More than 20 years ago, Will stumbled upon a monastary just off the beaten path up to Everest. Inside was an 11 year-old monk, named Lakhpa who lead the chants and banged the gong. During Will's stay he got to know this young boy and there started a friendship that has lasted the years and continents. That same Lakhpa excelled at school, where he walked an hour each way. He then continued his studies in Kathmandu and is now earning his Master's degree in New Zealand. And through the years, they have kept in touch. Will has been back to Nepal about 4 times since that first meeting.
It is very hard for Nepalese to get visas to the US, but because he was in the midst of a Master's program he was able to come. Lakhpa stayed with us for two weeks in the middle of July. We had a blast! And the children LOVED him. Oh the tears when he left! The kids started to call him Lakhpa-pa. He has a wonderful giggle and an open-heartedness that made him the best of houseguests. While he was here, we took him on a few hikes, to a baseball game, CU campus, a real American shopping mall, and just observing the day-to-day life of America. He and a friend in Fort Collins made us a wonderful Nepalese feast where we got to learn how to make momo's (or dumplings).
After our return from travels we all really miss him and feel his absence. What a special treat it was to have him here.
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