John Michaelis

Arriving in Nepal with no expectations and very little knowledge of the country, culture or Nepali people was always going to be a challenge, or so I thought!  Signing up to a volunteer program with Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) was the best thing I ever did.  They made everything easy and created an awesome experience which will stay with me forever.
 
Everything was so organized.  Flying into Kathmandu at midnight, after 24 hours in transit from Sydney Australia, you are greeted with a smiling face by VIN and taken to your hotel without a worry in the world.  The next morning you are introduced to your fellow VIN volunteers forming a bond that will last well past your time in Nepal.  The three day induction program covered everything from cultural do’s and don’ts to learning to speak Nepali and also Nepali history, politics and general survival tips.
 
I was lucky enough to start my program with a twelve day trek in the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp.  It was an amazing adventure with breathtaking scenery and soul searching tranquility.  Out of condition and without any trekking experience the challenge was worth it.  Visiting Buddhist Monasteries, passing Yak herds, raging rivers and huddling around Yak dung fuelled fires were just some of the highlights.  The best bit was I made it all the way to Everest Base Camp! Unbelievable! Raising over $4,000 along the way for VIN projects made it just that little bit more special.
 
On my return from Everest I became involved in the Youth Empowerment program.  This was a wonderful insight into the challenges and hardships facing Nepali youth.  Without work in their communities the youth are forced to leave their families and travel to other areas and even out of Nepal just to survive.  Staying with a local family was a great way of experiencing everyday life in rural Nepal.  The warmth and generosity of the local Nepali people was overwhelming.
 
I was also lucky enough to work with a local VIN supported orphanage.  If you love working with children as I do then this is by far the most rewarding experience you can have.  The children are all wonderful and love having visitors to practice their English on and help them with their homework.  The real plus is just playing with the children and giving the house mother some well deserved respite whilst putting smiles on the children’s faces. Eating, sleeping and waking with the children was fabulous and the bonds that were made with each individual child made it so difficult to leave.
 
During my stay VIN also organized a tour to Chitwan where elephant safaris, rhino and tiger spotting and leisurely canoe trips were all part of the adventure.  A nice break.
 
Without doubt working with Volunteers Initiative Nepal will change your life, and all those that you touch on your journey, forever.  An awesome experience – Highly recommended!