Yesterday we took the kids to the park, and as usual, I ran around with them hanging all over me, and came home exhausted and covered in sweat, dirt, and grime. I was looking forward to 15 minutes of solitude and a relaxing shower, but was told that we had no water and that I couldn't take one. So, I laughed it off and went to bed dirty.

As I'm sitting here, the next morning, with dirt still caked on my feet and ankles, I am contemplating whether or not I will get to take a shower today. Although it's a tad bit frustrating that I have to ask to take a shower, I have come to accept it as a fact of life here, and know that it's just best to go with the flow and not to dwell on it. A little dirt and sweat will never hurt anybody!

In other news, preparations are being made for the next stop on my journey: INDIA! I went to a travel agency yesterday and bought my one way ticket from Kathmandu to Varanasi (it was actually cheaper than booking online!) This flight is only about 45 minutes long, and I leave on September 1st. A couple days ago I went to the Indian Embassy here to fill out some paperwork and pay some money for my Indian visa. Turns out, Americans have to pay an extra 1500 Rupees, which they call a "penalty." Pretty funny. Either way, I should have my visa and passport back in a couple days, and am very excited to be getting things ready for the start of a new adventure in a new country.

My rough plan is to spend about 3 weeks in India and visit Varanasi, Agra (for the Taj Mahal), and Delhi. After that I have definitely decided that I will hop on a flight over to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for about a week. Then, it's off to Thailand, where I am going to meet my sister in Bangkok! She is staying for two weeks, and we will probably head down to the beaches and relax together in the South of Thailand. After she leaves, I have about 2 1/2 weeks left till I head back to America, and if my money holds out, I'm thinking about trying to visit Laos and Cambodia.

But, for right now, I still have 11 days left at the orphanage, and then a couple days just relaxing in the touristy part of Kathmandu (Thamel), before my flight on the 1st. It will be sad to leave Kathmandu, as I have come to love the people and children, and the way that life goes on despite any hardships that are faced day to day, but I am pretty excited to get to India.

India: a place with a different culture, different food, new people, and a whole new way of life. I can't wait!

By the way, after my last, and somewhat unpleasant, post, I am happy to report that I have not gotten sick again (knock on wood). I am continuing to be careful about what I eat, but have been feeling great since then!

I hope everyone's doing good back home, and I miss you all like crazy, of course. Take care, much love.