Kathmandu & dysentery

It would seem that the water here is not the safest to drink. Or the vegetables and fruit the safest to eat, that is, without first a bath in iodine water. To date, while here in Nepal at least five out of eight of our team (Trevor is planning to catch up with us tomorrow!) have had some sort of trouble resulting in the general diarrhea or the more problematic dysentery (not confident in the doctors conclusion however).

The sickness in the group continues to ebb and flow (uh, literally) as our time in Nepal begins to wind down. I had a couple days of my own where the bathroom was frequented more than it should have been. Much prayer has been put towards defeating the sickness within the group and such has made a marked difference. Additionally, we are very thankful that "over the counter" here extends to many drugs which would require a prescription in the states - thus I am very thankful for Ciproflauxim (sp?) and have a healthy additional supply.

Our days here have been good. Nepal has a rich cultural and people history. The people here are a blend of people types - some Indian, some Mongolian descendants, some Bhutanese - just a blend of people. And, so, to be Nepalese could mean any of many people groups. We have had a little interaction with the local people through our activities (visiting Bible schools or colleges) and those whom some of us speak to in the streets outside our accommodation. Our contacts have been especially inviting and hospitable. In any country we have visited, Kathmandu, Nepal included, the contacts have really made the experience what it was - I am thankful for that.

Today is our last full day in Kathmandu, Nepal. We depart tomorrow and will arrive in Cairo a day later. Nepal is a beautiful place to which it would be great to return some day. The current governmental status is in flux but seemingly headed towards a democratic republic (I hope - a few iterations may be required) - and such may take some time. Our experience here has been a bit impacted by the current political action, but not in any serious or harmful way. We were requested not to be out after dark (even our hosts don't appear to care to travel after dark either, unless by taxi) for safety - such appears more related to petty crime. In any case the time here has been a blessing and we are very thankful to have had this opportunity.

Trevor was able to meet up with us just a couple days ago, however, he is still on the mend and we try to talk him into taking things easy. It is grand to have him back in the group as we missed his company.

A couple of us went out to a viewpoint today. A couple more are celebrating their 2 year wedding anniversary with a flight around Everest. The rest are just chilling and packing. The Thamal area markets here are wonderful - beautiful and quality products for a price that is nothing like we would find back home. Thus, there have been a few of us who have made purchases far exceeding the available space within their personal backpacks - watching the packing today shall be entertaining... As for me I have opted out of any adventures and thankfully have room in my pack for what I now own, and am now spending HOURS at the internet attempting to make reservations for after DTS travels - it's a much more time consuming job than first thought...

At this point in our travels the team is excited to continue our travels, adventures and seeking God, however, there is a definite weariness present. Our itinerary has been a bit less hot and humid than other teams, and our accommodations have probably been a bit different as well - we all really feel blessed for the locations and accommodations in which we have stayed. That said, it would seem that this type of traveling takes a toll on one's body. We have probably all gained a bit of weight, lost muscle, many of us ravaged with sickness at times, and become weary of the adjustment to new places and new cultures. This isn't to say that the experience hasn't been absolutely amazing and enjoyable - just the honesty of where I (and others) are at. We have experienced God in many ways and been witness to much of His work and glory in the lands. We look forward to staying in one spot for more than 10 days in Jerusalem.