Update from Rosalind Russell on trip to Nepal:
Update from Rosalind Russell on trip to Nepal:
Namaste! Before departing my intention was to give an update. This is not the update I expected to give you.
Around September 21st, an informal embargo was imposed on Nepal by India who is not shipping fuels, cooking and transportation fuels, across the border to Nepal. Nepal is a ‘land locked’ country, dependent upon goods arriving to them from either China or India. At this time the UN has not stepped in to enforce International Laws to protect Nepal, a landlocked nation which personally I do not understand?
China is unable to assist as their transportation border was closed by the earthquakes in April, transport not possible because of the unsure and absent roads.
The airline I was booked on for my over two month journey to Nepal, gave me a cancellation notice yesterday, the 15th, 12 days prior to the expected departure to Nepal. Yes, I can book another flight on another airline, but at the extreme added cost of better than $2000.
As if the airline debacle is not enough, there is insufficient fuel to reach R Star’s 48 villages once I have arrived. No cooking fuel, or now sufficient food to eat being a huge problem since I like to eat.
Some fuels, about 10% of the usual 100% to Nepal began arriving a few days ago. The Nepali military/police gave what they could out to lines of people who stood in petrol stations for literally, three days. Only 40% of those in que received the allotted 5 liters. Rabin waited 24 hours and didn’t get fuel.
People in the Cities are cooking in the streets or alleyways as there isn’t any cooking fuel. Fewer vegetables are available by the day adds to the quake devastated country and misery for the people.
Rabindra, R Star’s Nepal man on the ground and I talk daily to see what plan we can adapt for our respective safety to accomplish our work. (Rabin is my adopted son, one of 2 sons, & 2 daughters, 6.5 grandchildren).
Up in the air is my truth. I do not know at this time of writing you if I will depart in a few weeks or not? The original plan was to return home December 31st, defrost a week and then go to Puerto Rico where R Star has been invited with a ticket to present our work. It appears a possibility I shall instead depart to Nepal following the Puerto Rican journey for Nepal in the dead of winter. Rabin and I believe the fuel situation will be handled for us to move about easily by January. We really are ‘up in the air’…..
Without fuel available, all home building has ceased in the country. This is critical as winters in Nepal are not to be lived in a tent which tigers can rip through, let alone other predators of Nepal, adding no insulation from the near to freezing nights to protect us.
Switching subjects:
Tomorrow, 10/17/15, KX 93.5 radio, Laguna’s only FM station, I will again be interviewed by Ernest on his THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING show for updates on Nepal as known regarding quakes, now the embargo beleaguered Nepal and R Star’s aim will be discussed. If you are not in Laguna, go on line for the station live from 8 a.m. to 9.a.m.
Another update: Our Kindle program for the Top of the World – Nepal school children continues. I am able to send Kindles fully loaded with appropriate books via my ‘personal couriers’, so if you wish to purchase the inexpensive Kindles for the children, let me know. The Kindles lift our students out of what they are surrounded by daily by reading which in turn helps the parents to see their children happy while harshness remains.
When I’m sure of really being ‘up in the air, I will let you know. I know you care about those we work with and my safety too. Thank you all for your support as there is no doubt, we cannot do what we do without YOU! If you wish to have a year-end tax write off, we would be pleased for you to select R Star!
