No pictures

This blog idea is not working out as I hoped! I have tons of pictures, but I can't download them because either the internet shuts down, or the download simply won't go through. I guess I'll just have to give great descriptions!

I am definitely feeling the effects of cultural shock. I know that things will get easier as time goes by. I was just remembering how upset I was traveling in London by myself, and how I wanted to come home. London?!! What on earth was there to be worried about there?!! So, I'm now putting myself back in that memory, and reminding myself that I've been alone and uncomfortable before, and I made it thru with only minor injuries :)

The children at AmaGhar are so sweet and affectionate. The countless memories I've had this week with them are the reason I made this trip - to bring smiles to the faces of children who are underpriveleged and abandoned. Last night when I was reading a story with about five of the children, we fell into a laughing fit, and had trouble breathing. Their laughter was so contagious that I couldn't finish the story because I couldn't stop laughing!

I've been wondering why I haven't cried yet, but I guess it's because I have spent so much time laughing, smiling, and hugging, that I have little time to think about being sad. Every time the tears start, I am immediately surrounded by at least three children shouting, "auntie, auntie, come play! auntie will you wear my favorite color tomorrow? auntie, auntie look at what I made!!" or I have several girls attempting to braid my hair at the same time. My interaction with the children has been endless and clearly the support I need right now :)

I can't wait to send you pictures of all their adorable faces!

First week in Nepal!

I am overwhelmed with everything I have experienced already! It feels as if it's been months, but I've barely been here a week! I have no phone service, and the internet is very unreliable. Put that together with the government regulating power for only certain days of the week, and I am already feeling pretty lonely and isolated from the outside world. But, I am surrounded by sweet, caring people, and I am in a very safe home (AmaGhar orphanage). So, if you don't hear from me for a few weeks, don't worry, it's just the lack of modern conveniences, like power, a phone, and the internet! I could go on and on about the surprises of living in a developing country, both pleasant and not so pleasant :) I have tons of pictures to download, but I'm not sure if the internet service will last long enough! I want to split up blog entries with pictures and different events, so I'll give more details when I can! Miss you all!!!!!

Stopover in LA!

From Monday thru Wednesday I have been fortunate enough to spend a few days with my brother Jason, Sister-in-Law Daria, and my precious niece and nephew, Talia and Quinn. Our favorite part of the visit was our trip to the zoo yesterday - pictures are on the blog!

In about 8 hours I will be heading off to the airport for my two-day (!!!) flight to Nepal!!

One Week and Counting!

I cannot believe that in a week's time I will be traveling on my 18 hour flight to Nepal! The time difference (east coast) is +10 hours and 45 minutes. I'm not sure of the reasoning for the crazy time increment of 45 minutes! I will do my best to update this site once a week with pictures and stories, so keep checking.

Namasate!!!