Resourcefulness and crowdfunding

Bingo was one of the little monks' favorite activities. I was impressed by their resourcefulness, as they turned spitballs into Bingo chips. The monks who couldn't understand the English words being called out would scan their friends' cards and look for images marked with tiny pieces of paper. 

This classroom will be lit by solar. Thanks for helping us make it happen, Roshan. 

Teamwork and fundraising

"Jimmy," the older monk responsible for the butter lamps, unexpectedly left the monastery. Cleaning and lighting and maintaining hundreds of these small candles is no easy task. Some of the other monks stepped up to the plate, helping shine the metal and refill them with wax for new offerings. I watched this repeatedly: monks helping each other with chores and responsibilities. It seems when everyone chips in, even big tasks don't feel as daunting. 

Thanks, Jason, for helping us bring reliable power to kitchen, classrooms, and butter lamp room.

To learn more and contribute to our solar project, visit indiegogo.

Matepani Gumba: Aerial view

I took this photo from the top of the monastery. From here you can see the jungle of Matepani and the surrounding area. The rusted blue roof is the kitchen, wash and toilet area. The prominent yellow house holds the office and butter lamp room in which hundreds of hand-made candles are lit for offerings and honor. If you look closely, you can see Akhe ("grandfather") sitting on a bench rolling mala beads in his hands. Balu ("bear") the monastery dog is sleeping nearby. In the distance rests Bhadrakali Temple, a Hindu shrine. 

Thanks for supporting our solar project, Jon. 

Student profile: Tennam

Thank you for supporting our work. 

Do you want a photo posted in your honor? Visit our indiegogo campaign. 

What legacy will you leave?

Seems like a lot of people are searching these days.

We're questioning the ways things are done, the notion of work, how we live our lives, and the relationships we invest our time in.

A letter given to me my last day in Nepal. 

We're actively searching for meaning, for what makes up happy and how we can have an impact --- whether helping ourselves or helping another.

No matter where you are at along this journey, I'd like to encourage you to take time to "check in" every so often, to make sure your every day decisions are leading up to the life you really want to live. That you're creating moments you're proud of, regardless of fame or fortune. Because in the end, your essence and your passion is how people remember you. 

What you leave behind is what matters. 

Teacher sponsorship

Thanks to the generosity of Craig Loewenstern of New York City, Manoj received his first month's wages.

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Manoj's first paycheck!

In addition to the consistency Manoj brings to the academic program, the little monks appreciate having a teacher who can speak their first language, Nepali. Manoj's ability to easily translate from Nepali to English has helped them better understand the English language and further their studies.

Prior to Manoj, the school relied on the help of international volunteers to teach English classes. Volunteers were often untrained and visited the monastery sporadically throughout the year.

The older monks are busy with puja and New Year celebrations but look forward to resuming their studies when all is finished. 

If you'd like to sponsor next month's pay ($70 USD), click here. Your donation is appreciated!