September 30, 2007

Hello Again.

These past few weeks have been quite busy with teaching, holidays, and spending a few days in KTM. The last day of class with our ESL students is October 16th. Then we are going to Begnas Lake the following day for a class picnic and to watch the boat races. It makes me sad to think I might not see some of them again. All of the students seem to be saddened by the idea of class ending so soon. They keep asking us if we are going to offer another English class. Mrs. M and I are thinking about teaching a second class, but not sure yet. Please p. for us in making this decision. We have repeatedly told our students that even after class ends they are welcome to come visit us anytime. The M.s and I will still be having them over for Saturdays as well.

Class has been going well. I have greatly enjoyed watching them learn and understand more and more about Dad. I just wish they knew Him too. However, I do know that all I can do is share and leave the rest up to the H.S. I think knowing that Dad's word does not return void has been a huge source of encouragement for me during my time here. Please continue to p. for Asha, Ishu, Ali, Padma, Bibek, Pobin, Bijay and Ohm.

The other day, Bijay, one of my students asked me what I wanted in a husband. I thought to myself oh no…where is this conversation going to lead. So I told him a few things like…he must be a strong C., and I am pretty sure his name is Nicholas and ended the conversation. Then, a few minutes later Bijay said, "aren't you going to ask me what I want in a wife?" I said okay and asked him what he wanted in a wife. Bijay said "she must be taller than me, white, speak English and be able to beat me up with her Kung Fu (which made me laugh a lot). Bijay then proceeded to ask me if he had any chance at all. I gently told him no and the whole class (including Bijay) got a good laugh out of the conversation.

The following Friday was Teej. During Teej all of the women travel to their parent's home leaving their husbands to take care of the children and other household duties. On the actual day of Teej none of the women work. They all wear bright red saris or kurtas, gather together and dance in the streets or at temples. By participating in this holiday the women are supposedly increasing the lifespan of their husbands. Mrs. M and I along with another M. family went to go see some of the festivities. We got to see a few women dancing, but did not participate.

Two weeks ago, Mr. M was gone to do some training which left Mrs. M and me home alone. We had lots of fun and invited the girls from our class to come over for some pampering. We gave them pedicures, manicures, fixed their hair, and dressed them up in our saris. They had so much fun and said they would never forget that day.

The next day was Didi's chori's (didi's daughter) wedding. Mrs. M and I got all dressed up in our saris. We then went downstairs and walked to the end of the road to catch a taxi. All along the way all of the N. people we passed would smile and laugh or say ooooh kati ramro (which means oh how nice). We were running a little late to the wedding but in South Asia everything starts late so we made it just in time. The wedding was beautiful and Didi was so happy. She was happy for her daughter, but sad to be without her after that day. Please p. for Didi as she lives without her chori.

This past week I was in KTM with the M.s for their visa run and a mini vacation. It was fun being able to relax for a little bit. I was also able to do a little souvenir shopping. We got back late yesterday afternoon.

This coming week we were going to go trekking, but there is a general bhand scheduled by the Maoist on October 4th – 6th. A bhand usually consists of an angry mob of people protesting, blocking off streets, burning tires and sometimes burning vehicles, building or throwing rocks (and most business are closed). Typically, bideshis (foreigners) are not harmed in these, but it is a Maoist bhand so anything could happen. Basically, it is smart not to do any traveling on these days. This means our trek is going to be postponed until the following week. We will leave on Monday (Oct. 8th) and return sometime on the afternoon of October 13th. During our trek we will be doing some follow up, teaching, and showing the film. Please keep us in your p. as we prepare for this upcoming week. P. especially for opportunities, receptiveness, clear communication, that the H.S. will prepare the way, endurance, safety, and good health.

Thanks for the p.s, support, and love.

-Sarah