Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with VIN in Nepal?
Manwei: The main reason I decided to volunteer abroad with VIN was to learn more about Buddhism and help local communities.
What made your volunteer abroad experience unique and special?
Manwei: Everyday I taught English to Buddhist monks from the ages of 7-17. Breakfast was served at 7, a meal of bread and butter tea. I then taught morning class which was held from 9-11. Afternoon classes were from 2-4. For lunch and dinner we ate the national dish, dahl baht Talkari, a mixture of vegetable curry and rice. If there was free time in between my commitments, I would often hang out with the monks and villagers. I became really close friends with certain villagers who became my guide in Nepal, showing me their home villages, and introducing me to the various customs their families have.
What made this experience unique and special?
Manwei: The relationship I developed with the villagers and monks made this trip unique. Even though they lived in a developing country, their hospitality and willingness to share their lives left a lasting impression.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Manwei: While I learned some of the esoteric Buddhist beliefs, I also experienced compassion in a way I did not know existed, and I will take this compassion with me for the rest of my life.