Stars and Dreams

Me four years ago in Nepal

I first came to Nepal four year ago. I was traveling with my sister after my project in India. We went rafting one day and afterwards the bus didn’t come for us. I remember asking a man when the bus was coming, and he said “maybe in five minutes, maybe in a day.” Eventually the overcrowded, rusty public bus pulled up and we hopped on. Somewhere along that drive through gorgeous rolling hills and lush valleys, watching people plant rice and kids walk to school, I promised myself I would come back.

Almost exactly four years later, I went rafting at the same place and did the same drive on an overcrowded public bus. I loved every minute; the dream I felt four years ago is still going strong. The past few months have certainly had their fair share of challenges- everything from being stared at when showering to men not believing I could be a teacher because I’m a woman to visiting three hospitals in five days- but there’s never been a night when I didn’t stare up at the stars and think about how incredibly lucky I am to be here having the chance to fulfill my dream. Right now, I’m sitting on my tin roof watching lightning in the distance and I’m so content.

Today, I talked with a bunch of young Nepali women that are leading change in the country. I’m always impressed with the youth here, but I especially loved how open they were to talking about their struggles and disappointments along their journeys. I’ve had the great pleasure if sharing some of my experiences and thoughts with high school and college students, and if you are a young person looking for someone to listen, I am always available.

Also, if any of my readers have questions you want me to address or want a post about a specific topic, please just let me know.

Here are some videos of my favorite things.

Hanging out with the deaf students.