Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello! I hope this finds you with fully satisfied bellies from eating and drinking delicious Turkey Day treats. Being in Nepal, it really does not feel like Thanksgiving...at all. It is still pretty warm here, in the 80's, sunny, and only on occasion do you see colored and fallen leaves. Actually on the trek I had a strange moment of realizing it was fall - after descending from the mountains and getting into nature with vegetation. Even though we were at 17,776 feet and trekking through the snow on the day of the pass, it did not feel like fall.
TJ and I leave for Kathmandu tomorrow, the 28th. Then it's on to India on December 2nd. Now, I know you may be concerned - let's face it, not may be, but you are - with us going to India with such conflict stirring there. I won't lie, I am too. But just to remind you, TJ and I are smart and we'll follow our good instincts - if it is really not seeming like a good idea to stay there, we will leave. There are so many countries I would love to visit in South Asia. Also, we are traveling as low budget as possible, without begging or sleeping on the streets. We never stay at swanky hotels or eat at higher end places - in fact we avoid those areas all together because, well, we simply can't afford it, and it's not our 'style' (if you will). We want to spend as little time as possible in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai...they are disgusting and smell, and there are too many people. Rest assured; or try your darnedest (Parents :) )
It is pretty strange to be leaving Nepal so soon. I have developed such a community and a life here, but I am also excited for what is to come. There have been so many challenges in living here, a developing country; teaching, living with a family, dealing with a money grubbing director (of the school). There have been really trying times, but I have learned more than I expected. Every day has been and continues to be filled with joy, love, laughter, living in the present, and struggle. Struggle with how I fit into the Nepali life, and how I do not in any way. Struggle with the overwhelming senses that fill my nostrils, eyes, ears, and skin. Struggle with teaching students who didn't know how, because they were never given the chance, to utilize their beautiful imaginations. Struggle with eating Dal baht (rice and lentil soup) everyday, twice a day. Struggle with the patriarical ways. Struggle understanding this culture - the caste system, the religion, the ideals on which to build a business...
All of these I wouldn't take back for a second.
In fact, I found myself relishing in these struggles, even when I wanted them to end.
I am thankful for being able to live in this area of the world. In a country that is the 9th poorest in the world; and I come from the most powerful nation in the world. I am thankful for teaching these students and giving them something they have never had. I am thankful for living with a welcoming family. I am thankful I worked my ass off to get here and came independently. I am thankful that Obama is the president, and now there is hope (as an aside, it was amazing to be in this country during the elections...and to see that everyone in the world is really affected by the U.S. government. Everyone.) I am thankful for now having a great travel partner. Mostly I am thankful for my family and friends who continuously support me - in Nepal and in the U.S.
I wish I could have dinner with my 2, or make that 3, families in the States...but I will think of you tonight as I eat mashed potatoes and drink red wine.
Thanks for reading. Lots of Love.
Happy Thanksgiving!