the luggage saga continues
Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 08:53PM 
I am in Kathmandu to see my dad off and make my way out to a conference in Beijing. I'm still trying to get my luggage back and it's not going so well. I got screamed at by one of the Chief Customs Officers in Nepali yesterday and it took everything in me not to give it right back to him and get myself arrested. It felt like one of those days where everything in the world was working against me, even my own body. (I think I'm fighting off the flu.) Ever have one of those days? Things were so awful it was almost funny but NOT... actually I'm pretty sure I was on the verge of tears at least 11 times. All I kept thinking was how no one would even believe me if they knew what we were going through to get these bags. Apparently they made it illegal to take used refurbished laptops into the country and the only way you can is if you get permission from a million different ministries, all of whom are giving me a hard time and take days, weeks or months to get approval from. Then I talked to an American yesterday who brought 40 laptops in for a women's training program without any issue at all! So I'm really not sure what's going on.
It's early in the morning and it's monsoon raining outside. I'm watching a few episodes of Modern Family... such a good show. My volunteer Kathleen got me into it.
Today is a new day! I'm heading back to the Ministry of Education when it opens and then going to pick up my Chinese Visa.
Reader Comments (19)
I am praying for you. I hope they give you all your luggage SOON.
Chin up, Maggie! I hope they'll give you back your bags soon. I admire you so very much!
Are blue soccer balls and letters fron the US illegal too?? :(
good luck Cuz. Love ya
For what very little it is worth from a random follower of your blog, I'm so very proud of all that you are doing for your "kids", and for humanity. You are inspiring and doing so much to "light a candle" in what can sometimes be a dark and rainy world. Bless you for your kindness and patience.
And here's a couple of hurrahs for your Dad who obviously contributes much love and support to your efforts.
Don't let the bureaucrats get you down. And remember, as Randy Pausch says, "brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things."
All the best to you, and thank you for all that you do for your children, and for all of us who are inspired by it.
Hi, Maggie. Is there anything we can do from the U.S. to help with the bags? Should we call embassies or something? Let us know!
Hope you feel better soon, and safe travels.
You didn't seriously think that it would be all OK did you?
WTF..that's what this is all about...refurbished laptops?!?! That is the strangest thing I have ever heard..don't they want Nepali children to have access to computers? Absurd.. really...I'm so mad...
p.s. re confiscated laptops. (
a) their jealous; (b) you're female; (c) they want some of them for themselves.
But I'm sure you realise that.
CHINA! you are going to CHINA! that's a first..... HMMM go out for some REAL chinese food and drink some SAKE.
It is super annoying that they are being mean about the computers. But when anyone sees a ton of MAC computers all they think about is $$$$$$$$. Having a MAC is a luxury even in the US... so I am sure it just is an abnormal situation for them. Have you tried bribery at all?
Let's skype if you have extra time while in China.
K
and... did they give you the other luggage... like the One World soccer balls?
Don't listen to any of the negativities coming through here Mags, just work hard like you always do and if all else fails listen to Sistakat! :D You know what to do, what works and what doesn't. Be strong, it'll all work out because it ALWAYS does. Big luv xx
Maggie,
Please forward me name of person you are dealing with at the education ministry and also who will be receiving the computer..you or Tope? Please forward me this info. THis is an outrage!
Sagun, I will get you all the names and numbers I can!! Hoping to make a little progress today. I don't want to give up yet, especially since the older kids already found out about the laptops coming!! thanks everyone for your support. xoxo
I agree with Sistakt. But Sistakt, Saki is Japanese !
Hi Maggie,
I appreciate your work and I hope they will return it soon.
This is just plain sad. Hopefully this saga ends sooner and kids get to use the laptops. Best of luck with it
I have sent then a letter maggie and have humbly requested them to act responsibly. We are proud of your effort, thank you so much :)
i made a link on facebook and appealed everyone to like it and comment on it. if we get enough responses we could may be publish it in a local newspaper. This might open the eyes of officials and if it helps you in anyway i would be sooooo happy. what you are doing in NEpal for these kids is outstanding...You now have special place in Nepali people's heart including mine.
Have faith in god...what you are doing is for a good cause.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139173559503483