"If they think, they are right."

It could be the beauty of step patties spilling over lush hillsides, or the jagged, green mountains spanning as far as I can see through the low clouds, dust, and smog. But something in the wild streets of cracked, half collapsed brick buildings has completely captured me in the past forty-eight hours. Something that roots my soul and draws me in to this magnificent valley of spiritual sanctuaries and heart-stopping emotions.
But beyond the niches of elaborate goddess carvings and ancient doorways coated in burning sage, there are the people of Nepal. I've grown accustomed to the bewildered stares and looks of amusement that have followed me through previous countries, so it came as a pleasant shock when I was greeted with eyes filled with relief. People all throughout the city have stopped in their tracks to greet, and even thank us as we pass, bowing and whispering, "Namaste." As we were walking to the guest house on the first day, an elderly woman recited the usual greeting, then took my hand and genuinely thanked me.
It's impossible to not feel the powerful aura of unity and hope radiating from the people. In a time of crisis, power and pride for their country becomes the first resort. Instead of residing in fear, the entire population has fortified themselves and set to work rebuilding their land of beauty. From my balcony I can see waves of broken buildings, rising dust, and small tents housing multiple families. They may lose material possessions, but you are never without hope in this country.

Day 2:

Today was our first day teaching at the school, and it was beyond any expectation. Before arriving, we were briefed and inspired by the school's principal, Keshab. A magnificent man, and even better teacher, he shared his ground-breaking view on education in Nepal, and how he strives to provide his students with anything and everything they need to succeed. During his presentation, he explained that no student can be a bad one, and that there is never a wrong answer because, "If they think, they are right."
After our introduction, we took off down the rolling streets to the school, located on a hillside just beyond the slums. As if the heat and exhaustion from travel weren't enough, I was gripped with stage fright. I couldn't shake the fear of presenting myself as a laughingstock, and failing to provide the life changing experience every student deserves. But there was an energy emitting from the fifth grade classroom that drove me, and within seconds I became a passionate teacher.
Nicole and I were assigned to the fifth grade class, where we would at first observe lessons and then hopefully lead some of our own, while Kevin and AJ taught in the fourth grade class. Every student was bursting with energy the second we stepped in, and immediately welcomed us. To begin observing and taking notes, I sat on a bench nearest to the board, right in front of a young boy named Brijal. He was not hesitant to give me is name and ask mine in return, and his eagerness for the day to start was obvious.
Keshab instructed the class in an English grammar lesson, as Nicole and I took notes. Much sooner than I expected (and I'm not complaining), we were placed in front of twenty-eight eager eyes, and began our lessons. We built off of the textbooks the students had, and used them as references as we proceeded throughout the day teaching various subjects such as English, U.S. History, and astronomy. Despite their never ending, and extremely tiring, energy, the kids were apt and engrossed in every second. Whether it be new information or something they've rehearsed a thousand times over, they never missed a beat.
The school day, though tiring, flashed by in what felt like a heartbeat. As students poured into the fields back toward home, our Nepal team piled into the van to visit the house of a local man, Pouizam.
Before the earthquake, Pouizam possessed 3,500 chickens, and based his income on the selling of their eggs. There are only 500 left. The shake devastated not only his chicken farms, but leveled his home. He and his family now reside in a very small tent with three other families, where they sleep on thin mats and store what food they have in their old, collapsed homes.
Seeing this immense detriment, and how it has hindered the joy of a usually very altruistic man, we have begun making plans to help rebuild even the smallest aspects of his life.

The vast beauty and aura of Nepal, is unlike any other I have ever experienced. There is no language in which I can tangibly express the raw emotion this nation evokes. It is the most beautiful, sad mix of complex culture and ravished city. But despite the destruction, I have never felt any sense of fear or danger. In no way do I doubt these peoples' capabilities, and their passionate ability to rebuild everything they have ever known. I aspire in my entirety to be one more brick in the second rising of this awe-striking city.