First Day of the Build

Impressions are contrasting shades of colours, not unlike the Habitat Build volunteer t-shirts - hues of pink, orange, green and blue. We began our Everest Build day in Pokhara with the usual first day hiccups when trying to move 400+ international (8 countries represented) volunteers -- buses ran late or failed to show -- some buses could not travel down the mountain highway because bigger buses were coming up the road; our lunches mysteriously went AWOL but we did not go hungry -- the officials soon make sure we had some food.

The hike at our Begnas Lake Resort up 276+ steps to our bus began our week's physical conditioning -- if we could survive the daily climb then we could tough out the rest.

At 4:30pm after a long day of cutting and weaving bamboo walls, and being very hot and sticky (or is that stinky?), we had to wait in the heat once again for our bus. It eventually came and took us back to a well-earned swim at our resort.

After a shower (warm water from 5-7pm) and a delicious Western buffet dinner, most of us were in bed by 9pm (hard to believe). We're up at 6am and the combined heat and physical demands dictated an early bedtime, no matter your age.

Our first day rendered us tired but content with the foundations established for an amazing week ahead!

- Annie S.

House #17

House #17 is our house and it is perfect. It overlooks such a beautiful valley with rolling hills. The view is breathtaking. The homeowners are so sweet. It is incredible how hospitable and appreciative the Nepalis are. They are truly beautiful people.

-Sameena

Sarangkot

This morning was special, we woke up at 3h30am. We met at the top of the steps of the resort (the Dining hall/bar/internet/everything house thingy). To get out of the resort, we have two options for leaving the resort. We could take the boats out, but it was too dark. The other way out is 264 steps up to the top where the bus meets us. We climbed all of them, but without complaint - because today we were going to make it to the top of Sarangkot before sunrise! A huge challenge. This peak is taller than the highest mountain in Austrailia, according to Robyn. You can look up info on it I'm sure.

It was SUCH a hard climb. I guess that might not be true for some, but I've never trekked or mountain climbed before. I only do hikes in Northern Ontario, which isn't that difficult. Even with the rocks put in as steps on the way to the top of Sarangkot, it was just so vertical. But once at the top, all huffs and puffs, we made it before the sun. I was actually the second one to make it up! I was surprised because I was panting and sweating and about ready to fall down. The view was amazing, mountains in the background, the perfect red sun blazing as it draws up the hills. Even though we had a cloudy and misty day, it was still amazing. Even after all that work, I wouldn't mind going again to be honest. After hanging about and taking pictures, we go back down. I was the last to the bottom because the scenery was amazing! (And to be honest, my legs were a little weak) It is amazing what you miss in the dark, flew right by it all on the way up. But stepping down I got some gorgeous scenery shots.

An amazing morning, and later this afternoon will be our day one with Habitat - all the teams meeting! How exciting!

-Amy

Check out this Link!!

Hello to all of our family and friends back home! We have a link for you on the main Habitat for Humanity International Website. It is going to be updated daily with photos. Please feel free to watch this link as much as our blog!

http://www.habitat.org/asiapacific/what_we_do/events/everestbuild2010/default.aspx

-Amy

The Streets of Kathmandu

When you enter the streets of Kathmandu, the first thing I notice is the traffic. People are on their way by every mode of transportation imaginable. As they walk they are dodging cars, bikes, rickshaws and trucks. There are a lot of motor cycles, amazingly quiet, but to make up for it they beep and honk incessantly as do the cars and trucks. The sounds are constantly shrill interjections of horns: "Look out for me, I'm coming through!"

The piece de resistance is the roundabout. There is one just down the road from our hotel. There seems to be no order, yet the people of Kathmandu seem to know just what to do; when to go and when to stop. People and vehicles are going every direction and yet, we have not seen anyone hurt or any two vehicles crash.

They travel so close to one another that we gasp and wait for a crash or a scream, but none happen. Also, interspersed amongst he pedestrians and vehicles are street people sleeping under a tree and vendors selling food, mainly nuts and seeds.

Storefronts and vendors line the streets designed to sell only one thing. Beside one another, are food, small machine repairs, rugs, fabrics, light hardware, and trekking stores. Today I saw a man with a dead goat. He was immersing it in a tub of water before he butchered it. Stacks of meat and eggs sit open and unrefrigerated waiting to be purchased. Maple Leaf Foods would be proud.

Amongst all is a large amount of garbage. It is everywhere and people walk along seemingly oblivious to it. The amazing thing to me is that the women dress in the most beautiful array of coloured Saris and Nepali clothes. They look beautiful, stunning in contrast especially to the drab buildings, garbage and construction materials.

Also among the pedestrians are many children walking to and from school. They are the same as children everywhere; laughing, holding hands, and dressed in their uniforms ready for a day of learning. They often will say "Hello" practicing their English from class.

At first, the people seem different from us as they live their lives foreign to us. But then you make eye contact and a beautiful smile is communicated. I have felt that we are all just the same - people going about our lives, providing for our families in our own ways.

Tomorrow we leave Kathmandu and the traffic behind. I have enjoyed the experience immensely. However, I confess, I look forward to some quiet, some green spaces and some clean air. I won't miss the traffic but I will take with me the special moments when one of the people and I shared a smile.

-Laurie

All in a day

Nepal; the only place where I can chat with a Buddhist monk, see Mount Everest, tour a women's fair trade market and then be invited into the founding family's home for lunch all in one afternoon. Absolutely incredible.

Kellie

Impressions

Good flights, little sleep, much anticipation, new friends, common dreams, Kathmandu Welcome, yellow scarves, bustling streets, rickshaws, tuk tuks, horns blaring, bicycles weaving, painted Sadhus, temples, intricately carved windows, warm smiles, uniformed children off to school, monkeys , Buddha and Vishnu in harmony, breakfast in the garden, confronting funeral pyres, ever present beggars, fruit carts, tangled masses of electric wires, momos, persistent street vendors, serenity in chaos, resignation, hopeless, eternal questions, orphanage, beautiful children, tearful reunions, bubbles, happiness, selfless Nola, glimmers of hope, building anticipation, anticipated building, simple decent, houses, hope.

-Robyn

The People

I had read a lot, and watched a few videos about Nepal prior to coming. The part of me that loves to be prepared made me do it. But literature and another persons view point don't do justice to the impressions that this place leaves. Already, with only being in the tourist district, I can sense a strength in the people. There's a desire to thrive.

It's noisy and crowded in this area, but the people don't avoid your eyes as can be so common of strangers passing by back home. And why do so? Saying Namaste to both elder and child passing is refreshing. It's connected. It's downright important. Their sense of community must be so strong.

I'm happy to be here for a Habitat build, the people of this country are so welcoming and warm hearted, curious and hard working. They deserve it, and I can't wait to start.

First Impressions

We are in the Thamel District of Kathmandu. The narrow streets are congested with people of all ages, cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, bicycles, and transport vehicles. The honking of horns, and police officers direct the chaos and surprisingly everyone seems to manage without incident. The sound of monks chanting and the smell of incense burning creates an underlying atmosphere of peace and calm. Despite the chaos of street life and the extraordinary difference in economic realities, I feel safe and secure, and at peace. This country has the ability to affect your heart! Indeed, visiting this country is a moving experience.

-Elaine

Kathmandu - A Poem

incense drifitng
prayer wheels humming
monks chanting
hawkers hawking
horns honking
beggers beseeching
sadus blessing
Buddha benign
team terrific
Habitat working for change
Namaste

-Pat

Namaste

In the chaos of Kathmandu, atthe holiest of shrines, Boudnath, the soccer bag was delivered. Second Kicks bag of cleats, pylons, socks, and goalie gloves was successfully delivered to SMD school of mostly Tibetan refugee boys and girls.

I'm off to Bhaktapur (the ancient city) and Vajra Varahi (monastery/orphanage/health clinic) today.

Peace,
Cathy Clark

Marathon

Walked a lot of steps to the Monkey Temple, felt like a marathon. It was worth it. Off to Pashupatinath, then a long walk to Boudnath. The constant horns and lots of fabulous shops. Genuine Pashmina's and sacred city visiting today. The bus ride is an adventure. Lovely uniformed school children. Street festival.

-Jean

Kathmandu Mosaics

Welcoming, smiling beautiful school children, midday heat, noise (horns) and air pollution! Indiscriminate garbage sites, ghats (death pyres), street vendors, pashminas, prayer flags and incense. Chants, crossing intersections on a 'wing and a prayer', temples with so many steps, and then Everest at the end of the climbs: blonde, sparkling, white tip, quenching all 650ml ~ a dedication to Nima Gombu Sherpa ~ worth all the climbs! Namaste Friends!

-Annie

Perseverance

Despite all the adversity the locals battle on a daily basis they continue to persevere through hard work while still being warm friendly people.

-Shiraz

Faux Tiger

The endless shopping, the selling of tiger balm (or wild tiger) in the streets, the hustle and bustle of the city, the views of the mountains from the Monkey Temple... It's all an amazing experience.

-Sameena

Cheers

The Nepalese culture is interesting. The shopping stalls and noisy busy streets are something to experience. The food is delicious and Cheers to Everest Beer!

-Wendy

A Powerful Connection

The most amazing experience I have had has been the exchange of smiles I have had with several individuals as I have taken their pictures. We have had a moment of powerful connection.

-Laurie

Blessing - for a coin!

Day One

In the press of the crowd and the cacophony of horns, whistles, and chants, a Holy Man anointed my forhead with marigold petals. Then he demanded a fee for the blessing.

Day Two

While enjoying a comforting meal of Nepali Dahl-bhat, I was savagely ambushed by a hot chili disguised as a green bean.

-Jean

Merchants

The merchants at the religious sites make the money changers at the temple look like amateurs.

-Patrick and Laura Hessel

Amazing

An amazing country - noisy, chaotic, but somehow it works.

-Patrick and Laura Hessel

Have and Have Not

We are definitely the "haves" in a land of "have nots".

Have not - sanitation system, public schools, navigable streets, stable government.
Have - an exotic land, dry, dusty, redolent and impoverished.

Friendly helpful people, most of whom speak English at least far better than we speak Nepali.

-Norma

Crazy Canucks Volunteer

Crazy Canucks volunteer for Habitat are ready for the home build. Today (sept 28) the bus taking us to Bhaktapur (City of Culture) broke down during the rush hour. What traffic chaos it created. it was worth the wait for another bus. The city is full of ancient buildings and stuff. Delightful to visit!

-Elvira

Congratulations Sameena and Shiraz!

Tie a few tin cans to the back of our airplane...

Because Sameena and Shiraz just got MARRIED!!

Wishing a huge congratulations from all of our team for our new wedded couple. Those that build together, stay together!

Here's a couple of photos from their Nikah:





-Amy Medlock

Member Profile - Shiraz Israel

Shiraz Israel

Hi I'm Shiraz Israel and I'm 30 years old. I'm currently a Project Manager at a book printing company, Webcom. I have my degree in Graphic Communications Management from Ryerson and my diploma in Computer Graphics-Technical from Seneca. I enjoy basketball, soccer, biking,comics and videogames. I am really excited about this trip and the build.

Member Profile - Cathy Clark

Cathy Clark

Our family has supported Habitat Toronto for many years. I work in the Head Office as a Family Selection volunteer, helping families prepare their applications to become Habitat partners. I also sit on the Family Selection Committee which as a group decides how to proceed with applications.

I live in Toronto with my husband & two sons aged 21 & 18. Our older son is in his final year of Urban Development at Western University in London, Ontario. Our younger son has just started his first year at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia in Commerce focusing on Sustainable Business.

I have volunteered for many years at all levels of the boys schools. I am a second alto in the East York Community Choir. I enjoy reading & literary discussions. During the summer we enjoy cottage country & downhill skiing in the winter.

Member Profile - Elvira Fraser

Hello!

I was born in the Philippines, came to Toronto in 1965. I worked as a bookkeeper until I met my late husband at work. He came from Scotland and was a chartered accountant and he was my boss. You can say I married the boss. We were blessed with 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

I know about Habitat for Humanity Toronto because Neil Hetherington is a good friend of my son. But before this, I volunteered for HFHT when the office was in Coldwater St. on Leslie and York Mills. That time I believe they were just building 3 or 5 houses a year. This was in the late 80's (I think). I volunteer every Tuesday at HFHT working in the accounting department.... enjoyable time for me.

I look forward to going to Nepal to help build homes for needy families there. A small help from me but a big impact on their lives to have their own homes. I also look forward to meeting and interacting with my fellow workers on the team, and just having good time building the homes. Perhaps the trip to Nepal will encourage me more to volunteer for such causes like this.

Elvira Fraser

Member Profile - Laurie Prince

Laurie Prince

Hello all,

I am a 64 year old woman who is very excited about this trip to Nepal. I am a retired teacher and Principal and live both in Toronto and at my cottage on Lake of Bays. I am the proud Mom of three men and three grandsons, the youngest pictured above. I like to do small-scale projects around the house and also love spending time outside in the woods and in and on the lake. I try to keep in shape and work out regularly. I look forward to meeting all of you later this week and sharing this experience with you.

Member Profile - Kellie Fitzgerald and Amy Medlock

Hello everyone!

My name is Kellie Fitzgerald(Left), and I am 22 years old. I have lived throughout all of Durham Region, Ontario, and am now residing in North Bay, Ontario, where I finished my B.A. in Sociology last August. Now I'm venturing forth into the world of "life after school". ;o)

I tend to be fairly shy and quiet at first, but I have a very open mind and strive to be a compassionate and warm-hearted individual. I have been a vegetarian for 7 years now, and I am very interested in topics such as sociology, animal welfare, environmentalism, and forensic psychology. I can curl up into a good book for hours on end. :o)

This Global Village build will be my first build as well as my first time overseas, and I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to participate. Not only am I looking forward to volunteering with such a wonderful and varied group of people, but I am also very grateful to be able to experience the build with my closest and most treasured friend, Amy. I whole-heartedly support the goals of Habitat for Humanity, and I am absolutely delighted to be able to help out in any way I may be able.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Kathmandu!

Best wishes,
Kellie



Namaste!

My name is Amy Medlock(Right). I'm 23, and from Oshawa, Ontario.

I work as a portrait photographer. It's both my career and something I really love, so I consider myself blessed. I have been described as a bubbly person, and if that was so before, then you should see just how happy I am to be going to Nepal! In my spare time I love sewing, swimming, travel, languages, kayaking, and singing loudly when nobody can hear me... haha!

Kellie and I have been best friends for practically forever. I'm really thrilled that we're going together on this trip, and with what I'm sure will be a great team! This will be my second Global Village trip. I went on my first GV build in 2008 in India. It was the best adventure of my life so far! Every one tells you that traveling will open your mind, but I found it opened my heart. And the imprint that the experience has left on me is deep.

I really believe in Habitat. I feel a great sense of hope when a group of strangers can come together to work with their own hands to create a place of safety in areas of hardship. We're going to have a blast in Nepal! We'll gain as much as we leave behind. Can't wait to see you all in Kathmandu!

Member Profile - Wendy Greenfield

A little story about me:

Hi,

My name is Wendy Greenfield. I am married with two daughters in their early 20’s. I am the Manager of Customer Service at a Scotiabank branch in Guelph. (enough about work)

I come from a big family, 6 brothers & two sisters. I love the outdoors and was very involved with horses. I enjoy all sports and spent many years playing soccer on a ladies league in Milton. I am currently focusing on running and entered my first Half Marathon this past weekend (May 16th) in Mississauga.

I am excited to be able to attend this *trip* of a lifetime. I am fortunate to be going on this venture with Norma Greenfield (my aunt through marriage). I am looking forward to *giving* back and helping those in need as well as meeting new people.

I look forward to spending time with everyone a sharing an experience that I am sure to treasure forever.

Wendy Greenfield

Member Profile - Annie Schiefer

Biographical profile – Annie Schiefer

Born in Scotland in 1948 and immigrated to Canada in 1968. Christened Ann Maria, but likes to be known as “Annie” after her paternal grandmother. Started working at The Toronto Telegram then became one of sixty employees that started The Toronto Sun. Annie worked for the publisher as an executive assistant for a few years then returned to university to finish an undergraduate degree in communications. Following a few years in protocol and freelance writing, Annie moved on to the political sphere initially as coordinator of a federal politician’s Toronto office, then to provincial politics. In the late eighties, she became communications advisor in the Premier’s Office and then left to pursue a Bachelor of Education and a teaching career. Annie married her husband Jim, an architect/project manager, in 1981. They have a son, Jamie, now 27 years’ of age and to be married in the fall. Jim and Annie both enjoy time at their island cottage on Georgian Bay and in the winter months spend time skiing and traveling when time permits.
Latterly, Annie has been a consultant/project manager in healthcare and last year she decided to retire. Annie enjoys her many activities related to keeping fit (yoga, Pilates, spinning), playing golf, as well as reading, cooking and having the time to spend with her family and friends. As Annie would say: “I am blessed in life – it has been good to me.”

Member Profile - Elaine Murray

Nameste

I am Elaine Murray, a retired social worker and administrator. I live in Kitsilano in Vancouver in a wonderful 1927 built house, surrounded by great friends and family. My education was in teaching special needs children, before becoming a manager in the provincial social service system. I worked throughout the Province of BC and spent too many years reorganizing, transforming, and changing how social services systems were structured throughout the Province. As a result I am thrilled to now be off to other adventures that are more individualized and make a difference on a personal level.

I have been on one other Habitat trip in El Salvador and enjoyed the build. I am currently taking Seniors courses at Simon Fraser University in Political history and Opera. I love the outdoors, and travelling. Looking forward to meeting you all in Nepal, which I know will be a very memorable trip.

Member Profile - Jean Macdonald

Namaste all!

My name is Jean Macdonald. I live with my Labrador dog in South Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver, close to the US border

I’m a social worker by training, and retired a few years ago after 30+ years managing a range of social services – mostly child welfare – in the BC public service. I enjoyed it, on balance - there was rarely a dull moment – but I am happy to let someone else do it now!

I’ve travelled a fair bit – northern Canada (hiking, canoe and horseback expeditions), plus visits to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and especially Latin America.

This will be my fourth build. My first was in Nicaragua in 2003 and subsequently I’ve led two closed-team builds in El Salvador – which has become my international home-away-from-home.

I love being outdoors, seeing new places and things, meeting people, learning about the history and geography of a place. I am fascinated by languages. So far I’ve learned to count to 10 in Nepali, and am trying to learn some other useful phrases. The problem, of course, will be to understand what folks say in return!

I’m very much looking forward to meeting everyone in Hong Kong for our Nepalese adventure!

Member Profile - Jean Pragg

I have been a volunteer with Habitat since 2003 and I volunteer with them as often as I can. I live in Toronto and I have 2 daughters.
I enjoy tennis and I run, I have done one marathon and several 1/2 marathons and 10Kand 15K runs.I love going to the movies and travelling.
I also enjoy Yoga.

I look forward to going to Nepal and donating my time to help in any way I can in whatever small way I am able to do. I am looking forward to meeting the partner families.

I am also looking forward to visiting Katmandu and a view of Mt. Everest.


Jean Pragg

Member Profile - Norma Greenfield

My name is Norma Greenfield. I’ve been involved with Habitat for Humanity for over 6 years now following my retirement as a Systems Analyst where I developed and implemented business applications. I spend two days per week in the Habitat Toronto office, as well as serving on the Family Selection Committee, and occasional days on site. Last year, in preparation for the Women Build Blitz, I took the Team Leader training, which certainly added to my DIY experience. I have three grown children, one son in Toronto, another son in Atlanta GA, and a daughter and grandson in Thunder Bay. Have been widowed for over 20 years, and am enjoying my life and involvement with Habitat.

Member Profile - Sameena Qureishi

Hi I’m Sameena Qureishi and I’m 26 years old. I studied at York University earning my BBA and currently work in Human Resources at McCain Foods (Canada). I have thankfully had the opportunity to travel as I studied at the National University of Singapore in my third year of university and had the opportunity to do some travelling in South East Asia. I have been working with Habitat Toronto for just over two years, volunteering at various events and primarily working with Faith Relations and promoting Habitat in the Muslim community. My interests include: shopping, travelling, biking and volunteering.

Member Profile - Robyn Allin and Pat Elfer - Our Team Leaders!

Patricia Elfer (the Canadian looking one on the RHS)

The year before I retired as a teacher in 2001, I met my first Habitat family. The children were students at my elementary school. It was out of my desire to do “something” for the children and their parents that my involvement with Habitat for Humanity grew.

Since then I’ve spent many productive and happy hours working on builds in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2003, I joined with a group of G.T.A educators to raise $70,000 to finance a house at one of our Scarborough builds. It was a challenge but we did it! Next, came opportunities to speak to community and school groups about the joys of volunteering with Habitat. I have also had the opportunity to take part in 2 Global Village builds to Honduras and Zambia.

I was born in Toronto and have spent my entire life in the Big Smoke. Most of my career life has been in teaching, with time off for a 5 year stint in sales and advertising. My son, Ron, his wife, Karen and my extended French/Irish family live in Toronto as well. I’m an active person who enjoys dragon boating, camping, canoeing, hiking and golf. Travel, theatre, movies and gardening are other passions.
I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you.



Robyn Allin

Born in Australia, I have lived the majority of my adult life in Toronto. I retired as a teacher and school administrator in 2002 and now I am very happily pursuing my passions and loving it. I began volunteering with Habitat Toronto by helping to raise the funds for a Habitat home (where I met Pat), and have continued to volunteer in a variety of ways until in 2006 I became a part- time Habitat Toronto employee as Faith Ambassador.

My first Global Village trip in 2004 was to Santa Rosa de Copan in Honduras, and there I developed international Habititis. Like so many, I had a life-changing experience and now I participate in overseas builds as often as I am able. A second GV trip to Zambia in 2007 was my first to Africa, and fulfilled another lifelong dream. In 2009 I lead the first Australian/Canadian team to Nepal, and built bamboo mud homes in the Terai area. I was awestruck by the grandeur of the Himalayas and fell in love with the Nepali people. And now I am eagerly anticipating returning to Nepal for the Everest Build in October 2010.

I live in Toronto in the Beach overlooking Lake Ontario, love golf, Aussie Reds, movies at the Fox and fair trade coffee at the Bean.

I look forward to meeting you all and to sharing more life-changing experiences as we build homes and hope together.

Hello Team Canada!

This is a blog for all of our friends and families to keep tabs on us while we're away! We can post stories and musings of our daily happenings while we are in Nepal.

We can also post updates before we go about your flight or your plans, or your expectations for what you might see.

I'll be sending everyone on our team an e-mail on how to access the blog, how to post, and will take any questions you may have regarding the blog.

-Amy