What a packed, tough week.

On Monday, we split into groups to go on a 'Poverty Tour.' We scoured out some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city to get a sense of how people here live. I saw some really heartbreaking things- three generations of women, starved and dirty,walking along the side of the road, each of them bent over, struggling under heavy loads. We walked through the riverbank slums and saw families living in makeshift tents, washing their laundry in the polluted river, playing in the mud, scrounging around for something to eat. All this was sharply contrasted by several large mansions close by, gated in by ornate walls, blocking out the dirt and the poverty and the pain of the surrounding people.

How do we live in such a world?

Wednesday was less intense,we hiked up to a beautiful Buddhist monastery overlooking the city. We wandered around the peaceful grounds, led by Tashi, a very sweet 13 year old Tibetan monk. He showed us their meditation area, main temple, and answered many of our questions about his life and religion. Did you know that Buddhists believe if you have good karma, when you die, you're able to chose between going to heaven or becoming a reincarnation of someone else? (What fascinated me about that is (in contrast to other religions) it implies that the next world is not necessarily better than this world)

We also had many, many lectures about the current (terrible) state in Nepal. Just some facts and figures to orient you.(note- statistics vary, the lack of government control, or government at all makes it very difficult to gauge things properly)

Nepal

40% of people live on less than a dollar a day

infant mortality rate - 62/1000

maternal mortality rate - 780/100000

There are 26 million people in Nepal and only 1300 doctors

There are 4 hospital beds for every 10,000 people

Only 60% of the country has access to sanitation

Life expectancy (depending on area) ranges from 40-60

Literacy Rates- women 34%, men 62 (The Dalit-lowest- caste has a 24% literacy rate)

There is no special education system whatsoever in Nepal

Last night we all took some time to recover, and the top floor of the house hosted a party. It was a little disorienting to relax on the roof, under the stars and (full) moon and play games after the week we've been through. But mostly, it was just very nice.

Shabbat Shalom!