Matt, from our shelter team, took this cool photo of the outside of our field office at night, after the (crazy) military helped tap us into the power grid by stripping right off of the main electrical line, (did I mention this is crazy?). Regardless, we’re appreciative for the periodic electricity that we now enjoy. To have working light bulbs in the field, even periodically, is seriously amazing.
Anyway, it’s been an exciting week as we for real kicked off our shelter program in the field. Starting with two packed trucks, with a third truck with 7 new hires and a promise of a supply truck from Kathmandu to follow 24hrs later, we left our field base and headed east, destination: a remote area about 5 hours away on the Eastern edge of the district.
With 21 guys most of the week, it’s been a rewarding but definitely challenging time planning for everything from transportation, living, money, and food arrangements, not to mention the actual work plans for everyone. Thankfully, things have gone unexpectedly well, with the guys in the field exceeding expectations, meaning we’re fighting to stay ahead of them with getting new work areas arranged with community leaders (a great problem to have!). Perhaps even better is how well the guys have gelled as I wasn’t quite sure how well everyone we had hired would come together in the field where we literally spend every waking hour together. This is the first time that I recall having to bring a team like this together so it’s been a big relief how smooth things have gone, and huge props to the support and base teams that have all played significant roles to get this program off the ground. From the guys who can cook for a 20+ group, to the experienced off road motorbike driver (and even better, have a legit license), to the guitar players for after hours unwinding, to the computer savvy guys and paper organizers, to the community relationship builders, to the guy who knows where to find cheap eggs that no one else knew of, to the guy who picks plums throughout the day and brings them back to share at camp, to the driver who will confidently drive his overloaded 2WD through the river with chest high level water, it’s been such a pleasure seeing how each of their strengths fits the various roles we needed on the team.
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| Most of the team! |
Caleb with our logistics team, who came out to help us set up base, also gave a great intro into the history of the organization with the parable of the good Samaritan, which most our group hadn’t heard before. I’m hopeful that as our international staff continue to lead and demonstrate the principles of the story, it will lead to some meaningful discussions with our group of field guys.
Unfortunately but inevitably, just as we’re getting comfortable, the countdown is at about 72 hours (which may have elapsed by the time I get internet to post this) before final handovers and I start heading back to Kathmandu base and then the airport to fly home on Friday.
I’ve learned a lot of lessons from the Nepalese, not in the least the ubiquitous bobbleheadlike-and-at-first-confusing “Yes” head shake. Instead of the more common head nod with the chin moving up and down, try moving the chin side to side (more closely resembling what we associate with as the “I don’t know/don’t care” head motion). Seriously though, it’s so encouraging to go into supposed hard-to-reach areas with vulnerable peoples to assess shelter needs and find that the majority of people have already built themselves pretty sturdy shelters. And while the political and government wranglings have at times been frustrating, how much does that actually differ from the same systems back home?
Power’s probably going to shut off anytime now (it’s actually possibly more consistent out here than back in the district capital), so I will end off here. Will try to get at least one more post out before the end of my time here!
Danyabaad once again and hope to see many of you soon!
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