Parting with Mike and Mikayla

Last day for these 2 in Ktm...

(Notice the shop sign reads "sweet 16?" This sweet 16 year old can celebrate her Dad's birthday with him in Hong Kong tomorrow!) 

A bittersweet day today in Nepal as our "dream family trip" transitioned with Mike and Mikayla's departure for Hong Kong.  

All of us felt the sting of sadness.  

It's during this time where we've built deeper relationships with each other and the community here in Ktm.  

During these 80 days, (and they are not over yet) as a family we've spent a day with elephants, swam and snorkelled in coral reefs, climbed mountains in among the tallest range in the world, visited with the poorest of the poor, worked together to serve in different ways and did life together in Asia.  Hard to have this end but blessed to have had this dream happen.  

The day began with yet another trip to Chompi to finish a video project that Mike and Joseph undertook.  

As we participated in the church service, we (Mikayla and myself) felt struck with the joy these folks carry despite their hardships.  Many of these folks have next to no income.  They have family issues and medical struggles but they exude such joy and faith.  

Here are two girls both born in the 90's...from different continents and different cultures but the same faith.  Gima is newly married and 4 months pregnant while Mikayla is half way through high school.  

We love goats!

Quick last minute errands...and good coversation between brothers...

She's so "street smart!"  That's Mikayla's arm out of the door of the taxi.  She negotiates all of the family taxi rides.  

A party at church for us!  Urmilla, Bewani and Lamu made a wonderful meal of Dhal Bhat, buff and roti.  

Mike made a video of all our pictures of the kids/youth at church.

1 1/2 weeks until we see Mikayla...2 weeks until we see Mike as he flies to Churchill for work.

We always dreamed of doing this and we did it.  We know we will all be forever changed.  

PS more posts coming...and I'll miss this guy!