Tihar was fantastic.  Everyone seemed happy to be celebrating and seeing friends and family.  We stayed in Godavari two nights and visited many people.  We went to Kiran’s sister, Kobita’s, house for Bhaai Tika, the brother blessing ceremony.  We also went to Amar Sir’s and saw Bandana, Kanchha and Sangay.  He’s getting so big.  I took some pictures with my 35mm, as I managed to misplace my digital.  The stars are extra beautiful in Godavari, as there are not many lights from houses. 

Everything will be settling down now, as the next big holiday is Christmas, and most people here won’t be celebrating.  Katie, who is a JV at the GAA (with Sean), just emailed that they might have a Halloween party.  We talked to Amar Sir about going out there for Thanksgiving dinner.  Turkeys are hard to come by, but if you order early, you can get one!

Schools are back in session so hopefully I'll get a call or two.  Otherwise I'll have to make more copies of my resume and take a walk around the neighborhood. 

I actually havent been feeling too well.  I went to the doctor yesterday to get medicine for my cough and cold.  He said I had a chest infection, so I'm on antibiotics for a week.  I don't mind so much as the coughing stops.  It's been preventing me from sleeping well.  And we all know I dont need to put my cranky pants on any more that I already do!  Kiran's been taking good care of me.

 

 

Holiday time is fun time.  The past week has been spent visiting friends and family (well, Kiran’s family).  It is so good to see everyone dressed up in their new clothes and chatting with their family.  I had a great time over Dashain.  I went up to the temple, fortunately did not witness the slaughtering of the animals.  Shared meals and many different people’s houses and ate all kinds of meats.  We had a few friends over to the apartment.  Kiran's family gave me tika.  It’s been busy and tiring but fun at the same time.

 

I haven’t visited Godavari school yet, but I hope to this week or next.  I’m also on my job hunt now, so that should be exciting and tiring as well.  Bijay has a friend who might be able to give me some good suggestions and put in a good word for me at a school or two. I’ll meet her (Nancy) tomorrow sometime.  Diane also had a few people who might what some on-the-side help with English so that might work out too.

 

For those of you wondering who Lucy is, she was a British volunteer when I was working at SXG.  She was back her visiting for a few weeks.  She’s gone back to England now, but it was good to see her for a visit.

 

There’s not much else exciting going on, we’ve just been chilling out after all the Dashain partying.  My stomach is less than settled, but hopefully it’ll be fine in a few days. 

 

We’re going out to Godavari for the afternoon.  I’ll probably go up to the JesRes for mass tomorrow morning.  Hopefully I’ll meet Fr. Peter, Br. Hermon and Br. Clarence then.

Well, I'm 25 now.  I had a great birthday.  A relaxing morning and then off to church.  I went to Assumption Church (the only official Catholic Church in Nepal).  It's a 10 minute walk from my apartment; Kiran walked with me.  Mass was great.  I read the first reading and the psalm (in English).  The music was good and made me happy.  I thanked God for all of you and for everyone here that loves me.  After mass I met Br. Bijay and he drove me back to the apt. on his motorbike.  It was nice to chat with him after so long. 

Kiran's cousin, Rachan, came over with his niece, Mala.  She is so cute.  She's 15 months old and had a gerat time hanging out.  She loved my teddy bear.  She was making him dance with her.

Later Bhagya, Bandana, Khaancha, and Sangai came over.  I cant believe how big Sangai has gotten.  He's 13 months old and super cute. He was walking/crawling/wabbling around touching everything.  He was so excited.  Everyone loved the apartment- which makes us happy because we love it too.  I took some pictures and I'll try to post them soon.

Of course I was super happy to get calls from Mom and Dad, Granny and Uncle Geoff and Kate.  Sorry about the phone situation... we're working on it.  I'm in an internet place 3 minutes from my apartment and it's cheap so I should be able to email often.

Maybe we'll head out to Godavari for a while this evening.  Otherwise, no big plans.

 

 

 

Well, I'm all packed and the bags are in the car.  Mom, Dad and I are just about ready to head off to the airport after a final cup of coffee.  It's been very fun hanging out with lots of family and friends over the past few weeks.  You guys are really awesome. 

I'm super excited to see my family in Ireland and anxious to get back to Nepal, to meet Kiran.  I'll continue to keep you posted.  Please keep in touch too!

 

Hi All,

Welcome to my space.  Kate suggested I get this set up before I head back to the Himalayan Kingdom.  This way I'll be able to keep in touch and upload some pictures.

The summer has been great.  Camp Ramaquois rocks :-)  I'm definitely a camp counselor at heart.

I've been spending lots of time with the family... they're awesome.  I love you guys!

As for my packing, it's coming along just fine.  I head out August 31st.  Dad and I will be spending a few days in Ireland before I continue on and he returns to the US.

Keep in touch! 

Ger