This is the temple.

Traveling home

I left the house at 11:00 this morning. I thought this was going to be a normal travel day, but I was wrong. First, I got in the jeep to ride the 3 hour ride to Nepal Guanji. We were stopped several times at security check points, which is normal, however my bag got searched. Not sure what they were looking for, but I’m glad my underwear wasn’t on top.

Then, I was greeted by our new friend Rajen in Katmandu. I must say he makes Katmandu much less scary. I call him the volunteers travel friend. He took me straight to my favorite restaurant. We ate pizza and it was amazing. Then, on our way to the airport we stopped at one of the biggest temples in Katmandu. It was beautiful.

I’m at the airport now and can’t wait to see what else is in store…. Just as I wrote this a man spilt water all over me! Not joking. My feet are soaking wet. Wow. What a trip so far!

Wish me luck and safe travels for the rest of my trip!

Good bye for now,
Julia

Last full day in Kopila

Today is officially my last full day here at Kopila. We started off the morning with a 4 hour walk! Yes, 4 hours of walking in the HOT sun. I’m shocked that no one got heat stroke. We went to a Buddhist temple with some school kids and along the was was nothing but rice patties. We stopped every 30 mins and asked small shops for cheeso pani “cold water” and every once in a while we’re surprised with some.

After the walk one of our girls from school invited us to her house. She and her auntie she lived with served us Mountain Dew. They all think we love pop! It’s funny because at home I would never drink it, but here it tastes like honey, and a little cup if caffeine.

It was a day for the books. Beautiful scenery, great company, and so much time to reflect. I know this place is some where I will always come back to, but it’s days like these that make me hope they aren’t far from now.

Peter Pan

Lexi has been working with these kids for two short months to not only put together this drama, but also translate some of it into Nepali! It was so amazing and I know everyone there enjoyed it! Lexi has a passion for acting and it shines through these kids. Check out the pictures!

The entire cast!

Happy Birthday Kelly

Kelly just turned the ripe age of 24. After a week of celebrating she claims “best birthday ever”! Here are some photos from the events!

It was a night if true magic. As we all sat across from each other all I could think about was my cross cultural class in college. I thought, how can we communicate with these people without using words? Well, smiles, laughter, and dance ended up being the ultimate answer. How beautiful is that?!!
Good bye for now! Love, Julia

Afternoon Art

One thing that the kids here at Kopila love is art. I am always amazed at their talent. Since I arrived two and a half weeks ago I have been doing art projects with the kids everyday after school. It is to the point now that each day if I forget the kids ALWAYS remind me by asking ” what are we doing today?” They always look into my room and ask ” Julia what are we making with the felt, and the pipe cleaners?” Their curiosity is so sweet.

The kids are also really into Hindi tattoos right now. They draw the most beautiful designs on each other. The best part is it only last a couple of weeks. The women at the school also wear it and they say the darker your Hindi the more you are loved.

Hand washing

Hand washing is a learned skill for sure. Our very own Maya however has grasped this skill from the Aunties. Last Saturday she spent 1 hour showing me how it’s done! Let me tell you it’s hard work.

Happy Teacher Day!

Today the kids put on an assembly to thank all the teachers for all their hard work. I can’t even count the amount of candy and flowers I received from kids at school. It was a moment to be remembered.

Nepali Song

And this is Maya if you haven’t met her yet!!

She is the class clown and somehow finds her way into everyone’s heart!