The journey from the airport to the flat where we're staying reflected some of the various facets of life in the capital. As the driver struggled through the traffic with vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians turning left, right, crossing and stopping without warning, we passed areas of relative affluence, but also muddy streets with half-built or falling down houses. We passed the large Government parliament building then, as we crossed the river, we saw the recently bulldozed remains of 'illegal' make-shift shacks built by people displaced by the 1996-2006 civil war. We also saw that some people are starting to settle in these areas again because they have nowhere else to go. At this point the children both fell asleep - I think the sights, sounds and chaos were just a bit too much for them after the long journey!
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than half the population live below the international poverty line and many lack access to clean water and sanitation, education or adequate health care. Tearfund's network of Nepali partner organisations work with some of the poorest communities throughout the country, encouraging and empowering them to identify their needs and take action to change the situations they find themselves in.
Eventually we pulled off the crazy road and turned into a small lane which twisted and turned in-between tall, colourful buildings, and under masses of wires, and came to a stop outside our flat. The area where the flat is located is far enough from any main roads that the usual city traffic noise is replaced by the sounds of cockerels, dogs (lots of these!), people chatting on their verandas and on the street and birds singing (crickets at night!). Definitely preferable to the city centre!
The flat is great with lovely views of the mountains, and it even has a small garden below with swings and a rabbit, much to Amy and Paul's delight! Water is delivered in bowsers and pumped into a tank on the roof so we have to be careful with it (eg saving water from the shower for flushing the toilet). Solar panels mean we can have hot showers - a luxury we didn't expect! Most days there are power cuts but a clever system of batteries means there are always a few lights working. Internet access has been good so far. Oh, and the local supermarket sells a version of Cadbury's chocolate!
Below are a few pics taken from our windows:
Thanks for your interest, support and prayers. More soon.
Love
Jude, Steve, Amy & Paul
