Hmm.
Apparently not.
This is disappointing because it was so beautiful, so light and clear. That's what it was: clear. Easy to think and breathe.
Yesterday was a very tired work day, with slow productivity on everyone's part. It was muggy and humid after the thunderstorm that rolled through yesterday. Have I written that yet? I don't think so.
Here are my feet in the middle of the pouring rain back at the hotel.
We were caught on our jeep ride home for the intense hail, luckily just after we got off the roof, and then the thunder rolled and cracked when we returned. That evening was the coolest we have been all trip so far.
We have had the chance to meet two of the girls who were pioneers in getting rid of the bonded system (legally, at least) in Nepal. They were on their way to do a workshop in northern Nepal, and after they left, Dinesh shook his head and lecture-ranted about how the big name charities are using these girls too much for publicity, for their story, so much so that their own education is lacking because of it. Where do you draw the line between activism and education, self care and story telling? Is there a line? Not to mention the fact that there are now so many girls with similarly heartbreaking stories of being bonded and no longer now.
One of the toughest things of the many CP and more generally just this kind of work (development, charity, social justice, whatever you want to call it) have to face is the choice, the saying no, the turning down. Ah.
We also got the chance to sit in on a new mother's group meeting, housed in one of the mud huts (but if I could only speak in better words for the reality), not able to understand the language but still following keenly. Or, at least, I followed as closely as possible, though the rest of the group seemed a little dazed and sleepy. The women (as they seem to be always) were dressed colorfully and beautifully and when they moves the red bangles on their wrists would jingle quietly. When it came time to elect a president, secretary etc, they were all head bowing and reluctant to accept nominations, but when they stood up to acknowledge and accept, no matter how much they were laughing about it, you could see the fierce and proud determination in their eyes.
We have also been making progress with the kids in that they are approaching us more openly and playing games with us. Stella Ella ola (best game I've ever played , and I've played many), and then today was a huge circle of frisbee tossing.
There is this slowly growing group of boys who take every moment they can to hang out near us. Most of them know my name, which is awesome. Today they called me beautiful.
I have an excellent funny foot tan now, from my sandals, which are damp and sandy now because we stopped on the way home today to swim in the river. Okay granted every travel health clinic ever says not to swim in the fresh water, but we have already crossed off fresh fruit eating and not-sufficient hand washing, so there's that. But it was the most amazing, refreshing swim...ever. Mostly because it was unexpected and we were drenched in our clothes and the current was strong and there were buffalo in the muddy banks.
Just wonderful, to dunk my head and swim and kick and pull my white short away from my body because modesty and stuff, my hair all river-dried and wavy now.
Enjoying very muchly the cold watermelon in the afternoon and the black tea with lemon and lunches from the mothers. Food here is a constant reminder that you have a mouth. Mmm.
Here is a high five and a reminder to read books for fun, because aside from hot afternoon naps, I've been reading again. Current hit: White Teeth. Hilarious and biting and excellent.
*high fives you*
-k
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