2 Days? Oh boy....

I fly out at this time on Wednesday for Nepal - 48 hours til take-off!

I've been having difficulty answering the question "Oh wow - are you excited???". I understand the sentiment, but though I may be mistaken, it seems that you lose track of excitement when you're in the midst of packing, saying goodbyes, and scrambling to get all the last minute things done. So to answer the question for now: not really, but I'm sure that the excitement will hit soon! Right now I'm a jumble of emotions and extremely nervous about the adventure that waits on the other side of the security counter at the Great Falls airport. I still can't believe all of the things that an undertaking like this requires! Just as I think I'm getting a handle on everything, I realize that I still need to do things A, B, C, D.... Whew!

Part of my preparation included ordering a few books on Nepali culture, language, and other relevant issues. I was so excited to receive the book "Buddhas in Disguise" yesterday, which is an overview of the deaf community in Nepal with beautiful pictures and facts regarding deafness (medical causes, family, communication, education, religious beliefs). If you get a chance to look at it, I believe it is an extremely worthwhile book to read. One disclaimer - the book is from 1997, so some of the issues mentioned may be improving, or other changes may have incurred since the book was published.

I also want to take a moment before I get immersed in life in Nepal and say a HUGE thank you to those who have so generously helped me with pre-departure costs, costs for an interpreter in Nepal as well as those who have been so supportive of me and kept me in your prayers. Thanks to your gifts and support, my experience and research will be so much richer. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.