We bought swimming suits for all except Kamala Acharya. Swimming suits just do not cover all essential flesh. I did not push it. Instead she got a pretty new Sunday dress with short sleeves and a fashionable black floral summer blouse. This shopping trip took many more hours than I expected. I am not sure if they had been to a Super Target. Every rack was interesting! The girls all got cute and conservative swim suits.

When we arrived at our pool, we heard many stories about swimming in the big river just outside of the camp.This is the same river that they did their laundry and took bathes. Sometimes the water was very dirty. The river mostly had fish and an occasional turtle or snake. They do not know how to swim even though they are very comfortable in the water. They will be anxious to swim again!!

We also learned about the three months before they left Bhutan. Tika was tortured and beat on his back while the soldiers demanded money from Kamala with a gun. She had no money to give them. This was a painful story for them to share. We also learned again about the soldiers chasing them through the forest while they trying to get to Nepal. Kamala was carrying baby Purna and there was no time to rest or available food or Purna.

Tika's mother called from Nepal tonight during dinner. It was a very emotional phone call due to the current conditions in the camp including terrorists and shootings. Tika's mother is 60 and father 75??. They might come to USA within the next year.

We are so blessed to have the opportunity to share our lives with this caring family.

Elvern and Helen