I think I'm melting

This place is beautiful and it really does not feel ashot as Texas, but I can't keep from sweating.  I am wet and dripping all the time.  There is about a 2 inch wet ring around my shirt neck and my pants or skirt stays wet.  TMI...I understand.  Lived in East Tx many years but never seen anything like  hope it weighs something.  

Anyway, spent the morning reps king and looking for that razor and those shoes.  No luck.  Went to Tesco today and replaced the razor but Marsha warned me that the shoes aren't very old so still looking for shoes.  Tesco is kinda like a Cosco.  Wonder if anyone has one in the US.  All very familiar.  This one is a 3 story building with other things in the building.  Had a McD and this time I fell into temptation and had a fries and a A&W cabinet free next isle.   It was good but now to deal with the salt intake.  Life IS good.  

Went to help out at the Seminary Library today. But someone already beat me to it.  It's end of semester here and everyone is trying to get extra credit or Volunteer hours in so not much for a stranger in town to do.  I enjoyed spending time online looking at Thailand and Bali.  Trying to catch up on the news. I really haven't seen news since Israel.  Anything I need to know except Obama wants to show us all he is President and we are sticks on the ground he wants to step on.

Went to lunch at the Semiary with Marsha & Bill.  Had a great lunch, then went again tonight for an appreciation dinner for the staff by the graduating class.  I think that is what it was. I just know it was a ton of awesome food that I did not have a clue what I was eating.  I started with Spagetti, and got better and better.  Fruits I recognized then chicken and prawns and fried veggie patties, and some kind of pancake thing with prawns all over the tops of them.  I got busy talking with some one who used to live in Texas and didn't get to finish but it was all good.  Anyway I am eating too much in Maylasia .

I met a lot of really nice people today and tonight and it is precious how much they love my cousins.

From America and all over Asia.  One lady I met seemed about my age and from Calif but Asian.  She and her husband had been serving in China for about 7 years doing classes on the life of Christ.  Last year he was caught preaching The Gospel and kicked out of China.  He now lives in Taiwan or taipai

And she sees him about every 2 months.  That really touched my heart that they give up senior time together to share the Gospel. That is a special kind of Love on both levels.  Pray for special people like these all over the world.  Goodnews is Christianity is growing in Asia.  Coe on America lets lead the way on this front.  Oh how great a nation we could be if we turned back to God.  The One true and living God.

On a lighter note...last night I had to laugh out loud at myself.  The two suite cases I have are both really to big to be carry ons but if I scrunch one up and band it, I can get it small enough to carry on ,twice so far.  I sent my backpack home with that load from Israel last month, so here was my thinking.  

I'm just going to Australia and Bali and only gonna e gone about 3 weeks, so I could buy a cheap back pack  the carry the few things I'll need.  That laws when I laughed.  Considering the big pic, a 3 week trip to Australia and Bali is like an overnighter.  My how my thinking has changed.  Not so long ago that itself would have been a plan for months pack for weeks trip.  Anyway I amused myself on that, but probably will do jst that.  I have learned to wash every night in the sink and keep on going.  Plan to be in my swimsuit and shorts most of the time anyway.  A skirt for church and I'm packed.  Flying to Gold Coast which is just south of Brisbane on the 10th.

The view from the Seminary

Coming to Mylasia

Got bumped up to another 3row seat.  Had time for a snack at KL.  ate a dunkin donut.  Never liked them cause they were cake and I like fluffy ones.  Well now they are the kind I like.  Or maybe I was real hungry.  Marsha is saving me some Lasagna.  Yum yum.  It really gonna fell good to see someone I already know and love. Gotta start planning my next leg, but will be here at least a week then back in dec if I'm nice this time.

Continuing 2 days later.  Arrived and it was even better than I thought to be with family.  Althought I have probably not seen them for 5 hours total in the last 20 years, I know them and her family and their kids and have for years.  Family just can't be beat.  They have been in Asia for 28 years and on those few trips home have lots of folks to visit.  I will really treasure this time we have together.  I have spent very little time with Bill her husband, but he is not near as solemn as I thought he was.  I really like him and he is very warm and kind.  Looking forward to seeing more of him.  Sounds like well be in the car a long time on Sundau.  By the end of the day we may know more than needed.  They are both on the quite side so I am trying to be on my best behavior, ; ).  Last night Bill prepared a delis dinner.  Baked eggplant with ragu and cheese, baked pumpkin!!! Really good.  Sliced like can't elope then baked then butter and eat.  I'll try that at home .  Then fresh steamed asparagus.  All good and healthy.  Tonight we went out for Indian.  Don't ask what it was but it was good.  Basically flour tortillas and barbq chicken an baked chicken and a potato and cauliflower dish and bitter gourd that tasted like fried squash in corn meal .  All good!

Tomorrow night we go to a dinner at the seminary, local food and next Thursday ack to Seminary for 6 course Chinese dinner.  I got a lot of walking to do to keep that from sticking to me.

Being here is like being in US.  Many of the same stores and restaurants.  People wear regular clothes.  Plenty of water, hot for showers.  Have to heat to do dishes, but that's just another good reason to eat out.toilets flush as often as you like and TP as needed.  Right here on the Ocean means water in good supply and can even drink to of the facute.  I am getting spoiled, but I am on the a side of my trip.

I am over alf way around the world, and started with 16 weeks and now only 7 to go.  Where has the time gone.  It really seems to have flown by.

I really feel like I'm on vacation now.  Today I slept past 8 got up, had my coffee on the balcony, read and checked messages, then off to explore and find a bus. Got a weekly pass and saw the NE quadrant of Penang Island.  You do see India, china and Mylasia influence all here.  Muslim, Hindu, and 

Christian influence.  The buses are very clean and everyone smells pretty good?  I found a Pizza Hut today so I will be taking that stop soon. 

I went to the tropical spice Arden today.  Really beautiful. Has a jungle area with tropical plants.  I'll have some pics.  I am really interested in learning to cook with these things for medicinal effects.  Everything from acne, to flatulance and all points in between.  Between herbs and spices, hey I knew God provided all the healing we could need.

Then I went across the road for a beach break.  Nice gentle waves, beautiful white sand.  It was large gains of sand but not rocks, but larger than we have in Texas. It was just right.  No seagulls or seashells.  I just waded a bit and sat and enjoyed the sound while waiting for my bus.

I had a great lunch.  Seafood and fried rice.  Really good.  Had some strange veggies on the side as a salad so I cut then and mixed them in the rice and all went very well.  Shrimp was very good as was the squid.  First time on the squid, but lied it.  Still couldn't do the oyster.  Mike always ate th oysters I got, so sure missed him at lunch.  It was a lovely restaurant in the spice garden on a high pace overlooking the sea.  It is called Tree Monkey, but I didn't see any.

Seem to have lost 2 things recently, my razor and my Sandles.  Had the in Kathmandu, but ant find them here.  I'm pretty happy that those are the only things I've lst.  I don't mind buying another razor, but h last thing I need is more shoes.  Oh well, Marsha says the shoes here don't last good, so I guess they want really count.  I'll get something I don't really like so it will be ok to toss them.

I booked my flight to Gold Coast Australia for Nov 10th leaving here at 7:10 and getting there at 20:20 another long day but worth it.  Probably stay just long enough to hit the Great Barrier Reef snorkling then off to Bali for a couple weeks.  I can't believe it is so close to over.  Australia, Bali, Thailand, and back to Mylasia and HOME.

The pool here.  You may be able to see that the apt building is on a nice steep hill.  The bus comes to the bottom of the hill.  I'll get in shape on one of these hills.  I really can tell I can make the stairs better and hills too as long as it is. Not hotter than 90 degrees.  Did I mention my bedroom is AC.  And she has a walker and dryer.  Hooray!

A waterfall at spice garden

Me on the beach

A fabulous tropical plant

Just a thought. Today I read this in an email from friends Frick and Frac.

Help her live her life to the fullest. Please cause her to excel above her expectations. Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs You the most, and let her know when she walks with You, she will always be safe.  It is from the book of Esther.  As I ave traveled, I have certainly seen a disturbing trend that this speaks to.  The way women live outside of America.  

In turkey I mentioned that they seemed sad as though life had been hard and they jst existed and had no value.  It was as if the were worthless and had no option to do better

In Greece their was evidence that husbands had no respect for them and neither did God.  They could not .speak in church and could not sit on the same side as men. I did not see them working in stores or anywhere else.

In Israel.  They lived but they lived separately from men.  They walked behind the men.  They were not allowed on the same floor in the synagogue but were in the balcony. a fence separated then at the wailing wall even in prayer.  The more religious the man the less he has to do with is wife as in talking and praying, but sex is ok cause the more kids the better.  10 is a good number.  Even in the souk the men did the shopping

In Jordan it  got crazy as I mentioned, looking up and realizing I was the only female for as far as I could see in every direction.  The women who I saw in other areas were few and far between, and only men worked in stores.  Most women wore the outfit where only the eyes showed.  Men looked at you as though you had green slime all over you.

In Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, I thought there was a gay convention going on.  All the men were by 2 and usually holding hands.  Public display of affection in UAE is frowned on, but ok with gays.  No women anywhere except the hotels.  I went for a very long walk , men everywhere , maybe 3 women.  On the buses full of men and me.  On the buses there are signs on the front half of the buses saying Ladies only and the men stand in the back of the bus.  Usually the front was me and maybe a man with a child, and maybe another woman or 2 , but never full, but men were told to get back by the driver if they come in front of that 2nd door.  They are all gay so not gonna try anything, what's up.

In the airport, women working, but not flying.  I counted the little area I waited in and with 40 men were 4 women.  Me and a family with Dad and mom and 2 daughters.  The en are well heaved, but not well annexed.  Pushing and shoving like little boys.  We are all getting on the same bus to go to the same airplane for assigned seats, so what's the rush.  We're all getting there at the same time.  Getting off was just as bad.  The minute the forward motion ends they are out of those seats and pushing as we taxi to the gate.   Gotta love some of our federal regulations.   Being a 66 year old woman cuts you no slack.  They are pushing and shoving just the same.  No one on the bus from plane to gate offered a seat to me or the only other lady who was young and carrying a child and luggage.  The men were ALL young and should have offered both of s a seat.

So here are some thoughts.  They were not taught Anne's so what was momma doin.  Was she at home being mistreated by the whole family, was that a choice or a culture.  How long did it take for women to feel worthless and stay out of life.  Are women so useless in the lives of young men that they choose gay over women cause they really think there is green slime on all women.  This culture or religion, is it forced on them or chosen by them.  I have a lot to learn and living with a native Nepalese wife and Mylasian husband for a week may help.  This is a Christian couple that are friends of my cousin, and they run a guesthouse, but I hope to see how life is in Nepal.  

So far it is ver third world ish.  

Last night on the way to the hotel,none of the streets were paved.  Many storefronts  were corrugated tin.  Here in this hotel, cheap year but highly rated, the bathroom is spotless,ad bedding ok, but towels look filthy.  Folded early on the bed, but dingy.  White and never been bleached.  In the bathroom the windows are a lattice sorta concrete and the noise of the neighborhood is amazing.  I gotta admit, I sorta dread going out there, but that is what I'm here for.  It does not sound scary, but uncommon.  I feel a strange new word waiting.  Here I come Nepal

Here are some pics from UAE.  Oh my goodness I forgot to mention flying over Pakistan.  I just assumed we would go around it like Cuba, but NORight over it.  Very desolate.  Only saw a coupe of small towns.  And covered with jagged mountains.  I would be a miserable human if I called that hoe too

Inside the largest mosque on earth.  Folks we need to pay attention to ths.  Everywhere you stand you can see from 3 to 15 mosque.  They are seriously everywhere.  I wish the act that we are a Christian Nation was as evident as is the fact that theses are muslin countries.  To say nothing of the fact that they have the calls to prayer off and on all day long and the mega loud speakers on every corner Akers sur nobody misses it.

It really is a beautiful facility and Hugh

The Persian Gulf at Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi skyline.  A really beautiful, coastal city.  Very new and clean

Airport waiting thoughts

KGot some time to kill and Internet not working.  Just some thoughts.  

Boarding at the airports has been weird for several countries.  You get patted down several times.  Not complaining.  Any action is better than no action : )

They really go through your luggage and carry on.  Open it up rummage through everything.  You go through about 5 checkpoints of passport and boarding pass.  

They start boarding the buses about 45 min before flight time then drive you out to the plane.  Still you wait on the pane for those s who are still late.  

The tickets don't get higher as the time gets closer.  Last night I found $13 tickets for today from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.  But the times didn't work for me so I paid $39 for next day ticket.

Even here in Kathmandu, signage is all English and most everyone speaks English

I think maybe microwaves are new here but in wide use.  But I think they don't know how to use them.  The drinks and soup are heated in them but you have to wait awhile to drink, cause it is boiling.  Should not complain I guess it kills whatever is in it.  I have gotten a cinnamon roll a couple of times and the are baked until they are already hard then microwaved until they are crunchy and you just suck on them. I bought a little Margarhetta pizza for the flight and tried to tell him no microwave cause I will eat it later.  He did not understand for awhile so don't know if it will be crunchy or not.

Back to the bathroom for just a minute.  Most no TP cause the showers and the bathroom are the same space.  You close the toilet lid and shower and usually everything in there is wet.  Challenging to keep your clothes and towel dry, if you are blessed with a towel.  Always a pair of flip flops at the door cause the floor stays wet.  But then there is another faucet on a hose like a hand held shower but about where the TP would be.  I guess you spray yourself of fm but still no TP so you are all wet.  I just don't understand this whole system

Everyone removes their shoes when entering a home or church.  Not a business though.  I finally as Safana last night why.  She said because the ground is dirty and they want to keep the floors clean.  duh.  I thought it was cultural or spiritual, but just practical.  Sometimes they ave other shoes inside and they step out of one and into the other.  Macy and I should try that.  

I have seen no insects or reptiles, except one Lazard in Chitwan.  I don't even want to think about why.  

If I drove through an area like this in the Us I would get out ASAP, and never go ack.  But here it is beautiful.  I think it is because they don't know another way.  There is so much cleaning going on all the time, that I believe if they had the tools, the example and the know how, they would outdo us all.  

There was a big sign as I entered the airport that said "till we meet again" even more than Israel, I believe I will be back.  

Last night we had about a dozen at the touch meeting.  Turns out that youth means up to 35.  I asked them what they worry about at their age.  Answers I bet you can guess.  Finding a mate.  Having a job.  

Family relationships

I have learned very difficult about the culture.  Widows are ouster sized from family because if your husband dies, no matter why, it was the wife's fault.  She should have done a better job as a wife and he would not have died.  Everything he had belongs to his family and she is supposed to take care of herself and any children with nothing.  She is not allowed to own property and no one want to marry a woman who killed her husband.

A young man and his wife are staying with pastor Franklin and they have been kicked out of their Biddish family because they choose to follow Christ.  Now they have no home, no job, no family,  having to start their lives over.  Hhis brother is a priest and wants to convert but the cost his so great he is hesitant.  

I met Saranas sister and niece.  She is 25  married to a man for 5 years. Was a prearranged marriage. Her father wa a pastor and his father a pastor so the married now he beats her but his family standing prevents her from telling anyone or leaving him.  She has told er family and they came to intervene.  Now his family will not let her have any privacy to talk to anyone or fb or email .  

Here we are on the plane. About 500 People. 476 men and 24 ladies.  See ya in Mylasia

My family in Kathmandu. janelle is still asleep

The guys on the plane

Sun setting over the Indian Ocean, I think. And thunderstorms brewing.  I don't know if they have thunder here or not.  That could be airplanes I hear.  It is an airport.

Leaving Kathmandu.  I swear I never saw a road like that anywhere in Nepal

Cleanliness

YFor people who have so little and have to work so hard for what they have, they work hard to make there places clean.  The wash the street  in front of their houses at night.  They sweep their sand/dirt yards all throughout the day.  The broom is made of rice stalks tied together with strips of stalks.  The sweep the house with this as well.  Many carry water from a central point in old coke and sprote bottles to have any water to do chores with.  Most families are multi family woth 10 or more people under one roof.  So there are many people available to do the chores.  Where I am, I believe that it is mom and dad, and their 6 children are grown, but 102 yo Mother lives in a small room out back. 2 girls who have no home or family are her all the time, but don't sleep in the hose, so must sleep somewhere out back as well.  People are always coming through the front gate and don't know if they are just passing through or if the also live out back.  Pastor Man and Anita are the kind of people who would never turn anyone away, so if there is a place here better than what they ave, I'm sure they are welcome.  I am invited to come anytime and bring all of you and I'm sure they will ake a place for s and treat us like royalty.  That seems to be the way of Nepal.  A very beautiful country filled with warm and loving, caring, sharing people.  They are very happy and really don't miss what they don't have.  Almost makes me resent what we have, it does spoil our true existence.  We miss the pleasures of life because of all our advancement.  Hummm.

I will spend some time today cutting off legs and sleeves.  I brought long pants and long sleeves for Nepal and it is NOT cold unless you are in the mountains at night.  Ave only seem a couple of mosquitoes, and it was night so went inside.  glad I brought scissors.  Hope I can cut off enough to cover the weight of all I've bought.  Some things were just irresistible.  My flight yesterday was the best ever.  A little 20 sweater on Buddah air.  Would have been 6 hours by bus but 20 min by air.  Got here in time to go eat dinner at a hotel cause the power was out here.  They call restaurants hotels.  They have only been in the eating out culture for about 3 years.  Before that that the only paces that served food ready to eat on site were hotels, to travelers.  So now if a place serves food ready to eat, it is called by locals , a hotel.  They are learning that fast, cause they are everywhere.  Some are in closed buildings, some huts, some jut free standing you sit they cook kinda like a picnic.  But they do have tables and chairs and me use and napkins.  It works.  Sometimes the menu is on the wall,and they don't always have napkins.  Every time I find napkins or toilet paper, I take a little extra.  It has often come in handy.

Speaking of seating, the church hase a few chairs, mainly for senior citizens.  There were about 70 people there yesterday and 8 of us were in chars, everyone else sat on the floor.  Kids met outside with no chairs.  The service was in Nepalese so after the music I went outside with the kids.  They were from about 4-12 yo, about 20 of them with 1 teacher, and very well behaved.  People either walk to church or take the bus, but come ready to praise and worship.  

Yesterday I needed an ATM before I left, so pastor took me on his motor bike to town and showed me around.  Glad I didn't see it sooner or I would have ad to buy another suitcase to send home.  Really beautiful, indian fashions.  It is much closer to India so mor Indian influence in fashion.  There was a beautiful river and many families out...you guessed it, washing clothes in the river and pounding them on the stones.  Now they will take them home and lay then out to dry on the shrubs.  Shrubs bad flowers are amazing.  I recognize a lot of them, but they are larger here.  Our shrubs are trees here.  Makes for many flowers with lots of large blooms and leaves.  When I was ready to leave, 4 of the youngest children in the house, made me a beautiful bouquets.  They were so proud a,d I was so blessed.  I loved pastor and Anita and their 25 yo daughter Pratima.  She was home with her little girl to visit.  They all took me to the airport.  Mom and dad on the bike and the rest of us in the Taxi.  Mom and dad stayed u til the plane took off.  It was about an hour late.  I thought they had eft when they took us into a secure area and looked through our carry ons, but later I looked through the window and saw they were still there waiting to be sure I got off ok.  Remember when we used to do that.  Mine was the only plane at the airport so they knew which one it was.  Anita, mom did not speak English, so what little talking we did was through dad or daughter. I really felt a kinship to mom, and really wanted to share just with her.  I think we could have talked for hours.  At breakfast I asked Pratima to translate and told mom, when we get to heaven I think we will all speak the same language and I look forward to sitting with a cup of tea and talking with her.   She made a lot of hand motions and smiled real big, and I know she looks forward to that too.  We hugged and patted each other a lot and smiled a lot.

Some of the ladies at the meeting I did

The children in the back yard of the church

Pastor Man and part of the congregation

The family outside on the porch

The plane to Kathmandu

Chitwan

I missed my bus stop so just went to Chitwan a day early.  Gods idea.  almost primitive.  No cars some trucks, some motor bikes, lots of bicycles deliveries made on bikes. Ladders carried on bikes. some horse drawn carriages, some riding Elephants and carrying London Elephant.  Electricity off 3  times  In 24 hours.  Dinner in hotel by candle light.  Best meal I've had in a week cause I had no clue what it was and could not see it.  Chicken patties, rice and fried veggies.  Nothing in Nepal has seemed clean, but acceptable. Cannot find a restaurant, or hotel that is better than the others so be happy and eat and sleep.  

The people here are unbelievably friendly.  At the animal reserve, the entire hotel staff of about 12 guys was at my beckon  call.  They came to get me when meals were ready , took me to everything ,available, in town.  It was like having my grands on hand to take care of me.  Riding on the bak of Tacos bike with my luggage between us was my fav, but the canoe was great until we saw the the crocks having sex and later another one resting.  We saw monkeys, and kingfishers, peacock and boar hogs.  Enough for me,  and the Elephant breeding compound.  That night was a Cultural program and I think everyone in town came.  Lots of native dance ,music and costumes .  Next morning, breakfast and a truck ride to the Elephant safari.  We rode Elephants for 2 hours all over te jungle, basically looking for something wild. , not me, I really did not want to see anything Big and wild altough I was on an Elephant he was slow. But on my goodness we went Down a hill to get in the river and Up hill to get out.  There was a rider, then a Steel box that 4 of us sat on up on the Elephant.  They had deer stand looking wooden stairs and plAt forms that we climbed he walked out on the Elephants back.it was way cooler than I expected.  Saw basically the same things as before plus about 80 deer in 3 different types.  Spotter deer or summer deer.  Looked like a full size Barbie that never lost its spots bu the size of a. Mule deerThen regular looking mule deer, and then barking deer.  About the size of Parker county deer but sorta  , dark red, with short stubby horns.  

After the ride it was back to the hotel and another bath and lunch then my new friend arrived to take me to his home.  He is a pastor in his town where I am now.  This where I met Birkram while I waited for Manuel. Birkram is 23 yo travel planner, in Chitwan. Adorable with a big white smile.  Was orphaned 10 years ago when both parents died in the same year.he was very happy to meet a foreigner.  Feels trapped in Nepal with no family, and unable to do anything to advance.  He is of Hindu faith, but not practicing. Sees no hope in Nepal or Hindu. Severe have expressed the same frustration about no hope for advance in Nepal.  We talked about hope and Jesus, and he was ready to make a change.  I explained how to ask Jesus into his life and he wanted to do it.  We prayed, and by the the paster hold be at the hotel so I took him to meet Birkram and make sure he understood what he we were saying.

He talked with him and got his number and told him where the earnest church was.   We talked a bit more and exchanged contact info. Pray with me that he follows through and let's God make a difference in his life.

Drove home, stopped and picked up my ticket to fly to Kathmandu tomorrow, Saturday.  Then came to pastors house.  He speaks good English but his wife none.  They live about 5 houses from their church, which if one room.  If had chairs would seat about .25 chairs, but here holds about 80 people, many standing outside.. They are building a new. Church next door to their. Home.  Have been here about 38 years.  Owned the land and donated it to the church.  His 102 yo mother lives. Out back.  She speaks no English but we talked with each other for a long while today.  Both smiled a lot and enjoyed the visit.  Afterwards, I was scheduled to share with the ladies. Of the church.  Pastors daughter and granddaughter are here for a visit, so she interrupted for me.  I was really not nervous, and had prayed about it a lot, am

Nd this was one of the repos for my trip, so actually was excited about it.  Probably had about 20 ladies.  Shared my testimony and family and. Trip experience, the some verses that were important to me for them, and a couple God had expressed upon me, and I pray and believe it went well.  What ison my  heart as i havee mentioned is the back seat position so many women around the world are taking.  I reminded  them that God created men and women I his own image, and God doesn't make mistakes, and we all have a purpose in life and if we don't each one do what God. Has called us to do, then that part want be done correctly as only we can do.  We talked about Joy and encouraging one another.  They all sat on the floor and the interpreter and I sat in chairs.  Tomorrow at real church I work with children.  Pray with me that God will repair any

Thing  I mixed up and and bring to their mind anything I left out.  Theses are wonderful women  and happy and content.

Yesterday was a day I hope I will never forget.  About 4:30 I went for a walk.  I felt like the prince who wore no cloths or the pipe piper.  No sooner left the yard until people started staring.  I smiled and put my hands together as praying bowled my head and said Jaime see, as is the custom for Christians to say Hello in Nepal.  Non Christians say Nomisee so you can tell a Christian.  After a block I gathered about 5 kids the 8, then about 4 uniformed girls raced out of school with a million questions in Englsh.  

They were so excited to find an American, they wanted to show me their school.  I told them only if my little friends could come.  They agreed and off we ran.  It was like movie.  They took me to their class for everyone to see me.  They asked me a ton of questions so I just told them all about me and my trip.  Added a little geography and asked a few questions in return.  Then they asked me to sing.  Oh no, my grand don't even let me sing, but I sang for them. I sang deep in the heart of Texas.  Only got 2 lines and another bunch came in to meet me.  Students and teachers.  I told them about church on Saturday, and told them all to stay in school and graduate and come see me in Texas.  It was a boarding school for 14-16 yo..  As I tried to leave about 16 of them insisted on walking me out, on the way out they took me to the canteen to meet the cook, then to their Hostelm where the lived with 8 bunks per room.  They each one showed me their own bunk.  That was what got tome.  The pride they had on having a bed,mattress and sheet and pillow.  Very likely never had one before.  Very clean and neat but old and beat up.  But it was theirs and they were happy to show it off.  They each one told me how happy they were tomeet me andi invited them to church again.  They explained that they could not leave the school except on school trips, but one told. Me several times that she was a Christian.  I told the others that Jesus loves them to and ask them if I could pray for them. With an overwhelming yes, we all held hands and I prayed. For their education, AND school, and their future, and that they would come to know Jesus.  Then we met the teachers again and they shook my hand and thanked me for coming and said it really made the students happy to have visitors.  Then the girls all took me to the gate.  When I say we went or the took. Me.  There were about 6-8 touching me every step, they were so careful that I not stumble or fall that I could hardly walk.  At the gate they got in a line to hug me and I knew I had been hugged.  I walked away looking over my shoulder to see them still waving.  Now rejoined by my little friends on bikes and walking, they walked me home.  My heart was so full I could hardly get through the gate.  God ga blessed me again and again.  Today after sharing with the ladies, I took my cue from the girls yesterday and stood at the door as they left and got hugs from all of the.  Felt very familiar as that is how I tried to end my sales meetings for the last

26 years.  

This really a friendly town.  Everyone has a garden and busily picking or plowing or burning or hoeing.  This home is very nice as well, for Nepal.  Not a lot of electricity, water or other things we take for granted but everything you need.  I am definitely seeing how excessive we are. In America.  Am personally going to try to get by with less when I get home, but flushing toilets as often as I like, and using TP will not be on my cut list.  I smell supper so goodnight.  Everyone goes to bed around dark.

Long trip on the short bus.

IGot up at 6 to see the sunrise from my room and it was quite impressive again.  Then off to Chitwan 

on the 7:30 bus.  Got some good laughs at the bus lot.  Ya know cows are sacred here in the Hindu or 

Buddist religion.  Well there is one in the middle of the parking lot,and everyone is having to go around 

him. 

I love the dogs here and have noticed every city since istanbul have had dogs everywhere.  

The sleep all day and howl all night.  They have these great curly tails and are very strong and 

short haired.  Need to get a pic cause would love one like that if I have another dog when I get old 

and stay at home more.

Last night the power went out at the hotel for a couple of hours.  Had a while of on line games.

About to leave so more later.  Don't know how I got that bold print. Well I'm here now and have wifi, 

but sounds busy.  Canoeing at 4 dinner at 5 cultural show after dinner.  6:30 am elephant ride. Leave at 1

Maybe later maybe not. Tomorrow I go to the Mann home ...wifi iffy

The view at the top

This is the view out my window.  Gotta be the best view in tow.  I went out to get pics of the sunset and turned around and the clouds are clearing.  I leave the hotel at 5am for a sunrise over the mountains so hope for better picks tomorrow.  I don't even think these are Mt Everest but they are gorgeous   Had a stunning 2 hours on a bus ride here.  Unfortunately the bus ride was from. 7:30to 3pm. It really was all great to look at, but remember the part about the very bumpy roads.  I am talking serious bumps that hurt my body.  2 hours would have been tough but 7.5 ugh.  But not it's just a distant memory.  Hope it's only a memory tomorrow when I get up.  Anyway, I did something last night and cut the power off to my I pad charging, so ended up on this gorgeous drive with no camera at all.  I travel again Wed so hopefully can get some good shots.  Only 7-1. I missed ya today though.  I always take the pics thinking I'm talking to someone telling you about that scene.  But I was not alone.  There were about 7 teenage boys that kept me laughing and helped me with some iPhone issues I was having. 

Time for some potty talk.  

Should it be embarrassing that I am getting pretty good at squat pot.  I talked to a guy the other day who pulled his hamstring doin the squat.  I avent ad any serious business, but getting better at #1. 

Today I asked my self, as I watched an 80 year old woman come out of the potty, " did she really squat and get up?"  Then I wondered if that is what people thought when they saw me come out!?

I'm just wondering if they can figure out how to put a porcelain squat pot in, why can't the just do a seat on it.  No one really wants to squat do they.

How much would it cost to add a bar to hold onto. I really don't want to fall in there

How about a hook to hang your purse on.  The floor is covered in other people's p, so you can't put it down.

Even in homes they say, there is a water shortage so we don't flush every time we pp.  just when it's necessary.  Now tell me, whose call is that.  Rancid p in the morning is not me favorite cup of p.

But then let's consider the 1st of our 4 breaks this morning.  PTL I did not need to go.  We pulled over in an ok place with a little snack bar and the driver yells toilets.  I wish!!!  We get out and I walk over to the edge and start looking over the edge of the mountain since I didn't need to go.  Well lo and behold, there was no toilet, you just walk down the mountain about 10 feet and do your thing.  Ladies to the left, guys to the right, There is nothing right about that, even in Nepal.  So when I looked over the edge I was looking at the heads of the potty goers.  I knew then it would be a long day

Enough potty talk.  I do have Internet here so I'll blog while I can, don't worry till Sunday.  Then I should be in good service again

Look closely and you can see the snow covered mts in the center.  Clouds over others

Sunset and clouds mainly but mts behind the clouds

As the clouds cleared

Hello y'all

Moving on quicker than I thought.  My new friends here have graciously arranged for me to go toPokhara  tomorrow for a visit cause that is what you are supposed to do,  then on Wed ill go to Chitawah to a jungle retreat to ride and elephant and see other wild animals, then spend a couple of days with her parents who are ministering in Chitawah and I will work with some of their ladies.

.  I'm just doin what they say cause I've given this ministry part to God too and expecting well all be blessed f I shut up and follow.  Had a great day today visiting the Baptist church and sharing pot luck as they celebrated 10 years of English services.  Good crowd, good music and local food.  For diner I took a coupe to dinner.  We had the local favorite of MoMos.  A doughy pastry filled with veggies, or chicken or buff.  I thought Buff was Beef in Neal but it was short for Buffalo.  Really good dipped in a really spicy, hot sauce.  With soda the 3 diners totaled $3.65.  

I have to get up at 6an

M to get the taxi to the bus for Pokhara.  I don't know if I will have any Internet access for a few days but I will be able to call Franklin who can call Marsha if I have any issues.  I am in good hands so if you don't here from me, just relax and enjoy and I'll be back by Sunday.  If I have access I will get in touch, but if you need me, start with Aunt Margarete.

Beautiful day in Nepal

When I woke up in Katmandu this morning and it was just as beat up and run down as it was last night, I was ready to make my excuses and move on.  Instead I went to the rooftop for breakfast enjoyed a visit with great guys from NY and Toronto. They were to trek and we had a great N American visit about, politics and religion, and travel.  The I got a cab to Franklins.  He was a student and dear friend of my cousins in Myalysia.  He and his wife and 2 kids are precious.  We will go to their church tomorrow here in Kathmandu.  They are renting a wonderful home home here in Lilitup Nepal, 15 min out of city.  Much nicer area than downtown Kathmandu. The family of husband, wife a 19 month old girl and 9 year old boy s precious.  They have extra bedrooms that they provide for traveling ministers, missionary's, family and friends.  They can't actually rent it but we can make donations to their ministry.  Great deal.  Attached some pics from my balcony on 2nd floor.  Also as rooftop from 3rd floor and washing machine on next level after roof.  Today we went for a walk to buy food for diner.  Shops are unbelievable.  Cows and chickens and goats along the street with a good number of pedestrians but not crowded.  Not many cars here as everyone rides motor cycles.  Probably not e.  well see.  Today we saw rooster and 2 hens across the road from a place that sells chickens ready to cook.  Had to wonder what those chickens were thinking.  they will probably be laying on that counter tomorrow.  We had spaghetti tonight.  Made with Buffalo.  Another 1st I think.  There are mountains all around but most about like Colorado.   Then in the distance you can see the snow capped tops of taller ones.  Cloudy today but I'll get pics soon.   Kathmandu is in a valley so temp today ranged 55-75.  Been raining a lit lately but not normal.  Result of the Cyclone that hit India.  I think I'm fine not going to India.  This is pretty close to what I expected there and frankly more beat up than I expected here.  Taj Majal, not so impressive after all I've seen.  Lady staying with Franklin and family has filled me in on Thailand and Indonesia and Myalysia and I think I'm gonna be just fine without India .  So far now enjoy theses pics.

Off my balcony

Off balcony

Early morning view from other hotel in Thamel, a nice section of Kathmandu.  See why I was ready to flee!

View from hotel this morning in the other direction

 

Farewell Jordan

Don't see any reason to ever come ack to Jordan but it was my fist Amb and my first tear gas a really nice hostel and some really nice people.  Suzanne was from UK but now living as a teacher I believe in Saudi Arabia.  Says they get 5 weeks a year of holiday and they ave no expenses.  They are provided a good income, housing, transportation, and food.  Said a lot of Americans come here take good money before they retire.  I think they still get summer vacation. All health care is provided, so really everything goes into savings or fun money.  Downside, when out of home, they ave to wear the long full black dress and head covered all except face.  In their own home can wear anything.  Most wear a full set of clothes under that hot black dress.  And it is hot there.  Said unless you are married or cle relative you cannot speak or make eye contact with the opposite sex.  When courting it is done prearranged by parents and in the presence of parents.  Said technology is changing cause kids go out with same sex then stand around in the mall on their phones with blood tooth and connect with who ever is on Bluetooth and get acquainted and talk technically.  I don't understand Bluetooth so don't know how that works, but leave it up to kids to figure a way.  Been doing that for many generations.

Met Tarrence from Nova Scotia yesterday at breakfast.  Was going with a friend to a refugee camp.  He is a credit counselor so guess they needed help straightening out their credit after relocation.  There are a lot of refugees here from Pakistan and Palistine and Syria.  Heard yesterday that Syria has invited Al Quida terrorist to come into Syria to help depose thei King Assad or Abad whatever it is.  Glad to be getting out of here.  

Sounds like Abu Dhabi will be a beautiful change.  I am seeing architectural changes.  In Israel the older the better and everything is built of the same stone to keep it looking old.  Here I have seen 2 leaning buildings.  I mean new construction that is leaning on purpose.  One tall and skinny and one box like with both both ends leaning the same direction.  Will try to include a pic.  Well this lady next to me looks Indian and is sniffling so I'm gonna close up and find a distant seat

Hello UAE

I sorta thought this would be a great place, and yeah so far so good.  All new in the last 50 years.  Built with our Oil money.  We could have that money if we  weren't     so worried about spotted owls and stuff like that.  I got here after dark but it's gotta be great.  I'm in an awesome room 3 blocks from the beach.  I'll be checking trout tomorrow.  I would really like to just stay in the room in the cozy fluffy robe , drink coffee and tea and sit in the tub and watch the news, but I won't .  I'll get out there be a tourist.  Just one day to take it all in.  Today was a wonderful day.  Bus to airpot 1 hour ride then wait   3. hours, fly 2 hours then wait 4 hours then fly 1 hour then bus 1 hour.  Up at 7am in hotel by 11pm.  Would have been fine if Internet worked in Bahrain.  The airports were all very nice, and clean and sorta on the new side.  The flights were about the best I've ever had.  As we flew over Saudi Arabia, it was sad to see so little value to that pitiful desert, the I suddenly remembered the oil they have under they stinking desert.  Pretty good trade off.  As we flew, I could see the dust storm coming.  No clouds and you could tell it was not moist, but it completely obscured the ground from 3300 ft.  You could really understand how people get lost in stuff like that.  In Bahrain there was still sand in the air and it is an island.   Had to be a little curious about how close all this to Pakistan.  Never thought about it till I watched that map if the flight in the plane.  

When I got to  Abu Dhabi and got through customs, a nice security person showed me to the bus stop and took my luggage to it and told me it cost 4 whatever's.  I said oh no y'all have different money too.  I was jst in Bahrain and changed it to their money.  I started glancing around seriously looking for an ATM or change station, they are almost everywhere.  He put a 5 whatever in my hand and said, here , that's ok.  I almost cried as I said thanks and God Bless you.  That was the kindest thing to do for a stranger.  I was touched and will be praying for God to repay him in His way.  Can you believe I'm God Blessing people here in the midst of a mosque on every corner.  I was so happy I didit from my heart cause if I had thought about it I would have been reluctant.  But he says not to deny him and not God Blessing TS man would have been hiding God in my heart and not sharing him.  Well a bunch of us waited for the bus.  There were 3 young people behind me speaking good English and looking at the bus schedule.  I wasn't sure if there had been a time change so I asked them what time it was here and one thing led to another.  They were from the 

Philippians and here working as nurses.  Had been to the airport to see a sister off to go home for a visit.  Most skilled jobs here are taken by foreigners, but locals are ok with it cause they are not qualified, and there is too much growth for locals to cover it all.  They speak Arabic but most speak English pretty well.  While we visited they were so adorable and we talked like old friends,  they wanted to know how my kids fill about my travels.  Young people always ask about my family.  In their minds they are imagining how they would fill if their Mom went crazy. I explained to them that Psalm 24 says the Earth is the Lords and all that is within it, so was not traveling alone.  As a Christian I know The Lord is always with me and put special people like them in my path.  They were very concerned about me traveling alone.  They took my luggage when the bus came and loaded it for me, then when one got on she told the driver it was for 4 and she smiled at me and said she wanted to do it.  We rode on the bus a long time and talked.  When it was time for them to get off they asked if I wanted to go as far as I could on the bus and then get a taxi or would I be ok to get off there and they would hail a taxi and tell them where to take me.  As I got up and got off in a very nice area with them they got my bags, hailed a cab and all hugged twice, I gave them my card and they gave me their phone number and said to call them if I needed anything or had any questions. god is so good.  Send me ministering angels when I needed a tender touch.

All in all a great day!

Just a pic to prove my point.  Muslim influence is everywhere.  This is an international airport and the have prayer rooms so Muslims can go pray at their designated times.  Notice that men and women do not pray together.  See the sigh overhead

Eid Mubarack

Means happy and blessed holiday here in Jordan, per Regina.  Thanks dear?  

Real slow day with many things closed.  But plenty open.  Walked a bit and took some pics.  Kinda slept in till 8:23.  Late for this traveler.  Had a nice breakfast of omelet with tomatoes and bell peppers. Humps, which I'm learning to be ok with.  Comes in different flavors based on spices added, then another cheeses that is soft and creamy.  Pretty good, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, big plate of bread and 2 slices of lemon cake, and of course Nescafé. And great preserves of some kind.  Not any jelly, but always much richer and fruitier than regular jelly.  I did stop later and have another chicken lunch, with tenders, fries, and pita bread and coke.served with a great garlic dip.  Looks like powdered sugar an milk for sleazed donuts but its garlic not sweet.  Maybe a touch of lemon but good on bread, chicken or fries.

Back at the little cafe at the hotel, watching people.  Not many people though.  On my walk I went the way I've gone before and saw a sign saying city center so I too the curve to it.  After walking awhile and no big change in scenery, it was just the back side of the one I was on.  You know how one way streets do, so I knew exactly where I was, but noticed that out of hundreds of people on the streets for a block or so, as far as I could see, I was the only female.

  I picked up the pace and took the next left and got ack to the street I am familiar with.  I guess on this holiday, women stay home.  The only women I have seen, were tourist like myself.  I took my iPad today so here are some better pics.  The roman theater, the citadel, just some areaaround the theater and yes, a man preparing the sheep skins after the meat was used for the poor.  Love

What a night.

Pretty interesting night.   My new friend Suzanne from .u.k invited me to go along to dinner at a placed she really liked and 

meet some other new .  Only one came along, Xavier from Switzerland .  They were the age of my 

kids and we had a great time sharing travel experiences.  Both agreed their mothers would never 

do anything like this and we shared things we want tell our parents and kids till we get back home.

I ate lamb for my first time ever.it was really good.  All was authentic, Arab foods.  Then we went 

to a place I found earlier today and they found yesterday and they have live music and dance lessons 

for Arab dances.  It was really fun and great company, food and entertainment.  Got back to the 

room and all got ready to settle in.  One of the girls was in the shower and I followed her in, and 

immediately noticed a terrible odor no not that... I thought she had smoked something or used some

 chemicals to clean with, I could hardly breath and my eyes were watering and burning.  My throat felt 

Like I had swallowed peppers.  I got out as quick as I could and found everyone else coughing 

and complaining of the same symptoms.  My first thought was where's Syria from here.  We looked 

out the window and found people running towards us with, hats, shirts, handbags, all sorts of things 

over their mouths.    Some actually had those white things like you use when mowing or sawing to 

cover nose or mouth.  I guess a fast thinking hardware store had them.  Anyway, we found out 

at the desk that it was over zealous citizens celebrating Eid.  Oi looked it up, and get this.  It is the 

Muslim celebration of sacrifice, remembering when Ibrahim ( Abraham to us) took his son Ishmael 

up the mountain To sacrifice him.  God had come to Ibrahim and Ishmael and gotten their agreement 

that this was to happen.  So when the time came, god provided a sacrifice, and as a reward for his 

faithfulness,  God gave Abraham another son Isaac.  You may recognize this as the distorted version of a similar 

story in the Bible when Abraham followed God and took his son Isaac to the mountain for sacrifice 

and God saved Isaac and provided another sacrifice.  The Muslims celebrate by killing a lamb and 

giving to the poor.  My throat is better so I'm going to sleep.

Peat and repeat

Feel like I am back in Greece.  More acropolis.  All cities built a citadel, fort on the highest hill in town. The amphitheater s, I guess they all had one or more, athens, Ephesus, now Amman. Then proof it's Monday, washday.

The amphitheater

The citadel

Washday

I did find a fried chicken place and had rice and a chicken tender and coke for lunch.  Supposed to go with roomies for traditional dinner tonight.  However I may crack up before then cause there is an Arab on a loud speaker yelling back it up back it up calizoa a, i got power i got power over and over for over an hour.  Now someone else is trying to drowned him out with loud Arab music.  I think that is why Arabs are scary, they have to put with this all day and night and it irate s them.  This goes on day and night.    I have often thought in America we had to many laws.  Lets live and let live.  But here there seem to be no laws.  Litter, jay walk, no hand rails, noise is up to you, fireworks downtown any night.  It really makes some of our code enforcement make sense.