SO SAD ABOUT THE CANCELLATION

It should have been this week that I arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, to join 1,500 volunteers from around the globe for a Habitat Build beginning Nov 1. 

But, it was not to be. Habitat International cancelled the build due to civil unrest following the adoption of a new Nepali constitution at the end of September. Activists want it revoked as it marginalizes some of the ethnic groups and leaves them now under represented in the government. India entered the fray, sympathizing with these groups and blockaded fuel exports into Nepal. So the country is left in turmoil, with fuel shortages, long lines at the gas stations, restaurants making new menus not requiring cooking and refueling problems for incoming plane flights. Also inadequate medical reserves for emergencies.

Of course, we are heartbroken. A tough decision for HFHI to make, but the right one.

Regarding the 100 families promised houses, their houses will still be built, but with a delay. And maybe using Nepalese workers. Money raised will stay with HFHI and be targeted for this work in Nepal. Of course, we are all sad about the cancellation. Sad for the families hoping to have new safe homes and the delay they are faced with before getting their new homes.

I have kept my after-the-build travel plans, just not flying in and out of Kathmandu as originally planned. In the wee hours of November 4th my flight departs from Newark airport. Actually, only a little after midnight, and I have to be at the airport the night before, Nov 3rd. Heading to Singapore and some exploring with other Habitat friends.

1. SINGAPORE:
It will be a reunion of sorts. A reunion of the 2010 Everest Build in Nepal when I traveled with my friend Christy for the Habitat build in Pokara. Once there we met many wonderful people including James from Chicago and Laura from Singapore. With the internet it has been so simple to stay in touch and so, long story short, a reunion, unfortunately without Christy, for 4 days in Singapore with James and Laura, a Canadian teaching in the English school there.

2. MYANMAR:
Stay tuned for views of the city/state of Singapore, then on November 9th, James and I fly to Myanmar and meet another friend, Fr. Jim, a MaryKnoll missioner living and working in Yangon. The three of us head off to explore the little visited and difficult to reach, ancient capital of all the region, Mrauk U. At the end of this fabulous trip, James and I have a few days in Mandalay where we connect with a sailing friend and fabulous artist from Connecticut. She will be finishing up 3 weeks of workshops with Burmese craftspeople.

More to come.

ABOVE SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH SINGAPORE AND MYANMAR.