Money Can't Buy Experience

I went to Sarita's in Kathmandu thinking I would provide this altruistic SERVICE and also learn something that would benefit me. While both became true, However, the priorities were reversed. I worked primarily with Veronique Murphy from Australia with the children in the school each day. Initially, I saw myself teaching these beautiful children in a poverty-stricken country English. There is a saying, "the teacher arrives when the student is ready." Well I discovered I was the student and the children were the teachers. While I did not know their native language, Nepali, we discovered the universal language of LOVE expressed through feelings, interactions and activities regardless of age, culture, religion or IQ. These children activated my soul that had become dormant through my deadening life experiences in the materialistic world of the Western culture in the U.S.A. It became clear that the relationship was most important and these children were grateful for any positive interaction. Each day we were met with a dozen smiling faces :) :) :). It made no difference that they may have only ONE MEAL a day, shabby clothes, unclean water, and one bed to share with 2-4 others they thrived on the time they shared with the volunteers. I am going to sound Selfish but if you want to be a better person, discover your new gifts and develop skills that will guide you through the rest of your life...volunteer your services to the children at Sarita's Safe Haven Orphanage in Kathmandu. As for the children, I have no doubt that they will be blessed by your presence.

My Highlight Experience - a Nepali friend, Hari, took me on a trek to a Hindu temple high on a mountain in the north Kathmandu Valley. As we walked through a poverty stricken village, a grandmother guided her 3 year old granddaughter to my path. As I approached them, the little girl bowed with her hands folded to give me the NAMASTE GESTURE. I was initially stunned but recovered to kneel in great awe and appreciation and return the Namaste and to "blow her a kiss" that was spontaneously returned. Once again I learned the meaning of: "and a child shall lead them!"

Greatest Difficulty - My greatest difficulty was LEAVING the wonderful children, Sarita's staff, VolNepal staff and the Nepali people. I plan to return.