Deciding on Nepal

This is a piece I wrote on May 3, 2013, before leaving for Nepal

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” – Frank Herbert

…And boy, have I been sleeping. Quite soundly at first, but within the last few months, that slumber has been constantly interrupted by an itch and a whisper from the world, inviting me to a game of hide-and-seek. I decided to awaken the sleeper- to play some hide-and-seek.

So the game started. I closed my eyes and started the count off. One…Two…Three…Four…Ready or not, Here I come.

I was unsure what (or where) I was seeking, but I began my search. My best friend, Google, and I took off on a journey to find me the ultimate 21st birthday present- a trip. A volunteer trip. Together, we looked in the trees and behind the garden shed, when – Found you! We stumbled across the International Volunteer Headquarters website. With astoundingly affordable trips, and an array of locations to choose from, I had gotten my first clue. Clicking the tab of program locations, a long list of countries started shouting my name. I listened, eagerly and intently to each one, but while I was listening, I could not fully give my attention. One country was shouting louder than all the others. Nepal. The country smaller than Texas. The home of the world’s tallest mountain. And a country rich in a culture that I’d never experienced.

Olly-olly-oxen-free!  Game over.

So with begging, pleading, and tears of excitement, my parents agreed to help me get to Nepal for a short volunteer trip. I leave May 28 and will be returning to the US (after a quick stop in London) on June 14. I am excited and nervous and ready to take on the world.

Let the travel preparations begin!