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?

What is your dream?

I was wondering, how many of you had as a child written down what you wanted to be one day when you grow up. Put the written paper away and looked at it again one day when you were grown up to see what you wished for yourself. When I look back, I never had any vision of my future, of what I wanted to do when I grow up. I had no plan of what I wanted to be, move out and have a job. I was told by my father, woman marry and work at home. You have no reason to study. So I think my dreams ended there, or at least I allowed it to end there. But now my vision has changed, and my dream is for children to not believe those limitations. That they can write that dream down on a piece of paper, and make it real. Put it away and look at it every day.

Albert Einstein, said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”  

A big reason for me starting to write the blog was to put my dreams out there, not to be afraid to make it known, and not be scared if I am told it is not possible. It took me a lifetime to find who I am, to not limit myself to what I thought was true and hopefully give that gift to the children of Nepal.

For myself I have felt that once I speak the words I need to act on it, as I have always valued myself as somebody that lives by what she speaks. Before I started this project it took me a couple of years before I really vocalized it to anybody. As I knew, once I did, I needed to act on it. But putting myself out there for everybody to see has made me more committed. Don’t be silence about what you want for yourself as not speaking it, makes it only an idea and not a reality. Putting it into words makes it real, no matter how farfetched it may seem to others. I have been asked during my last trip what my vision was, what I wanted to do in the future with this project. It took me some time to get the idea into words, and when I spoke it, I knew that it was not just an idea anymore.

We would love have a place in Nepal where we can provide free art classes to children that cannot afford it any other way. I would call it a school, nothing big, just one or two rooms as I don’t want to create a big place where it becomes too much to manage. Provide these children with free materials and lessons on how to use different techniques, etc. Maybe even be able to provide scholarships for children to study further in that field. For rural children to have holiday programs for maybe one or two weeks. This is a long term goal, for now we are starting with art and craft classes at rural and government schools. I am hoping on this trip to be able to maybe start a few weekend workshops for children who are interested in art. So here I am putting it in writing, and in a couple of years I can come back to this post and see where I am.

Always remember though, that if it works out differently than you planned, don’t be discouraged as all plans are like liquid, you need to go with it. As you never know where it may take you. My idea might be completely different in a few years time or even by tomorrow (who knows), is that failure “No”, it is just making better plans or changing what I would like to do. And everything in life is a choice as each choice can change your path. It is for us to look at that dream each day and say, “How can I get there, what are the steps I need to take?” It may take years, but as they say, “When you are faced with two roads, and don’t know which one to take, take the difficult one. “

Do we listen or walk on?

Since arriving back from Kathmandu, I have been trying to lift my spirits and to be here in the moment and not to be missing all the children, cold showers, runny noses and painted pictures. Had some time this morning between work to go and take walk in the park. For some reason I decided that I would leave my IPod at home and thought it would be better walking without ear buds so I could clear my head.

I was thinking and talking wondering why I was feeling so without any energy or focus and how I could be back to my normal self again. I missed who I was and did not enjoy feeling the way I have been since I have returned. I have been thinking a lot of what it is I need to do and all the how’s, what and where’s for getting all these projects moving. As I was thinking this I heard a rustle in the leaves next to me and I stopped to see if there was a dog, rabbit or some kind of animal that was going to jump out into the path way. As I was standing there waiting, all of a sudden this huge big tree just came crashing down in front of me. There were splinters flying and it made such a loud thud as it fell. It looked as if it was just pushed over, as it uprooted itself from the ground. If I did not hear that noise or decided to keep moving, that tree would have crushed me for sure.

I was standing there for a few seconds and at that moment I saw it all so clearly. How thankful I was to know I am protected, so grateful for this amazingly beautiful day and realized that I was happy to be in that moment. To have been stopped so that I could listen, and to avoid this crashing tree. Life shows us these moments and in an instant I knew how precious our lives are, that we need to listen and be aware of what is around us. That there is no need for me to struggle with all these confusions in my mind and that it will be taken care of. Just stand still, listen and trust what you feel and know. Trying to figure everything out in our life’s takes up so much of our energy that we don’t stop to listen. It was a huge wake up call, in more ways than one. I have to tell myself these things every day, as trust is still something I have to work on every day. And sometimes the universe has to make such a big statement, to wake me up. Don’t be the one that does not hear its message and have it come crashing down on you. Let us try each day to be the best person we can be, to live our lives so that each day matters, to be aware and take notice of what is around us, and look at the world as we are meant to.
“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”

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

"Where there is color there is hope."

Somebody said the other day that “Faith is the absence of sense.” And I am not meaning religion now, I mean when you believe in something, no matter how crazy it may seem. These words stuck by me for quite a few days now and I realize how true it is. When I started writing the blog most of what I believed could happen made no sense in how it would happen. Even now when I look at my dream for the year to come, I have no idea how we can do any of this. But I know with absolute certainty that it all can be possible.

We were thinking of a slogan that would describe what WatersFromHeaven stands for and something that we could all identify with. We decided on “Where there is color there is hope.” Bringing color into the schools has been my dream from the beginning. I believe that when you start dreaming in colors, anything in the world can be possible and hope can be alive.

When we were on the Art trip, we walked by so many children sitting on a heap of stone, breaking up stones as their daily job. For them there was no school, and they were covered in dust and dirt. Some as young as 6 or 7 years old. The only thing I had with me that I could share as we walked along was sheets of stickers, round colorful ones. They did not know stickers, but called it Tikka when I would reach out to them. The smiles that lit up from them when putting such a small dot of color on their hand or cheek, is moments you cannot forget. Color is the one connecting thing we can share; it is such a simple joy that needs no language or explanation.  

Now here comes the,” it still makes no sense moment.” I have no idea how and when I will be able to return as I will have to save up some funds. I have no training in art or teaching, but all you need is passion and a believe in what you do, to make it happen. But I have faith that we will find the right people to assist and that we will be able to work with even more children. The one thing that I was asked on the previous trip by the teachers at the schools we visited was if there was a possibility of providing them with training so that they can do art projects with the children. I know now that it is important for us to include training in the next trip, as that way we can allow the teachers to do art and craft projects with the children when we leave. Doing simple and easy things that require little supplies, items they can easily find. At this point I have no idea of the how and when. But if there is anybody that would like to contact me about a future trip please write me at watersfromheaven@gmail.com. Or if you could assist with fundraising ideas I will so much appreciate any feedback.

This little girl was sitting on the wall watching the others do art. With lots of couching she eventually picked up a crayon to draw.

Life ends when you stop dreaming, hope ends when you stop believing

and love ends when you stop caring. So dream, hope, color and love. Makes Life Beautiful
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Pictures from the Art on the Road trip January 2012

A group of 8 left on Jan. 8 to an area four hours from Melamchi in the northern part of Nepal. We visited 3 schools and worked with over 700 children. There is so much I could write about this trip, but I think a picture tells a 1000 stories. It was probably one of the most life enhancing and changing experiences for me. Many of these children have never had the opportunity to express themselves through art and I feel blessed to have shared those moments with them. Thank you to all for your art donations as without that we would not have been able to bring color into their world. Thank you to all of the volunteers as well as COMMITTED for walking the road with us and making this a possibility. We shared the coldest days I have ever experienced in my life, never changed clothes for nearly 10 days and rode the scariest bus ride of my life. We saw the most beautiful hearts and smiles from children in the most amazing setting in the world. I know with more certainty than ever that doing what we are doing is where I am supposed to be in my life. I do hope that those of you reading this will join us in the future on these trips, to bring creativity and color into the schools of Nepal. 

Snow ball fighting. The first snow ever to fall at the school.

Preparation for the next day, Emily and Alice.

Renovation updates at Bhakta Vidyashram January 2012

One of the teachers from the school donated funds to renovate the steps at the school. Thank you so much!

 This is a picture of the old classroom before it was renovated into a reading room and Science Lab.

                                                   New reading room for the children.

                                                           Old science equipment at school.

New science room. The school received new science/biology and physics equipment, whiteboard and student chairs to the value of  $ 950.00. Thank you Manish for your hard work towards this project. Learning will be fun again!

      New classroom renovated for Grade 1's as they had school outside. Including door and windows. 

The exterior walls of the school before renovation.

With the donations we were able to plaster the classroom exterior next to the gate. One of the teachers donated Rs23 000 to plaster the top exterior wall of the school.

The Alumni students from Bhakta Vidayshram had a music fundraising evening with Anil Shahi. We were able to raise over Rs 200 000 at this event. Thank you to everybody that assisted and donated to this beautiful evening. These funds will be used to renovate the roof and another 2 classrooms that are on the top floor. These renovations will start in April during the school break and the Alumni students had organized a committee that will be responsible for this project.

I wanted to thank Alice for raising Rs 110 000 in Hong Kong at a fundraising event she organized which was donated to the building project at Bhakta Vidyashram and used towards the renovation of the 2 classrooms. With the assistance of Corinna and Emily, Alice numbered and categorized the books in the library.
I also wanted to thank Mr and Mrs Shaik from South Africa, Biju, Bhesh Ram, Dina, Dave, Cica, Delima Gardens, Manish from NAH, everybody that bought Tshirts as well as the  Alumni Association of Siddhartha Vanasthali. There are so many people that helped me, that I wish I could name all your names here. Thank you again! Without your help none of this could have been done for the school.

As I had said so many times before, I never imagined that all of this could be done in less than one year. I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of such a beautiful project. The Engineer said on our visit last March that within 2 years this building would became too dangerous for the children and predicted a possible collapse. We have one year left to save the walls of this school. 

Email me at watersfromheaven@gmail.com or join us on facebook  https://www.facebook.com/WatersFromHeaven

Thankful for small things

I have to smile as I sit here in my room and writing this blog. It is completely dark outside as currently there is a fuel shortage so nobody has fuel to run their generators. We have electricity a few hours a day. There is talk of maybe a strike for the next two days, but we will have to see tomorrow what happens. I have my favorite music playing (Eminem), my flashlight is my light and I am covered under two sleeping bags as it is absolutely freezing out here, and it has just been getting colder. (Ended up losing my glove tonight for sure after dropping it three times over the last month). But I am the happiest person tonight. I look at everything that has happened this year and all the amazing people I have met since I arrived in Kathmandu. All the beautiful children and people that have travelled from all over the world to share their love and to be a part of our projects. In every moment in life there is so much to be thankful for, and coming here makes me realize every day how fortunate we are. But I also know that sharing love has no price, and we cannot measure it.
The library has its new windows and this will be the first classroom with windows and a door. After the endless problems trying to get this finished I feel so relieved we are nearly done. We ended up having to track the carpenter at his house to get this project finished and we nearly ended up carrying door frames down the road. But what I know for sure is that for me as a woman trying to figure out construction problems in Nepal has been quite a learning experience.
We are preparing to leave on the Art trip in a couple of days and am very much looking forward to the adventure. The volunteers are all arriving this week, supplies are being sorted and hopefully there will be no strike happening to delay the trip. I realise that with each day doing art with he children here, that it does not take much to make a child smile. They love drawing, using their imagination and exploring the world of color.
I have started thinking of the road forward and what I wanted to do when I return home and how to continue the work we have started this year. I know that what we are doing together is so important even though it may seem so insignificant to others. How I would continue this work is still a mystery to me and the road ahead is still unknown. Me trying to figure it out is not really possible, because everything we are doing has been in the hands of the universe. I am so thankful to be here and to be a part of all of what is happening. And I can still say these words that "anything is possible." We have done everything and more we believed we could do.
Art is the tool to communicate with children without words, opening their minds to everything that is possible. Good night everybody from Kathmandu, a smile from me to you, touch your heart and spread some color around the world.

 

The new cabinets for the reading  room. We had  4 of these made for the school at a cost of Rs 20300. That is without the paint.Ended up firing the painter as he wasted the paint. Decided to paint it myself in the end. Spent the day on the rooftop with a paint brush, dust sticking to paint and little ones running around with the brushes. Was a hectic day. Did not do such a great job  as the paint ran out and I tried to stretch it as much as I could, but it looks nice with the white color.  

Greg and Bhesh R picking up the shelving at the carpenter. Thank you Bhesh Ram for helping in negotiating the price for the bookshelves. 

Words from a child.

The school term has come to an end and it is so hard for me to think I can most probably only see the children again in a years time. Each and every one has a special place in my heart and I am blessed to have had this time with them. As I left today one of the boys came running to me and handed me a picture they had made in the classroom. In one of the corners they wrote "I love you my friend" and then it said, "May you be happy always." These words from a child so young has such meaning. Is it not what we all want in our lives, to be happy always. And to hear a child write those words is a moment I will not forget easily. This month at the school has taught me so much. This school is such a special place, it creeps into our heart and makes you realise how happy children are, no matter what the circumstances are that they are in. They loved drawing and painting, and could not get enough. It was so hard for me to end each day to say the lesson is over. I think back at their runny noses, paint all over their fingers and beautiful smiles as they look for confirmation that I think their work is "ramro cha". "May you be happy always." What does those words mean to you. To many it is having the dream house, the nice car and a loving family. To others it means making it through each day, living each day with a smile, even if the school walls are bare and their is no color anywhere. Each and every one of us are looking for that eternal happiness in our lives. Some chase it forever, others just give up. What is happiness to you? Happiness is inside each of us, and we can only always be happy once we find that in our hearts to love ourselves and the find the joy in each and every moment. As I am lying here, my body aching, my stomach not too well, hot water feels like a distant memory, and I probably have been wearing these same clothes for quite a few days now. But I look back at the day  as I am truly blessed to learn these lessons from the children.

I am so excited to tell you that today we had shopped for the first color paint for the school. It took some convincing to change their minds that pink is not a color for the library. Color is coming to school and for me it is such a huge moment. Thinking back it was one of my biggest dreams, to color in the lives of the children at the school. And to see it all happening, makes all the hard work, tears and time worth it all. I am still shocked at all that we have accomplished and know that anything can be possible, no matter the odds.

Room before we finished painting.

Color color is here. New reading room in progress. Thank you Biju for  helping me choose the color at the painter.

And even better news is we might be able to have some light in the library, when there is power. We are discussing getting cables put in. The school asked if we could pay for the materials, they would be able to pay for the labor. This will be the first light in a classroom when it happens. I have to smile as I look around my room which looks more like a storage area than a room. I have library books stacked everywhere, school supplies I am trying to sort out and much needed art supplies all over. Thank you to you all for the donations of supplies and books. I am still trying to sort my way through it all.

Thank you to all for the donations!

"May you be happy always my friend."

Freezing fingers and warm smiles

As I lie here, trying to keep myself warm, typing with freezing fingers, my mind has to think how blessed we are in our warm homes and every day comforts. We forget that there are so many people that are out there not having a place to lie down. At the moment he power has been cut more and there is maybe about four hours power at a time, twice a day. Showers are ice cold and there is no chance of any heat, I pretty much feel as if I am lying outside in the cold. But there is no other place I would rather be in this world and I will not change this for any amount of warm heat you can offer. How often do you go outside of your comfort zone, and do the things that you think you could not do. How I enjoy the taste of just a glass of boiled water, waiting for some power so I can make myself one, with my new bought strange looking kettle.
I went to the school today to do some art with the children as the are finished with their exams. Yesterday they asked when they could draw again. But with it only being me, I was only able to do 2 classes today. The classrooms were like ice boxes as there is no windows and the cold air just moves through there. The children kept on rubbing their hands together so they could paint and draw, so their fingers would not get stiff. We did some stencil drawings and some paint work. I feel so blessed to see their warm smiles even though they are so cold. I know each day more than ever that this is what I want to do with my life, how it will be possible I still do not know. To see even the most energetic and loud child become so quiet as he concentrates on keeping inside the lines. Seeing how children blossom as you put up their pictures in a grey bare classroom. Every time I took out a new stencil all I heard was oohs and ahhhs, Each marker they asked me what color it was as some colors were unknown to them. They loved the stickers as we ended up making cards. It takes such simple things to experience the beauty and innocence of a child, moments that are taken for granted in other parts of the world.

 
We have today started putting in the windows in the library/science lab. The work is progressing and I believe we should be finished with the renovations in a couple of days. We are shopping for furniture and science equipment and I cannot wait for it all to be a reality, as for so long it has been a vision in my mind. Thank you to all for all your support to bring color, reading and science back into a warm safe classroom. I pray this is he beginning of making each classroom as warm and safe as this one.

And Yeah...the lights just went on, time for a cup of hot water. Keep warm everybody. x

Thank you Shiou-Ling and the children for helping me sort out all the book donations on the rooftop.