A Country of Beauty

What has only been a week of teaching has felt like an adventure of a lifetime.  Everyday has provided a unique experience that always leaves me wondering what tomorrow will bring.
Today brought us an unforgettable adventure that has left me speechless.  We left Milla Guesthouse and embarked on our journey.  We traveled through Kathmandu and as we neared our destination, we would catch glimpses of a massive structure.  Leaving the cars, we walked through alleyways and as we turned each corner you could almost see the excitement in the air.  All of the sudden the walkway gave way to a beautiful square and rising high into the sky stood Boudhanath.  The stupa was incredible.  Even covered in scaffolding, its beauty blossomed through and I felt honored to be in the presence of such a magnificent temple.  As we made our way around the base of the structure I couldn’t help but smile.  Seeing the damage done to Boudhanath by the earthquake gave me a sense of loss, but it also gave me hope. Even after a devastating event, the people of Nepal were not giving up hope. Instead, they were repairing the damaged temple.  We continued to walk around the base and entered a building which was filled with one of a kind murals.  Inside, there were large statues each representing a different form of Buddha.  Words can’t describe how special it was to be in such a beautiful place.
Later in the day we went to a Hindu crematorium called Pahupatinath which was incredible.  It felt special to be at a temple where former leaders of Nepal had been cremated.  Each body that was cremated was adorned in beautiful orange flowers.   As we watched families perform traditional outdoor public ceremonies to cremate the body of their deceased family members, I was in awe.  It was a beautiful site to see the families gather together and celebrate that life that someone has lived.  By burning the bodies the Hindu’s can spread the ashes which will go back into the circle of life.  Hindu religion believes that there are five qualities of our body that are represented in the world around us which need to be given back to the earth at the time of our death.  The flesh of a person represents earth, blood for water, heat is for touch, air is our breathe and the sky is the open part inside of us.  Understanding how the Hindu people see death as a new beginning is very special.  I find comfort in the idea that when someone dies they are only starting a new chapter in their life.
As our time in Nepal comes to an end I feel accomplished because I gave my all in every class I taught.  Each day presented me with new challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone.  To me each lesson I teach is an opportunity to grow as a person.  While I taught the students new information, they taught me how to be confident in my own skin.  Whether it was singing the National Anthem or dancing in front of the class, I discovered that taking a step out of my comfort zone was the key to being successful not only in the classroom but in life.  As our final day at the school approaches I am going to make every second one to remember and put everything I have into each lesson.

Smile for Teaching

Wow! Nepal is amazing.  Every day, every building, every person has a story to share that inspires passion and respect for Nepal and the people that live here.  Day five and I keep learning new aspects of Nepali culture. On our walks to the school every day, you can feel the city of Bhaktapur thriving around you.  Even a year after the earthquake its presence can still be felt.  Many buildings remain damaged or are in piles of bricks.  Even though many people’s lives have been damaged they remain strong and continue to rebuild their nation brick by brick.

The horns, the smells, and crowed streets only add to the building excitement as we near the school.  We walk past piles of rubble and half constructed buildings and then after turning a corner there it stands.  It’s a tall building, painted blue and speckled with the faces of smiling students eager to learn.  Entering the classroom for the first time was nerve racking and I was unsure, but I walked on in with a smile on my face and greeted the class.

Each class I taught was a learning experience for the students and myself.  As I began to improve in my teaching ability every student in every class began to improve as well.  Being able to see the student’s improve inspires me to continue to do my best even when the going gets tough.  My first class I taught made me realize that just smiling and giving information was only a way to pass time, but as the day went on I was able to make the students smile and laugh by engaging them in activities.  Knowing that all the work I had put into preparing my lesson plan the night before was bringing the classroom to life made me feel as if I had won the lottery.

Seeing the students learn with a smile gave me a sense of accomplishment that I am now striving for every day.  I enter each new day with a smile on my face because I know that making each day better than the last will be the key to making the most of every moment.

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad!!

"Without a goal you can't score" -Unknown

Counting down the days until I embark on this journey with my team I'm constantly visualizing the city, its people, and it's culture.  Traveling around the world to an unknown place with unfamiliar things is frightening.  I'm not fearful of experiencing a new culture or meeting its people, but what I am fearful of is coming home with regret.  While in Nepal I want to maximize my experience in every aspect.  Regret is a void within you that never truly disappears and I want to immerse myself into this trip to allow no voids to form within me.  Every moment will be an experience that changes something within me to better the lives of the students and families that we will be helping.  As each day slides away the excitement builds, but so does the fear of regret.  On this adventure my fear will play no part because I will maximize every moment so no void within will take root.
Humanity is all about achievement and without a goal you can't get anything done.  My goal for this trip is to take it day by day, focusing purely on the task at hand.  Life is short and these trips are even shorter, but taking it one day at a time will stretch out that time making the most of each moment.  I have many goals for this trip but this is the main umbrella goal.  Taking this trip to Nepal one day at a time will allow me to put all my effort of everyday into teaching the students and helping the families with anything that needs to be done.  I want to make each day better than the last because there is always room for improvement.  As this trip nears, I'm eager to achieve my goals and drown my fears to make a difference in someone's life.

One day at a time

As we enter 2016 the excitement for this trip builds.  Over the past few weeks I have been fundraising so I can embark on this journey with CGA.  I've been selling water bottles with the CGA logo as well as sending out a fundraising letter to help me reach my goal.  All of the funds raised will go straight to aiding families affected by the earthquakes and helping the children at Deeya Shree School expand their knowledge.

This country has been through a lot of change in the past year but its history and culture remain the same.  Nepal is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world including Mount Everest.  Nepal's diverse geographic landscape allows for many different ways of life to be present in society.  From the Himalayas to the bustling city of Katmandu Nepal always excites.  Most of the population is Hindu and is represented by the many temples across the country.  Hindu festivals take place such as the Machendrajatra festival, which is celebrated as a main festival by many Buddhists.  This is very interesting because it's two religions that can celebrate something in harmony.  Not only does Nepal have different types of religion and people but also has many new and intriguing foods.  The foods range from a variety of regions with different styles and ingredients.  One food that keeps my attention is Yomari, which is a combination of rice flour on the exterior and a sweet substance known as choke on the inside.  I love to go to a new place and become immersed in the culture, life, and world that these people live in.  As the trip approaches I can hardly contain my excitement to go change and improve the lives of the children at the school and the families affected by the earthquake just this past year.
Everyday I try to imagine walking into the school and seeing the faces of smiling children excited to learn.  To compare each trip with one another is impossible because each country, culture, and environment is so distinct.  Nepal will be another incredible learning experience for myself and the kids at Deeya Shree School.  

The start of something incredible

Hi I am Nathaniel Badger a junior at Battle Mountain High School.  I have participated in three CGA trips and this will be my fourth.  This year I will be traveling to Bhaktapur, Nepal to teach at Deeya Shree School during the day and assist families affected by the earthquake.  The school we will be working at is home to 140 students and nine teachers.  Grades range from nursery school thru grade 6.  Giving these kids a chance to make something of their lives with the odds stacked against them inspires me to do whatever I can to educate and assist them. 

I enjoy running and being outside as much as possible.  Running has become a large part of my life not just because it keeps me active, but it has allowed me to become more confident and outgoing.   Being outdoors is an amazing thing especially in the mountains.  I enjoy the fresh air and the sunlight because you have no worries and can let your mind wander.  I participate in Cross Country, Nordic and Track.  These are my sports that have improved my life in so many ways.  Running and Cross Country Skiing are by far my favorite sports and teams at Battle Mountain.
My family consists of two cats, one dog, a sister, and two parents.  My family is amazing because they support me and help me reach my goals.  They are always willing to help and put others before themselves.  Family is very important and I am glad that they are always there for me.