Dear friends,
As we’re sure you’ve all heard by now, a large earthquake measuring 7.9 magnitudes hit Nepal this morning. We are both currently in Pokhara on the UMN retreat this weekend, and the quake was felt very strongly by us, but with little damage caused in the area we were in. The quake lasted over 2 minutes and was obviously a very traumatic experience to go through.
In Kathmandu, Pratiksha’s mum, her sister Kritee and our bahini Rashmi are all safe. Pratiksha’s dad is also out of the valley and trying to get back. We are going to try and get back tomorrow, leaving the retreat a day earlier than planned. Others have not been so fortunate, with the death toll currently at over 800, and sure to rise in the coming days as the clean up continues.
While we have only experienced the initial quake plus a few aftershocks, in Kathmandu there have been quite strong aftershocks all day. Everyone will be sleeping outside tonight in case another, even larger quake, should hit. As we write, Rashmi and our cousin Diksha (together with our dog Zuzu) are trying to get from our house to Pratiksha’s parents house where there is a large area of land that they can all camp on. Pray that they arrive safely, as it’s now dark there.
We thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue to remember us, especially as we travel tomorrow, and for Pratiksha’s family in Kathmandu. Pray for a safe nights rest and for an end to the shocks. Please also pray for Pratiksha as she struggles to be away from the rest of the family at this time. Remember those in Nepal who have not been so fortunate and have lost loved ones, or are waiting for word from friends and family.
We will update you further when we know more.
Blessings,
Phil & Pratiksha