HAPPY NEW YEAR 2069

So much happening!  This will be a quick post and we'll flesh it out later! We just want to say Happy New Year and tell you of some of the things happening for us.We realised that one of our new trainees, Sita, had really significant eye problems (nothing like some beading to make this pretty obvious!!).  An early diagnosis and treatment with gorgeous pink magnifying glasses donated by the travellers (Terry I think!) on our last Colourful Journey tour made a small difference but her comments that the table still looks uneven suggested a proper diagnosis was in order!  So we sent her and the lovely pink glasses off to the eye hospital and eventually the magnifying lenses were replaced with proper ones that corrected her other eye problems.  She was delighted because she rather likes the pink frames.  Not to mention being able to thread a needle. On Saturday, 5 ladies head to Kathmandu by overnight bus (approximately 16 hours) to begin their training at Casa Nepal with Project Apeiron.  One will be studying Beauty Parlour work, two others are looking at training with the Bakery Cafe - a chain that employs deaf people - and a fourth is doing Computer training.  The fifth lady is doing short term training and will be back in a few months and the others stay for 12 months.  Project Apeiron covers the costs for one Samunnat staff member to accompany them and we are paying the costs for another to go because it has long been our policy to give as many of our ladies as possible the experience of travelling to Kathmandu and meeting with the people we operate with or visiting our suppliers. We don't actually have paid staff and it is the polymer ladies who have become part of the backbone of our organisation.  Kumari and Sharmila went to Kathmandu last time so their names were excluded but we drew lots and Pramila and Gita were the lucky ladies chosen.  Neither have been to Kathmandu before so that their talk, as we work, has been of little else!!!!  To say they are beside themselves with excitement is a massive understatement.  Words can't say!   They will stay for nearly a week and are busy planning.Another of our new polymer trainees is settling in surprisingly well given her situation.  Her story is tragic and her problems ongoing and awful.  But her spirit and determination are incredible.  Yesterday, after an absence due to her dreadful circumstances, she returned to the office and quietly shared her awful experiences of the day before.  She now has new sisters who comforted and encouraged her in the way that only those who have made a similar journey can.   She talked about how the training has been a refuge for her.  And she has been an inspiration for us with her hope and resilience.  She has two small children (one 5 and one babe in arms) and lives alone with her mother.  Their vulnerability was confirmed yesterday but the support of their helpful and caring neighbours reduced this a little.  Legal proceedings against her estranged husband are underway and efforts to reduce their vulnerability are in place. So, from all of us here to all you who have love and encourage us, Naya Barsha ko lagi subba kamana.  Happy New Year and may 2069 be one of great joy and love for you all.