another volunteer went out for the rest of the day/evening, but I'm not feeling so super and I thinking resting is the only way to cure jet lag.

I miss everyone at home, but I've having a good time here. The people are very nice and the other volunteers are a lot like myself and we have lots in common. I feel like I've known them for a long time (it's been 12 hours).

I'll write again soon.

Hi from Hong Kong

Hi there! I just got done spending the day in Hong Kong. My flight got in around 6:30 HK time this morning and I managed to find my way through this GIANT airport (no kidding, there are probably 1,000 shops and restraunts), pass my swine flu screening and make it through customs even though I filled out the wrong paperwork.

Then I called home via a pay phone because unlike At&t said, I don't have cell service here (so I'm guessing I won't in Kathmandu, either). I headed into Hong Kong via train. When I got there I was planning on going to The Peak (see previous post for the link), but when I got off the train I got lost. The problem is that the tram for The Peak was actually further than the train station map elluded and people don't walk on the streets (for the most part) because there are sky bridges linking most buildings. So, I decided to ditch that plan (I didn't want to have to deal with taking the bus) and to just hoof it around the city.

I started on the sky bridge, but that just led me to shops that required a security guard, and signing in and out before shopping (no thank you!). Then I headed back the other direction toward the water. I took the sky bridge down the piers and people watch, read, and wrote a little while watching the boats, water taxis and ferries. Everyone pretty much ignored me except for a monk who gave me a blessing and then asked for a donation. I gave him $10 HK (just under $2.00) and he asked for more. Apparently blessing come with a bigger price tag than I thought. He had cargo pants on under his monk suit, hmmmm...

Then I went to a small farmers market on one of the piers and had some local beans and fruit (not sure what it was, but it was sweet and juicy), some cucumber sushi and little Chinese cakes for lunch. Once I was done with that I headed back to the train station but made sure to stop and buy a new t-shirt on the way to replace the stinky, dirty one I was wearing.

I got back to the airport about an hour ago, grabbed my things from the locker I rented and then headed for the Pay-In Showers Jayme told me about (thank you, I love you!). This place is awesome. For about $35 US (including a tip) I got my own private bathroom to shower (including soaps & stuff), a three course lunch (which has some of the best soup I've ever had), iced peach tea, and unlimited internet access. I would have paid that much just for a shower; I STUNK.

My flight leaves in about four hours (7 pm HK) and I'll arrive in Kathmandu at about 10 pm their time. The flight is just under five hours and is a relief compared to the 14 hour flight yesterday/today. The flight from SFO to Hong Kong was weird. It felt like we were chasing the sun. It was dark, dark, dark for a good 15 hours from the time I hit San Fran. until the time the sun peaked through before landing in Hong Kong. It felt like I was watching the sun rise just behind the plane for about 2 hours, it just wouldn't pop up, but you could see the light line. When the plan landed I couldn't even see the runway, only water. I wasn't sure we were even going to hit land until the tires hit the pavement. It was kind of spooky. All I could think about is the plane that landed in the Hudson.

I'd better head up to my final flight on this leg of my trip (yey!). I'm eager to be in Nepal already and I'm feeling more confident about my ability to communicate and get around. Don't get me wrong, Nepal is far less domesticated and English friendly, but I'm willing to bet the people are friendlier than in Hong Kong (they're not mean, they just don't really smile much).

Anyway, off I go. See you sooner than later! Love, Laura

I Forgot...

I forgot one important Thank You. Justin has been unbelievably supportive (he's out hunting for camera batteries as I type this) and positive about this trip. If it were me, I'd have a hard time shipping him off to a foreign country without a true itinerary or contact information. This type of support is rare and I am aware of it and thankful for it. Love you! XO, L

A Quick THANK YOU!

One more think before I go...A BIG thank you to everyone who donated money for me to spend on the kids I'll be working with in Nepal. I'm taking over $600.00 in donations! I was shocked by the generosity and honored that so many of you trust me to spend your money as I see fit. Thank you, again and again.

Ursula Scott
Marilyn Richer
Mom & Dad
Kara (my sister)
The Sniezaks
Joe and Debbie Suver
Veronica Hagman
Carolyn McNeal
Mical Bryant
Theresa Lee-Hodson
Gary & Diana Gallinger

Another BIG thanks to everyone who donated trinkets for me to use along the way. The kids will love them and I can't wait to see their reactions.

The Thomas Family
Chris Nimick (Mom #2)
Ruth Pitingoro

And a final thank you to everyone who has made their support evident through their gifts, time and well wishes.

Bonnie Westmark (LOVED the good-bye party)
Becky Thompson (I'm drinking Starbucks as I type this!)
Julie Benkovich (I can't wait to paint)
Jamie Coffey (My Hong Kong Planner)
All my Bethel Friends
Tiffany & Mariah at Forest Canyon
My Buds-N-Blooms Family
My Advisory Kiddos

Thank you, love you and see you in a few weeks!
Laura

It's Go Time

Is it bad that I'm not even packed yet? Even the dogs are getting annoyed. I leave for the airport in a few hours and I feel like I might throw-up and cry at the same time. I'm excited to be IN Nepal, but not excited about getting there. I have a 2 hour flight to San Francisco with a three hour layover, then a 13 hour flight to Hong Kong with a 12 hour layover, and finally a 6 hour flights to Kathmandu.

Jayme, Justin's sister, did some online research for me (thank you!) and found a tram & ferry ride I can take to see some of Hong Kong during my layover. At this point I think I'm going to head into the city and then take the tram up to a place called The Peak, which has food, shopping and views of the city. That sounds like a good way to spend a few hours and I feel fairly confident I can find my way back to the airport when I'm done.

Once I get to Nepal I'll spend 3-5 days getting adjusted, learning about the culture, visiting historical sites, learning how to spend their money. Once I'm comfortable (or as comfortable as I'm going to get) I'll most likely be put in a teaching placement in a rural area, but there is the possibility I'll stay in Kathmandu. When I first decided to do this I was sure I wanted to stay in Kathmandu, but now that I've had some time to think about it, I think getting a rural placement would be a more valuable use of my time and a better learning experience. I'll just have to wait and see what the stars have alligned for me.

Listing, Printing, Stressing

Today I finally got around to making a list of all my necessary items (flashlight, Tylenol PM, passport, books, water bottle, water pills, prescriptions, etc.) and printing my itinerary and travel documents for my family. I'm not sure if I'm feeling accomplished for knocking-out a bit of my to-do list or stressed because I didn't get more done. Maybe both.

Tomorrow will be filled with errands and getting packed. I'm hoping to find a high quality digital camera for a good price that takes regular batteries since I might go for long periods of time without access to a power source.

Off to Thai food with Mom and Dad to "celebrate" my trip before I leave, even though I'm pretty sure my mom thinks I might not come back! More tomorrow...