A sense of humor can really help a difficult situation become more manageable. I find it most fortunate that everyone in our group has a playful and robust capability for creating mirth. We are able to entertain ourselves and this keeps spirits up. Some listen to sound clips from the late great comedian Mitch Hedberg, others do funny dances (at least I hope it was an attempt at humor), and some even come to dinner without their pants. One member in particular, let’s call him Joe, has given us hours of entertainment with his side-splitting yet provocative jokes. An example: What did the rice say to the lentils? Could you be a daal and give me some spice. I’ll pause while you continue to laugh.

Humor can help diffuse tensions and help people come together. I don’t know enough about Nepali language and culture to know their style of humor but I have enjoyed seeing big smiles when people have warmed up to us. War and violence is nothing to laugh about, but going forward in the peace process I hope the Nepali people will be able to laugh and heal together.