April 15th 2011 - Day One

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, I was taken by driver to the Shaligram hotel which will serve as base camp for the start of my work in Nepal.  There was so much to take in in the plant life, birds, monkeys in the downtown as well as smells and colorful roadside stands.  It won't be long before the barometer of what was and what is will shift to reflect the new reality.  What was once discomfort is now luxury and what was once overlooked now demands my careful consideration.  As I blog awaiting the arrival of my driver there are many sounds outside the apartment that are strange to my ear - a cooing like some kind of bird, a croaking that combines the annoying drip of a faucet with the deep throated regularity of some kind of amphibious creature and the periodic honking reminder that civilization lies just beyond the guarded gate of the complex that I now call home.

Last night I was given a brief tour of the neighborhood and met the four brothers who own the fruit stand on the street just beyond the gate.  One hoisted a well-fed, happy little girl who must have been no older than 6 months.  Her eyes sparkled and seemed to be made-up like a young woman in her twenties.  I remember when my precious girl was this age - I reached out to hold her and, delightfully, her dad complied.  (I am sure I will become a good customer to this family if I can get one hug and squeeze a day from that little angel.)

The day awaits, but before I go, I want to share a photo from the air as I entered Nepali airspace.  The terrain of this mountainous land is striking.  I was alerted to the challenge that awaits in ensuring for equitable distribution and access to essential medical supplies throughout the country with emphasis on the rural poor and overcoming gender inequities.  Because the land is so challenging, man walk miles for access to a primary care facility.  But look for yourself - this is what we will aim to tame over the weeks and months ahead.  (More on partnerships later.)  Have a great day.