Embers

It has been two days since I got back.  I’m in the usual post trip slump.  Though I have been off, it has been slow and I am looking forward to life winding up again.

My neighbour told me ‘keep looking because the path will become clear at some point’.  She is always offering philosophical wisdoms like that.  Though I’m beginning to think maybe she is right.

It is hard for me to summarise Nepal just now.  I haven’t worked out the words yet, no matter how hard I try.  So I’ve stopped trying for now.  All I know is, nothing feels quite the way it was before.  I think that’s a good thing.

I wandered through our local shopping mall today when I happened upon two very lovely enthusiastic charity muggers.  Their billboard drew me in – UNICEF.

I had been wondering what to do next.  They had placed water purification tablets, a vaccination vial and oral rehydration sachets on their table.  It took me straight back.

I know there is a part of me that wonders whether what we were doing was of any use.  At those times, I recall the thanks the people of Chitre gave us and remember DB’s words, ‘if you were not here, we would not have a job’.  Thank you DB for giving us a reason to be here.

I’m not yet ready to let it go.  It burns inside of me, like a hot fire not wishing to become a dying ember.

That banner, UNICEF, lit that fire again.

There is always more to do and more that can be done.  Sadly.  Thankfully.