First day of school

School started on October 25, 2009.

During my first week I wake up around 6:30am everyday and we have breakfast around 8:30. We go to school together at 9:15 and arrive at 9:45. School's morning assembly is at 9:45 and classes starts at 10.

First day of school with Manisha, Poonam (age 7), Lakpa (age 11), and Jangmu (age 11).

On my first day of school We made name tags so I can be able to know their names. I introduced to them to the Hokie Pokie.

On the second day I asked them their ages and where do they live? They wrote the answers on their name cards. Every morning I pass out their cards and this will help me remember! Some of their names are difficult for me to pronounce.

We play London Bridges and Ring around the Rosie.

In the classes I am teaching the hokie pokie. In grade 1 and 2 we are learning Teddy Bear Teddy Bear turn around...If your happy and you know it clap your hands, patty cake, and Skidamarinka dink-a-dink. (Elephant Show). In grade 4 I read the Cat in the Hat!

My typical day

9:45 Morning assembly

10- 10:40 Free period

Class 3

Class 2

Class 4

11:40- Lunch

Class 1

Class 1

2:45 end of school

3:30 reach at home

Five days of Tihar

Tihar is a major Hindu festival . Tihar means the festival of lights. This holiday is important because it shows the special relationship between men and animals. I spent five days observing this holiday. I did not take any pictures of the first day which was Kag Puja which is the worship of crows.

The second day is Kukur Puja, the worship of dogs(the messenger for the god of death) they place garland of flowers and feed specially prepared food to the dog.

Day 3 Gai Puja and Laxmi Puja

In the morning they worship cows which is the holiest animal to Hindus. The cow represents mothers. They prepare garlands, tika, and fruits to the cow.

In the evening is the worship of Laxmi which is the goddess of wealth. This goddess is to be believed to enter the brightest house and give her blessing.

Day 4 is Gobhardan Puja and Maha Puja.

Again, sorry I did not take a picture of this but it's a day of worshiping Ox.

Day 5 Bhai Tika

Bhai means younger brother. This day is where sisters put tikas on the forehead of their brothers. and this will help to ensure long life and thank the brothers for their protection. In return the brothers gives sisters money or gifts. A special garland is made and symbolizing the sister's prayer of her brothers long life.

Lastly, Deusi and Bhailo is popular among the young people. These groups goes around to each house to sing and dance. In return we gave them money, fruit, rice and bread. (Selroti is a special type of bread make of rice flour and sugar.) This picture is me joining with Manisha's brother's school group. They had walked 3 hours from their village. Their school is raising money to add 9th grade to their school.

First day back at school/Junbesi Trip

Welcome back! Manisha, the students, and me!

The students are still on holiday but Cunina (Belgium sponsors) came to visit the school. So they opened the school specially for them. We played a little bit and kids sang! A lot of them still remember me! I am excited for school to start.

They have posted photos that I sent to them in the teacher's lounge. In the photo it is Anisha, Susmita, and lil Tashi.

Just being random but aren't these cool beans?

We (Patna, Manisha, and Nimdu plus two nuns) are on our way to Junbesi and the Thubten Choling Monastery. We were following these donkeys but the scenery was amazing. We walked more than 4 hours! It took the entire day! We stopped several times to take a rest. We walked from the Monastery to Ang Chhokpa's Lodge and Resturant (Junbesi) at night with flashlights.

give you a brief information about this Monastery of Tibetan monks and nuns.

http://www.redi-org.com/Thupten/pagetwo.html

This is what I saw when I woke up in the morning! Next day we had fun walking back but my feet hurt a lot!

Wonderful life~

Phaplu, Nepal

Hello Everyone! I am in Phaplu. This week was filled with amazing events. On Oct 8th I had seen my first C-section and i was in the operation room too! I witnessed a child being born! I can't believe it! the mother was 4'11 and this baby was breached. Because of the ultrasound training that was going on at the hospital they could recommend a C-section to save the baby. It's a boy! I was wearing scrubs for my first time too.

There was training for the health workers of Solukumbu. Women walked more than one day to Phaplu for the training. These health workers were trained on childbirth and other problems they might face while they are in their villages. I had sat in the classes but they were in Nepali. I had a friend, Dolma to translate what they were saying. Now I have more knowledge on childbirth.

I am waiting for school to start. There's a hindu holiday right now. I am very excited to teach the kids songs and play games!

Manisha and me are in this picture. This was our first time in the OR. Manisha is the teacher I told you about and will be working with at the Phaplu Community School.

I am in Phaplu

I am on my third day in Phaplu. There is Internet! but I am only checking my emails and posting a lil. I won't be able to post pictures. But I am loving the nature and the people. I am very happy to be in Phaplu. The house that I am staying at is full of many different guest including other Americans. There is a woman named Lonnie and she's from Denver. She is here to train nurses with the ultrasound machine.

The school isn't open until 15 more days since it's a Hindu holiday right now.

Until then I am tagging along with Dolma and Ngima Dai for their health worker training about childbirth. This is for about 4 days. I am taking so many pictures! I wish to post them so you can see them.

I called my mom for her birthday on Monday! I miss my parents and friends!

I'm leaving for Phaplu

I am learning a lot more about Sherpa culture in Nepal.

Tomorrow I'm flying to Phaplu! so i will be there for a month! I am excited to see Manish (teacher) and the students. I also have bought a simple CD player for the school. I will post the picture soon. Thanks for the wonderful emails of support!