Volunteering in Nepal
We are enjoying our time in Nepal. We have seen some truly incredible places, including several temples and Buddhist monasteries. We are also figuring out how to best volunteer. Complications with communication across remote areas and the weather have limited our ability to work with Medic Mobile. We talk with Jay and Aileen, good friends as well as our connection to Medic Mobile, about once a day. Apparently some of the health posts we were going to hike to carrying supplies have been reached already or are inaccessible. Albeit this information was frustrating, there are many other ways for us to plug in. Thus, we are looking for other places where we are most needed. Last week, we volunteered with Portal Shelters for a few days. The organization’s original purpose was to produce bicycles that generate electricity; however, since the earthquake they have focused on building temporary shelters for displaced families. We helped carry metal poles around, welded, and did just about anything they needed. This coming week we may continue to work with them but we are also looking at other needs. Today we found a good local source of solar chargers for Medic Mobile. Although they currently have a number of chargers, most of them were imported. The organization was looking for a reliable local source that could be accessed immediately. As we move forward, Dawson and I continue to look where we are most needed and are excited about some of the possibilities.
4 Comments
Mom Mom
July 8, 2015I don’t think those clothes will ever be the same. And that is also true about the guys wearing them! You are having some interesting experiences and learning a great deal about the needs of people in disaster areas, especially considering the remote nature of much of Nepal.
We would like to hear more about your living conditions and how well you are able to communicate with the locals – charades, interpreters, English speakers. What is the rainy season like in Nepal?
We love your posts. Stay in touch, stay safe, serve well and enjoy!
Missy
July 8, 2015How fabulous to see you dirty and smiling! I’m curious to hear more about what you are learning about the people and culture. How do the approach natural disaster differently or similarly than we do in the US (e.g. in terms of beliefs about why it happens, how to cope, etc?)
I’m curious if you two are spending 24/7 together or challenging yourselves to spend a few hours apart each day to see how others interact differently toward you when you are alone – e.g. might they find you more approachable or might it create other opportunities to connect with locals? (This is the education abroad advisor in me – apologies!)
So good to see you two in action! I look forward to more updates!
Hugs,
Missy
Carrie Wagner
July 8, 2015You guys are awesome. Adam, I think you’ll need another Georgetown t-shirt. Please know that although your trip may pan out different than you had expected, everything is a learning experience. And, you are impacting people’s lives – just by being there with willing hearts. That speaks volumes – in any language, and across cultures. Love you guys. Be safe.
Susan
July 9, 2015Great pics. Great work.
Glad to see you smiling.
Are you getting to know the people who will live in the shelters?
What are their stories?
Who is in the photos with you?
Looking forward to hearing more.
Keep up the great work and great smiles.