Wednesday, April 25, 2012

1st Photos









Journey to Self

Its  day 1 of their journey through Nepal trip 2012 and already they have come away with emotions that they say have stirred up from deep within. They come here open and ready for anything, only to revisit that space within all of us that yearns to be free. Buddhism has always been to most a very ethereal philosophy, one that seemingly  is counter to western traditions and structure. Coming here and being part of the energy as they walk around the stoopa, turn prayer wheels and enter a Buddhist temple allows them to see Buddhism with new eyes. They will see Hinduism with new eyes as well! Their religion colors the rhythm of their lives, very difficult lives as this 3rd world nation painstakingly tries to make order form the chaos left from the Maoist revolution and downfall of their Monarchy. They will see nature at its unspoilt beauty and with new hope perhaps come home to continue their journey to Self.


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Taking More than Luggage

Its the day I fly out to Kathmandu with Eric and Donna (6 other trip participants fly through other routes). I do this every year for the past 8 years and its always been the highlight of my year. I leave my work, my triathlon training, my kids and extended family and friends to embark on a journey albeit short by adventure standards yet fulfilling and inspiring every time.

The children we support through our 501(c)(3) have been waiting all year and our reunion is always sweet! They gather round, hugs are never enough it seems! I've gone around all the sales and bargain outlets to get each and every one of them a present. we have goody bags filled with little toys and crafts (thanks to Oriental Trading), candy, toothbrush and toothpaste courtesy of several dentists in the Mill Creek Rotary Club who put the 125 bags together. They don't really care that they get anything they're happy just for us to be there. These visits spell the true meaning of friendship! We use the time we have together to enjoy the activities they usually do and we take them out to a special field trip- this year we are going camping in the mountains where its cooler now that the hot weather has set in.

Please follow, as we journey together touring the country, experiencing their culture and accepting whatever comes out way.

This year I am taking more than luggage, I am taking the well wishes and support of my team mates and co-workers from T-Mobile. Working with you has been quite a fun and inspiring time! Thanks for holding down the work as I visit my 'retreat' of sorts!

Take care and see you all real soon!

The Resilience of the Human Spirit

TRIFC Volunteer Projects: Disabled New Life Center: A very sad story. This child's parents are alcoholic and used this child as a beggar to earn money. To increase earnings they burned ha...

TRIFC Volunteer Projects: We've reached our fundraising goal!

TRIFC Volunteer Projects: We've reached our fundraising goal!: Namaste Friends! I am happy to report that we have reached our fundraising goal of $5400 to help fund school tuition and expenses for ...