Namaste, family and friends back Stateside.

Surviving a 15-hour flight means we can basically do anything! Thanks to movies and mid-flight noodle bowls and new favorite albums on Spotify, the Community Service Nepal crew landed in Hong Kong in relatively high (albeit slightly disoriented) spirits. Nothing a few more snacks and a cup of coffee couldn’t fix as we excitedly swapped stories of awkward sleep positions and mouths hanging open during intermittent naps. One more leg to go.

Landing in Kathmandu at night could not have felt more different than flying into the island-meets-mega-city of Hong Kong. It was dark, there was little light pollution, and the runway didn’t appear to end in a sea. Immigration was a breeze and we were finally united with our long-lost leader Ady, as well as the Putney Nepali team members, Chiimba and Sonam. HOORAY!

A quick bus ride to our guest house to settle in for the night. Luckily, our sleepiness didn’t spoil the gorgeous garden space that was there to greet us in the morning. Simple eggs, toast, and corn flakes paired well with our first cups of chai (masala tea). We fueled up for ORIENTATION, where we learned the in’s and out’s of our trip, got to know each other better with some never-awkward ice breaker games, and shared our fears and goals for the adventure ahead. Orientation definitely wasn’t a bore—balmy terrace mountain views, the occasional visit from the resident pup, a lunch break full of lassis and curries, red-robed monks, and a scramble around Boudhanath Stupa (the most holy sight in Nepal and our new neighbor) made the day go quickly.

Before long, we were bargaining in the market, taking photos of prayer flags, walking clockwise around the stupa in our first kora, and racing home in a downpour. No, this isn’t some romantic comedy. This is the incredible and transformative experience your children all bravely took on, and we can’t wait to continue peeling back the layers of the rockstars on this trip, as well as this dynamic, richly cultured, wonderful place.

Peace, love, and momo’s,

Megan & Ady