The Conclusion

Warning long, cheesy post ahead: 

Well the trip for me is officially over and I cannot believe it. I'm equally divided between feeling as though I can't believe two weeks is over and feeling as though there's no way that only two weeks have passed. Either way it's all over now and all I can think about is what am I going to tell people when they ask how it was? It was amazing, of course, but that just doesn't sum it up. I can tell them what we did each day and show them pictures but that's just not enough. Words and pictures can't truly describe what an incredible place I just visited and how it changed me to be there. I can never truly describe all that I've learned, how gorgeous the landscape is, how unique life there is, how genuinely sweet the people are, or how much fun I had experiencing all of this with my newly adopted family. This trip was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wish that amazing and incredible were words that actually did the trip justice. 

So while I feel as though I cannot put my feelings into words I would like to sum up my experience in a different way with what I'd like to call: The Nepal Awards. It's cheesy, I know, but bear with me. 

In no particular order, the awards for...

Funniest Moments: Three way tie between laughing in the van (especially that time we discussed how I left the bedroom window open...sorry, Jill), watching the boys use a squeegee to knock down a tarantula before dancing on it, and laughing my butt off every night with Jill before bed.

Cutest Moments: Another three way tie between playing with the kids at the public school, cuddling a baby goat in one of the villages, and watching the baby monkeys. 

Happiest Moments: A tie between hearing all of the incredible things that have been done to remedy Nepal's social problems by the organizations we visited and interacting with Grace from Tiny Hands who is truly one of my new heroes. 

Best Group Bonding Moment: Learning and attempting to sing chanchale.

My Biggest Diva Moment: Having our entire group searching under couches and having Bhupen request security to search camera footage for my "lost" camera when we were at Purple Haze....It was definitely in my backpack the whole time. 

Weirdest Moments: Seeing a guy holding a goat on a motorcycle and watching a sick cow receive an IV right in the middle of the street. 

Most Gorgeous Place: The villages...especially the one by Ama Ghar.

Favorite Meal: Every Nepali breakfast...yum!

Favorite Moments: Any time we spent with the kids. 

And on the other side of things......

Grossest Moment: Spicy Kitchen....that's all I'll say about that one. 

Saddest Moment: Seeing the children beggars. 

Scariest Moments: Crossing the street.

And of course, Number One First World Problem: wifi

:) So while that still does not accurately describe my trip I think it's a valid recap. But before I finish off my Nepal blogs there's one last thing...this trip would not have been possible without a spectacular group of people who I think need their mention. Again in no particular order: Shristi! The trip definitely wouldn't have happened without Shristi. Back in the states before we left any time we asked Shobha a question the response was, "Let me check with Shristi." Shristi was our master planner and she truly put a great amount of effort into making our trip not only possible but also amazing. Next is Bhupen our guide and new Nepali friend. Whether we needed help bargaining or crossing the street Bhupen was always there. He watched out for us and kept us laughing and I so appreciate all that he did for us. Then there's Suresh our incredible driver who somehow managed to navigate our entire trip without getting lost or getting us killed on those crazy Nepali roads. Next is the entire crew at our farm house including Tara, Sudeep, and Arjun who kept our lives running smoothly, kept us full with yummy Nepali breakfasts, and kept us in clean laundry. Then last but not least, there's Chef. I can't forget Chef who made us amazing lunches and dinners at Little Angels and never failed to greet us with a huge smile on his face. When he shook my hand before I  left he said "Good luck and never say good bye." So I didn't say good bye to our Little Angels family, just see you later as I hope I can one day return. 

Oh, did you think I was done? No, no. One last round of thank you's because let's be honest, I can't forget about the rest of my Nepal family!

Shobha Ma: Shobha! Shobha! Shobha! Thanks for being mom for two weeks. You helped lessen my homesickness by always watching out for me and the rest of the group. I appreciate how much time and effort you put into making this trip an unforgettable experience. I hope you get your well deserved break soon ;)

Emily: A lot of the education portion of this trip came from you. You were always there to ask the right questions so that we got a great learning experience from each place we visited. Thanks for coming along and helping to make this a great study abroad. 

Drew The One and Only: Thanks for always lifting my spirits. It didn't matter the day or time you always had a smile on your face and a kind word and I appreciate it. Plus you kept me laughing for the whole trip. Sorry I only cried three times ;)

Jill (You know your nickname): Thanks for being the best roomie ever. It was always great to have someone to vent to and laugh with and perhaps share a little too much with. Like I said, after the things we've shared we'll have to be friends forever.

Justin The Lone Wolf: I loved spending time with you. Your quiet sense of humor kept me cracking up and you were always nice to be around when I needed some quiet time. It would have been nice if you would have scared off Michael Jackson a little quicker but other than that you were a great adopted big brother :) 

Shaun The Drama King: Of course you know that you're my new best friend, I mean who else would buy Dr. Pepper for me when they saw it at the store? Thanks again for that! And thanks for watching out for me in general, you never let me get lost and I truly appreciate that. 

Love you all! Thanks again for everything and don't forget to keep me posted about the rest of your trip! Lots of pictures!!!!