Gratitude.

Swam in the river run off of the Himalaya today. A relief from the heat and a tad cleaner than our Fewa Lake swim yesterday. I am reminded of Shasta waters and look forward to a brief visit to the 'Pura Vida'. Shasta air and water. Returning home is heavy on my mind and I wander constantly how life will feel. Will it bring tears? Will it bring change? Will I forget? Will I proceed through the universe differently?

I've been in town for the last couple of days enjoying my time with other volunteers. My spirits are high and I have GRATITUDE as a mantra in my thoughts and in my words throughout the day. It is a common theme here for us all. Yet, my heart feels the draw back to my Nepali family. I will spend one last week with them before I spend the remainder of my time in Kathmandu. I know leaving will be gut wrenching for us. I've become attached to them, and they to me in just this short time. Ama constantly pinches my cheek hard (almost to the point that it hurts a little too much but lets go in time) whilst telling me that I will return with David, get married (Marriage. A whole new topic for a young unmarried girl in Nepal. Why I didn't just say that I was married AND Christian from the beginning! It would've saved me so many perplexed and confused looks from other Nepalis!) and live in the cow shed. She points to her heart, and then to me and I see the sadness, and the love, and I am just filled with GRATITUDE that this beautiful family has come into my life.

I never want to forget this overwhelming feeling of gratitude!