PEACE IN OUR TIMEToday is a sunny, lucky, and peaceful day in warm, dry, and quiet Kathmandu, as the 7 Nepalese political parties have agreed to let the formerly dreaded "Maoists" join the election process. The elections are to be held in April.
In return, the"Maoists" have agreed to keep their weapons locked up in a secure facility guarded by UN troops. The Nepalese army has agreed to lock up the same number of their own weapons, also guarded by UN troops.
Today you could see the smiles of hope on local people's faces as everyone came out on the street and walked around with their families and children. They huddled in small groups to read the newspaper, which carried the oversized headline:"PEACE IN OUR TIME".
It might be a big step for democracy in Nepal. Lets see if it sticks.
Well, in the next few days, we are going to set off on our annual mission to evaluate the health clinic being built by www.MountEverestFoundation.org . It should be interesting to check in with how things are doing at the clinic, which is 4 days travel by bus and foot from Kathmandu.
We are going to dedicate our report to the 4000 poverty-stricken farm families who live in the valley where the clinic islocated. 1 out of 5 of their children used to die before age 5. We have seen their chances improved by measures being taken by the clinic. We shall strive to continue to do our best by providing health care and education for these struggling farmers, so they can stay and work their lands, rather thanmigrating to the teaming unemployed slums of Kathmandu. Nepal ithe 12th poorest country in the world and the poorest country in Asia.
Watchfor reports on our journey on:http://www.heroesforhumanity.blogspot.com
Thank you very much for staying tuned in.
Yours Sincerely,
Dan
posted by Laurel Barrett | 5:01 AM
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