This fall is an interesting one. I am preparing for an October 7th departure to Nepal and two days later, Nathan leaves for Bangladesh. I decided early on in my masters process that I was really interested in Nepal for a bunch of reasons, the main one being to investigate agricultural development. Nathan was chosen to represent Canada for a work project that is looking at developing markets and agronomic practices in a couple of rice and potato regions in Northern Bangladesh. They will be starting the community action plan, an inclusive process that works with the community in question to help self-identify needs and work through goals and a strategy for achieving them.My thesis is focused on the commercialization of value chains and within that process, inquiring as to the impact on gender roles within the business. The government of Nepal has developed two really interesting (to a nerd) strategy documents highlighting seed as a high value under-developed crop, so I am hoping in can visit with some seed farmers and talk to them about their experience (the cornerstone of qualitative research!). So yes, Nathan and I will be apart for the longest stretch yet, at times without direct contact since his internet situation may be intermittent. If anyone is curious about the affects of 2 months with little contact on a marriage, I can fill you in at Christmas! The good thing is Nathan is coming for a ten day visit at the end of my time there so we can share some of Nepal together.
The original title of this post was "nothing (ad)ventured, nothing gained", the title of another blog I found on Nepal and it really struck a chord with me. Sitting at my computer with my cats nearby, I can only imagine being away from home and from Nathan and so as these plans and travels unfold, I hope I can keep this in mind.
