My experience with VNNG in 2009 was a remarkable gateway into the interworking of the not only the social structure of the Nepalese culture but also a glimpse into the beautiful simplicity of everyday life that still exists in Nepali today. It was a pleasure to work hands on with an organization that truly believes, sees and addresses the needs of the community.
From what I experienced with VNNG it is very clear that with out there help many programs would remain only dreams.
Further to all of this I truly now consider Anish and his family apart of mine. Not only did they open their homes and kitchens for me in both chitwan and Bhuktapur but they shared there lives it ways that were most unexpected.
First his mother would welcome me into her daily morning and evening meditation, his sister would take me into kathmandu to shop for tradition dresses, his brother for walks to the temple on the hill. They not only showed kindness but an interest in my culture that was equal to the interest I had in theirs.
Second, and this is above and beyond, something I can and never will forget. Anish and his family planned my Nepali wedding, it was amazing and not an easy affair to arrange, but they simple said in Nepal the brides family plans the wedding and the couple does nothing so let us take care of all the plans. Simply, that would happen in very few places in the world, but to have them act on behalf of my family was the most wonderful thing i could have asked for.
Before I came to Nepal to be with VNNG, I was in Dubai working for Medecins Sans Frontieres and I can tell you in terms of reliability, ability, strategy and development I have no question towards the validity and caliber of VNNG. However what will make the program stand out for those you will work with is the experience they will have with those involved.
Kourtnie Schaefer
kourt@volnepal.org |
