Posted in Nepal on November 19, 2025
Day 1
A rooster crowed while we were working to lay the first bricks of the women’s center. Did you know the words we teach our children for animal sounds are different in different languages? There is so little we can understand of each other (thank you, what is your name, where are you from), but we spent a few moments imitating a rooster’s crow, then a dog’s bark, then a pig’s oink in Nepali and English and Spanish. Cockadoodledoo! Kukuruku! Kikirikí! Our heads bowed into each other and we giggled together like children, comparing some of the first things we ever learned.
Stephanie Cork
Day 2
Today was my first day on the job but everyone else’s second. I had the misfortune of contracting food poisoning on my second flight here and spent the first 2 days sick and recovering (thanks Cathay Pacific). Our entire group so graciously took care of me, keeping the electrolytes and fluids coming (even if I couldn’t keep them down), reassuring me that I didn’t need to be embarrassed about the number of places I very publicly and forcefully expelled the contents of my stomach.
But, I’m getting off topic, because what I want to say is that I am so incredibly grateful that I made it back to the land of the living in time for us to place the Ḍhōkā (ढोका), the doorway, today.
The amazing Nepalese women who have been working tirelessly alongside us, selected the location of the door and then the frame was raised. Ribbons were ceremoniously tied to the frame, Ḍhōkā Pooja (ढोका पूजा), for blessings.
Absolutely no one in our group fell and knocked the door frame over after it was placed. And if he had, we definitely wouldn’t name him. At the end of the day we had waist-high walls to boast about and we were all ready for our noodles and momos (Nepalese chicken dumplings).
I can’t wait for what tomorrow brings, maybe some Jhyālas (झ्याल)—windows!
Erin Johnson
Day 3
Today’s our third day on the job. Our group, “the magnificent 9” (that other group only had 7), made up of 5 Americans and 4 Canadians is one cohesive, energetic, hard-working, fun-time group. Our structure is really taking shape. The walls are going up so fast that scaffolding was needed to continue. It is truly amazing how friendly and comfortable we all feel about each other and the job.
Tony Dufficy
Day 4
I was so tired last night that I went to bed at 8pm. This morning I went on the roof terrace at 6:30, watching the sunrise, which was a magnificent red, and reading a good thriller.
Today the work was similar to yesterday’s except that most of it was on scaffolding. We also started digging the hole for the bathroom. We rotated doing that as the ground was very sticky. We almost got it all done. Some of the local women helped us dig as well.
Again, three women from the center took care of the mortar making sure we did not wait for it. The lunch was fabulously prepared by another group of women.
The 9 of us on the team, under the guidance of Alycia, our team leader, work very well together. The local masons are friendly and patient with us. They are very present and make sure we do the work correctly. We were satisfied with our progress after a very warm day. Time for shower and drink.
Richard
Day 5
We’re still alive and kicking 😎
The day started with a simple breakfast and then a posh ride on our new electric group van, so the ride did not require pillow needed warning ‼️. As we drive straight through the mist… or maybe clouds, considering how high we are in the mountains [Elevation 900ft] – 27°52′33″ N 82°30′54″ E. I threw on some Green Day/Offspring and jammed all the way through the countryside to our worksite.
Our team of international superheroes got right back to it, raising brick walls that stayed strong and impressively straight / 9ft high. With minimal tools, plenty of sweat, and the balance of a Cirque du Soleil performer perched on scaffolding sturdy enough to hold a baby elephant, we kept building. To everyone’s surprise, we even managed to exceed the locals’ expectations for construction skills. Let’s not forget the huge ditch that was dug up, a ground hog would be jealous on how deep that was…
Day by day we’re seeing the progress take shape—this will be a place where family and friends gather for shelter, laughter, and, most importantly, a space to grow together.
Then the 4-hour drive began, wow what a ride to Bardiya Adventure Resort 28°27′51″ N 81°14′56″ E, I can definitely say getting here was the adventure.
Alright, enough of the mushy stuff— It was a super great day for all of us, now we’re off to dinner and tomorrow morning we go see the tigers 🐅, fingers crossed no one gets silly and tries offering them the chocolate we usually share after a long day of work…
Day 9
Our morning began under the shroud of thick fog and chilly temperatures. Tony, Stephanie and I were the early birds up around 6am and downstairs for a chat.
We all had breakfast together then Alycia, Rose and Stephanie left early to make a special donation to the wonderful seamstress who is preparing their dresses.
The rest of us headed out to the job site at 845am under chilly foggy skies.
We all arrived to meet a new mason, Bintiram who was in the “pit” starting the bricklaying. I was summoned to the pit shortly after my arrival to partake in the process. He was cheerful and entertaining and made the work fun. Some of us worked with the “pit crew” while others were up on the scaffolding bricking the end walls up in a triangle and the side walls in preparation for the roofing. After a morning of hard work, we were treated to an amazing lunch of Samosas.
After lunch we resumed work in the pit and also began digging the floor inside in preparation for pouring concrete. We all put in a hard day’s work then headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner out.
The Hotel Green Lumbini did not disappoint. We all ordered different menu items and shared everything around the table. Afterwards everyone except Rose and I returned to the hotel. A chocolate fix trip downtown was a necessity for our sweet tooth.
That’s a wrap for Nov 25th on our DWC Nepal Trip.
Cheers
Sean
Day 10
The team has become very close; we’re sharing everything, to include a cold. Today I was less than 100%, which allowed me to observe and capture precious moments.
Today was unremarkable, yet special in its own way, requiring teamwork nearly the whole day. The Magnificent 9 were missing their Gregory, but were joined by several of the local women, each with the strength of three men. Our focus was finishing the floor, which we accomplished with human chains passing bowls full of rock and cement upward and empty bowls downward. Quickly we became a well oiled machine, surely more efficient than any cement truck. The local women and masons worked tirelessly, the women also cheerfully (it is the Magnificent 9’s mission to see the most serious of masons smile).
We are proud of our progress and look forward to the finishing touches and celebratory dancing tomorrow.
Alycia Joy
Posted in Nepal on November 19, 2025
