This post is part of a series of anecdotes by people who have visited and given time to CYF during their travels in Nepal.
I came to Nepal in the middle of March on the recommendation of a college friend. I had recently quit my first “adult” job after college and was hoping to see more of the world before I returned to the workforce. All I really knew about the country was that it was home to Mount Everest, but that was enough for me.
Once in Nepal, I went to visit CYF/LVA, and the welcoming I received when I first arrived was frankly a little overwhelming (in the best way possible). I have never consider myself to be someone who was good with kids, but as soon as I exited the car the kids came running and cheering to meet us. Within seconds of being on the premises, I was promptly given a tika, became drafted into a futsol match, and shown a countless number of really impressive karate moves. After working up a thorough appetite, the didis cooked a delicious dal bhat platter, while I ate through a huge smile.
Later on, I was lucky enough to be invited alongside the CYF crew on their Candy Crush themed trek to Muktinah. Unfortunately along the journey, I became sick resulting in sores covering my most of my lips and was gifted an incredibly squeaky voice. The kids were so concerned that I was feeling alright and were constantly checking up on me throughout the trip (a grown man!). However, once it became known that I was more or less fine, I was the target of many jokes about my cartoonish voice. It's so nice to see that while the children still have welcoming hearts, they know how to laugh and fully appreciate everything they have.
It becomes so easy to fall into the routine in life—wake up, go to work, cook dinner, sleep and repeat. But after visiting the CYF family I received a sobering look in the mirror. Here I am in my comfortable little life, and I was still unsatisfied. Meanwhile, these kids have it figured out. I returned to my hometown in August with a greater appreciation of the things around me, but I still hope to be back in Nepal as soon as I can. Until then, I will attempt to give back the energy they have given me and take what they have taught me with me.
