Over the course of the week we’ve been sharing stories, photos and sketches from the recent service trip to Nepal, when Diantha, Sparky and Andrew travelled to the village of Basa to help build a school with Edge of Seven.

In today’s post, Diantha wraps up this 3-part series and writes about the final few days they spent with the other volunteers, community members, and schoolchildren.  It was a rewarding journey, and we’re all very thankful for all the support this project received along the way!

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Each morning, our group walked from our host family’s home to the building site for work.  It is a 20 minute walk from home to site.  Although a beautiful walk on a sloped hillside, it is a walk that kids as young as three and four do daily, often more, and frequently by themselves.

Andrew, Sparky and I all were able to teach in the classroom.  We taught what we knew, how to draw and build.  What we learned was that the students were already quite proficient in putting things together.

 

Nepalese cooking often includes a rice and bean dish called Dhal Bhat, often served with vegetables.  Families typically have a small plot of land to garden, so with a little bartering, many vegetables in season are easily found.  We were fortunate to not only have families that were talented cooks, but a guide that was an expert chef and was pleased to let us assist him prepping the meals.

To celebrate our final day on the site, the school gave us a heartfelt going away celebration.  We were adorned with marigolds and scarves and presented with kind words from the students and administration.  It was the perfect end to a tremendous experience.  We parted with our new friends with light hearts knowing that we may have possibly planted a little hope in some of the students to pursue dreams.

Although, we did not have time to complete the current building, it should be complete within the month. This new facility will accommodate more than 200 students every two years and is also being accessed by students from neighboring villages.

 

Namaste. (‘I bow to the divine spirit within you’)

 

Photos by Andrew Chardain, Diantha Korzun