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!!