What is the difference?

I read a passage today and it made me smile. 

"The only difference between those who volunteer regularly and those that do not, is that the volunteer watches about one hour less of television a day." 

It is so true as my time relaxing has definitely shrunk, but not that I miss anything by not watching television or a movie. It really means that each and every one of us can make a change in this world. You do not have to look at others to admire them for their work. We need to look up to ourselves and feel proud of what we do. I have had this struggle in my head since I returned, knowing how difficult it can become and thinking to myself, “Is this what I want to do? Won’t it just be better to spend my holiday on a beach and forget about it all? Won't my life just be easier?” Deciding to make that change is a sacrifice, but would I rather have a meal in a restaurant tonight or know that I have changed the live and the education even if  for only one child.      

During the last year I have met such amazing people, many from people that have written me. I have to make special mention of the Listia.com members.They have opened their hearts and trusted us with their donations of books, school supplies and anything else they could add to the collection. There is a time when you make that choice to surrender your live and your future to what you know you need to do. At this point, as I mentioned before I am still in that space of debating it in my head. It is a difficult choice as the tropical beaches do sound like a much better idea. But when I think of the children and their beautiful smiles I cannot see myself on that beach anymore. My husband is standing beside me through all this, listening to me going back and forth. We are working on a five year plan, as by that time we hope to be debt free, which will allow me to spend more time in Kathmandu. At the moment I have a part time job and that gives me the flexibility to have more time to work on projects for the school. I have no idea what the future holds, I have to hold my breath in amazement sometimes at what can be. But I pray for patience each day, not asking for what I want but what they need.

We have made the decision that we need to go back at the end of the year to work on a few other projects at the school. As of now we do not know how we will pay for our tickets, but I have faith that somehow we will find that ticket that will drop in price. I am thinking of planning some Art and English classes for the children during their holidays in January. It will take some planning, but I am not even sure yet if the children would attend as this will be a totally new concept for them to have extra activities during the holiday time. If there is anybody that would like to help out during that time do send me an email. At this point it is still an idea that needs to take form. The only thing is January is a very cold month, not really colder than December. But I am not sure that the children would want to spend any more time out in the cold classrooms. They are writing exams in December, but I really have no idea as to how they do it. It is freezing cold during that time, and there are no windows, no doors only bare bricks and cement. Maybe somebody would donate us a space to use, or we can find a way to make the classrooms a bit warmer. Manish has been thinking of putting clear plastic over the gaping holes to keep some of the cold out. Keep reading.... 

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
        - Thomas Jefferson