Those Eyes...

Rich, warm with a spark of curiosity, those little eyes pull me in…precious eyes that take in this world that they call home.  
Each Saturday morning I watch those eyes as I listen to the beautiful melody of a language way beyond me, but the eyes nearby and cute little faces easily distract.  
They are the next generation of Nepal, and this is their home.

To them the surroundings are familiar.  It’s all those little ones have seen…

The random, yet colorful litter in various corners

Straggly dogs mangled with wet dirt

Uneven sidewalks with holes of mud

Electricity lines that form a maze of tangled wires

Chaotic traffic with thick, heavy, black exhaust that billows around

Crowded streets with a few who are just barely surviving

But…

They have families that love them and fun traditions I might never know.  The surrounding hills and mountains will be a normality, and this Nepali language they will speak without thinking.

I am thankful chance to experience life away from my normal environment.  It’s another opportunity to comprehend just how rich even the poor are in my homeland.

Splashing in the rainy streets and passing by a bus stop filled with people and about eight goats, the impact is there.  

Passing by restaurants that look like unfinished basements with a few flimsy tables set up, I know this place is different.  

Drinking from bottled water, taking cold showers, looking to see when the electricity is coming back on, I know I am much more fortunate than most in this country.  

Hanging off an overcrowded bus just to catch a ride and wondering how many strikes will occur this week that will halt the traffic for hours, I can’t help but think that this is how most of the world lives. 

This IS how most of the world lives.

Do you really know how blessed you are?  How fortunate and wealthy you live?  Hot running water, constant electricity, safety, a car that works, heat….the list goes on. 

These little eyes around me…this is their world.  

Feels like Christmas…

There’s just something about being in a new place.  Different equals adventure and places, ideas, and thoughts you never knew existed come to life.  It’s like discovering a new sense.  I think that’s why I love traveling so much.  A photo is a flat dimension that can’t come close to actually experiencing the place.  Even though I tend to normally be optimistic, these days I’m ecstatic.   I can’t take in the scenery enough and nothing seems to get dull.  The tall colorful buildings intrigue me. 

Yes, it’s true some of them are “falling apart” as workers remove the front of several buildings.  You see…they are making the road wider and too many stores built right up to the road.  So now they are coming down…bit by bit…occasionally the bricks go flying off the side of a building.  It’s a game of dodge ball and so far I’m winning.  Then there's rocks, dirt, holes and very uneven ground.  At times the road is the only option and being aware of traffic is a skill I’m still learning.  (I’m certain the traffic will run over me).  Safety brings a whole new meaning as as a gush of wind from a bus blows my hair backwards.  Who knew you could be so close to a moving vehicle and not get hit?  I know I shouldn’t say this but…I am just having so much FUN with all these changes!  Where is my streetwise sense?  Oh I think it’s there…somewhere…and I am sure it will come back to me one of these days.  Until there, here’s some “fun” things I’ve gotten to experience this week.

-Sitting for over an hour just listening to the native Nepali tongue…it draws me in.

-Eating new dishes with favors mixed in the most delightful way

-Signing ASL with some deaf Nepali

-Going to the grocery store and just staring at all the new options

-Looking at the color and shape of money and coins

-Learning how to use public transportation

-Walking down a crooked, uneven but artistic brick sidewalk

-The beautiful, flowing outfits around me 

-The continuation of new noises outside my window.  (Sometimes I'm positive someone is in the house with me).

-Wearing a mask to protect against the pollution

-Watching people drive on the other side of the road

 -Seeing "squirrel-chipmunks".  I just think they are adorable!

-Meeting new people and attempting to at least get my mouth to say "hello" to them

-The tremendous dumping of rain…like a giant hose relentlessly soaking the earth.  I truly felt like I was under a waterfall for about 20 minutes!

Yep and there's more... and with each is a story, but I must get back to the books.   (Even that is exciting...studying outside on a porch high in the air).  With all these new things, it truly does feel like Christmas!  I know it will eventually wear off, but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.   There’s excitement around every corner.  

=0)

Nepal makes me smile

There’s a dance of sounds outside my window creating a beat that matches my thoughts.  Starting off with a rooster crow and adding in the barking, a jagged melody is formed.  Yet the occasional dog howl and cooing of pigeons smoothes the beat.  Then comes the solo of a low pitched bell followed by the onset of clanging breakfast metal and the foreign shout of morning greetings.   Sounds of motor vehicles are added to mix.  It’s an exciting, various melody with so many parts…just like my thoughts…and it draws me outside. 

I can’t help but look at the reality that surrounds me.  Foothills surrounding in the hazy background with colorful high rises all around.  It's a look I can't describe, and time easily slips while gazing at the scenery.  Like looking at a "Where's Waldo" page from a book, there's a plethora to absorb.  Amongst the tall homes, there’s also a row of little brick shacks.  Actually the courtyard is easily seen from the balcony.  Several people already fill the land, getting ready for the day.  I don't understand a word, but my heart goes out to them.  Cleaning up, they shower by getting water from a bucket drawn well.  Their houses look the size of my bedroom and I believe they all share one toilet area.  Why am I so wealthy and blessed? 

Thoughts and emotions have been all over these last few days, but the feelings are on a range of happy.  Nepal has been an amazing place so far, and I have been incredibly blessed with kindness.  I'm thankful to be apart of this world over here.  Can't help but smile.