Kathleen's Story
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in November 2006 (her very first trekking trip) with a group of 10 other Australians along with Prem Khatri as the Nepalese Trekking Guide and his team of porters, Kathleen was completely mesmerised by the local people and the heart felt generosity that she experienced while stepping inside and observing the local Nepalese culture and lifestyle, for Kathleen it felt like coming home, they truly made her feel like one of the family. Throughout the trekking route and while sharing many stories and experiences along with getting to understand and witness the raw Nepalese culture, she was and still is completely captivated. With no real hiking experience behind her, she now has a new found respect.
Upon arriving back in Australia she knew that this trip had changed her life forever. With an immense desire to return to Nepal, little did she know, this would confirm and highlight the significant impact that Nepal has, in her life.
Kathleen wanted her next trip to be far different to the first; she wanted to get away from the general trekking routes and explore the real Nepal and participate in life as the locals do, with the outlook of social and charity work in mind.
Back in Australia Kathleen told all her family no Christmas presents this year as she planned to use that money and take gifts to Nepal for the less fortunate children and provide them with a Christmas that they have never had, nor would they forget. Prem allowed Kathleen the opportunity to be the first white women (second western person) to ever step into his home village of Ratmate. The local village people were fascinated to see her, as she was with them. No-one in the village knew that she was visiting it was a complete surprise.
After observing the school roof renovations that were taking place at the local Bhairabi School and taking in the local surroundings, Kathleen begin to hand the two classes of Bhairabi Primary with exercise books, pencil cases, pens, pencils, coloured pencils, for each of the sixty students. Kathleen also provide the boys soccer team of 16 with new shoes, socks, along with four brand new soccer balls, pumps and needles to ensure that nothing could deflate the happiness. The boys club performed an amazing game with their new gear. Also providing a volley ball set for the local community children, upon night fall Kathleen handed out sparklers and glow sticks which no-one had ever seen before.
The local boys club and women's committee set up and performed a number of traditional dances as well as a comedy show. It was a rear and fascinating experience Kathleen was stunned to see such immense gratification from people she had never met before.
Arriving in Nepal for the second time confirmed that this was home and the place the she was destine to be. Kathleen now lives and works from both countries (Nepal and Australia), from where Prem and her run Ace the Himalaya, Ace Express and Sambhav Nepal.
Kathleen has since returned to the village with Prem and they provide the students with enough Pens, pencils, and exercise books to last a full year.
"My long term goal and commitment is to one day see the Arupokhari Area transformed, through Education, Health and Community Development. If they had the facilities many take for granted in the western countries, the economical status of Nepal would be very different. For me Nepal is now and always will be home, it has been a life changing experience in so many ways. Now I have the motivation to achieve anything in life, it's amazing that one country could change someone so much, now its my turn to give something back!
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