First Encounter

After my morning bike ride and a brief review of the Nepali alphabet, I went on an exploratory walk. My destination was a large stupa compound with 2 giant buddha statues. After walking across a great field, I found myself at a slight impasse. The river was not fordable for me to reach the interesting compound. So, I continued along the river, walked through a bit of trash juxtaposed with a beautiful garden walk way that ended in a traffic jam of pollution and honking vehicles. What a country! On my return home, I found myself walking near a Nepali woman shielding herself from the sun with a purple umbrella.

"Hello, where are you from?"
"I am from America."
"It's very hot in Nepal. Share my umbrella."

We walked a bit exchanging simple conversation.

"You come to my house. It's right up here."
"OK."

We were soon joined by 2 other women in her family. A sister and a sister-n-law. My new friend lives on the roof of a house that also houses her brother and his family, her parents, and her sister. Maybe more but these were all that I met. We spent our time in a small room that served as bedroom and living area. The next room over was a small kitchen. After declining several beverages, she decided that I must eat because she was hungry. LOL! Before I knew it, her mother brought out a huge plate of bhat, saag, maasu, and a bit of potato (please pray that I don't get sick). Sadly, I couldn't eat it all!!! They kindly forgave me after making numerous comments about my figure.

For more info on Nepalese cuisine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalese_cuisine

Our conversation then moved to Nepali culture and what it's like to be a woman in Nepal. It is better to be unmarried they decided. Once married, the woman must stay at home to wash, clean, cook rice, and care for babies. "She cannot go out," they said. "But unmarried women have no restrictions." They also shared about the poor condition of Nepal. "It is very bad. Lots of pollution. No electricity. Very dirty."

Though very hospitable and welcoming, they did not appear as happy women. Most of what they shared about their lives and way were negative. I could see they wanted more from life. They kept asking why I liked Nepal and wanted to know if America was better. I'm not sure a change of scenery will fulfill the desires of their heart.

Perhaps this will be the beginning of new relationships. Perhaps it was only a brief encounter. I hope it is more. As Kim Walker sings, "we are longing for the glory of the Lord because we know there is so much more."