I didn't go to yoga yesterday morning as it was Adryon's last morning and I felt it was more important to be here.She has been staying with Haribol and his family for 7 weeks ,so quite a wrench for her.She was still 17 when she arrived.I went with her to the airport and then the car took me to OCCED.When I arrived there were Didi's and children alike showing me their friendship bracelets.As is was Sunday all the preschool children (after singing!) watched some cartoons while Kaushalya, Sarmilla(another teacher) ,Hema(Didi) and Rema (nurse) all made friendship bracelets.It was fun.There was so much teasing and laughter.
After lunch I went with Shruti to get some special Nepali sweets as a gift for Phubar and his family.Dawa( his son) picked me up in a taxi and we went to his home.We went through back streets that I haven't been down before and I didn't realise how much green there is hidden in Kathmandu.Paddy fields and corn.
Phubar ,Mia (his wife)Dawa,and his two daughters (I can't remember their names) live in a small apartment not far from the Baudanath Stuppa.It has one room,a kitchen and an outside toilet/shower.They were very welcoming and pleased to see me.I ate so much and drank quite a lot of beer.We had a typical Sherpa stew which was made with beans,potatoes and pasta.It was really good.Phurba has just returned from Germany where he does some casual work between May and August. Mia returned from Israel in June.She had worked out there as a care assistant
for 5 years ,24/7.She could have taken Sundays off but would not have been paid and they need the money (so their children can have an education )so she worked right through.They both have my deepest respect.We had a really good evening and I felt very comfortable in their company.Although Mia does not speak English we still managed to communicate and laughed quite a lot.I now also have some special Nepali tea leaves to bring home.
Why is it that it is so often the people who have virtually nothing,who are so generous and share what little they do have.?(I can't get the grammar right!)It is very humbling.
I went to yoga this morning and did not fall asleep and am now about to have breakfast.