Approval!!

A quick update.  We have received approval for Junu's visa and are preparing to go pick it up on Friday at the embassy.  We are so happy to know we will be coming home to such wonderful people.  I can't tell you what it has meant to me to have the love and support of so many.  I couldn't have done this alone, so thank you again and again to all of you.  I look forward to the next step while at the same time continuing to be present and grateful for today.  Love to you all from Nepal. 

More Photos

First day with Seneca and Robin

Playdoh magic!

Group photo at Pashaputi

Junu chasing pigeons and me chasing Junu

Seneca and Supria

Love this one!!

Our first day out of Kathmandu.  In Nagarkut, the countryside.  See the Himalayas?

Our First Visitors Came, Landed :) and Left :(

Pahaputi

Junu and Uncle Pandey at Pashaputi

Junu and Seneca in their Nepali hats...and me

Junu and Uncle Pandey in Nagarkut.  Himalayas in background.  This was the countryside outing.

Junu and Auntie Robin

Junu and Robin at the Dream Garden

Seneca and Junu looking at the fish.

Seneca at Sahayogi Samaj.  She and Supria (little one in the pink) were fast friends!  Again, Seneca is AMAZING with children. 

My dear friend Robin and  her most beautiful and precious daughter Seneca came to visit Junu and I.  I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have a bit of home right her in Nepal.  Our visit was PERFECT and Junu has clearly bonded with both Robin and Seneca (or "Senca" as Junu says).  It was reassuring for me to see her bond and attach with others.  Our visit was filled with many day trips; some simple, some more extensive such as our visit to the countryside.  In addition, Robin and Seneca did some of their own sightseeing while Junu and I hung out at home (I hadn't been feeling well, respiratory stuff again).  Each evening we would gather for dinner at home and while Junu and Seneca did art (markers, playdoh, etc.) Robin and I enjoyed a glass of wine together.

Seneca was amazing on this trip!! For 9 years old she is quite brave and curious.  She tried new things easily, enjoyed the Nepali culture and played like a pro with Junu.  Actually she is quite gifted with children and teaching!!!  A true pleasure for me, since I haven't spent this much condensed time with her since she was a wee little girl.  I am looking forward to watching her grow, she is so special!

I cried when Robin and Seneca left.  I have felt so much love and nurturing from Robin and she really felt like my security blanket (Bin, how do you like that comparison??).  Even now my eyes are brimming with tears.  Just very grateful for the love and friendship.  I am so happy to know that when we come home, Junu will already have familiarity.  Skype has been great and I think this is also going to help her when we return.

I was reminded by a sweet friend of mine, Margo, to enjoy my time here in Nepal with Junu as it is truly precious.  That my feelings of wanting to go home may be something she may feel when she comes to the U.S.  She loves Nepali people, because she is one, but even more, she really likes people.  People here are very loving and interested in children and many times a day she is swept out of my arms and into the arms of a kind person who wants to adore her.  She certainly enjoyed all the love from Robin and Seneca.  She wanted to be in their arms almost as much as mine.  Makes me feel very happy in my heart. 

Well, I just wanted to give a little update, it's been some time since I last wrote.  Seems difficult to get time and cooperation from the load shedding here, to get things posted.  I will do my best to add more soon.

Much love to all.
Sharlyn

Goodbye Sweet Lucy

Sweet Silly Lucy

So since I've been in Nepal I've continued to stay in touch with Nancy, the woman who is fostering my two dogs, Lucy and Polly.  They have been doing great and she has been actively seeking to find them a home.  Often, as you pet owners can imagine, I just miss them soooo much.  I will then email Nancy and she always is kind enough to take time to email me back.  The girls are doing great.  Well today when I checked to see if I had received a response from Nancy, my heart took a big plummet to the ground, Lucy is going to her new home on Saturday.  I'm happy that Nancy found the perfect home for her, but this means she is really going away and there is no chance of me seeing her again.  You all might be thinking I'm so emotional as most of my posts have to do with some sad topics, but it's just where I'm at.  The entire time before I left for Nepal I had blinders on, trying to stay focused on getting to Junu.  Now that I'm here and I am "feeling" more, I am more sensitive and I have to let it out.  Last night, between PMS, being tired, a full moon and a glass of wine the tears just kept flowing out of my eyes.  Junu said "cry" (she's saying so many more English words, which I have emotions about also) and I sad, "Yes, mama cry."

Today I say a true goodbye to my silly dog Lucy.  I will miss her joi d'vive, her soft beautiful hair, her over exuberant greetings and her love of everyone and everything.  She has been adopted by a retired teacher who can give her 100% attention and love.  Polly remains in foster care and it is my hope to bring her home with me once we return from Nepal.  She is an old girl, no teeth and her tongue hangs our of her mouth...very cute to me.  She hasn't generated as much interest to people looking for dogs and well, I think she is perfect for us.  We shall see.  Time will tell more.
Wishing I could give Lucy one last squeeze..... :(

Bleeding Heart

My heart is bleeding.  I have received more information about Junu's abandonment and while I cannot discuss it here, lets just say, it makes me weep.  You can't imagine.  Her spirit is so very strong to endure and get to the place where she was cared for.  The fact that she made it to an orphanage is nothing short of a miracle. For all of the children that make it to any orphanage.  They at least have a chance there; there is hope.  But for many, they die before any chance for life.  There are sometimes more dead babies found versus alive babies.  Can you even imagine???  So impoverished, so destitute, so despondent you leave your baby to maybe survive, or maybe be found by the many roving dogs.  Yes, I know this is horrible, the pictures in my mind are not pleasant, but it's true, there is so much sadness here.  Sadness for those who don't have, who are impoverished beyond any one's ability to fully grasp.  The river smells/is like sewage and people live in tent villages right next to it.  There are hungry children and beggars everywhere you go.  You don't escape it...unless of course you insulate your self at a place like the Hyatt Hotel.  It is beautiful and full of grandeur and in stark contrast to the true reality for many here.  I'm not downing the Hyatt or anyone who goes there, I have, but rather acknowledging the great disparity that exists here...and many other places for that matter.   It really makes one take note to what is most important in life.  It is the simple which is the most precious and if we all were consciously in touch with the essence of where we come from, maybe, just maybe there would be enough, no, more than enough for every one, every where.  How can we make a difference???  I ask myself this question daily and keep hoping for some paradigm breaking idea, but maybe it is just in the daily giving and compassion that is offered.  Maybe in those small gestures a change is made.  I know there are many people out there in the world doing great service and I aspire to give more to the world.  For now, I am thankful to give my daughter the opportunity to reach her fullest potential and to be aware and know, life can change. 

After reading the details of my investigation, my heart felt it was being excavated by a very sharp knife, bleeding.  I wrapped my arms around Junu and she became my bandage.  I held her as close as close can be without climbing inside and let my love and awe of her permeate.  She made it out, she survived...her Soul found a way out and then still somehow found me.  I can't believe all the odds that  were against her, but here she is in her cute little dress with leggings, sleeping peacefully with a belly full of chicken momos.  My eyes are simultaneously brimming with tears of gratitude and tears of sorrow.  If ever any one who reads this has contemplated adoption, please, open up and let your heart lead you.  It may seem impossible from many fronts, but if you trust and take a step forward you will be amazed at what unfolds.  It is possible and the difference you make is exponential in the life of a child and the children to come after.  Believe it can happen and it will.  "Out of nothing and out of no way, a way will be made"Rev. Michael Beckwith. 
With great love,
Sharlyn

Everyday Tidbits

Going to visit her friends.

Yes indeed, this is her personality!

She was hiding her clothes in the suitcase.

Going out to the courtyard. 

Our new friend Siba.  He works at our apartment complex and has helped us keep up with our laundry.  Junu has taken an extra special liking to him.   He is very kind.

Namaste in front of the Ganesh shrine.

Ganesh.  This shrine is at our apartment complex.  Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and the protector of children.

Buddha statue in our courtyard.  Junu loves to point out the dogs, cats and Buddha. 

Junu's 3rd Birthday Party!

Junu's friends eating the sweets she brought them for her birthday.

Beautiful Cocee

Receiving Love

Goondi and Goonda

Whatcha gonna do? Blow them out or what?

Cutting the cake.

Waiting for cake.

Let the cake eating begin!

More Love.

And more Love.

So happy.

I think for this post the pictures really say it all.  We had a great day.  Uncle Pandey enjoyed the celebration with us and helped me get the cake and the candles, etc.  It's definately more challenging to do what seems so simple at home, but I did it with the help of others.  The celebration was perfect and Junu was in her glory being around all her friends.  We danced, laughed, played, tickled, ate, and just had fun.  Thank you Junu's family at Sahayogi Samaj Nepal, we love you all!!!