My journey to Nepal was extra special this time (yes, of course because of the free adult beverages on the plane) but also because my dear friend Katie was able to join me as well. I'm thinking the trip was extra great for her too since she got to hang out with
me 24/7. :)
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| We weren't even using a selfie stick! :) |
Traveling with Katie was awesome...for many reasons. It was one of the bigger trips she's taken in her lifetime and she embarked on this journey across the world with no expectations and an open heart. What more could anyone ask for?!
With a new pair of eyes, she offered me a fresh perspective on familiar people and places. Once again while in Nepal, time seemed to slow down and the present moment was where we always seemed to find ourselves.
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| Hanging with the fams! |
Katie also brought along some great energy and ideas that we were able to implement in the classroom. From positive affirmations, to mindfulness, to yoga poses, and a little piece of herself that she left with them, I'm pretty sure the kids had a blast and didn't want her to leave. I had to remind them that I was still there for a few more days and also pretty cool...just in case they forgot! :)
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| Yoga time! :) |
While in the classroom, we also discussed with the children their educational aspirations for the years ahead. We talked about the importance of a higher education and began to plant the seed of why graduating from high school and college is so important. They understood the visuals we showed them about how education directly correlates with families being lifted out of poverty. In turn, they had some excellent questions and thoughts to contribute to the discussion.
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| Class 6 guys...they are growing SO. FAST! |
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| Ladies of Class 6 :) |
I also wanted to give you a little update on everything we were able to do on this past trip in Nepal because of all of YOU who continue to support the kids. As they get older, the children are starting to better understand the support that they receive and that people across the world believe in them and their education. So, thank you so much!
We were able to provide the children
and families of Maitidevi Boarding High School the following:
- 10 - children provided with scholarships for this past year.
- 6 - children provided with books for this upcoming school year (beginning at the end of April)
- 5 - children provided with uniforms for this upcoming year
- 5 - children provided with backpacks for this upcoming year
- 4 - families who received assistance to subsidize the costs of books and uniforms, medical bills, and daily living expenses.
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| Scholarship recipients....aka Tough guys ;) |
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| A few more of the scholarship recipients :) |
I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel to Nepal going on for 4 years now, and have started to notice a reoccurring theme. The children attending Maitidevi Boarding High School take a great sense of responsibility in wanting to improve their country's education system and make their nation a better place to live. In almost every discussion, and without my prompting, they always bring up their desire to make their country better in every way possible...especially for the poor and those who are discriminated against. At such a young age, their determination to make such a positive impact in the lives of others is unbelievable.
Each one of these kiddos is full of an incredible amount of potential and they are
going to continue to do spectacular things, whether that be for their country or on a larger global scale....who can say. It's only a matter of time though and I'm excited to see what's in store for them!
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| New artwork at the school, designed by the kids. :) |
The kids continue to inspire me in more ways than they will ever know. And they always remind me that I, too, have a responsibility as well. With all that I've been given, how can I use my blessings to make this world a better place? As I departed Nepal this last time, I was grateful for the 24 hour journey home, because clearly I had a lot to pray about. :)
Currently Why Not Now Missions is working on putting together a more formal sponsorship program in order to keep the scholarship recipients inspired and motivated to succeed. In the future years to come, we will also be offering more organized trips to Nepal. In the meantime, we are always open to new ideas and would love to hear your feedback!
www.whynotnowmissions.org
