During my last few days in Nepal, I had the opportunity to volunteer teaching English to Buddhist Monks in a Monastery. Young boys who become Monks do not attend school and are therefore only educated by their elder Monks and from school books brought in for them. The boys I taught ranged in age from 8 to 14. They were all very eager to learn and are actually quite bright considering their lack of education. Sometimes it was a bit difficult because they were all at different learning levels, but I had so much fun with them! The younger ones look especially adorable in their red and gold robes. On my first day of class, one of the youngest boys fell asleep. I asked the other boys if my class was boring, but they told me he was hearing impaired. After that, I thought of some English songs with actions that I could get everyone to do (I know the older boys hated that!)
The Monastery I was at was directly across from Swayambhunath - also known as the "Monkey Temple". During my time at the Monastery, I had two very interesting monkey run-ins. On my second day, I had my back turned to the class and was writing on the board, when I saw something run right passed me. The boys all started laughing and at first I had thought it was one of them. But, when I turned to look in the door way, there was a monkey staring back at me! Then, on my last day in Nepal, Karma (the head monk) took me for a walk up to the top of Swayambhunath where the Stupa is. On our way up, I bought ice-cream and was eating it. A big monkey leaped out of a tree and onto me!! I turned my back and stuck my hand out to push it off. I was SO scared and Karma just laughed at me!
My transportation to the monastery was an adventure in itself. I rode on the back of the motorbike of Saman - a man who works for the volunteer organization. Motorbikes and motor traffic is insane in Nepal! It it constant accelerate-break hard-accelerate! On top of that, you weave in and out of cars and buses, and the only way to signal is to honk. Only the driver is required to wear a helmet, even if there are passengers on the bike (sorry Mom!). It was such a beautiful drive though since the Monastery is located at the top of a big hill!
Finally, I have had many people ask that I give some sort of follow-up about the money situation. So, here goes... Basically, the room was broken into and the money was taken by a 16 year old boy in the orphanage. He took the money and ran, and no one has been able to track him down since. As far as myself and the orphanage are concerned, with that kind of money, he is never coming back. The volunteer organization (RCDP) offered me the percentage of my fee that goes to the orphanage as a donation for my stay - about $170 USD. The money hadn't reached my hands before I knew exactly where it needed to go. I took the money, got on a bus, and brought it right back to the orphanage. I wrote a letter to Renu, the young lady that primarily takes care of all of the children, explaining to her where the money was coming from and why I was giving it to her. I asked that she continue to do the amazing job that she does with the children and wished her all the best. Despite what had happened, I could not accept the money for myself. It belongs to the orphanage and to the children that I have grown to love. Going back meant I had to say another hard goodbye. :(
I was very sad to leave Nepal. It was such an incredible adventure the whole way through! I met some unforgettable people and saw some breath-taking sites! I will always remember my time there! But, on to the next adventure!!!
