Another brief update: I'm still loving it here in Charikot.

I am living the real Nepali lifestyle here. Dal Baht (meal) twice a day, and tiffin (snack) in the afternoon. Lots of tea. Squat toilets. Walking everywhere. Handwashing clothes. No shower. I am even wearing Nepali style clothes and makeup. It is fantastic.

A few days ago, a new friend took me to a river village about three hours away. We spent the afternoon by the river then caught the bus back to the orphanage. The ride back was a crazy experience: In real Nepali style, we rode on the TOP of the bus. It was scared to death as the top heavy bus took the hairpin turns up the mountain, but it was so much fun. I passed the time speaking broken Nepali with the other men on the roof. And the full moon lighting up the clear, snowy peaks in the distance made for a beautiful ride.

The people here in Nepal are just so friendly. Today I met a man who hardly spoke any English, but he invited me to take the bus back to his village, and he also offered to drive me back to Kathmandu in a few weeks when I need to return! Everyone wants to you visit them and drink tea. Its amazing.

Also today I went shopping with my Nepali woman friend. She owns the restaurant/tea shop that Sam and I often visit. She took me to the tailor to get my very first Saree to wear for Tehar (festival)! Then she explained all the traditions of the festival that Sam and I will need to know. During the festival, sisters honor their brothers, which means I will get to honor all of my amazing brothers at the orphanage! I am so excited for the festival to start, but first there are many other fun things to look forward to: like taking the bus to visit Jihri with my Nepali friend, and celebrating Halloween with all the boys next week!

On a side note, I am practicing my Nepali language. I would give myself and A+. The boys are always helping me learn, and I get a lot of practice with the locals. I am no where near fluent, but I can definitely get by and even hold a basic conversation.

There are so many other things I cannot wait to share, but this is all I have time for right now!