Joining Hands Nepal
A Family Orphan HomeArchive for March, 2011
Tiny Dancer
Last night, we all gathered round in a circle on the floor after dinner and sang songs together, including a rousing rendition of the Nepali National Anthem. During this wonderful bonding experience, we discovered we have an entertainer in our midst. Our youngest boy, Padma, took center stage and danced the night away as we all sang and laughed. Padma thrust his hips with abandon from side to side, one hand on his hip, the other flailing wildly through the air overhead, as his legs carried him in a mishapen circle around the makeshift dance floor in his rough, but passionate version of traditional Nepali dancing. The air was filled with merriment until sleep beckoned our joyfully tired bodies to bed to rest and recover after a day of exploring Panauti, coloring, singing, dancing, and growing closer together as a family.
Joining Hands Family
Here is the first Joining Hands Nepal family portrait at Indeshwor Temple in Panauti. In front is Himal, director of JHN. Seated on each side of Himal are his two nieces, Chhiring and Roshani. And in the back row are our 3 children, from left to right, Lhasang, Balaram, and Padma.
Health is Happiness
Last night, while getting the children settled into their rooms and cooking dinner as a family in the kitchen, we gave them their first lesson in health and hygiene. First we had the children all wash their hands, faces, and hair thoroughly, being sure to stress the imporance of daily hygiene in the process. Next, we discovered that none of the children regularly brushed their teeth, which is unsurprising considering they come with nothing other than clothes on their backs. So we bought them each a toothbrush and toothpaste today so we can introduce them to the habit of daily brushing. Finally, we went to the market and bought them each a new outfit and sandals so that they have at least a pair of shirts and pants each to rotate, allowing more regular washing of their clothes when dirty. It is such a small and simple lesson, but one that is important to both long-term health and happiness. Now we must merely follow up day by day until it sinks in and they are doing it by themselves.
Joining Hands Nepal 