We’re back out there!

Exciting news after 6 months since Jolana was last there and over a year and a half for Angela, they are both back out in Aandhimul. Ready to get engaged with the community again, and so many things to do.

Both arrived in Nepal on January 4th from opposite directions, one Australia, the other Czech Republic. Meeting together in the hustle and bustle that is Kathmandu.

After a few days in the capital preparing they headed off to the village, and what a welcome they received. The villagers had prepared a ribbon cutting ceremony for both Angela and Jolana. so many malas (flower necklaces) and tikka all over our faces (vibrant red powder mixed with water, used for celebrations and more). Then the kids did calisthenics, an egg and spoon race ( using a marble instead) and a lolly eating contest – like the donut game with no hands.

Jolana and Angela got to present the winners with a book and put tikka all over their faces. There were speeches, speeches and more speeches all thanking us for our support and encouraging the community to work harder. Jolana and Angela spoke through Mon to say how happy they were to return and that they were very excited about the water project starting soon. There was a huge meeting the following morning between all 3 villages to iron out any last obstacles before the final agreement is signed. Then the survey will be completed and the digging can start. We’ll keep you updated on the progress.

Angela and Jolana are staying with a family just outside of the village and said they feel so welcomed and cared for. It’s about a 30 minute walk to the Aandhimul school from there. They say that much has changed in the school, the kids are so much better behaved this time – the teachers have been doing a wonderful job, and the youth club guys are brilliant.

The aim is to continue over the next few weeks to monitor the water survey and for Angela and Jolana to do many things in the school with the teachers and children.

Will update again soon.