Monday, April 6, 2015
After breakfast I went up the hill to help in Nora’s classroom. When I got to the schoolhouse I looked out over the playground and for the first time saw the Himalayas! This picture does not convey the amazing presence and grandeur of this mountain range! I had to stop and just stare for a while… Those are NOT clouds!
I spent some time helping with tasks in the classroom, then worked on the computers in the school. They were old and in various states of repair.
My goal for the week was to get them running, printing, and connected to the Internet, if possible. There was an interesting mix of modern technology and third-world solutions in use, as I would find out more in the next few days.
Later I went back to the house to start working toward getting maintenance to do some needed repairs, or find out how I could assist them with it. I really enjoyed meeting and working with them – Nepalis and expats alike. I was able to help them with a few small electronic projects and was constantly amazed at how they were able to make due with whatever they had on hand.
Meanwhile back at the house I met the didi (housekeeper), Mina, who was paid to come in a couple days a week. Fortunately Nora taught me how to say “Nora is me daughter” and “My name is Pete” that morning, so that when she saw me she wouldn’t freak out, because she didn’t know I would be there. Mina cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and maintained the flower and vegetable garden outside.
