Some thunder, some rain here in Phulbari, cooling down the temperature and the air; much needed from the high sun during Tikka ceremony at 10:32AM earlier, the most auspicious time. I observed many similarities of Dashain with Chinese New Year, which I grew up celebrating: wearing new clothes (especially of red color), getting Dashinka from the elders (‘red envelope money’, as we call it), dusting the house, eating delicious food nonstop, having a good time with friends and families, the theme of the good fighting off evil, and starting anew. Our homestay family has been exceptionally hospitable; always showing smiles, making sure we got enough food, drinks, snacks, and just being happy here. This affirms my previous thoughts and experiences that the Nepalese people are especially attentive and sensitive to others’ needs; they are observant in others’ movements, subtle or obvious, and have the best interests to help out. I wondered what could have contributed to this tendency. 

This evening we had an international feast. Together with the KOICA group of Korean folks, we congregated into groups making momos, pizzas (without cheese), banana cakes, Korean pancake and Shin ramen. Songs from Nepalese pop music, American classics, and Tibetan chantings blended in harmoniously with laughters and a joyous multicultural evening.

I realized that I am truly drawn by one’s passion, determination, perseverance, and how he/she comes about doing so to achieve that. This epiphany came from talking with one of the Korean gentlemen from KOICA, who, at the age of 64, is now realizing his childhood dream of volunteering in a foreign country for Peace Corps. He will be working at a city hall in Province 1 in Nepal. With his background in computer and data science, he hopes to help improve the infrastructure and system for the municipality. His words, although brief and simple, showed strength in his determination and generosity in acts of service. His passion and dedication drive his life journey, and extend beyond his own life achievements; demonstrating that, achieving one’s dream has no age limits. I wholeheartedly admire his tenacity in leaving his family and five grandchildren behind, taking on learning a new language, and sharing his knowledge to others in a foreign land. I wish to inspire others in similar lines.