BUILD BEGINS

Long day.....

Those who were up by sunrise (6:30) and opted to brave the brisk morning air were treated to a major pay-off, as some of the world’s tallest peaks seemed not just to reveal themselves but to come alive as they were struck by the rising sun with soothing Nepali music playing in the background. 

View of the Himalayas in the morning, breakfast, bus ride. Long walk down into the valley, many many namastes , village greeting, Tika on the head , flowers and then rinsing, moving bricks, moving mortar, straining gravel to make mortar. The project's off to a great start, wonderful team. Hot shower, Advil, muscle relaxant and a glass of wine, I feel great, good night all.

SAFETY

The safety given in the worksite presentation was the usual warnings. With one exception: what to do in case of an earthquake. RUN. Get outside.

IIn the aftermath of the BIG one, April 2015, there have been continuing aftershocks. Including one yesterday morning at 5:20. Woke me up and initially felt like someone was moving my bed. Then, like a freight train under the floor. Lasted about 20 seconds. The epicenter of this one was 100 kilometers away.

Data:
8,796 killed
22,300+ injured
400,000 houses destroyed
280,000 damaged

Many buildings still awaitingrestoration.

MONDAY

Even though we had only met last evening at the welcome dinner, when we set out Monday, we were already Habitat friends.

An organized tour with driver and guide showed it's some city highlights before the bus ride to Duhliekil and our Habitat hotel. We did the Monkey Temple, the Boudha Stupa, a Tanhka painting studio and the Crematorium. They all have proper Nepali names, but too difficult to remember.

Most I had already visited one of the other times I was here. But the Boudha Stupa, a World Heritage UNESCO site was new to me. Badly damaged, it has been restored and opened again only 7 days ago. 

The day was an opportunity to get acquainted with the team before our first day on the build.

The Stupa is in a Tibetan enclave, so naturally, the political message.

GOODBYE CAMP HOPE

As I join the Habitat team today, I consider a final thought about the tent city of Camp Hope. Originally housing almost 600, some people have been able to return to their village, but others remain, about 360, whose homes are still devastated. 

The government has been slow to aid and roads continue to be impassable in sections making it impossible for trucks carrying materials to reach the village. Sangita has a plan and funding to implement a building effort, but it is yet stymied by road conditions. In the meantime, Camp Hope provides tents, food, medical treatment and schooling. Hopefully the housing construction can begin soon so these families can move back to their villages and into decent shelter. 

Thanks all for your clothing donations. And for the additional funds which I passed along to Sangita and which will buy extra fruit and meat for the families.

Photo...Sangita and the clothing donations.

Sent from my iPad

CLOTHING DONATIONS

Stacked up at home from donations made by friends, the jackets and warm sweaters were stuffed into multiple suitcases and bought to Camp Hope, Kathmandu, Nepal. The request for children's clothing had been made to my friend James Vargo by Ambica Shrestha and her daughter, Sangita.

Together James and I energized our friends, his in Chicago area and mine in New Jersey. And the clothing soon began accumulating and the piles grew. 

Today is Sunday and the clothing is being sorted and the allocations made for the children, small adults and handicapped families. There is an abundance of items, plenty to impress Ambica and Sangita. Distribution will take place very soon.

Thanks specifically to the following friends of mine: Barbara, Carol, Doug, Manny, Paul, Ruth, and Sara, plus rummage sales at two local NJ churches. You have all been so generous.

Below ... James, myself, the resident dog, Mia, who arrived from Oklahoma with grandson, Sean, following his graduation from university in the state.

More photos as the sorting process begins.

THE CHILDREN

Even though displaced from their homes and villages for 18 months since the earthquake, Camp Hope's CHILDREN are happy kids. They have been well cared for, had schooling and developed good English as well as good manners. I am so impressed.

In person, these children are awesome. I fall in love over and over!

One girl asks my name, asks where I am from and is curious about my favorite food. I say, ice cream and she laughs with a twinkle in her eye and replies, mine too. I realize we have made a connection.

NEPALI FOOTBALL

They call it football, but we know the sport as soccer.

Today was a big day for the Camp Hope soccer team as they played their first game on a big field against a Nepal professional team. And they made a good showing, 2-3. Their coach (in blue shirt) who had volunteered to get them ready for this event was pleased. 

The newly formed.cheerleading squad was out there also. 

A ttruly special day to have been able to share. Hopefully these kids will get back to their villages next year.