Yangdu is a strong woman befitting her Nepalese heritage. She told my children the story of her youth, how she had to "walk" to school. The "walk" was 3 hours, with thousands of feet elevation gain and loss. Those of you who have been to the backcountry in Nepal will know how the trails go up and down ravines from one village to the next. That little girl's "walk" to school in the morning was a strenuous days hiking for the REI clad Americans who come to hike the trails at Mt. Ranier near my home. The trails at Mt. Ranier are better too. After the "walk" to school she did a day's schoolwork and "walked" home. For her it really was "uphill both ways." To get anywhere in Nepal you have to drop thousands of feet into a valey, cross a river, and climb up the other side. It doesn't really matter where you're going, or whether you're coming or going. Yangdu would never mention anything like this unasked, but my son was doing a school report and Yangdu graciously consented to an interview and shared some of her youthful experiences with the children.
Although Yangdu is incredibly strong, she is completely woman. She has a woman's heart and spirit. Bill is incredibly blessed, as he is well aware, by her companionship. I'm quite sure that Yangdu will be touched by the thoughtfulness in these posts.
Yangdu, when you read this, remember that you are also in the hearts and prayers of myself, Red Flower, and the children.
