Merry Fisticuffs!

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the holiday season. As I have mentioned Christmas is pretty non-existent here, but I have been doing my best to make up for it! Which for those of you who saw Strack G last year know this is something I take seriously, though we don't have a tree to take up our whole front-hall way but I'm working on decorating a nice house plant. I figured I would update you a little on all that has been going on here.

What we lack in Christmas now, was made up during the festival Tihar. Tihar is the festival of lights, which is obviously why I loved it! It felt like the Christmas season. People place christmas lights (my favorite being the ones that actually played christmas music, hello globalization), candles and marigold strands all around their houses and businesses. It is a four-day festival of dancing, singing, eating and just plain joy. I was able to spend some of it with my family which was wonderful. While staying with my family, I helped my Amma and Sujhana make Sol Roti, which is round piece of fried bread. To make it you take the dough and pour it into a pot of hot oil, in a circular motion. Sounds easy enough right? And for most people it would be, but for me who can barley draw a circle (Studio Art minor anyone?) it was a challenge that ended in a pile of fried dough (still delicious), and gave a good laugh for my Amma and Sujhanna. But what I lacked in creating I made up in eating (those who thought I would come home thin and frail, don't you worry). It is by far my favorite festival so far.

I also experienced my first sports day, or actually as it should be Sports DAY!!! This is not just a day but a history changing event, or at least that is how it comes across. So what is Sports Day? It is when 8 different teams compete against each other for prizes (certificates and sometimes a medal) and the winning team gets a trophy the size of the Sears Tower that has been around since Nepal had a stable government (no? too soon to joke about that?). The teams are made up of different kids from each grade, and the teams have names like Panthers and Jaguars. I went to the one at Godavari, since my siblings go and me fellow JV's teach, so I have a connection to the school. Overall it was like a big track and field day we use to have in grade school, except we never had a biscuit eating contest (in which you run to a stick that has biscuits hanging from it eat on , no hands, and then run to the finish line). I was enjoying watching the events, (Sujhana one first twice, Pouja one best athlete, Chris was a strong contender in the tug-of-war and Dennis and Sarah helped the teachers beat the mothers in a relay [you read that right]). I even got to judge the marching and PT (again you read that right), though I don't know how good I was since the sole reason I gave first place to the bears was because it was World AIDS day and they wore red ribbons...not exactly unbiased. Overall it was a fun day and while I might not agree with all the aspects, it was still fun to watch all the kids get excited.

and finally, Baby it is cold outside! While I pride myself on being a Midwestener (ask my roommates), it is freezing here and it is only December! Though I do have a slight advantage in the sleeping bag that is prepared for -20 degrees, I just wonder if I can make that into a snowsuit for the next few months.... While it doesn't actually get colder the low 20's, there is no central heat here, so there is no relief from the cold, it just settles in you. I am instantly taken back to during my discernment weekend when I laughed after saw a picture of someone all bundled up and only there eyes peeking out, never thinking I would become that person. But before you send heaters or warm clothes, don't worry I am doing fine. It actually reminds me of our heatless apartment last Winter, so I am well prepared. That and I have given in to all vanity and proudly wear my long underwear, multiple layers, and the hardest, socks and sandals. Though I was disappointed to find out that it does not snow in the valley, so while it is cold I do not get the benefit of falling snow. Such is life.

As for other things, regarding the last post, things have been changing and everything is up in the air right now. I can't really get into too much detail because there are no definites. All I ask is that you keep the JV's here in your thoughts and prayers as we are all learning the meaning of patient. And to excuse my lack of communication while everything is happening. It just has a way of consuming all aspects of life right now as much as I try to not let it.

I will end for now with a line from my one of my favorite holiday movies:
"With as much dignity as he could muster, the Old Man gathered up the sad remains of his shattered Major Award. Later that night, alone in the backyard, he buried it next to the garage. Now I could never be sure, but I thought that I heard the sound of "Taps" being played. Gently. "

Help My Unbelief

Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that I have been in Nepal four months, at times it feels like I just got here. Since Nepal is a Hindu society, the Christmas season is very different here. The only places that have lights or any "christmas" feeling are those that cater to the Bidashi crowd. For example, the cafe where I use the internet (and get my coffee fix) has a Christmas tree with lights (and yes I am sitting next to it listening to Christmas music while typing this). But I will walk out into the garbage filled streets, surrounded by people who will try to sell the white girl fruit and trinkets, or grab her in an attempt to see how desperate they are for food and money. Whoo a little resentment there, yes its true, Nepal is starting to wear me down. Its not so much the country itself, because I really do enjoy Nepal, as it is the situation in which I am here. My job continues to be a major desolation and frustration for me. I currently spend my days working on publications for the two projects we are associated with here, and will then create a calendar and magazine article after that. But after this month when I should be done with it all, my future is still one big question. Ideas are constantly thrown around and I am always present, telling myself, as I have learned, to not get my hopes up on the promises made by those who can not guarantee anything. Its just hard to realize that the position I accepted here is never going to be what I actually do, and that while our mission as a JV is to come to a placement that needs us, I will probably have to go out and seek my own position, therefore creating a need, not fulfilling it. It has been the topic of discussion among my community mates and I since I got here, and one that continues to be circular. Although, it has become pretty obvious that the GA will no longer need new JV's, which means that we both started and finished a placement. How many JV's can say that? Where does this all leave me? In the same limbo I have been since arriving in Nepal. I am continually trying to find the positives and see how this is a good challenge for me, but my faith is growing weak and my belief is waning fast. But at the same time, I knew this would happen, not the job issue, but the test of faith, but I am beginning to doubt just how strong my faith really is. Was I really called to this? To be stuck in a limbo of political BS and situations that I can not control? The view of us JV's is based off of past JV's who may not have been the best, but we can not control that and it is not fair to judge us because of past JV's. It seems like every time there is a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, it is quickly lost by another wall being built up. I know I should be looking for ways to knock these walls down and to push through this time, but to be honest it is exhausting. Between, learning and using a new language, adapting to a new culture, bargaining to get the Nepali price not the Bidashi, doing the math fast enough to know how much a kilo of potato's should really cost, telling Didi that we again have no water, adjusting to nights without power and trying to stay warm, which seems to be just going home and hibernating to my sleeping bag (thank you Uncle Lou for my little oven) I just don't have the energy to look for a placement. And the thing is I could easily spend the next two years sitting in the office doing little projects, going on some clinics, continue this random life, but I can't, I just can't reconcile coming to Nepal for that. Especially when you look around and see that there are people who are dying everyday because no one cares for them, kids are openly sniffing glue as I pass them on the street, people need help. Yet, I report to an office everyday, where I sit and work on a computer all day. And while yes these brochures will be sent to donors who will hopefully send money to help our programs and thats great, but I need more, I need human interaction. I need to feel that my job is necessary. Maybe, I am being to idealistic, but I just want to walk away from this experience feeling that I didn't just have a two year immersion experience, that I didn't waste two years being a JV when there are countless other programs that I could have done either abroad or at home and gained beneficial experience. I could have been home for the holidays. I don't want this to be a resume builder, that is not what I signed up for. Fortunately, the JV office is coming in January to have a Re-O/Dis-O retreat with us all, which will be good, cause hopefully answers will come, faith will be restored, and I will understand better my role here. I don't know maybe its the fact that its the holidays, or that I am feeling more then ever the distance from here and home, but right now I just pray to help my unbelief.

Family

Right after returning from Jhapa I headed to Godavari for my home-stay. To be honest it was something that I was not looking forward too, I was really nervous about staying with a family I did not know for a week, especially since my Nepali is still weak. But after about an hour with my family, I knew it was going to be wonderful! My family has three children all who go to St. Xaviers Godavari, where the three JV’s teach. The oldest is Sujhana who is in level 9, Pouja who is in level 6, and Shrimat who is in level 3. They are absolutely fantastic children and enjoyed all the time I got to spend with them. My bua (father) is a chief inspector for the police and spends most of the week at work. My aama (mother) is a beautiful woman. She works at home and like most women that means she does everything. She speaks little English, but I still felt very connected to her. Their house is about a half hour away from school on top of a hill that overlooks a valley of rice fields. For the first few days I hung out with the kids, playing cards, games, and the girls even got me to dance. Though I now know why Nepali women are such good dancers, the girls have choreographed dances for all the songs. It is what they do for fun, and even the little ones can shake their hips. It was a lot of fun, and taught me a lot about not being self-conscious and to just have fun! Then on Friday I was able to help harvest one of the rice fields that the family owns. It was a great experience. To harvest rice you use a machete like knife to cut the stalks at the roots, then the piles of cut stalks are beating over a drum, causing the rice to fall of f onto tarps. The rice is then bagged, carried up the hill to rooftops where it is laid out. Once laid out it is re-bagged, stored or sold. This is all done by the women. I think that is why I enjoyed it so much, because I was able to bond with my aama, aunties, and Sujhana. One thing that fascinates me here, especially in the villages is the bond between women, it is more then just this idea of being in it together, it is their life. Many of their husbands work outside the valley or even home like my bua, so it is the women who run everything, and they do it together. It is such a beautiful connection that they all have, mothers to daughters, sisters to sisters, everyone. I really enjoyed being able to laugh and talk with them. Though I was fired from banging the rice, though my Nepali was not good enough to know why…. Something about a head covering or not hitting hard enough? The rest of the week was filled with good memories and experiences. It also gave me insight to how Nepali’s live. For example, Pouja, gives Pouja (the offering to gods) twice a day, for the family. They have a room that is meant just for offerings, in which they have a small alter under pictures of various gods and goddess. Within the offerings there is Ahrwati, which is the ringing of bells and lighting of incense. It is also the Nepali name my aama gave me. She also blessed me with Thika, recognizing me as her Thulo Churi, or eldest daughter. It is just nice to have a family connection here. Though, there are definite differences in lifestyles to state the obvious, but I think one of the funniest ones I experienced was the use of oil. After washing my hair at the tap, I came home, and the girls asked if I wanted to put oil in my hair. I asked what that does, and was told it is what makes their hair black. They believe that by putting oil in their hair it makes it black, so I was like sure why not, thinking maybe it’s special oil, but nope it is the same oil that we use for cooking. So there I was in the kitchen, with freshly cleaned hair, rubbing sunflower oil in my hair. I laughed to myself and stayed away from the fire. Though that night as I went to bed, I just reeked of the oil, so I open my trusty purrell poured a little in my hand and ended up with a fresh rubbing alcohol smell to my hair. It is experiences like this that remind me how far from home I am. But oil aside, it was one of the most wonderful things I have done since being in Nepal, and I am incredibly grateful to have a family like them here in Nepal.


Fields I helped harvest

Lets Go Trekking

For Dashain break this year, which is the big festival here, the JV’s headed out to Jhapa which is the southeastern district of Nepal. I was excited to finally get outside the valley for a little bit! We took a 17 hour bus ride, which was insane. With in the first hour of the bus ride, a window had fallen out and shattered and the driver didn’t even blink let alone stop. It usually is only a 15 hour bus ride but because of an accident we got stuck at 2am for 2 hours. So I took advantage of this break to stretch out and sleep on the road for a little bit, in which the charming Nepali men around us referred to us as dogs, even though they were doing the same thing. Though alas we arrived at 7am in Jhapa. After spending a night at the Jes Res there, Fr. Bill and the six of us headed out for our trekking adventure. We began at 90m and by the end of day one were at 3000m, it was absolutely exhausting, and my asthma became an issue for me, one that frustratingly slowed me down. The second day was hard because the morning was filled with going downhill which was nice, but then in the afternoon, we made a went straight up. Though we did have fun at the India border. The trek we took was along the Nepal India border so we weaved in and out of Nepal and India, fortunately we only hit one check-post, which is where we discovered my visa was about 2.5 weeks expired. Fr. Bill was not concerned, and once we discovered that the guards were smoking up, I realized technicalities were not an issue. So on we went. We made it about half way up Sandakphu, which was our goal. But we were able to stay at a beautiful lodge, where we were lost among the mountains and fog. The next morning we headed out early and in 3 hours we had reached the top, which was ahead of the 5 hours, Fr. Bill thought. On the way up the views were beautiful, we were literally among the clouds. It also was the first time that it smelled like autumn since being in Nepal. It was wonderful! Though it did make me miss home and the changing colors. Once at the top it was too cloudy to see the Himalayas (which mean snow capped mountains) views. But the lodge was so cozy, though it was honestly the coldest I have been since being here! That night it rained, which was good because it cleared away the clouds and we had absolutely breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We woke up at 5 am and watched the sun come up around us, that with the mountain views was fantastic! I even saw Everest for the first time, and after this trek, I have realized I will leave it to the real trekkers and just enjoy the sight of it. After about 1.5 of watching the range we had a good breakfast and headed down the mountain, which was the desolation of the trip for me. Since, it had rained the night before the dirt path had turned into a slippery clay or brown death as I think of it. I spent most of the way down on the ground; it was incredibly frustrating. So needless to say it was quite a relief when then next day we were finally down the mountain and in Illam our final destination. From there we rode a bus back to Jhapa, spent the night and next day touring around the Jesuits projects, and then at 4 am we took a bus back to the Valley. It was a good trip, regardless of how challenging, and it was nice to be able to take the time and reflect and be away from “normal” life. It was also good for me to see what life is like outside the valley. It is easy to think that all of Nepal is like Kathmandu, because of how massive the city is, but in reality things are very different. We were able to have chiyaa with a tea-worker’s family whose children go to St. Xaviers school in the valley. How the tea gardens work is that you work in the fields and then you are provided housing and a salary. The housing is multiple houses placed together on a small compound. For example, the family that we visited had three houses (and by houses I mean concrete one-two bedroom shanties) with 10 people living there, which Fr. Bill said was small. It was remarkable. I am often amazed at the different levels of poverty that are found in Nepal. Overall the trip was wonderful and a perfect way to spend my first Dashain.










Katie and I


Prayer Flags













The JV's and Fr. Bill


Himalyas

Festivals

So there has been a lot going on in the past couple of weeks, but instead of writing about it all I thought I would share some pictures. I was able to attend two festivals this past week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday was Janai Purninia when the Brahmin, switch the strings they wear. They must switch them after funeral rights and during this time. It is also when the medicine men and women, re-take their vows. The Brahmin also tie string on the right wrist of others, for protection. You also receive Tikha which is a red powder placed on your forehead, a blessing and the Brahmin also tie strings on those who wish protection (whether you are Brahmin or not). It all takes place in temples through out the country. We were in Patan Dubar Square which has a large Temple. It was a wonderful experience and the first time that I really felt a connection with Nepal. On Wednesday, it was Gha Jhatra, which is a combination of All Souls Day/Halloween and April Fools. We went to Bhaktapor which is about an hour away. Gha Jhatra is only fully celebrated in three different areas of the valley and Bhaktapor is the largest. It is also the most well preserved kingdom, since you have to pay to get into the town. But it is by far the closest to what I imagine medieval times were like. The festival itself is a way of honoring any family members who may have died in the past year. The belief is that when someone dies they must grasp the tail of a cow to ensure a good passage to the next life. However today most people don’t have cows, so they create “cows” either through the tall monuments, replica’s, and children dressed as cows. Though some families did have real cows. You then parade throughout the city the monument, while the family follows behind with incense. I think it is a beautiful way to honor those who have died. It really is a celebration of their life. Enjoy the pics!

The view from our rooftop

Ironic that mine is the most red

A cow parading through the streets

Outside the Temples

Receiving Thika

Brahmin with Thika and Strings

Brahmin tying strings for protection

What the Bump?

What the Bump?
So today I revcieved an e-mail from my mom with a link to a blog, which weirdly enough is from a group at Marquette, that had an article on Nepal. I have enclosed the address for the story.

http://www.mu-warrior.blogspot.com/

Now while we all had a good laugh when we read this article in the paper here, (not at them, but at how Nepal it is) it also really frustrates me. Why is this the piece of news that people see? I wasn’t really frustrated about this until today on my walk home from class. As I was walking home I saw a sign for the Nepal Air which made me think of the article, and then I looked in front of me to see Didi’s fighting there way with any containers they had for water that was flowing from a water truck, and I thought of how most people are on day 4 with out water (if you can afford to buy a tank of water, you have it, if not you don’t). Then as I walked on I noticed the miles of cars and bikes that are lined up for Petrol, and realize that this is such a common sight to me now, because there has been a shortage since I’ve been here. Most people pull there car into line and leave it knowing it won’t move for hours, many leave them over night to hold their spot. But it really got me when two street kids came up saying “Khanna Dinus” (please give me food) and then placed their head at my feet, which means their heads the most sacred place is less then my feet the most profane part. And my attempts to stop them with “testo bichaar nagarnus” or “teso nabhanus” Don’t think that or Don’t say that, didn’t make sense, because that is the value they feel. Which is hard for me, regardless that I know its because of that they do it. (Street kids are a whole different post) But no one hears about this, no, the news is that a wealthy man decided to slaughter two goats for an airline. Isn’t that cute? Hell, even the bombings here barley made news. And I know I am incredibly bias because I live here, and that there are many countries like Nepal that you never hear about, but to realize that the story that people do hear is something about goats? That’s just infuriating. After researching news sites, I realized that it was the most common story for Nepal; in fact on the BBC it was the story of the day for Wednesday! It’s a sad day when you realize that slaughtering goats for a plane is more newsworthy then people’s lives.

Peace and Quiet

I realized something very interesting about Kathmandu this past week. I always assumed that the reason why Kathmandu was so loud was because I am only out during the busy hours. But this past Tuesday I realized that even in the early morning there is no peace or serenity. * If you are not an animal person skip the next few sentences cause you won’t care* Early Tuesday I received a phone call from my mom, after a few minutes of small talk, she told me that we needed to put down our dog, Katie. She was fourteen and old age had finally caught up with her. Those who know my family and I know that this is a like losing a part of the family, so after hanging up I decided I needed a nice head clearing walk. So off I went, and the two-minute walk to the top of the lane was nice, but then as I almost got hit by a motorbike barreling past a man yelling at a barking dog, I remembered I lived in Kathmandu, and that doesn’t happen. But I would not let this deter my mission for peace and quiet. So I took a deep breath, and began coughing and gagging, on exhaust of the bus that I had not seen driving by. Still, I was determined and continued on past the butcher laying out the goats head, the mechanics pouring exhaust from the motorbikes they work on, and the many taxis slowing down and honking at the bidashi. As I walked things seemed to get louder, so I quickly turned down a side street, the usual eye in the storm of the city. Alas, Peace...until I see the school children on their way to class. So I make a loop through the shouts about exams, and SLC’s. As I turn up the side street to the main road, I realize I have entered the land of dogs. It seems that the starting point for the millions of dogs, is this road, and as I walk down I am followed by many furry friends, some rubbing against my legs, others nuzzling my hand. I want to run, but then I realize this is my neighborhood and I don’t want people to pass me and say “There’s that crazy bidashi who runs from dogs crying.” So I smiled at all the Didi’s pushing their veggie carts, using the filler word Lah to explain why I suddenly was the St. Francis of dogs. Once back on the main street, I found myself among the early celebrators of Krishna’s birthday. There were bells ringing and women dressed in red and pink surrounding me, wondering who was the crazy in the bright blue raincoat among them. Krishna is a Hindu god that it is believed all Hindu women are married to, so on his birthday they must place an offering at one of his shrines, which happens to be down the road from us. While I enjoyed watching for a bit, the ringing and shouting was not the peace I craved. So I began my defeated walk home, but alas as I walked up the stairs to our apartment, I remembered our rooftop. As I reached the roof, I could hear the distant horns and shouts, but they were drowned out by the view of the mountains around me. So I sat down and began to enjoy my peace, and then it began to rain. At this point I refused to let this get in the way, so I sat there in the rain not caring what the Didi’s rushing onto the roofs around me to grab laundry thought of the bidashi sitting in the pouring rain. So what the hell is the point of this story? Well just that maybe that is why Kathmandu is such a crazy place, because there is no peace and quiet, even at night there is the loud barking and cars racing on somewhat deserted roads. So how do people think? Especially those who can’t make it out to the villages where the noise is less? It honestly can drive a person crazy. So maybe if we all had a little more peace in our lives here, things like the Maoists or democracy, republic, monarchy would be less volatile. You could sit down and really think about the issues. And maybe it is all a little idealistic on my part, and I’ve had my first cup of coffee in a month so I’m wired and thoughts are everywhere, but I really do believe that a little peace quiet and meditation can go a long way. And here in Kathmandu, that is, as I discovered, very hard to find.

Reality of Change

On Sunday there were five bombs that went off in downtown Kathmandu. The explosions killed 3 and injured many more. It is about 20 minutes from where we live, in the area that we work. Two groups claimed it, both from the Tarai (southern region) where this violence is common. This is the first time in awhile that it has happened with in the city. It happened in Nepali rush hour on a workday because in Nepal the work week is from Sunday to Friday. The bombs were strategically placed through out the city and timed. Apparently, rumor says that they were five days late, meaning they were meant to go off on Jani Purtana which is the big festival that I mentioned earlier, which one can only hope that it really was a rumor. So where was I? Safe and sound at a café getting ready to call home, then I enjoyed a nice evening walk home. Once home we received a call from Greg our ICC, who told us about the bombings. You can imagine our surprise to hear that. But this is very telling of the fact that our only news is from the paper, or radio, which once we turned it on, had nothing. But even if we did have Internet, it is very rare for Nepal to make International news, so it wouldn’t have done much, but still it sucks to be surprised by something that happened down the road. This event brought a lot of firsts for the JV’s. It was the first time we felt affected by the violence because I can picture every place a bomb was set off, it was the first time JV’s needed to contact family to let them know we were fine, it was the first time I have felt shaken since being here but most importantly it was the first time I realized that I would be sad to leave. This last one was a bit of a surprise since its been a bit difficult at times here, but its true, if for some reason we needed to leave I would be r upset. But everyday brings new light, and it is clear this was an isolated incident. This type of violence as I said is very uncommon for the city, and if there were any fear for us, we would know. Though the following morning it was still unnerving to see a picture of a micro totally destroyed. One of the bombs was placed on a micro, which is something that we use all the time to get around. Another bomb was placed at a bus stop outside a secondary education school, which is equivalent to 11th and 12th grade. The others were placed in public places like the post office downtown, Martyrs Gate (irony?), and National Stadium. In all honestly it is really hard to believe that only two people died, especially when seeing the picture of the micro. That by far was the hardest for me. A man got on a micro placed the bag under his seat, got off at Ratanapark, which is a major micro stop, and my stop for work, and then it was timed and went off, meaning people were sitting on top of a bomb. It is just so difficult to wrap my mind around how people can just be so cruel, and dismiss human life. I know it happens all over the world, everyday but this is the first time that it has personally affected my life. Think about it, we hear about the Middle East and Darfur and all these other issues of injustice and we think God that’s horrible, so we sign our name to a petition, donate money or time, do our part, but it still is “out there”, it’s distant. I know cause I am on the mailing lists, I’m informed, but I don’t really understand, cause it doesn’t affect me personally. I’m not going to pretend I understand all that is happening here, cause I don’t, but I definitely am more aware of both the issues and my ignorance of them. And I have that personal connection of people I know flashing through my mind, thinking I hope they are okay. We had a really good community talk about it on Monday night, and we realized that while it’s easy to shake it off as “eh it happens here”, but then you think I could have easily been on that micro. I ride my bike past the stadium and post office and gate. Not that we are trying to be dramatic, but it’s a dose of reality of how so many people live everyday. I think the saddest thing is that I was talking with one of my language teachers Prem, about everything, and he said this is only temporary for you, because you can leave; this is permanent for the Nepalese. And its true because even if the elections happen, people will still be upset, things will still happen. Most Nepalese are so pessimistic about the government at this point to them there is no relief in sight. There is just so much to think about and to understand, it’s hard because there are different parties with different ideas, some agree with the peace accord others don’t. Some are powerful; many are not, but how long until they are? How can you ever think to please everyone, and how do you know who will respond in what way? It’s just a lot to think about especially with the potential election coming up. Though I honestly do not feel unsafe here (I promise Dad), if anything I am glad that I have the opportunity to be here in such a dynamic time, not to be a viewer or to have a claim to fame. But to really be able to acquire knowledge and understand what it is like to be on the brink of potential change. We are starting a wall in the apartment with articles and news clippings of all the political parties and happenings, in an attempt to understand things as they happen, which I will relay. But for now, just remember not only those who have died in Nepal, but the innocence that is lost everyday.

Kanti

Last Friday I went to Kanti children’s hospital with Katie. Kanti is the only children’s hospital in Nepal, so SAV (same who run mobile clinics), has a Ronald McDonald type house where families can stay while their children are in the hospital. SAV also pays for the medical procedures that the child needs, including food and medicine. I went on ward visits with volunteers, which is when you go to see how the patients they take care of are doing. It was intense, especially since hospitals here are quite different from home. In America you walk into a hospital and the smell of disinfectant burns you nose, everything is white and sterile. Patient confidentiality is closely guarded by HIPPA and even as volunteers you are lectured on the importance of this. At Kanti the first smell was that of the bathrooms mixed in with a faint bleach scent. The whole hospital is open, meaning hallways and walkways are not enclosed, which the effects of the elements can be seen everywhere, from the patients rooms, to the halls. Patient information is on open charts that are at the end of the beds. There are no dividers, and patient’s rooms are big open rooms, filled with beds that are surrounded by glass windows that look into the other rooms. There is no little old lady who stops you as you walk in, anyone can walk into any ward. And there are two very distinct wards, which are highlighted by the signs above them. Paying Ward and General Ward (Non-paying). The cancer and cardiac wards are together, followed by the burn ward. You remove your shoes and place sandals provided when going into any of the wards, except the Oncology ward where you are barefoot, and the General Ward, where you wear your shoes. In the general ward SAV also takes care of three abandoned children, 2 with hyperciosis which is when fluid forms around the brain, causing the child’s head to swell. This is treatable when caught in time, which it never is in Nepal. The children are 4 (which is a year more then she was given) and 1, and both their heads are at least 10x’s their normal size. The third child is 10 months old and was ephicsiated either during, right before or right after birth, so she is incredibly small for her age and deformed. All three children are considered hospice patients. Which is sad when you realize that all of these conditions are treatable. We started the ward visits in the Burn ward, which to be honest was something I didn’t think I could do. After switching shoes, we found our patient. I walked into a bare room and saw in the corner a 2-year-old boy with 30% of his body burned. He was sitting up in bed, watching the football field out his window, eating a banana. Most of his burns were on his face, arms, and upper chest. His Grandpa was with him, and you could just feel how much he loved his grandson. We asked him how he was doing and feeling, and he responded by singing us a song. It was the sweetest thing I’ve seen in awhile. And the whole time he was singing his Grandpa was just smiling so proudly. That was the one of the warmest moments I have had in Nepal. I can still hear his sweet little voice sing that song.
From there we went to the oncology ward where two patients are and usually the volunteers bring toys, but since none of the toys are clean enough to bring up to a cancer patient, they didn’t have any. Katie has suggested different toys for the Oncology floor, but the response is always the same, we have no money, what can we do? Then we went down to the General ward where we went into the severe mal-nutrition room. There was a four-year-old child who weighed less then her 1-year-old sister. This was really intense to see, because they were diagnosing her with malnutrition, but there was obviously more wrong, since the women’s three other children were healthy, and this little girl was eating. But to see not only her but also all of the other small children was hard. Many of them go to the Malnutrition clinic where they can receive more individualized treatment. There was a woman there who the nurses were trying to tell that her son needed to go to the Malnutrition clinic. The woman did not want to take him because she wanted to go home since her husband just left her for older wealthier woman. I learned that this is not uncommon; that men will often leave their wives for other women, especially if they are poor and the woman is not. However, a woman cannot leave her husband, yet must accept that her husband has left her. So this woman was not only dealing with an incredibly ill child but the possibility of no longer having a husband. She decided to not go to the clinic, which inevitably decided her son’s fate as well.
In the next room we visited I met a dad, Danesh, whose son, Rajish, had “phenomena like problem.” Katie was donating blood for Rajish because he needed more blood, which was an interesting ordeal itself. One of the volunteers asked Katie what her blood type was and then she was off to donate. She went into a room where the nurse had someone hold her upper arm like a cuff while she tried to find a vein; she then took a sample of blood to see if it was a match to the sample from Rajish. We waited an hour and then she went and donated the rest. It was really cool to see the child that the blood would help, and the father went with us the whole way, which was sweet. He wanted to donate blood but is unable to. It’s just really encouraging to see a male figure, especially a father and husband in such a positive light, especially right after hearing about the other woman’s husband.
Kanti, was an overwhelming place in general, from the smells, to the biohazard materials that fall out of the open garbage’s, to the amazing strength of both patients and workers. And it had an interesting effect on me. I always assumed that I couldn’t work in a medical setting because I couldn’t handle things like the burn ward, but I am realizing that maybe I shut things out too soon. I understand it is only one experience and you can’t judge all after one, but I also am realizing that maybe there are more options in my future then I thought.

Pollution and Cigarettes

Before I left I joked around about smoking in order to get my lungs ready for the Kathmandu air. It actually was a really good idea, because all the toxins in those cigarettes are nothing compared to the air here. Seriously. Most people wear masks, definitely if you are on a motorbike or cycle because you ride right into the exhaust fumes. To give you a good idea of what I mean, when I blow my nose, it’s usually black, not to be graphic, but you get the picture now. It’s such a nice break to go to the villages and breathe the fresh air. I think of all my environmentalist friends and can just picture their reaction to seeing the black, dusty air, and the garbage all along the streets (which is only really bad when the collectors go on strike). It’s just very surreal to be in the middle of these beautiful mountains and look around and see the air cause of the exhaust. So I might take up cigarettes in order for a breathe of fresh air. Plus there like 30 cents here, so it’d be a cheap habit. Though there is the message on every box that smoking is "ingeirous" to my health, so we'll see.

Foot tattoo's..not so cool

One of the first things that I saw upon arriving to Nepal was a swastika on a store sign. I was obviously taken aback by it, but then I realized that it is a symbol for I believe prosperity in Hinduism. Hitler took the sign and obviously distorted the meaning a great deal. Its still is an adjustment to see them all over religious temples and statues of gods and goddesses.
While on a mobile clinic I had the opportunity to visit a temple of the high goddess in Hinduism, it is one of the few temples in the valley that still does animal sacrifice. It was a really stunning place. There were no animal sacrifices on the day I was there, so I think that’s why it was a little easier for me. But the ritual of the temple is beautiful. When walking in you ring bells, in order to call upon the gods, then once inside the temple you can either pay for candles or incense, which you offer to the gods. You then take tika, which is red flowers that are crushed down into a powder, and place in on your forehead as a symbol of your devotion and blessing from the gods. You then proceed around the entire temple, touching the statues of each god, and ring bells. It is very cool to be a part of this experience. There are many little shrines to the gods around the city, in which you can place tika or take tika. To say the least Nepal is a spiritual place, which I am learning a lot from.
There are also many cultural things that I am learning here. For one thing there is a difference between village life and town life. Besides the obvious differences, in the villages arranged marriages are still common, and many of the brides are young. While at the clinic I often saw girls who were 17 or 18 with 2 or 3 year old children. It was hard to see girls younger then me married with children, and some of them looked so young. It was hard, not because of the arranged marriage, but because they have to grow up so fast. It doesn’t seem fair that I spent my childhood playing dolls, or running around with my sisters, and they have to assume responsibility for others. I don’t know if I feel arranged marriages are wrong or if I feel how young the marriages can be are wrong? Especially since the husbands are not as young. It’s hard because how do you dispute tradition? And why do I see it as a problem? Because I am American or because I am a woman and I feel I should have a choice about my body? But if I grew up in a place where it was common to have children young would I feel the same way? It definitely is a matter of culture, which makes it all more interesting. I know one thing; I give these women such credit for their strength. In the city, arranged marriages still happen but it is not as common. People here date, which use to be unheard of. However, if you reach thirty and you are still not married, that is when the family steps in and decides it is time to marry.
I have spoken before about the role of women and men here, but I definitely have more of an understanding now. While there are the fierce women, there are still the underlying male patriarch ideas; men tend to dominate in this society. One example of this is the basketball tournament I am going to play in (stop laughing, its to help Katie). It’s a women’s tournament, so Katie really wanted to get a women coach for the GA team, but when she asked one of are friends who coaches, she learned there are no female coaches, its just not heard of. The women are meant to do the work, and that is obvious. However, the men are not horrible people by any means. They are the ones who often take the children to school or get them on the buses, they also work hard, and my experience is that they love the women in their lives, its just how they were raised that women are expected to play a certain role. Again, it’s the whole idea of is this wrong or is it my ethnocentrism that makes it different? We can see this idea in America as well, it’s just not as common, because we have been raised to not stay in the kitchen, and to break through that glass ceiling. Though, one thing I do not agree with whatever the culture is the objectification of women, which I feel when I walk down the street to the Hey Baby, I know a big part of this is that I am a white women, but it still is hard to see the lack of respect, but again this is something found in America, I guess you just hope for difference.
Culture is definitely a funny thing, and one idea that I heard at Orientation is definitely sticking with me right now; Culture is thick. I know that the fact I have a tattoo on my foot, one of the most profane parts of the body, has thrown a few people already. And there is still so much that I need to learn about customs, such as handing things over with both hands, as a sign of respect, and it is not easy, but its good for me.

I'm American

I started my language classes,two days ago, and it is clear that I am American. Growing up in both Chicago and Wisconsin is eveident enough(or at least I have been told that by every American since Orientation)without trying to speak a new language so you can imagine what happens when I do. But at least I am aware of this, so I can work on it, whatever that means. Nepali is a cool language to listen to, but its weird to think that I will be speaking like that at some point. My teacher Pabratti is really nice, but she is tough, I will learn a lot from her that’s for sure. I have language one on one two hours a day, but I hope to increase that as the weeks go on. It’s pretty intense but that’s necessary to really learn the language. A funny thing is that I sometimes switch into Spanish, for example in Nepali ra is the word for and but I often will use the Spanish word y, which leads to Pabratti being like what are you saying? Figures it would take me learning a new language to finally get spanish. On a positive side, Spanish has come in handy for dealing with men here. I often hear “hey baby” or “tss tss” which is like a catcall, because they see me and think Oh American, white, wealthy, and unfortunately an easy target. So when they approach with Hey Baby, how are you? I often respond with No Habla Ingles. Which stuns them enough for me to move out of their way. I’m just waiting for the one who responds Hola! Then I’m in trouble. It is quite the perspective adjustment to be an American here. I stand out for not only my skin color, but also my height. Which is a weird change in fate, I’ve spent my life being the short one, and now I’m like Michael Jordon.

Mobile Clinics

A positive part of the GA is SAV which runs mobile clinics five days a week in the surrounding villages. I have been able to go out on two and have loved it. The villages are in the hillsides so the rides up are breathtaking. It is a really cool feeling to be above and surrounding by clouds. It also shows just how big the valley is! The mobile clinics are supported by multiple donor's, but all of the medicine comes from one donor who grew up in New York and has "the Irish work ethic, very down to earth" I am not making that up, that is really how he was described to me. He currently lives in Singapore and comes about 3-4 times a year to see how the clinics are doing. I am looking forward to meeting him. What the clinic does is it provides medicine to people who can't make it to the valley to seek help. They come to each village every fifteen days. It staffs five nurses, one doctor, and several students studying medicine. I haven't meet the doctor yet, but the nurses do a wonderful job. I mainly help with clerical stuff, filling in the log with the names and medicines given to each patient, and helping to fill out ID cards so people can come to the clinic. It is hard though, because I've noticed that many of the patients receive the same medicine each time, which brings up the issue are you treating the problem or the symptoms? At the same time, resources are scarce and many people can barley afford the 10 rupees for a visit, so how could they afford a hospital bill? At least by taking care of the symptoms you are easing their discomfort. Sean and I have talked about this quote a bit, and it seems like its just an endless circle. It also shows me how much I take for granted the medical options I have in the U.S., hell even here. The mobile clinics are something that I really enjoy, but it will be a lot better when I can speak Nepali, since for most of the villagers Nepali is their second language, so I do a lot of gestures. The one good thing is that with the kids it doesn't matter what you speak, you can still play.

Patience is a Virtue

This is especially true with my current job situation. When I accepted the position I was told I would be teaching HIV/AIDS education and then doing village outreach with those I taught. Then 4 months later I learned that it had changed and I would probably be teaching, nothing definite yet. Well that is still the case. I know that I will be working for The Learning Center (TLC), which is a part of the Godavri Alumni Association (GAA), most likely teaching ESL classes yo a variety of people. I will also help with publication of information pamphlets about TLC. I have already met my boss Ralph and I think I will like working with him. But, I have been told many times nothing is definite. What does that mean? Well, here goes. The JV's were in Kathmandu until about 4 years ago when they stopped working in the area and only had the volunteers in Godavri, which were usually 6-7 people. However, when Chris came 2 years ago he was suppose to be coming with 2 others but the others who were to join decided not to come, so he came out and joined the one other JV who was at Godavri. What happened to everyone? They all either left or were asked to leave because of various reasons such as health or complications with the principal at Godavri at the time. So when Chris came a big thing was to repair the relationship with the Jesuits, since the other JV's had left quite the reputation with both the Jesuits and the surrounding Village. We'll leave it at that. Chris has done a wonderful job as have D and Sarah, and the Provincial of the Jesuits at the time requested that JVI open a site for three JV's in Kathmandu, which is where Katie, Sean and I come in. Katie and Sean came and re-started the Kathmandu site, however, there has been a shift in power, so there is a new provincial, who happens to be the old principal of Godavri. He has a very poor image of the JV's which we have been trying to change, but since the old provincial only contracted three JV's, I could very well be the last one in Kathmandu, since the new provincial does not want more, or at least that is what I've been told. Another reason is the GAA where I work also went under power changes. Before Fr. Greg (one of the main Jesuits we work with here) came to the GA, it was used for drugs and prostitution mostly. When Fr. Greg came, among many threats and violence he changed the GA, and helped to elect a new president who created an environment in which programs such as TLC, and SAV (mobile clinics) can run. All good things must come to an end though right? So the president ended up leaving last October, and the new candidate was one who was a part of the old school GA, he clearly won, because why would things be easy? Therefore Fr. Greg is weighing his options about whether he will stay since these are the people who threatened him. Which is another reason I may not have new community mates in a year, because there might not be a job for them. Katie and Sean's positions have already changed from the person they replaced. They were asked to phase out her programs, and have had to pretty much create their own positions, which are still not definite, even after a year. See where the patience thing comes in. However, I will learn more about this situation this weekend during Orientation with Fr.Greg, but as it stands right now, its is a real possiblitly that JVI may not be needed in Kathmandu. While this is frustrating and led to me thinking why the hell am I here then? Its also provides the challenge to create a reason for me and possibly others to be here. But this could just be idealistic as well. So that is the whole Job situation right now...but looking at the positive side of things, I have loved seeing all the people on Motorbikes, and really want to learn to ride one, so if I don't have roommates next year, I can sell the cycles we have and convince JVI to buy a motorbike instead! No? Too soon? Anyways, I definitely am learning what it means to be adaptable.

Catch Up

Its been a little while since my last post, and obliviously things have happened, but for the convenience of reading I have separated them into different topics so you can pick and choose which you want to read!

Small world...

I am currently in Godavri, which is on the outskirts of Kathmandu, right in the mountains. It is beautiful! I have been staying out here with the other JV's for the past couple of days and it has been really nice. They all teach at St. Xavier which is a Level 1-10 Jesuit school. I went with them yesterday and was able to sit in on classes, which was alot of fun. School is very different here. First, age does not correlate with grade. It is very common to fail so for example you can be 15 and in level 7. Which is another issue, that I dont know enough about to get into. Also, all the girls in level 1-8 have to wear pigtails, its a femininity thing, which I was astounded to see. I never associated how I wear my hair with my gender, which can be seen in the short hair I have from 1st to 2nd grade. Its weird to see all these girls with pigtails, it just really throws ya. But gender roles in genral is an interesting thing in Nepal. You get a different answer from each person when asked. There are however some very strong Nepali women, and like most countries especially poorer ones, with out them they would not survive. Here it is the "job" of the woman of a house to collect feed for the animals, so they go out and cut grass and weeds with machete like kinves and then place them all in a huge basket. They then place the strap of their basket across their foreheads and carry it this way. This is only the physical strength. Most of the women here run their families because the husbands are working away or just don't care. They have such a prescence in the country but are not respected in that way, which is interesting and something I still have alot to learn about. Another thing I dont know if I'll get use to and I hope I don't, is corpal punishment. All, but the JV teachers use it which makes discipline for them hard, since the students know they won't hit them, but they have come up with creative ways, such as the Extra Homework Club, which is exactly what it sounds like. But the funniest thing about the school is the fact that the principle is a Marquette Alum, and that Fr. Wilde has been to St. Xavier. What a small world. I think I might be Fr. Matthew's (the prinicpal) new favorite because of this. He has already asked me to judge the competition students have this Friday. Overall the school is a wonderful place. Though, I know some of the JV's struggle because it is private and alot of the students here are from wealthier families, so there not helping the village children as much. I guess I don't see the issue as much becuase I know how hard my family worked for me to go to a private school and I am sure its the same for alot of these parents, and wealth in a Nepal village is very different then wealth elsewhere. These families are not living in the gated communities, thats for sure. The school also, has alot of scholarship students which come from within the village. And I guess I feel that even those who pay the fees deserve a good education too, and you shouldn't feel bad for providing it. But I also, am just getting a birds eye view so we'll see what I think in a year.
Yesterday, D (JV) and I went on a walk in the Botanical Gardens here. It was gorgeous, and I see why people fall in love with it. It's a far cry from the pollution of the city I see all the time. I really do enjoy my time here. Last night it was just Sarah, D and I in the house since Chris was in town, (which I learned means the city where I live) and we had fun talking and joking around about life when we get home. Its nice to hear them talking about being comfortable here since they have only been here six months so they still remember what it feels like to be me. We also, shared a bottle of Tuborg Denmark's finest bottled beer. Which is okay to drink unlike the rice beer which I learned is all bacteria...Oh Nepal, it never fails to amaze me.

Nepali Ho

So I am finally here in Kathmandu. It is a beautifully overwhelming place. The last leg of the trip was uneventful, minus the intense questioning over my visa, since I was applying for tourist visa to get into country even though I am a volunteer, which is technically illegal, so I did my best lying and fourtantely the guy gave up and let me go. Keep in mind this is what I was told to do by JVI so it would have been there issue.
My apartment is nice,its on the edge of the foreign district of Kathmandu, meaning its where most of the non-nepali live. However all of our neighbors are, so we feel better about it. I also live across the lane from the YCL which is also the Young Communist League, who are the ones causing the uprising and troubles right now. Its an interesting history with the YCL. They are only around because the Maoists after the revolution are recquired to live in seven Maoist camps, while the army is not allowed out of their barracks, its the peace agreement between them. So the Maoists did not want there leaders and main militia men to be stuck in these camps so the YCL was created and the men who were apart of that took on the identity of the top leaders and such so that the leaders could operate thought the YCL. Its definitley something that I need to learn more about, especially since they are my neighbors and all.
Some of the trouble that I am talking of is for example this morning we have no water and last night they turned off the power for about 3 hours. They ration power in the Winter since Nepal runs by hydropower, but its way too soon to be doing it now, so who knows the reason or who was meant to be punished, same with the water, its all about corruption and whos paying who off. O have yet to read a local paper since we only get them at the GA (where I work) so hopefully I'll get more insight once I start reading a daily, that and when I learn the language enough to talk to others, because thats how you really know whats going on.
My Roomates are also good. I am sharing a room with Katie which will be an adjustment after not sharing for so long, but we get along well and its been good so far. Sean is funny and definitley enjoys showing and telling me about Nepal which is good. I met the Godavri Community as well and they are awesome too. There house is the old summer Palace, but do not get that mixed up with a vision of a palace today, cause its not. It is on beautiful land and its a wonderful house, but I dont want people to think there living in splendor. I do however wish that I wasnt the only first year here now. Its a little rough especially when all the housemates speak Nepali and I have no idea whats going on. But they wouldnt have done it this way if they didnt think I could handel it, but it will feel more complete for me at least when Pat does get here in January.
Speaking of Nepali, it is definitley the main langauge here unlike what others have said. Since I do not live in the tourist area, people speak Nepali, and it definitley is a challenge since I do not start language classes until next week, but I am picking up the little I can now.
In Nepal another big thing is traffic. It is a total free for all, mixed in with a honking and yelling. But the thing is the honking is not meant as a get out of the way, rather a way to tell the person in front of you that you are behind them since you have the right of way. Thats right the person behind you has the right of way. Also the person merging onto a road does not have to look out for you, you have to merge around them as they pull out. Needless to say I'm glad I am not driving here. I learned this all when on the second night here I decided to go with Sean on a bike ride to the market. I think it was good that it was night and I really couldnt see just how many times we could have been hit. Though I was proud of myself especially after I heard that Katie didnt go on a bike until 6 months after being here, granted all I really did was follow Sean, who knows when I'll go by myself.
Another interesting thing is that if you are a driver and you hit someone you are required by law to pay for the funeral if they die or the medical bills if they are injured. It is cheaper to pay for a funeral then for medical expenses, so drivers if they hit someone will often try to back them over and kill them. I learned this because walking home from the micro (mini-van that is usually filled with 20+ people) and came across a Bundha which is when people or political groups will shut down sections of the streets by blocking them off in protest. Now the American in me was like what about the authorities? Dont they stop this? Depending on the power and number of people the group has. The bunts also lead to the shutting down of buisness and for me no work. I have already seen two since being here and both because someone has been killed. which is how I heard about the law. The reason why yesterday there was a bunt was because a girl and a guy on a motorbike were hit by a driver the girl died and the boy was badly injured. The guy who hit them claims he can not pay the expenses, which is why there was a protest. Its also how I learned (mom your may want to skip this part) that if I get hit to tuck and roll and jump up regardless what shape I am in, so that I do not get backed over. Good to know.
Otherwise, things are going well, I still am lost all the time but, I know it will get better. I just take it a day at a time. I am however looking foward to the cool weather in the next coming months....it is a lil hot for me right now!

So Tokyo..

I am currently sitting in Tokyo's airport, after 16 hours of flying, and I still have 6 hours to Bangkok and then a 11 hour lay-over, followed by a 2 hour flight to Kathmandu. This is alot of flying for someone who hates it, especially since I didn't find out until I was in the airport that I wasnt taking a direct flight to Bangkok like I thought. Oh well, they have free sake samples, which once stomach settles I will partake.

Oreintation went really well, I was suprised a little bit by that. I was definitly dreading the two week delay before leaving, but I it was good to have, plus I really got to know the other JV's plus a group of people going to Equador and Hati for a year. As cheesy as it sounds, its nice to have a network of people who understand what you are going through even if its all over the world. I am the only one flying to my country solo, which was initmidating, but I am half-through with only minor issues of baggage weight. I did get to meet Pat, my fellow Nepalease volunteer, who will be coming in Januaray, which was nice. He, fourtunatley made the trip with me to Dulles, where I flew from, so we were able to bond over spreading the weight out in my luggage. He will be speading the next four months or so Hiking the Pacific Coast Trail which goes from Canada to Mexico, so I know who I will be trekking with in Nepal! It was also nice to reconnect with others, and the Program Coordinators....it went by way too fast, and I already miss them.

However, I am ready to be in Nepal. Especially since alot of Orientation is pro-active, so we really don't know how things will play out until we get there. For the most part, it was useful, but obvioulsy there are the sessions where your like, what the hell? For me it was Theology and mission, which was the longest Bible reading ever, which is obvioulsy right up my alley. And the health one. The Nurse who came in, in order to get us to understand how fast disease spreads, because at 21+ years old we still dont know, had people spread Nutella on us, but with out saying anything which led to a one of the girls having an allergic reaction, and our clothes being stained. Then she went into an STD talk from hell, and to finish split up the men and women, and attempted to answer questions. It was sad, but funny. Otherwise most of what we talked about was good. I especially liked how the emphasis was placed on the fact the JVI is not a missionary group, that we are not there to change people, simply to walk with and empower those that we work with. Simply to be not do. However it was a bit discouraging that when we talked about roles of women and men, the role of women was to be submissive in many ways, and the role of men was to protect and set an example by their relationship with JVI women. I understand that I am going into a Patriarchal society and that I can not be as independent as I am in the states, that doesnt frustrate me as much as the tips for men, talked only about supporting women in being an example, but it didnt give any active encouragment for them or dangers of a man who stands up against the objectification of women. We talked alot about it in my country group Tanzpelati (since it was the combination of 2 JV's going to Tanzania, one going to Haiti, and Pat and me) it was very hard to reconcile the part of me that has for the past few years worked against the objectification of women and men's response to this, and the reality of what this will mean where I am going. In Nepal I can't touch a man with out it raising eyebrows, so what would it say about our relationship if a housemate defended me? I am fourtunate enough that most people recognize that were Americans and things are different, but that only goes so far. Its going to be interesting to see how this will actually play out in country.

So, there was alot of the deep thinking and intense conversations like this, but it was good, because I would rather have an idea about these issues then in country. Oh and one final thing about Orientation, we had a Talent show on the second to last night (which when I first read i was like really? but after two weeks of being couped up it was a good break) in which Tanzipelati did the entire dance from Little Miss Sunshine, I figured some of you especially me fellow BSO mates would be proud. But thats about it, I dont want to bore you all with the details, but I thought a little reacap of the Big-O might be nice.

It still is hitting me that this is it, that I am not on vacation, that I am not heading home anytime soon...although I do have a ticket to India in a month, in order for me to get a visa, so I always have that option I guess. Alright I have dragged on too long, and I think its time to try some of that sake!

oh, and please excuse the typos, everything is coming up in Japanese on my computer so I really dont know how its typing out, or if this will post.....

The Big-O

Welcome to my blog! This is my attempt to keep people updated on my life in Nepal. I head out tomorrow for D.C in which I have a two-week orientation, referred to as the Big-O which I guess shows the Jesuits have some sense of humor. After that I head off to Kathamandu. I'm definitely at the point where I am ready to just go, minus the fact that I still haven't packed and I am leaving in less then twelve hours. During orientation I wont have a phone or internet so the next time you'll hear from me will be sometime in the beginning of August, when I can begin sharing the adventure that will be Nepali living. So until then Namaste!