17 July, Color-Man, Pokhara, Nepal

In my pockets this morning was a compass, a lighter, insect repellant, bamboo wood balm, a mag-lite, a pen, and 30 or 40 odd rupees. I loved trekking--the dirt-caked pants, warm fleece, clif bars and gatorade--but I love returning home all the more.

We are back--toes and fingers clipped and clean, showered, dried, fed, soon to be rested. Our wet clothes hang under a fan.

Civilization is a wonder. We were trekking for just six days and I completely forgot the joys of modern, normal life. We learned quickly to cope with wet feet and sweat-soaked shirts. It became normal to walk all day. We became familiar with suffering. I think humans are set apart by our incredible tolerance for pain, our adjustment to difficulty and hardship.

And now we return to our home in Pokhara. Tomorrow we return to our home in Kathmandu, the YWAM base. In two weeks we return home to the states. Someday, we'll find our true home in heaven.

Tonight, Sam and I strolled through Pokhara in search of Snickers bars. Once found, the two chocolate bars went down slowly and scrumptiously. We nutted and nougeted our hungry mouths. Daal Baht needs an addendum every once in a while. This was it.

Drew