Lingtep field visit - Day 8

As we woke in the early morning darkness to begin our trek down to Handrung where we'd meet our vehicle, we said our goodbyes to family and friends. We hiked down the stone path with thoughts of "next time." We will be returning to Lingtep and Taplejung to keep the project moving. It's a time consuming trip -- just to get to Lingtep requires three full days of travel -- but surely near in the future (we will see the fruits of our combined effort and labor.

We moved downhill along the Mewa River feeling sad to be leaving; excited to return to family in Illam, Jhapa, and Kathmandu; and trying to better understand our purpose within the project.

As often is the case hiking through the mountains, some of the most meaningful moments and discussions evolve. This was a time when uncertainty rang in our conversations. When will we realistically be able to return for a longer period of time? Will we be able to accomplish what we've set out to do? How do we engage with our own community in Lingtep? How do we engage with a village we are less familiar with? Should we simply donate the money to a fine organization that already knows how to do this sort of thing?

Ultimately, through the fog of uncertainty comes clarity of purpose. We will need to be adaptable and unwaveringly committed. Thus far, we've been able to maintain this. And we see that this project is in a unique position of being able to inspire and generate small pieces of positive change from an 'insider' position (with outsider support).