Update on the Strike

Well were up to day six of the strike and there is still no end in sight (please keep praying for a resolution). The first three days of the strike were pretty peaceful with a few minor isolated incidents but the last three days have seen increasing levels of violence. The locals are starting to get sick of the treatment that they are recieving from the Maoists and are starting to fight back. As I type this fighting has broken out about a kilometer away from our house on the Kathmandu road.

Food levels in the shops are starting to get very low, although the shops are allowed to open for a few hours each day there is no way to get supplies in from India as vehicle movement is restricted. Hospitals are also running low on provisions, the local newspaper has been reporting that Western Regional Hospital (where Jo will soon be working) has almost run out of oxygen bottles.

So far we have not felt in danger at all and life for us has been continuing as per normal with language classes continuing. Several of the other INF centres have been forced to close by the Maoists but fortunately we are based at an INF hospital which has been allowed to continue operation.

Please continue to pray for a prompt resolution to the current situation.

Photo from local newspaper of police clashing with Maoist protestors in Kathmandu