Nepal is a place that I've wanted to be, and prayed about, for over 20 years. I've read and studied about it, looked at who knows how many pictures, consumed for hours the stories my friends have shared. I've had other opportunities that either didn't seem right or would fall through. It's an area where I have deliberately been patient.
The last few years have been years of faith for me. Listening, Trusting, believing, obeying. Taking care of my kids and their needs and challenges. Taking care of my health and new battles. It's all been well worth it, if at times exceedingly difficult.
So, to get an invitation to travel to Nepal with one of my NGO partners, and close friends, was truly unreal. I said yes, then I prayed, then talked to my husband. Things looked rocky- maybe it wasn't going to work out this time- and I was good with it! Calm, knowing that a promise was coming to fulfillment. We sought financial support and donations- which were answered in a huge way!! All dreamlike. Beautiful. And then- IT WAS HERE!! Time to leave.
Because I booked my flight after my friends, I left before and will arrive after them. My flight was to leave early on a Tuesday morning in November- Cincinnati to Chicago to Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu. Very simple. Flying a new airline with incredible reviews (Etihad). I had not slept for days before, but was determined to makeup for that on the long flight to Abu Dhabi.
On my first leg, I saw this gorgeous little girl. She was bright, being silly, enjoying the time. I grabbed a coffee, chatted with my oldest sister, and enjoyed watching this little girl play wholeheartedly at such an early hour. In Chicago, while catching the train to the international terminal, I ran into the same family. They had overheard me talking and asked if I was headed to Kathmandu- yes. They are Nepalese living in Cincinnati headed home for two months. So kind and willing to share places to visit, things to explore on my stay. More on this family later.
Waiting was brief before boarding to Abu Dhabi. I sat in my wonderful window seat, getting everything just right, taking in the other passengers, and the couture feel of the attendants uniforms. At the last minute, the seats beside me filled with an older Indian couple. I had taken my sweater off, which revealed my therapy tape, and this opened up a conversation about my shared medical condition with the husband. For the remainder of the flight we chatted, shared items, and got along incredibly well. It was a blessing, for sure.
Here, allow me to pause and fully appreciate Etihad Airlines. Service like no other. Meals fresh and very tasty, wine and drinks included, snacks, coffee, water. I have never before been full from flying- and it was phenomenal. Every need was met with kindness, every service standard well exceeded. I could not think of a better way to begin a lifetime journey.
Flying into Abu Dhabi was breathtaking. The landscape below was versatile, vibrant in color, unexpected offerings. The airport itself was gorgeous, bright, spacious and welcoming. I was able to relax for a bit, catchup on a few things before boarding our final leg- to Nepal!! The views flying out are even more remarkable than those flying in:
Although only four hours, there was yet another full meal service- this one I could not finish. After things calmed down, I ran to the back and asked the attendants for a drink, which began yet another remarkable conversation. For an hour I stood in the galley getting to know these airline attendants, where they were from, their likes and dislikes- and, unfortunately- their newfound fears over the election of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. It was heartbreaking, and eyeopening. I felt honored that they shared so much with me, and enhanced an already incredible experience.
One of the greatest joys I had for this trip is that we are staying with a family who are friends. To be so well accommodated, to be shown around by such amazing people, to be cared for so well is beyond words. I knew I would be greeted with love the moment I stepped off the plane. The only trouble was- my phone was not working and I had no idea where to meet them! Remember that family I mentioned earlier? They took me under their wing, helped me locate my luggage, and was going to bring me home with them until I was able to locate Saroj- and I was so relieved and grateful. This kindness was genuine and overwhelming for an exhausted American. We got through customs, out the door, and what do I see?
When we got home, I was greeted as family. The night and day were overflowing. I had a bed ready, tea was made, and it was like I'd been known my whole life. Had the journey ended there, it would have been complete. Fortunately, it didn't.
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