Here are some pictures from the last few days. First, the group of us are in the Bangkok airport, waiting for the flight to Kathmandu.

On the flight, I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of Mt. Everest. Look closely — it’s in the clouds.

That evening, we met with the children of Ama Ghar, who shared their music and dancing with us.

Young woman doing traditional dance

Some of us dancing with the people from Ama Ghar

On Monday, we took a trek (about 5 miles) to a temple, and yesterday we went into town to get rupees and see some of the sights.  Today will be playing with children (lots of cards and board games) and — well, I’m not sure what comes next.

But the reality of the situation is beginning to hit home.  I showered this morning in cold water (all there is) and then decided to do laundry. This means hand washing in a large plastic tub. As I squatted and scrubbed, I could not get over the shameful disparity between my privileged life-style in the US compared with a life with few conveniences here in Nepal. We take so much for granted, most of all the idea that success goes hand-in-glove with exploitation. The more we exploit (of other people and the earth), the more successful we seem to be. Washing and scrubbing with the other ladies, agitating the laundry with bare feet, my eyes filled with tears at our need to exploit others in order to feel good about ourselves.

Around us at Ama Ghar are numerous other orphanages; it seems that the whole neighborhood is filled with children who have lost their parents to bus accidents, war, disease, drugs. I am in awe of the quiet calm courage of those many people (including those here) who have said adieu to complacency and comfort in favor of a life of giving, giving, giving — heart, body, mind, and purse.  I feel honored to be here.