I am excited to share with you about my recent trip to Nepal. As some of you may know, I first visited Nepal in 2016 after the loss of my father. It was a difficult time for me, and I felt like I wasn’t fully present during my trip.
However, this time was different. Despite facing a setback when I found myself in a wheelchair on the day of my planned departure, I persevered and made my trip happen. I had the honor of volunteering at an international school in Dhumbarahi, where I taught creative writing, storytelling, and the love of writing to students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
It was a truly fulfilling experience, and I was able to mentor, edit, illustrate, and co-create a book with the students called “A Collection of Short Tales.” The school is incredibly well-managed and led by Mr. Anirudra Aryal, and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to live on the terrace room of the school building, where I could count the stars and reflect on the meaningful work we were doing.
On the weekends, I was able to explore the beautiful city of Bhaktapur, with its stunning temples, intricate carvings, and friendly locals. I was struck by the rich history and culture of the place and spent some wonderful moments there.
Overall, this trip was a reminder to me of the power of resilience, gratitude, and connection. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience, and I’m looking forward to applying the lessons I learned to my personal and professional life.
Thank you for reading, and I hope that my story helps us in continuing to pursue our passions and make a positive impact in the world.
Best regards,
Portia Putatunda
Founder, Planet Spiti Foundation
