Monday night in Is-bad

Greetings,

A short note today. Presently there are seven of us (Daryl Martin is not among us as he is staying to lead the second group), from the first group that are in Is-bad together at the HDF office. The other part of the first group, those in Balakot, should also be in Is-bad somewhere but I don't know if we will see them before we get to the hotel.
We are tired, somewhat hungry, and very dusty. We are grateful for God that there has been no rain or snow, but it does mean that everything is caked in dust. So be it.

Inshallah (God willing), we will be on a plane back to the US by 8 am tomorrow. We expect to arrive in Washington about 34 hours from now, at 6 pm. We are trusting that there are people waiting to take us back to Salunga at that time. Right Doreen? Doreen? :-)

We have been blessed by our time here, and will carried many fond memories back. I may have even picked up an affection for tea while here, and those that know me, may consider that a miracle.

The others back in Bugna are working at clearing out a few houses of rock (the walls), and dirt (the roof) so that the people can begin to rebuild. It is hard, dirty work but the men come back (after a 30-40 minutes walk UP the mountain) at the end of the day in high spirits. Some are also hoping to finish stairs and a latrine, including shower pad, in the next couple of days. Keep them in your prayers as many of them will be missing Christmas with family for the first time and continuing to relate in a culture that is become more comfortable, but still bewildering foriegn at times.

Allah affiz (Good bye) for now, and thank you for your prayers,

Jon UB

Well, the rest of the seven are waiting for dinner