Anything is possible!

For those that have followed my journey over the last 3 years and have been there to support me through the ups and downs, I wanted to thank you. On a positive note, I am still here and still believing in what can be possible. Some days are harder than others, some days are amazing. But that is the journey of life and we cannot give-up on the days we feel that it all is falling apart. Believe me I stood at that cross roads many many times these last 3 years, but there is this little voice that comes from the deepest part of my soul that keeps pushing me and does not allow me to quite.

I am now at the point of organizing 8 months of free art workshops,and when I look at the magnitude of work ahead of me I feel that maybe I am biting off more than I can chew for one person. But I know we can do it, it might not go perfectly as planned, there may be days that somebody might say this is not working out today, but if we allow ourselves to be flexible and see it as a learning experience then I cannot feel that I might fail. Honestly I have no idea how it will all work out and how it will all come together, but I believe that the universe has sent some amazing people to work on this project, people with heart and spirit, that is willing to take a trip to Nepal on the believe of what we will be doing is important. And for me that knowledge is so over whelming as WatersFromHeaven is not a big organization, is not something that runs on sponsors or big donations. My believe has been to build something that does not exploit volunteers, is not concerned about having our names put on buildings for recognition, but a dream that is built on faith.

I have not yet given up on the idea of an art center.Somewhere from where we can plan workshops, have a base to live and give free training workshops for teachers. Each time I do believe it is getting closer, and when the time is right it will happen. Knowing I have no funds to do this, might be a crazy idea, but I know we will receive this space somehow someday.

Some of you might know that I have been having the issue with getting a Nepali visa if I wanted to start the center, which has been my concern,as I do not have the thousands of dollars it would cost for me to go through this process of getting the visa. I had recently become an American citizen,and am very proud to say that. But the other day I was looking into applying for a tourist visa to India as we will be close to the border and I thought I might go over to Darjeeling for a trip. So then I read that American citizens can apply for 10 year visas to India. It was as if all the concern of how will I do this disappeared. So the good news is that I am thinking of doing the artcenter on the Indian side as I could live and do the projects in India and travel to Nepal for 5 months a year to work on the projects there. It might not seem so important a revelation to everybody, but for me it took away all the stress about how will I be doing this, as I cannot fly up and down from the USA and I need a space to live from where we can build something permanent.

Sometimes in life the answers to our concerns are not always what we were planning or thought it would be, but the universe will give you the answers when you open yourself to all the possibilities. I have learnt to be flexible during this process and allow myself to flow and not be set in myideas. And in this way we can work in 2 countries and reach so many more children and schools. I will set out again on this trip and look to find a space/place from where we can start this dream. And who knows what might happen. All I can say with all my heart is that I know art needs to be brought to the rural children in a way that it is accessible, affordable, and practical. Children need to be creative and they need that opportunity. CHILDREN NEED ART.

Picture credit to Hong CK. 

Is your dream still just a dream?

All dreams start out with an idea. Whether it stays an idea or becomes a reality is in our hands and we can decide if we want to dream about dreaming or do and make it happen. When I started these projects 2 years ago, it had been a dream for quite some time. But once I made that decision to take the first step, my dream was taken out of its hiding place.

Once I realized and acknowledged in my heart what I felt I needed to do, all the questions, concerns and fears would crop up. I was thinking how I could even think of promoting art in the rural schools. Firstly, I had no experience, I did not even consider myself arty, nor do I have any type of training and I have no funding in any way. But as I worked through these questions I realized that in the bigger scheme of things I will be provided by the universe all that is needed. We do not have to be the most talented; the most connected or even have the money, as when you follow your calling things will fall into place. When your intentions are for the good of others, the universe will provide. Maybe not in the ways we wanted, but it always has a better plan.

Crazy as it seems, I had thought maybe we would only receive a few childrens art pieces to take with to the children of Nepal. How overwhelming to think that with the help of amazing people we have over 1500 pieces that will travel with us to the rural areas. These art pieces have been donated from children from all around the world. They are sharing their love and colors with children in the rural areas that have no other connection to children in other parts of the world. 

When you do not have any funds you have to stretch your imagination and find ways that you can make it happen. Do not give up so easily! After losing 3 competitions to win funds I realized that not giving up hope and continuing on this road was the gift I received. When you change a negative into a positive it all becomes part of the journey. It took me sometime, but I can now look back at it without feeling that I had lost. And feel the winner that we are.

About 2 months ago I had very little art supplies and had been thinking how on earth will we be able to have enough supplies to work with hundreds of children over the 2 months  Somehow people travelling to Nepal heard my request and they have brought boxes of supplies for us to use. I had people offering their space in their bags for me to send supplies with too. I have been stunned at how it all is working out.   

My biggest dream still is to open a free art center in rural Nepal where we can do teacher training, free workshops for schools and children, and bring art into areas where it can be used to create an income for communities. At this point, it still seems very over the top, but anything and everything is possible. Part of this trip will be used to do research and to find a place where this could be set up on a permanent basis. I have to shake my head sometimes as I really have no idea on how to do this, but somehow things happen if you allow yourself to be open to where the roads lead. It might not end up like the idea I had in my head, but that does not mean it is failure.

So we are setting out in a weeks time on this crazy adventure to follow our hearts and our dreams, not only for ourselves but for more importantly for the children of Nepal. My thanks to each and every one that has contributed in some way to make this happen.

Go out there, be creative and think of ways to make your dream happen.         

Imagination is more important than knowledge?

Albert Einstein was an incredibly wise man and one of the things he said was “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

This art program is focused on bringing imagination into the rural schools of Nepal where children do not have this experience. I believe that color gives hope and it allows children to dream and believe. Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. Can you imagine a world where you never had a crayon or your children never experienced the joy of color? People always say they are only one person and they cannot do much. But this is such a simple idea and thought, but yet it can make such a big impact on the children. On this trip I would like to spend more individual time with children working on smaller projects. I also want to give workshops to the teachers in these remote areas and show them how they could use local and recyclable materials to bring art into the schools. At some schools children did not even know how to hold a crayon to color; it was such a foreign concept to them. When I would tell some children to draw a specific picture they had no idea of where to start, they had such fear of trying. But they were so eager to copy what you drew and soon enough they started doing it themselves. All it takes is for us to give them the positive reinforcement that you cannot do it wrong as each picture is your own imagination.

Each and every one of us can make a difference in the world. I too am just one person, hold multiple part time jobs and most of the time never know how I am going to get the money together for my flights back to Nepal or how to raise the funds for the projects. But the world is an amazing place with beautiful people and big hearts. Somehow it has always worked out and I feel truly blessed to be a part of the journey.

Have faith in that which you believe and others will see it too. I breathe this project every day of my life and I know that step by step we can slowly set up a program that will be effective and make a difference. Have to smile at myself as I am learning as I go along as I have no training and have never done anything like this before. When I started two years ago I had no idea of exactly what it was I was going to do, or how I was going to do it. The building renovations were a hair pulling experience and I know for sure not something I want to focus on again.

All I know for sure is, follow your dreams, but be prepared to sacrifice as it is not an easy road. Tears, disappointment, heartbreak and lots of frustration can be a part of that journey, but once you move through that it is so worthwhile. Don’t get stuck in fear and don’t ever lose your imagination and ability to dream, as without that who are we?

English teachers needed in Kathmandu: No fees charged

School is back in session for the new term! I wanted to thank all the volunteers that have worked at Bhakta Vidyashram this last year. Your presence, love and dedication made a huge impact and difference. I wanted to give some information to any volunteers that were thinking of helping out at the school.

After a discussion with the school, it was asked that volunteers stay a minimum of at least 2 weeks. We found that it took a few days for the children to get to know the teacher and also for the volunteer to find their feet at the school. Unfortunately we cannot provide any free lodging, but I have an agreement with a guest house close by for Rs 450 per night. This price would be subject to change depending on rising costs in Nepal.

Room at guest house.

Bhakta Vidyashram is within walking distance of Thamel, maybe 10 minutes. School runs from Sunday to Thursday 10 AM - 4 PM and till 12 PM on Fridays. Volunteers can choose the hours they would be available.     

We have recently opened a reading room at the school, and we are hoping volunteers could encourage reading and maybe have story times etc at the school. If anybody has any children’s books they would love to donate, it will be so much appreciated.

The dates for school are as follows: Mar 25 – April 03 Annual examination. New school term will begin April 15. I will be receiving the new term dates when school reopens in April as it is the beginning of their school year then. But if you are needing dates before that I can provide last years dates as a guideline.

We are working on plans to do another Art on the Road trip later in the year. Please write me and I could add you to the mailing list if you were interested in joining. My email is watersfromheaven@gmail.com. Please join us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WatersFromHeaven

Book donations: what is the plan.

After speaking to a few of you and from the emails I was receiving it seems that everybody is still very keen on collecting books. I wanted to let everybody know that we will proceed with the collection. At this point I do not know yet if the books can go to Bhakta Vidyashram as it will depend on whether or not we can raise the funds to complete the new building. I should be receiving a quote within the next week hopefully and will update you on that. If for some reason the building cannot be completed this coming year, I can assure you that we will look at other schools and find a school that is in need of books for the children. This will be a very big book donation and I am so thankful to everybody that has made the effort to carry books over the ocean and those of you that has collected it in Kathmandu. We are looking for basic children’s books in Nepali or English. Also any type of dictionaries, or science magazines, world maps or educational posters. If anybody is travelling and have space for a few books please do bring it with. We have a drop off point in Thamel. We are also still very much in need of art and school supplies for the trip in January and for the art classes we plan to have around the valley in December. If there do any volunteers wanting to do some art classes please email me and we can all set a date to get together and work on an idea. Thank you again to all for making this possible. Any suggestions is welcome.
Do email me at watersfromheaven@gmail.com 
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Comfort zones? What are they?

During this journey much of what I have been writing about has been about doing what you love, living every moment to count and not to be trapped inside your own world. The art on the road trip is one of those moments for those who have taken the plunge to join us. During the course of finding volunteers for the trip, I have been amazed at how many people are not prepared to leave their comforts behind to experience something they have dreamed about. I had requests for free flight trips, all expensive holidays, warmer weather, beds, showers and everything that this trip is not about. This is for us to experience every moment, not to be distracted by internet, phones, TV, and all the other things in life that ties us down 9-5 every day. I am so excited that three wonderful girls and a dear friend is joining me and my husband. They have expressed their willingness to brave the cold nights, leave their hot showers behind, sleep on the floor, use a squat toilet outside and give up their privacy to sleep all in one room for 10 days. Nothing of these things matter, when you see the smiles the children will give us in return.  Why do we so cling to what we know, fearing that we might not adapt to the unknown. And having the longing to experience life, but holding on to your fears. I too did that for many years of my life, but my husband and I have a dream and a wish to bring hope, creativity, color and imagination to children. I pray and believe that with this trip many of you will see and experience the joy as we will. It has been very difficult for people to understand the reasoning and it has been an even more difficult journey to gain support. But we are still here and have not given up, and for the first time I can see how things are happening. We are still very much working on the new library as well as the donation of science and biology equipment to the school in Kathmandu.

Just a story I wanted to share about how our thoughts can be heard. For those of you that have been reading the blog have read that we often go out for an 8 mile walk here in the park. The other day coming back my feet was really tired and hurting and I was thinking maybe I should get a pair of insoles as the shoes are still in great shape. But with our budget being so tight it was a tossup between a good pair of insoles which I know is $50.00 or a new pair of hiking shoes which I will need for Nepal. And behold, two days later I receive an email that I had been the lucky winner of a pair of Dr Scholl’s inners. A competition I entered weeks ago. I just needed to go to that machine that measures your feet to see which type I would need. When these gifts are given to me, I realize that my prayers, dreams, thoughts and wishes are listened too. Sometimes how we receive it is not as we had thought we would, and if the universe listens to something that we might think is so unimportant how we can doubt that our prayers are not heard. Even though I feel like giving up so many times, I am awakened again and given new hope and faith.

The school we will be visiting.

I came across this poem by accident this morning and it so rang true as to what I have experienced and wanted to share it with you. I pray that your faith will be restored and you can follow your dreams.

MY COMFORT ZONE
By Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

A big welcome to our new volunteers arriving soon.

I just wanted to extend a big welcome and a bigger thank you to Beatrice, Antonia and Anjali that will both be starting at Bhakta Vidayashram School around September 10. We are very excited and happy to have them visit the school and sharing their time and love for one month. Also thank you to Faye, Matt, Alice and Aoife that will be joining them for a few days during their stay in Kathmandu. If there are any volunteers that would like to join and teach English at the school, please email me at watersfromheaven@gmail.com. We do not charge any fees to any of our volunteers. The school is within walking distance of Thamel, in the heart of the city, making it convenient and close to everything.
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Or view our slideshow  http://changents.com/watersfromheaven

Dates are set for art trip to rural areas: Volunteers needed.

I have just received news that the Sri Raithane Secondary school at Thangpalkot Village of Sindhupalchowk District will be one of the first schools we will visit on the trip. Our plan is that we would leave on the 8th of January to the 18th.The school has offered us accommodation in one of their classrooms. And they have been so amazing and offered to subsidize our meals by 50%. COMMITTED has agreed that they will assist us with the bus fees. I need to add that you will be living under very basic conditions and it will be cold. But I can guarantee that this will be an amazing adventure for those of you that would like to experience the culture and spend some time with the children. Please do contact me at watersfromheaven@gmail.com if you have any questions. Or join our facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/226172887417708/?ap=1

You can also look at this link and see the projects COMMITTED are planning for this school. Please give them your support. http://www.razoo.com/story/Cmi

We will sleep in one of these classrooms.

Although one of the least developed, this district can be one of the finest tourist destination attracting both national and international tourists. The tourist places of this district include, Langtang Himal, Langtang National Park Jugal Himal, Panch Pokhari, Tato pani, and Gaurati Bhimeswor. People here depend entirely on agriculture for their survival. Since the district is geographically hilly, there are very less fertile land and the yield is very less. So, the lifestyle of people is not easy. This district is easily accessible from Kathmandu, but due to various reasons, it is not well developed, and is called as a remote district. 

Art on the road is moving forward: Any volunteers want to join in January?

Great news everybody! Slowly but surely our vision for this project is coming together. We are joining hands with a non-profit organization called COMMITED http://www.cminepal.org/. They have been doing work in the rural areas of Nepal and we will be visiting a few of their schools. COMMITTED is currently undertaking a project to extend the Sri Raithane School to include grades 11 and 12, as currently the children have to walk 2 hrs to reach that school. By completing the additional classrooms they will only have a 2 minute walk to school and give the children the opportunity to complete High School. Please support their efforts and donate at
http://www.razoo.com/story/Cmi?1311349877 .

We will be visiting 3 schools which are approximately 20 minutes walk from each other. Depending on the number of volunteers and the amount of art and craft supplies we can collect, will determine how many children we can involve. These schools are in the Sindhupalchowk District, and we will reach it by local bus. The dates are still being determined and discussed with the schools, but we plan to visit them during January month. I will post dates as soon as I hear word. The community has been so amazing and offered the volunteers that are joining on this project free accommodation in their homes. Your only expense would be food, which we can arrange with the community. But the cost for that would be minimal. I do have to ad that it is a very cold time of the year, and there will be no hot showers, western toilets or comfy beds. We will live with the community and eat the local food. This is a great opportunity for people to experience the Nepali culture and at the same time work with the children at the school. We will be organizing art and craft classes and outdoor activities with the schools. My dream is to bring color and imagination into the classrooms, to give each child the chance to dream. I am currently working on collecting art from other parts of the world and have been approaching schools to hear if they would want to be a part in the art exchange program. You do not have to be an artist to volunteer, as I myself am not one. Love for the children and everything colorful is very important. I have added a few pictures from the area to give you a better idea of where we will be going. Do email me for more details at watersfromheaven@gmail.com.