a life inspired

Welcome to a New Year!  Last night was my farewell party with my organization.  I spent the evening surrounded by many of the people who have filled my working time in Nepal and felt so honoured and celebrated.  The evening reminded me that so much of our work here is built on relationships.  That the [...]

Well folks, this is the beginning of the end.  The beginning of my vacation (well, almost) and the end of working like a maniac…for a whole 4 weeks! We look forward to greeting my parents at the airport on Tuesday night and embarking on a trip to Pokhara, a short mountain trek, a bunch of [...]

The countdown to September 15th has kicked into full gear! The excitement of 4 weeks of vacation combined with visitors from home arriving on that day is making the days fly by. Plus September and October hold the biggest Hindu festivals (akin to Christmas in Christian countries). First is Dashain which is [...]

Call me crazy, but I think I feel a chill in the air.  The temperature dipped below 20 degrees and as we scrambled to get the blankets back on the bed I realized just how much my internal thermometer has shifted.  Since when did 20 degrees become cold?  And how much will I shiver when [...]

I am experiencing some serious nostalgia these days as I see the numerous notes from friends and old colleagues about the fact that students are just around the corner, set to enter university en masse for what will hopefully be one of the most satisfying and challenging learning experiences of their lives.  And while I [...]

We are rounding the corner to the end of month 8 in Nepal.  It is really, really hard to believe.  But when I look at my life here, maybe it’s not so hard to believe after all.  I barely notice the roving cattle in the middle of the busy streets, I am [...]

The monsoon is a week late.  The temperature has soared into the high 30’s and can only be set to rest with the advance of the monsoon.  Apparently it is predictable – every year there is a date that all Nepali’s anticipate when the monsoon rains rush in and quench the thirst of farmers who [...]

The weekend ahead is full relaxing – no plans and no plans to make any plans.  When I started posting blogs on Fridays the idea was to recognize just how much potential and excitment was wrapped into a Friday – to honour that magical anticipation with some bold words of appreciation.  I am amazed that [...]

have hope
see bright future
doubt said bright future is possible
lose hope
lose belief in self
lose belief in other people
see shimmer of possibility
remember why this work is important
feel momentarily inspired
be crushed by the politics and self-interest of others
realize your assumptions were all wrong
have one great meaning or meaningful conversation
have hope…

I have spent the whole day today in a incredibly interesting consultation forum on the drafting of a new youth policy in Nepal.  Youth from all regions of the country were invited to review the draft policy and provide feedback, suggestions, and critques about how their voices were reflected in the policy.  Youth from many [...]