Posted in Nepal on December 4, 2024
We have arrived!
Give a girl a hand here, and I will be dishing out all the great and exciting things that will be going on in Nepal. This is the one and only source for all things “Give a hand-up” project in Lalpur. So go grab your Dal Bhatt, Momos, and sip on some Chiya while I dish up all the tea on what’s going on in Lalpur.
Oh, before I forget team Nepal, aka Team “Namaste” has traveled all over the world to parter with local tradesman and others to build an amazing space for the women in Lalpur that will serve a variety of purposes, including a safe space for them to gather and socialize, receive literacy classes and training, and access to healthcare and lots of empowerment and support resources.
Want to learn more about what team “Namaste” is going to do on Day 1, come back later to get all of the Chai tea.
Namaste!
XOXO Give A Girl A Hand
Day 1 – Magnetic Energy
As Team Namaste woke up to a cold, foggy day, you could feel the excitement building in the air, everyone getting ready for the first day. Tuk Tuks were lined up outside the hotel to take us to the work site. As we drove through the town, we saw children heading off to school and the Nepali people beginning their day. As we passed by, the people waved and cheered, “Ayyyyyeeeee!” with so much happiness and joy. Their warmth and enthusiasm were infectious.
We arrived at the work site, greeted by women wearing vibrant, colorful garments, and carrying fruits and flowers. Stepping out of the Tuk Tuk and onto the site, a magnetic energy washed over us—an energy that was inspiring, peaceful, and emotional. It was clear from the start that this was not just another project; it was a movement.
The beginning of the day was packed with inspiring speeches, setting the tone for the incredible journey ahead.
As the work began, the energy was contagious. Everyone rolled up their sleeves, and with each action, a deeper connection formed not only to the work at hand but also to the women whose lives we would touch. The vibrant colors of the garments worn by the women and the richness of the fruits and flowers served as a beautiful reminder of the cultural vibrancy that surrounded us. Despite the foggy morning, there was warmth everywhere—in the air, in the hearts of the locals, and in the spirit of the team.
As the day unfolded, we could see the transformation in progress—not just in the work site itself but in the collective spirit of the team. The vision of creating something lasting, something meaningful, grew stronger with every passing hour. By the end of the day, we knew that this journey was about far more than just a construction project; it was about creating connections, spreading positivity, and fostering a sense of hope for a brighter future.
The magnetic energy we felt upon arrival had set the tone, and as we wrapped up Day 1, we knew that it would stay with us throughout the entire mission. It was the driving force behind everything we were doing, propelling us forward with a shared purpose and determination. This was only the beginning. Sit tight, sip some Chia tea and wait to see how Team Namaste journey unfold.
Namaste!
XOXO Give A Girl A Hand
-Tarina
Day 2 – work theme is moving rocks and mixing concrete
Good morning Team Day 2: Foundational Unity
Building a strong foundation of unity is a cornerstone unseen. Day two presented a full day of heavy lifting with the combined efforts of our team and more importantly the invested strength of the Lurpar community we were able to build half of the cement foundational walls.
As one might reflect on what it took to construct the foundational walls, it wasn’t the grand, showy, bright tools (including a wheel barrels) but something even more sustainable. It was the vision of hope coming to life today through the mere establishment of process and refining that process along the way by knowing sometimes just when to step back and wait for your turn to contribute. It was the committed strength of the Nepalese women and men turning rocks, water, cement into a sustainable paste. Combine that with the human assembly line we created to pass mounds and mounds of bowls of cements to its designated spots and repeating the processes all so willingly over again.
While today’s efforts were filled with heavy lifting, we found a way to give even a little more of ourselves to bring a smile to Sunita’s face with showers of gifts this afternoon. It was a gentle, caring hand, mutually shared laughter and the simple acts of kindness that makes you say “I am grateful.”
I think it’s safe to say that the foundational walls built today were truly built on compassion, trust and human scene. It’s not the grand design, a measured lofty goal of construction. It’s the essence of foundational unity that made today, a perfect day.
-La Verne
Day 3 – (Matt & Anusha)
Building Dreams: A Day of Hard Work and Heartwarming Connections in Nepal
Our third day in Nepal brought its own unique blend of challenges and triumphs. Our team lead, Joy, experienced a surprising moment of aviary ordure (yes, a bird blessed her from above), which we optimistically took as a sign of good fortune. That fortune was reflected in the resilience and ingenuity we witnessed yet again from the local Nepali women who have earned their well-deserved title of “She-Ra’s” among our group.
These incredible women carried their weight—and then some—in every sense of the phrase. Balancing 50kg (110 lb) bags of cement atop their heads with poise and strength, they transported the heavy loads to the gravel mounds without missing a beat.
Once there, they demonstrated a resourcefulness that left us in awe: tying ropes fashioned from cement bags to their shovels to mix concrete. This ingenious method balanced the effort and made a demanding task more manageable—a testament to their problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Through sweat, grit, and a shared sense of purpose, we found inspiration in these moments. As much as we’re here to assist, it’s evident that we are also learning invaluable lessons from the determination and creativity of the Nepali people.
Each day brings its own challenges, but also moments like this—reminders of the incredible human spirit and the strength that lies in community.
After a well-earned lunch break, we made our way to a local school where we had the honor of interacting with the students. The moment we stepped onto the grounds, it became clear that this was going to be a memorable experience. The assembly of eager, smiling faces greeted us with a warmth that could melt even the sturdiest of hearts.
Our team presented the school with backpacks, socks, and school supplies—a small gesture that was met with an overwhelming display of gratitude. The children’s beaming smiles and excited chatter were a testament to how much these simple items meant to them. Truly, you’d have to be made of Nepali concrete not to feel profoundly moved by their joy.
The day didn’t end there. We joined the students and faculty for a spirited game of volleyball, and what a game it was! The energy was infectious, with cheers echoing across the schoolyard.
This visit was a beautiful reminder of why we embarked on this journey. Beyond building the women’s center, we are building connections—bridging gaps and sharing moments of mutual inspiration. Each smile, each interaction, and each game played brings us closer to understanding the strength and resilience of the Nepali people.
Day 4 – Building Dreams One Bucket at a Time
Whew! Time flies when you’re having fun. The last day has arrived, and we’ve fully immersed ourselves in the culture, learning so much from the incredible Nepali women. We’ve realized that the key to building anything, whether it’s dreams or structures, is having a solid foundation — and that’s exactly what Team Namaste has accomplished. Together, we laid the foundation for the women’s center, one bucket at a time.
The week began with digging the frame, then we added stones, mixed cement, and poured the foundation, all by hand and with the strength of the Nepali women by our side. Watching their resourcefulness was inspiring: they used strings to shovel efficiently, and the assembly line of passing buckets filled with stones, water, and cement was a true testament to teamwork. We surpassed all expectations.
The morning started off foggy and cold, but by the afternoon, the heat kicked in. Time was of the essence since we couldn’t let the cement dry, but we managed to finish everything on schedule. By the end of the day, we were all tired and sweaty, but fulfilled. We piled into the rides and headed to the women’s center, where we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the local chefs — samosas, rice balls, and soup.
After lunch, we visited the community center, where we were warmly greeted by beautiful women dressed in vibrant, bold colors. They thanked DWC for all the support they’ve received and continue to receive in their community. It was a heartfelt moment of gratitude and unity.
Next, we returned to the office, where we were met with a lively welcome from the Nepali women volunteers, who treated us to song and dance. As a token of appreciation, Team Namaste presented each volunteer with a gift. The women then decorated our hands with intricate henna designs.
We wrapped up the day with a visit to the girls’ home sponsored by DWC. The girls prepared a wonderful dinner for us, and we spent the evening dancing and singing, celebrating the amazing work done and the beautiful connections we’ve made.
It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable journey!
XOXO Team Namaste 🙏🏽
Posted in Nepal on December 4, 2024
