...Nepal...

Some mornings I wake up and forget that I am in Kathmandu, Nepal. Then I walk outside, take one look at the cows fighting for space on the "main" roads, the stray dogs wandering aimlessly about in search of food, and the bustling mess of humanity and everything else you can think of crowded into one big valley, and then it hits me just how far away from home I am. And just how different life out here really is.

I have been here now for exactly 2 weeks. And, as usual, the time has flown by.

The first 12 days were spent with the fifteen children who reside at Sonrisa Orphanage, the organization I have been volunteering with since I arrived. They had a small break from school, so our days were spent playing endless games that only children find entertaining (luckily I can be childish sometimes and quite enjoyed the coloring and puzzles that were their favorite choices to while away the days). The last couple days they have been back in school, so I have much more free time to myself. And more time to help around the orphanage, cleaning and doing whatever else needs to be done. I suck at domesticated chores, but I try as best I can, and it seems to be enough for the most part. Because I've been in countries where English is not the first language spoken, I have found my own English getting worse and worse as the months go on. I am continually saying things like, "I no eat. I do. We go? This okay?" I sound like a small child most of the time, but at least I fit in around the other kids!

So, I have two more weeks here, and I already know that it is going to be hard to leave these kids. As mischievous and annoying as they can be sometimes, they are also so clever and kind-hearted, and despite whatever their life was like before coming to the orphanage, they seem unbelievably happy. This place is awesome, and I'm so glad that I'm able to be a part of it, to help out in any small way possible.

I've been thinking a lot lately about traveling, and have realized that it has changed the person I once thought I was. And, it has made me truly realize who I really am, and what this life can be like if one has the willpower to actually experience it for all it's worth. It's not all easy and pleasant, and can be terribly lonely at times, but traveling alone and relying on only yourself is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. Along with all of the things I have seen and the places I have been, I also have a new deep appreciation of my home and the people who are there waiting for my return. It's not until you leave everything and everyone behind that you realize just how important they are in your life, and how much you can't wait to see them again.

The road may be hard sometimes, and it's bound to get harder in a couple weeks when I leave Nepal and head for India, but I know the hardships will lead to happiness. Happiness for the fulfillment of my dreams, and following them no matter how hard it has been, or how many tears have been shed, or how many people I've had to leave behind.

But, I'll be back soon. Every journey has to end eventually, and although I'll be extremely sad when this one is over, I know I will also be overly excited to get back to the loving arms of my family, to our comfortable home in Maryland. I don't know yet how long I'll stay, or where my next journey will take me, but for now, home sounds like a great place to be after being gone for so long.

So, until then, I'll keep updating my blog (now that it's no longer blocked!), and I'll keep everyone updated on my latest adventures.

I miss you all like crazy, and I can't wait to see you again. Be safe and take care. Much love.