Farewells in Kathmandu

Hello from Jodi and Marie, from Pokhora, Nepal
Due to some computer compatability issues, we are sorry for any errors in the posting.

After an exciting and interesting experience in Thakre, we settled back intoa short week in Kathmandu that allowed just enough time for a couple morevisits to our practice placements and our goodbyes. Although each set ofpartners had a different week, for the two of us, we returned to the Old Age Management/ Society in Kalimati. It was our second visit. Our first visit a week before opened our eyes tosome of the resource shortages in Nepal, specifically water. The facility ishome to 27 women without a home or caregivers available to support them ontheir own. As well, it is now home to three abandoned, orphaned children that have been taken in by the women, and the main caregiver for the home.The home has a 500L water tank to last 5 days. We figured this out to be approximately 3L/person/day for all their needs; including, washing, drinking, food preparation, and cleaning. We gave small baths to about 6 women, whom had not bathed in about 2 months. They were very happy. Of course, when we were finished, we washed their laundry in the water, to avoid any waste. There is so much for us to learn on the necessity of resource sharing. We also provided foot/hand care and massaged their feet and hands with moisturizer, which left the women with smiles on their faces as well as ours. On the second visit, we went with some hygiene supplies and towels to assist with bathing. We were once again greeted with warm smiles and the unconditional Nepali hospitality that we seem to have met along our journey. Even with the communication barrier, we were able to provide some basic careto people that truly appreciated it. It was humbling and once again a wonderful and engaged experience. The women were absolutely lovely and hugged us and asked us to take their pictures each time we saw them. It was amazing to feel so appreciated and welcome in a place where all we can say to one another is "Namaste" (hello) and "danya-bhad" (thank-you). As a group, we all went and listened to a presentation by a Canadian Doctor,Penny Dawson, that has been working in Nepal over the course of 28 years. She spoke about some of the programs and organizations she had worked with. The progress and commitment to health was inspiring to hear.

On Wednesday, the farewells to our placements included Hospice Nepal and the two elder care facilities. We were not ready to leave and it was difficult to explain that we were leaving and likely not to return any time soon, ifat all. It was definitely a day full of bittersweet goodbyes, as the relationships that we have made here have been incredible.After a long night of packing, we traveled for about 6 hours via bus toPohkora. We are all enjoying the calm atmosphere that surrounds us here, specifically in Lakeside where we are staying. The hustle and bustle of Kathmandu might not be missed, but the people will not be forgotten. The views that we have seen are beautiful and we got our first, clear view of the Annapurna mountain range from the rooftop of our hotel. We have been trying to see all of the sights here and to take everything in during our last week of this amazing experience.

Although this is not the final posting, there is atleast one more to come, it is our last one, and we would like to give a special thanks to everyonethat helped make this possible, as it would not have happened without all of the support we have and are still receiving from both friends, family, and members of the community.

Sincerely,
Marie Ellis and Jodi Wright