Hi Everyone,

It’s been a couple weeks from my last update so I apologize.  Much has transpired and I would say it’s all good news.

First, I received my passport back from Visa Express complete with my Indian Visa.  I’ve never had to get a visa before so I was expecting this to take a long time.  In total it only took 3 weeks to get it and with the trip only two weeks away, I can now check that off my list of things to get done.

Second, as many of you know from various emails I’ve sent out that there has been an increase in political unrest in Nepal as the Maoists and the National Congress contend with each other over a new country constitution.  The Maoists are issuing “bandhs” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandh).  You can read more about them at the link, but they are basically protests and strikes issued by the government.  The bandhs that are currently going on, and will most likely be going on during our trip are bringing the country to a stand still.  Marian has been communicating with our friends in Nepal monitoring the situation and although there are some concerns, we will be doing everything we can to stay safe.  We have been assured that we will have an escort to get us through road blocks and papers from local leaders in case we are stopped by any police.   The majority of the activity is around the Kathmandu area so we hoping that the western area of Nepal is less impacted by these.  You can get more info on current travel advisories in Nepal at the following site: http://nepal.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html

And lastly, in my last update I mentioned that I would be meeting with Dr. Drew Conroy, one of my college professors.  Drew spent a year teaching agriculture and dairy herd management in Tanzania and worked in other areas of Africa studying agricultural and animal management practices while he was working on his PHD.  I had a great get together with Drew.  He was able to give me great practical and common sense advice which I can apply to help me better understand and find out what works and what doesn’t work relative to caring for water buffalo in Nepal.  His most important piece of advice was to just ask lots of questions and listen,  learn from the locals and when there is opportunity, make suggestions.  In addition to the great advice Drew shared with me many of his “Indian Jones” like adventures that he had in Africa.  He’s a great story teller and I think I laughed half the time I was there.  If you’re reading this Drew….thanks for the time and support. I’ll synch up with you when I am back.

Only two weeks left until  take off.  Thanks for all your support and prayers.

Regards:  Jason