Sunday, June 12, 2011 - Kathmandu

It is Sunday morning, 7:59 am.  We've been up since 5, had breakfast, showered, repacked and now I'm on the computer.  What a wonderful thing it is to communicate with those we miss.

Last night at dinner, we did highs and lows of the trip, the high I mentioned was completing the plastering of 3 rooms, our last volunteer team project. 

It was a high, but only one among so many, starting with the excitement of learning about the Edge of 7 and the work that they do,

Planning for the trip, aticipating the departure, meeting Emma in New York's JFK airport, Brussels to New Delhi, to Kathmandu.

Landing in Kathmandu, going through customs, meeting Karma Sherpa, a definite high, meeting the other volunteers, Dawa and Chiling, getting to the hotel, touring Kathmandu's temples, being driven through the streets of Kathmandu; although that may be described more as an exciting amusement park ride rather than a high.

Departing for Salari, seeing the tops of the high mountains for the first time, the landing at Salari was a definite high.  The hike to the camp site,  our first afternoon of work at the site, hiking to our homes, meeting our families, sleeping.

Each morning's hike back to the work site, the happiness and peace of the workers.  These are the most marvelous people you would ever hope to meet.  The actual physical labor and seeing the results of our hard work.  The energy and enthusiasm of the workers and the volunteers.  The excellent food, comradaree and caring.

The children of our family, Karma and Pasang Sherpa.

The hike up the mountain, the fun of being with the other volunteers, Karma, Dawa and Chiling.  The appreciation for the extra above and beyond care that Jerry and I were given on our trecks, Thank you so much for that Dawa, Chiling, and Rohm.

The treck back to Solari, the flight, being back in Kathmandu, although the mountains are better for me.

The extra care given by Karma getting us to the airport for the mountain flight, the mountain flight itself.  Time with the other volunteers, dinner with Karma, Raja, the electrician, their wives, children and the other volunteers.

The bitter sweet knowledge knowing that this morning will be our last morning in Nepal for this trip, looking forward to going home, but also already missing the adventure that this trip has been.

Those were just some of the highs, each day was a story in itself and I am greatful for it. 

If you have the time, you too can make it happen for yourself, the girls of Nepal, the Edge of 7 and The Small World.

Have a wonderful day, namaste!

Susan