We Made It

Before we left Nepal, we had to have a tikka session.  It wouldn't be right without one.  Our entire staff gave us an elaborate farewell party.  I sobbed the entire time.  I felt so blessed to have had this experience.   I felt very lucky because A) Very few people are given the opportunity to live in Nepal; B) If given the opportunity to live in Nepal, very few people would take it. It has changed me forever.

Here are some photos of our farewell: 

Asa refused the tikka again.  He is not one for formalities, especially Nepali formalities.  

Our trip to Qatar was uneventful (thank goodness).  Why do my children always save all their naughtiness for when mom is solo on the plane?  This time (while dad was there to help) the kids were perfectly behaved.  

When we got off the plane, Sedona had to tell us that Qatar was a 'heating one'.  She was right.  In the middle of the night it was well over 100 degrees.  Also, unlike most other desert climates, Qatar is humid.  I am so glad we are showing up at the tail end of summer.  Better days are ahead.  

Our temporary home is just fine.  It is a spacious 3 bedroom overlooking the Persian Gulf. It is so soothing and calming to look at clean, clear water.  I forgot how great that really is.  

Our heap of stuff.  Transporting 4 kids under 6 years old requires goods, and lots of them.  
Our bedroom overlooking the Gulf
Xavier and Asa's room
Our view outside of the living room
Driving in Doha

I questioned how I was going to adjust to life in Qatar.  I expected that my love for Nepal would cloud all my judgements of this place.  Admittedly, as soon as I got into the Carrefour (the local hypermart) I about died.  For once, I wasn't there to store things in my bags and bring them several hundred miles home.  Instead, I simply buy, put in my car and drive home.  Novel, I tell you.  I was giddy.  

Axel and I had to talk about this for a while.  We liken the experience to this:  Remember when you dated that ubercute guy/girl in college?  Even though he/she is a little conservative and boring, and you know that he/she isn't someone you want to stay with forever, it is sure fun to hang out and be seen with that person.   Although you know that the other guy/girl you used to go out with was really interesting, eccentric, and helped you grow as a person, he/she was just not that attractive.  

I know I will eventually want to get back with my eccentric mate in the future, but I am so thrilled to have my rich and handsome play date for a little while.