Deep valleys are defined by the effort it takes to climb high and sleep low on travels to the Glacier Lakes flowing from Mt Everest. The beauty challenges descriptive words, takes the questions from those who speak and leaves the answers for eternity . . .in a world that wants answers today.

Thus, pictures must suffice  . . 

                                                 
                                      And friendships formed by sharing, must linger . . .

Spectacular view at the top of Gokyo Glacier Lakes

Gokyo sprays white across the mountains, sealing the glacier lakes into the memories of those of us who climb high enough to imprint a permanent picture in our minds. The altitude, steep trails and frigid temperatures fade quickly as the warmth of the treasured memories takes over. The overwhelming  beauty argues with our need to leave, creating the desire to stay longer-and the promise to return-even if only in our minds.

And before I get too far away from cell service to post for awhile. . .

Nepali kitchens are the warmest places on the mountainside.

 Classroom teachers do so much with so little. Now they have tablets downloaded with their history, math, culture, English and geography to share with the children, plus new Nepali/English library books and six kilos of construction/drawing paper to use in decorating  their classrooms.

Two years ago, kids stood around an empty playground

Now children are running, kicking, throwing, catching, serving and jumping to the sound of laughter, screams and glee.

Sometimes a colored pencil is not just a colored pencil

It's about a child

Being allowed to choose.

             

Something as simple as jump ropes brought exercise and laughter to a once empty playground

One child who learned to jump rope when living for a year in Kathmandu, quickly had everyone jumping rope and doing all sorts of tricks. From the bench, family members watch watch with great delight and laughter at the new experiences their children were having.