News
Read stories and updates from our work with the children of Nepal. To find our old newsletters from 2003 to 2018, visit the archive! Otherwise, click in the search bar below to locate blogs on a topics you’re interested in.
An ounce of prevention.....
As the old adage goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Today the BSF staff participated in an all-day training which focused on ways to build resiliency in our kids. Research shows that the greater number of adverse childhood experiences, the more at-risk the child is for unhealthy behaviors, such as the misuse of drugs and alcohol. However, research also shows that certain factors can provide some measure of protection and increase the likelihood of healthy life choices, despite the adverse childhood experiences.
Take Care of Your Brain
As more and more of our Mitrata students mature into their late teens and become increasingly exposed to external influences, such as, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana, our BSF partner requested our assistance in providing information to help the students make informed decisions about their overall health. Today, Pam facilitated a several hour workshop to 25 of our 11th and 12th grade students and bachelor level candidates on the effects of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana on the human brain and body, especially the still-developing teenage brain.
Artist Johanna Beekman Supports Mitrata-Nepal Girls
Our friend, kirtan artist and singing yoga instructor Johanna Beekman just launched a Facebook group called Shakti United as a place to empower women around the world to share their inspirations, passions, and healing work. Along with her Facebook group, Johanna is offering mini-events in the coming months, evolving into a sort of traveling “Spiritual Lilith Fair,” where all can come together. The first event on March 30th in Eugene, OR, features Johanna, Jaya Lakshmi, Matura Seva & Bhakti Shakti. Johnna is donating a portion of every “Shakti United” event or retail sale to Mitrata-Nepal and we are so grateful!! Check out Johanna's blog.
Shopping in Thamel
Today, Pam, Leena and I shopped in Thamel, and shopped, and shopped, and shopped. Thamel is a commercial neighborhood in Kathmandu and has been the center of the tourist industry for over four decades. It is distinguished by its narrow alleys crowded with a variety of shops, vendors, restaurants, cars, taxis, bicycles, motor bikes, rickshaws and tourists. It's great to see so many tourists again, despite the added congestion.
What Is Your Definition of Success?
In addition to updating their bio's and taking more videos and photos to send back to the sponsors, Rick shared his insights garnered from 40 years of experience as Director of Human Resources at Boeing Military Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. During his talk, he asked the question, "What is Your Definition of Success?"
Our First Day in Kathmandu
Namaste!! Pam and I arrived safely in Kathmandu late Saturday night. On the way to the hotel last night and to the BSF office this morning, we weren't terribly surprised to see that the pot-hole filled roads and construction-fed dust haven't improved much........okay, maybe not at all. But, we're here and looking forward to meeting with the students and BSF staff, and accomplishing everything we came to do.
And So It Begins........
Right now it is 6:30 PM on Thursday evening, March 22nd, in St. Louis; and yet, flying above the mountains of the Southwest, the sun is shining brightly, illuminating the clouds. Sometimes wispy, like cotton candy; sometimes puffy, like cotton balls. When the clouds part, mounds of mountains can be seen rising above winding ribbons of rivers
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Arlene and Hewie's Valentine's Day Party Fundraiser: A Success!
Every year long time sponsors, Arlene Miller and Hewie Powell pull out all the stops and host a big Valentine's Day Party to raise money for the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation! It is a homemade pizza lovers' dream, great conversation and a marathon for Hewie the pizza maker! This year the party was rescheduled to March 10th and there was a big crowd as usual. We so appreciate their hard work every year to support our kids! Such a creative way to raise money!
BIG THANKS! to the Karma Thalo Foundation!
Our partnership with Karma Thalo has grown through the years! The Karma Thalo Foundation is a medical team of professionals who travel to Nepal annually to deliver healthcare services to the poor in Nepal. They have operated a clinic in Lisankhu, Nepal for many years. They organize and operate multi-day clinics providing immediate medical, dental and vision care.
For the past several years, they have provided a medical clinic for our children in Kathmandu. The children come from our poorest families, have low BMI’s that put them at risk for disease and do not get regular healthcare. More recently, Karma Thalo began funding extra nutrition and support for the Contact Center children too.