We Are The Change That We Have Been Waiting For

Hi friends and family,
The last couple days, like most days here, have been jammed pack with learning more about the Nepoli culture and finishing up the jobs that we have started. A few days ago Brother Nepal and James took us on a hike through the Godawari village which is the area that surrounds us here at the home. We weren't sure what was in store for us, but after 6 hours of hiking up a mountain, through a forest and through different markets we made it home. First we hiked up a mountain and arrived at a famous Hindu temple. Several young boys were bathing in the local bathing pool which was being filled with beautiful foutnains. Prayer flags surrounded the temple, and beautiful structures were everywhere. After we tried some local bread from a Nepoli restraunt (a tarp over two wodden benches) and then walked through the Botanical Forest where the King used to live. We had lunch at "The Ocean Restraunt" which seemed funny since Nepal is landlocked. What would have been an hour lunch in Canada seemed to last forever, and every few minutes we were informed that something that we ordered was no longer available. It was quite humorous! After lunch, we headed towards the huge golden Buddah that rests along the mountain that we can see from the home. To get the him we needed to climb about 200 of the steepest stairs that I have ever seen. At the top Buddah was too tall to touch, so I rubbed his bum and made a wish. The few from up there was amazing, and we could see the entire village! On the way home we passed a cement building and after standing inside were notified that it was the place where dead bodies are held before being cremated. It was a bit creepy. The entire day was amazing, and I feel like we got to see a lot of the poverty and devistation that unfortunately is Nepal. Garbage is everywhere and in every pool of water that can be seen, and homes are falling apart. I wish that there was more that we could do for the entire community, but unfortunatley it would take more than a month to put a dent on the work that needs to be done.
The other night Brother Nepal told us his life story (something that we all do throughout our month together). With a smile on his face he told us how he is the youngest of 4 boys, and the only survivor. He also has 5 sisters, 1 who recently passed away while giving birth, one who is homeless and living with his mother in another village, and three who have married and he no longer is in touch with. At the age of 8 he switched from the Hindu religion to Catholicism and was the man of the house. He was repsonsible for his family and had to fight neighbours and the Maoists trying to steal his land. I cant even beleive the life that he has lived and how he is still one of the most positive people that I have ever met.
His life story and being here has really made me realize how women's rights are struggling. We have advanced so far back in the west, but here woman are told what to wear, they are told who to marry, and they are told when and what to do at all times. This is something that I am really struggling with. Looking at all the beautiful little faces of the girls in this home, I really pray that changes can be made before they grow up. I have done some research on womans rights and discovered that women complete 66% of the worlds work in develping countries, recieve 10% of the income, and own 1% of the property. How can this be? Women in developing countries produce 80% of the food, yet are still the population that creates 60% of the worlds hunger. I just cant beleive where our priorities are back home, and that dealing with is doesnt even seem to make our list. I am not sure what I can do to help when I get home, but I hope I have a plan by the end of the month. Women are the first caretakers and first educators of every new generation and the backbone of the economy and we need to do something to help them understand how valuable and important they really are.
Last night the children all showed us a different Nepoli dance while being accmpanied by musical instruments, singing and clapping. It was amazing. After they invited each of us to attemp what they had taught us. They are such beautiful dancers and I really dont feel like I did their moves justice.
That is all that I have time for now! Miss you all so so much!

xoxo Tory

Ps: Mama, you didn't comment on my last post, I hope everything is okay back home! I love you!