Fall

A few days ago I celebrated my two year anniversary in Nepal. Unfortunately, in bed, as I was laid out with a fever. But I was internally celebrating, nevertheless.

It was hard for me to imagine being in Nepal for two years when I first arrived. But here I am, in certain ways, quite a changed person. No matter what other reasons might exist, I guess this is partially why we really come if we are honest with ourselves.

I am enjoying feeling at home in a country that at one point felt so foreign.

I am enjoying switching easily in conversations between Nepali and English.

I am enjoying knowing finally what work it is here that brings me genuine joy.

I continue to enjoy simple pleasures: like Nepali tea and full conversations with no words; dancing and joke telling as part of trainings; knowing my neighbours and the fact that my corner shop carries everything really necessary.

And I am enjoying knowing that I am on my last stretch of time here. Time which I am really grateful for.

For me life in Nepal has a level of intensity to it, as well as a circularity and fluidity. I am starting to wonder what it will be like to go back to things that feel normal, predictable, and linear. I imagine that I will find this alternatively hard and comforting.

Here the weather is crisp. Sunny. The mountains stretching along the horizon. On and on and on. Dust is filling the air. More and more every day. And outside of the city the fields have now been cleared of all the rice. Everyone is getting ready for the cold that is starting to set in.

Picture above: evening of dancing at our young professional women's workshop.