Happy Birthday, Dear Depa

And a good frosty morning to you, Web Wanderers,

It's Saturday morning here in Nepal, and after a couple hours of work this morning on some of the business / accounting tasks given to me, I have a few minutes to share with you a most remarkable day yesterday.

Yesterday, we finally had the opportunity to celebrate Depa's birthday. We met Depa our first night (her birthday), and when asked what she would like for her birthday, she replied, "I really would like to go out to a restaurant and eat American food." So we scheduled a trip to "The Roadhouse", probably the most famous Western restaurant in Kathmandu. They serve everything you can imagine, from Pizza to Burritos to Steak to TGIF styled Potato Skins. Depa had one more request; she asked if it would be possible for her brother and sister, Roshan and Cila (who also live at the orphanage), could attend as well. How could we possibly say no to that?

So we hired a taxi for the afternoon and drove into the Thamel district. Upon entering the restaurant Roshan's face lit up like a Christmas tree. It was only then that we discovered the Roshan had *never* been to a restaurant (of any kind) before in his life. While Depa and Cila have been long term residents of Papa's House, Roshan had continued to live with his father in a nearby holy place that has become a slum for the impoverished. It was only with the acquisition of the new house that there was a bed available for him.

We sat down at the table and told the kids they could order anything they wanted on the menu. Roshan was the first to loudly whisper "PIZZA!!! With EVERYTHING!" Depa ordered the spaghetti, and Cila the chicken kabobs. When asked what they wanted to drink, they all carefully studied the menu and came back with a single response, "Chocolate Milkshake!"

I just wish I had my camera out when Roshan's pizza was delivered. It was 14 inches in diameter...The only things wider at the table were his eyes and smile. Multiple the following picture by 100, and you'll have a pretty good idea of his expression.

Fiona and I were amazed at how much food these kids could pack away. Depa and Cila finished their plates and each had a slice of the Hawaiian pizza Fiona and I ordered for the table (yes, I gave the Ham to Fiona). Roshan got halfway through his pizza before pooping out, but also had a slice of the Hawaiian as well. At this point, Cila found my sunglasses on the table and start playing with them. When Fiona pulled out her camera, Cila struck a movie star pose.

When then waddled down the street, our bellies far too full, when Depa shyly asked, "Would it be ok if we have a slice of chocolate cake?" Stunned that they could possible eat another bite, we agreed, and had the taxi driver drive us to a bakery, where Fiona and I sat in awe as each child polished off an entire slice of Black Forrest cake.

Our day ended with each child picking a wool cap (like the Peruvian ones you see at REI) we saw a box of for 90 NPR each (~$1.50). The kids were thrilled for the colorful additional warmth, and ran back telling each of their friends how amazing their day was. When was the last time you got that excited over a Combination pizza and a watered down milkshake?

In closing, I want to extend a very warm thank you to all who have contributed to the Carnivore Challenge so far and to encourage those who are thinking about it to go ahead and pull the trigger. The dollar for dollar match is still in place, but only for a short period longer. If a pizza can create so much joy, imagine the thrill of Christmas morning awakening to presents of their very own.

Best of the season to y'all,

Tom