July 4th

Today (July 3rd) the American Club here had a 4th of July party. There was fun stuff for the kids to do, good food and pony rides. Keane and Gracie also had a lot of fun swimming, playing on the playground and in the sandbox with friends and Ryan and I enjoyed the time with some great friends!

Keane and Gracie love the idea of the big "jumpy castle" but don't like going ANY where near it!

Balloons!

I think Keane and Gracie liked the playground and sandbox best.

Gracie had SO much fun on the swing with our friend Katie.

We also got to ride horses. At first Keane and Gracie weren't so sure about them but quickly they warmed up and were excited to ride!

We had such a fun day at the American club. Although it certainly did not feel like America there was so much about it that was comfortable and felt so "normal". While we were driving home I was struck by the HUGE contrast of what it was like INSIDE the American club and what Nepal is like OUTSIDE the American club. So I decided to take some pictures on our ride home...

Ladies collecting water at a local water tank. Many, many homes here do not have running water inside.

The road...

The kids were wiped out after a long day in the heat with no nap they fell asleep right away in the car...

another road and house

Cow in the road...everyday sight

DIRTY river with tons of trash

Local ice cream man

Local meat stand

Local corn stand

It was a really fun day and I am so thankful for it! I hope everyone has a wonderful Independence day celebrating our FREEDOM. Praise the Lord for our freedom as a nation but most importantly praise the Lord for the true freedom that is only found through Him.