much has happened since my first entry i think but it is hard to comprehend and express at the moment. i am still trying to soak up the language and culture as well as the political unrest and difficult daily living situations.
it is hard for me, as a guest in this country, to begin to sympathize or understand the challenges facing the local people of this village Taukhel and of this Nepal. as a guest we are consistently brought tea and biscuits, even when cooking gas is unavailable for most of the population in Kathmandu. we are offered snacks, warm water to shower (when the sun shines strong enough), a western style toilet, and or own bed and room. in this house 37 children and young adults occupy maybe 8 rooms. four of us volunteers take 2 rooms. and this Ama Ghar has so much compared to most other people. it is so good. each child has art supplies donated by visiting korean teachers, cards and board games, sports equipment, DVDs and CDs and so many strong willed, educated, independent minds. when the power is out, music still finds a way. the lights just came on but the excited cheers barely interrupted the singing i hear from my room. today the newspaper announced that each household will receive 6 more hours of electricity per week. that means load shedding will be in affect for 41 hours (meaning the power is shut off) instead of 47 per week!
i am amazed by the strength of the people here. just like anywhere else the children are full of energy and talent. many people are well educated and informed about world events and history. much more educated than me. and yet they still look to me, a college graduate with no experience, as the answer to their lack of inspiration. what do i have to offer? very little yet i represent to them something great. i don't exactly know what that means yet. i don't want to let anyone down, but i am doing all i can do to soak up all the experiences i'm having.
nothing seems all that profound initially but i know this experience will always influence my life decision and the paths i take.
4 comments:
It is a great thing to learn by first hand experience about the lives and cultures of the world. The resilience of people, particularly of children, is amazing. Good to hear from you.
Ken
Keep pushing and do your best Emily. Don't pressure yourself to do too much. It's good to hear from you again and reading about your exciting experience. Also good date to post on. :)
whaaaat uuuuuuppp! i send you my love and loads and loads of energizing good vibes. and some scoldings: don't underestimate yourself and stop selling yourself short, eh?!?...your spirit is amazing and that alone is more than enough to offer the wooooorrrld.
The greatest thing about you and Mely is that you bring peace wherever you go. It's such a fine line to walk when trying to figure out how to be treated the same as everyone else and not offend. You'll find your middle ground. Your love and work is appreciated everywhere.
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