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.