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Greetings from Dublin, Ireland.
6 weeks can fly by. Instead of being immersed by the daily toil in Nepal, I find myself 7000 kilometres away, in a small economically sound (and not so backward anymore) country, getting driven from place to place in various cars, trains and buses.
It’s colder here, it’s windier here, and it’s wetter here. An Irish winter beckons and broods, keeping us all wondering when its full force will hit us, not that we need any more battering. There’s been Henry’s left-hand of hopelessness, the floods, the ever-lengthening recession, a downward spiralling budget and cries of help from Irish charities looking for assistance to help the growing numbers of homeless and jobless.
Nagarhope’s work continues in Nepal, Shree Mahankali School’s three new classrooms are under construction. The iron and cement pillars have been put into place, the blocks and doors followed by the windows, are next.
Four friends, Ken, Wez, Orla and Emma took a stop over in Nepal in November and helped out in a few of Nagarhope’s projects. They also helped to bring 60 kids and helpers to a Buddhist temple called Namo Buddha for the day with Dhurba and the Nagarkot bunch. The gang of four have since flown south for the winter to Australasian places in the sun.
SKOOLS TALKS & PRESENTATION
I have spent recent weeks giving talks to teachers and students in schools in Lucan and elsewhere. Raising awareness of Nagarhope and its work is something that is always important for the future. Classes from Infants up to 5th and 6th year have had the chance to listen to stories from Nepal, ask questions and see a slideshow of photographs from schools and situations across the globe. Kids really do have less inhibitions, they ask questions they feel they should to answer questions that baffle them. I think the older we get the less answers we need. We develop ways of blocking out what we do not like and do not want in our lives. Ignorance is bliss, or so they say.
Certain schools now want to contribute to Nagarhope’s cause in different ways. One such school’s students are putting together a 2010 calendar, others have plans to donate a bit of confirmation money, and others again are hoping to bring in old uniforms and football jerseys. The teachers have noticed and said how easy it is to inspire children when their routine is altered just a little. We are only glad to help.
FUNDRAISER
On Saturday 9th January 2010 in The COUNTY BAR, Spa Hotel, Lucan, VALENTINO 2 is taking place. It is a musical showcasing of local talents The Gandhis, Madra, Morgan La Faye and Let’s Set Sail. After a successful VALENTINO (1) on Valentine’s Day 2006, we return to the scene of the Rhyme.
On HALOWE’EN night, in Lucan Sarsfields GAA club, a 2nd very successful annual bash “Who ya gonna B?” was organised in true fashion. Most everybody made an effort to dress up. The theme for the night was ‘something beginning with “B”’ which brought an endless entourage of Boscos, boxers, beach balls, babies, bravehearts and witches). Thanks to all organisers, staff, sponsors and attendees. The hall is booked for next year already, seconds out, round three. Who are you gonna C? I wonder. Thanks to Tigs, Una, the Shockos, Lucan Sarsfields, the Riptide Movement and all else involved. It was a special homecoming for me and one I won’t forget.
On Sunday 29th November and Sunday 6th December, Nagarhope was proud to take a place in the Lucan Parish Centre for the Justice And Peace Christmas Fair and a morning for Nagarhope sponsors respectively. Thanks to Bernie for asking us back to the fair for a third year running, and to Niamh and Se for all their relentless help and support.
Other fundraisers in the pipeline – watch this space.
That’s about it folks, just a quick reminder about what the festive season has in store for us. Wishing you all a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.
Mise le meas
Doc Clandillon, Dec 2009
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