Hearts in Nepal Part 3 (and final chapter!)

As I mentioned in Part 2, it is definately worth the time to go back and read from the beginning of this rather long blog entry. There is so much to share and tell, and for those of you who have been on the journey with us since the beginning, you will enjoy so much reading of the fruits of your generosity!
One part of the ceremony that I do not want to leave out was the care and kindness offered to us by Protap, our project manager-and really every one of the villlagers, when Protap asked us all the stand for a one minute silent meditation in honor of our son Sean Chaffin. Earlier he has asked me to write the names of our family members, including Danny's brother who had died. Everyone in the village knows about Danny's older brother having fallen to his death 10 years ago, and they all take that great sorrow and pain into their hearts, knowing fully well how such a loss can affect one forever. So touched were Danny and I, standing side by side in our school, the fresh light pouring in through a gap in the tin roof that was still being put on, workers outside hammering away on the roof in fact, but now also falling silent as we all stood as one, heads bowed, reflecting on life, death, sons, family, two cultures joining together, children, our future. Danny touched my shoulder lightly in assurance that he was there with me, and it felt as if now I had so many sons I would never lack in my mothering practice!
AFter the speeces and ceremony, we wandered back out into the bright light of the mountains, and Rajan redirected us up the trail to the village heart, where there is a small cafe, and were we ate-yes-dahl bhat and hot tea. It seemed a good time to nap as a fat, piebald goat was doing at the small plaza built around a giant shade tree, his goat horns leaning against the low wall, eyes shut and almost snoring, so content in the heat and lack of diversions! Danny wanted to take us up the path a ways, to show us an amazing view of the upper regions of the village, so he, Kelsang and I did, stopping to say our Namastes at Manju, the school teacher's house. Once back from our side-trip, we descended to the camp below, to swim and cool off in the river. It was a welcome reward and the Ganesh Himal peaks broke through some building monsoon clouds to smile at us swimming below. I felt I could buy a house here and stay awhile, and floated on my back dreaming of life in Dharka.