unexpected internet, a whole new level of hospitality, the introduction of s'mores, the approaching end

After returning to Kathmandu from Sankhu I moved into Raksha, the women's organization I've been working with, for five days before returning to the village. My new home was with three women: Menuka, the president of Raksha, Isu, the16-year-old who is waiting to join university, is remarkably capable at everything, and cooks all the meals, and Goma, a 17-year-old girl who is between secondary and college-level classes. They are all accomodating to the point of insanity- I don't think I've ever been more closely observed in my life, either due to my American odditities, or out of an intense interest in welcoming me to their home. I've taken to calling Isu, jokingly, Ahmah (mother) as I call Menuka, at her insistance, DiDi (big sister). Honestly, I don't even think my mother ever tried to nurture me this much, and that's saying something! The women provide me with a bed, and a delicious breakfast and dinner of dahl baht twice a day, as well as free internet and intense scrutiny (I mean this in a loving and slightly exacerbated kind of way).
A general day looks like this: I wake up around 7:00 am, do some exercises, eat some snacks I brought myself and drink tea as I wait for "lunch", the first meal of the day served around 10 or 11 (me so hungey!). While I wait I read, play my guitar, work on Raksha business, or check my e-mail (a little obsessively after so little internet connection in Nepal). I then work on Raksha's needs (currently a good brochure) until 2 or 3, after which I run some errands or take a private and relaxing tea in a cafe, and then make my way to PA Nepal in Naya Bazaar to play with the kids until 6:30. After some hectic games, homework help, and general confusion I went with some of the volunteers to get a snack before dinner (crafted by Isu around 8:30 or 9:00). One of the house rules was that I had to by 8:00 pm, which made it harder to hang out with other volunteers, but allowed me to get to know my hosts even more.
Though I loved staying at the house, I suspect I didn't have enough time to adjust to it, or for the wonderful Nepali women to relax and let me into the kitchen. Despite many assurances that I can, in fact, cook, Isu and others would not let me cook, do dishes, or really any chores whatsoever. One night I distracted Isu with "Pirates of the Carribean" and attempted to sneak into the kitchen to make honey popcorn as a surprise (a snack I've made a million times). I was probably there less than a minute before I was found out and lightly scolded. After I convinced her to let me make it Goma hovered over me as I attempted to cover the open saute pan on the gas stove with a metal plate, and hold on to the burning handle with a peice of folded newspaper. In the end my half-burnt, undercooked popcorn was hardly convincing, and i'm sure I won't be allowed to try again... Though their extremely kind hospitality is nice in concept, I really want to help, and to truely be a sister of the house rather than a guest- I'm sure this comes with time, time which I regrettably do not have.
I am out at Sankhu for the next ten days or so, after which I will return to Kathmandu for a few days before I fly off to college. Sankhu surprised me with a stellar internet connection in town, which will make a photography program (which seems to be quite doable!) and weekly e-mails much easier, especially when/if I return in the Spring. I am looking forward to coming home, but there is much I want to do before then, and I know the days will fly by. First on the list is to introduce the kids (and foreign volunteers) to S'mores, an American classic. Then I need to play some more frisbee with them, learn a Nepali song on my guitar, and enjoy this wonderful space full of people and children I will not forget.