The Chronicles of the 2024 Youth Corps Adventure and its Impacts on the Travelers
Our Travels
And so our adventure begins
Greetings from Kathmandu!
We made it to Nepal safely with only a few minor hiccups. First, we ended up missing our connection from Doha to Kathmandu so they rescheduled us to a flight that left about 10 hrs later (3:00 am!) and whisked us off to a hotel for dinner and a few hour nap. The second issue was, because of poor visibility around Kathmandu, they had us circling about an hour before they finally let us land. Everybody handled the changes well.
We were met at the airport by Sunita and Dinesh and Louisa and then took a large taxi/bus to the Tibet Guest House. Because we had gotten 1-2 hours of sleep during our layover in Doha we didn’t have jet lag so headed off to see Monkey Temple.
Yesterday, we had an opportunity to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites including Pashupatinath, the oldest Hindu temple in the country (built in the 5th century!) where we were able to witness the preparation and cremation of several departed family members. We also visited the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest (by diameter) Buddhist temple or shrine in the world. We engaged in the 2nd Annual Rickshaw Rumble which was won by Ella and Eva!
A highlight was walking through the slums trying to find some dear friends of Mark that he had met over 15 years ago and helped them build a latrine during a summer. Despite destitute poverty, their hospitality was overwhelming. They brought out tea and biscuits and did mehndi (henna) on our hands. They also enjoyed playing hackey-sack with a young boy. A truly magical bonding experience!
Our visit to the Hamalian Education Center
Yesterday we flew to Tumlingtar and then hiked the 4.5 miles to HEC (about 2000 of elevation gain in very hot conditions). We were warmly welcomed by Sunita and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with all the girls. Today we helped to clear the corn (to make way for planting of millet) and then shucked all that had been left. Such a fun group bonding experience!
Tomorrow we head out on our trekking portion of the trip to dedicate a library.
And now on to the Hopeful Home Orphanage
The trip to Nepal continues to go extremely well! After touring Bhaktapur (and Cooper got to try his hand on the potters wheel) we had a fabulous time at the Hopeful Home Orphanage (we spent a fun evening passing out shoes and gifts, dancing and having dinner in the newly expanded community room. We also took the kids swimming in a pool - something most of them had never done in their life!
Our visit to the village of Tilahi
We had a wonderful time visiting the Musahar in the village of Tilahi - using a variety of modes of transportation. We handed out shoes and clothing, made a connection over Mehndi and covered the cost of a huge feast!
Meet the Students who traveled to Nepal in 2024
The group of students are five adventurous Central Oregon High School students.
Ella Eby - 11th grade student at Sisters High School 
“I was born and raised in Central Oregon, the middle child of two brothers, so I learned to love anything outdoors and adventure or travel-related. In school I am involved in student government as well as alpine skiing and soccer. In my senior year, I am looking forward to being captain of the soccer team, Student Body Vice President, and perusing various medical field studies.
“I am looking forward to this trip for many reasons, but mostly to learn from the Nepali people and the way culture affects their way of life. I see great value in gaining a deeper understanding of our world and believe service is the best way to do so.”
Cooper Merrill - 11th grade student at Sisters High School
“I’m a student, athlete, and outdoor enthusiast from Sisters, Oregon. I’ve grown up in Sisters and am currently a Junior in high school. I’m really excited to travel to Nepal to see the world outside of the U.S., and to meet the Nepali people. I’m grateful to have an opportunity to help and I’m especially looking forward to spending time at the HEC.”
Styopa Myagkov – 10th grade student at Sisters High School
“I am a student at Sisters High School, but currently finishing up a year abroad in 10th grade in Germany. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and like to rock climb, ski, mountain bike, backpack, and hike. In addition, I love to travel, learn about new cultures, and getting to know all the various languages along the way!
“I am super excited about our upcoming trip. I decided to go because I view this as an amazing opportunity to not only see but contribute to communities in Nepal. I am super excited to meet as many local people as possible and delve into a culture so different from ours.”
Ava Riehle– 11th grade student at Sisters High School
“I love the outdoors and will always be ready to explore. Traveling is so much fun and a great way to meet different people and see beautiful places. I decided to go to Nepal because helping out at the HEC and HHO seems like such a rewarding way to help people in need and experience a new way of life.”
Jake Jacobi- 11th grade student Summitt High School
“I am a junior at Summit High and I want to major in Computer Science after high school. I haven’t traveled like this before, and I am curious about the culture and want to meet the people of Nepal. I’m excited to go to Nepal and experience a completely different lifestyle to what most of us experience in our daily lives.”
2024 Ten Friends Trip to Nepal - Slideshow
