Kids will be kids

When I stepped out of the airplane and breathed in the air filled with the wonderful sent of cumin, coriander, and turmeric I knew I was in Nepal.  Leaving the airport for the crowed, noisy streets and my hosts meeting me with their shy smiles and greetings of Jaimashi, transitioned me that first night back to a place I’ve grown to love and a people I care deeply about.  This trip I am meeting with some new communities that wish to develop more fully their care for orphans and vulnerable children.

Carpet tying is one of the lowest paying jobs one can have in Nepal.  Carpet workers generally live in brick rooms next to the factory. Having recently priced carpets for my home, I know these hand-knotted versions cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.  It’s sad to see that this does not trickle down to the workers whom make less then $1 and hour for their work.  The families I visited had four to seven people living in an 8 x10 foot room.  The rooms had one or two beds, a cabinet and a hot plate.  Children played in the dirt courtyard while their parents work in the factory nearby.  A pump outside provided water and outhouse sanitation facilities.  The hours are long.  One woman said she generally works from 4 am to 7 pm unless they are rushed to finish an order in which case she works even longer hours.  Neither the rooms nor the small factory have heat or air conditioning.  One particular factory had rooms for eleven families.  Children Rescue Mission (CRM) is working with a number of families who live in these circumstances. I hope to help them increase their services and create more comprehensive systems of care targeted at the specific needs of each family.

A few days after first meeting this group of families.   We held an evening event there. Children and adults poured into the dirt courtyard.  The children pushed one another forward to greet me.  Wanting to interact with a foreigner, but not wanting to be the first.  I began taking pictures and they warmed up.  The kids all wanted their pictures taken with their friends and the adults wanted their picture taken with me.  

After some live music, the kids were given a lesson on hygiene.  It is so hard to stay clean and healthy living in such meager surroundings.   Hand washing before eating is not common among the lower class but everyone eats with his or her hands.   I made a silly pantomime of washing my hands, and another team member did the same with tooth brushing.  They each received a gift bag with a bar of soap, washcloth, toothbrush and paste, nail clippers, pencil, school copybook, and a bracelet.  The also all received a blown up balloon.  Of course the balloons were the exciting part.  The kids were thrilled to receive the big colorful balloons and the courtyard was soon filled with squeals of excitement.   After the gifts were handed out, a meal was served to all the kids and parents working at that factory.  They squatted Asian style in small groups eating the rice, lentils and meat enjoying this special evening, something they seldom have the luxury of.  CRM will begin assessing these families and their needs.  Does the family have basic needs (food and shelter) met?  Are there any handicapped family members or members with medical needs?  Do the children attend school?  Is there a way to supplement their income with one parent running a small business?  These people are a joy and a blessing to spend time with; I’m so thankful to be a part of improving their lives.