thanks for your post, kdee. and for your kind words about the work pc volunteers have done in nepal. i think it means both- that things have gotten really bad in nepal and that they can potentially get even worse. i don't think pc left nepal because they are aware of something that's going to happen. i believe that growing anti-americanism on the part of the maoists (which is a direct result of the american government fueling the nepali gov't with money, arms, and military training....if i was a maoist, i'd be pissed off too!) has created a situation such that pc can no longer justify the risks of staying there. one of the most amazing things about pc, that sets it apart from so many other "development organizations", is that the work is done on a human to human basis. the volunteers immerse themselves in their communities, learning the language, the culture, the mindset, and living as equals in their communities. they aren't all in kathmandu in comfortable offices and living in fancy homes with servants. maile pani dindinai dal bhat khanuparthie yaar! pc shows that the most meaningful changes come from human interaction and relationships. the day pc returns to nepal will be a glorious day indeed, as it means nepal has once again become a peaceful country.