And so it goes, we’ve all experienced successes in projects- yay! …and yes, we’ve also experienced setbacks-boo.

Within the last week, we’ve watched a successful project launch in Mahadevtar and accomplished a significant first step in the Anaikot project.

Yet – we’ve also run into a bit of a bureaucratic roadblock before we can begin trainings or rebuilding in Aniakot.

On Monday, September 27, 2015, Yarda (Namaste Nepal Programme Manger) completed a major accomplishment by getting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Anaikot, Panchkhal Municipality Chairman (i.e. Mayor.) Getting the local Municipality in support of the project is a critical first step.

Yarda is always working…….

The MoU is an agreement that outlines terms of cooperation between Namaste Nepal and the Municipality of Panchkhal following the earthquake that struck Nepal on the 25^th April, 2015 and the major aftershock on 12^th May 2015. The 10 page MoU in essence includes who, what, when, where, why, and how much $?

Three days prior, the field team attended a DUDBC (local building department) meeting to learn more about what the local government will allow for trainings and reconstruction. The meeting was in Nepal, thus our very capable Nepali engineers, Subash and Pujan, had to translate the results.

The good news is that some training programs have been approved; however, we still must submit an official “proposal” before we can start our trainings – this could take months.

In addition, the DUDBC has not yet approved any housing designs (prototypes) for reconstruction, thus there is still a ban on rebuilding – another project delay that will likely set us back two months.

Time to reevaluate and update the game plan.

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The ever, over packed and underprepared American – I was grateful to get some help with my pack on the uphill climb to the Punchkhal school, where the field office will be.

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After setting in and setting up the office, we asked Subash and Pujan to search for some water …..and they came back with this. You guys are great!

Thus we decided ….rather than focus on the setbacks, we would celebrate the project’s successes.

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Yarda and Subash – always working, even when they are celebrating.

I have been fortunate to collaborate with these very hardworking and passionate team mates.