#teamnepallin

[withoutmapsinourhands]

In my 26 years of life, this is one of the coolest experiences I have ever been a part of. To start with an intention, to want to give back in a new and uncomfortable way. A way that would push my boundaries and provide for others in a way different way than I ever had before. And then to meet strangers (as well as some dear friends and fiancé) with the same intention. To get together frequently and brainstorm and eventually fundraise together and seperately. To bring this vision to life and to actually go there. Live in the houses of the people who's children we'd be helping to provide an education for. Like WHAT?! To break ground with them. To laugh with them. To cry with them. To be completely immersed into their lives even just for 5 days. To have everyday comforts completely stripped away but in the most raw and beautiful way. And to bond with these at one point strangers, and to now forever have shared this insane journey together. Seeing that our school is finished now, and the faces of these perfect little babes standing in front of it is a joy I haven't yet known until now. It's so specific. It's magical. It's layered. If you get an opportunity to work with @buildon DO IT. If your desire to help provide a school in a country that really, really needs it then reach out to them and lead a team. It will be the best thing, the most difficult thing, the most fulfilling, heartbreaking, beautiful experience. I am so grateful for this life and for the endless opportunities it provides for us to explore ourselves while also finding new amazing ways to be of service to others. Love, love, love. #teamnepallin 4 Eva! ❤❤❤❤❤

[withoutmapsinourhands]

We just got a ton of photos from our Trek Coordinator, and I can't stop looking through all 400 of them and reliving every moment. This photo captures what our bus pulled up to when we entered our village. This was the moment when all the time, hard work, fundraising, brainstorming, and love was given a face. It all became tangible and real, and yet unreal at the exact same time. The money we had raised would be going here, to help these faces, and these children to build toward whatever future they see for themselves. And that for everyday we spent there we would be physically and emotionally working next to them to bring this school to life. All of the love and gratitude this village felt toward us permeated the air. It will forever be a moment I remember. And I hope it will always serve as a reminder for me that beautiful things take time, and are always, always worth it. When I first joined this team everything felt slightly unattainable to me because it was so different from anything I had done before, but every step of the way I saw what we as a group were capable of. And through this trek I saw what I was capable of, but most importantly I saw what human beings across the world are capable of. And it all starts by planting a seed. Be it physical or metaphorical or just a well thought out intention, it all begins as a seed. Let's keep planting seeds and encouraging eachother to do so 💗 #buildon #teamnepallin #gratitude #love

[withoutmapsinourhands]

Notes on sisterhood... One of my absolute favorite parts of our time in the village was every moment I spent with our house sister. From the moment we were assigned to her home, she insisted on carrying our medium size suitcase on top of her head, and lead the way. I watched her as we walked, and she didn't stop once to take a break. I was convinced our allowing her to carry our bag that way would injure her, but every time our eyes locked, she would just smile big and keep walking. She knew very little English, but she knew more than our house mother and father, so she took on the role of trying to understand and respond to us as much as possible. Whenever she didn't understand she would just flash her beautiful smile and shake her head. I kept feeling like my inability to share with her everything I was thinking, and likewise, would prevent us from really bonding. Part of how I identify with sisterhood in my day to day life is through an endless supply of words and emotions. I had never experienced such an enormous reliance on anything other than words in order to properly communicate before. And yet every single day she found new ways to connect with me and I started feeling closer to her despite how few words we had shared. A few days in, we were getting ready for our mock wedding and she excitedly led me out of the house and grabbed my hand, and continued to hold it half the way there. I immediately felt my eyes well up, and resisted my urge to cry. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to convey to her what my tears were about, and I didn't want her to interpret them as anything other than pure joy. I truly did not want to let go. It felt like the most subtle and yet obvious way I could show her that whatever connection she felt that led her to grab my hand, was not only mutual, but deeply cherished. I miss her presence so much. She had the most beautiful mix of strength and beauty, much like all the women in the village, and I am better for having met her, and for getting to hold her hand, even if only for a few minutes. #nepal #teamnepallin #buildon #love

[withoutmapsinourhands]

Had to share just a moment of magic from yesterday in Bhaktapur. We were all transfixed by this contagiously happy man who was more than happy to show us his craft. #nepal #bhaktapur #teamnepallin

[withoutmapsinourhands]

HEY!!!!!! We're having a really amazing fundraiser on August 27th at 7pm at the 101 exhibit. We have music, delicious food, booze, and art that will blow you away. We are so excited to share this night with you and meet our fundraising goal so that this school can come to life for these children in Nepal. Join us! Ask a friend. Ask a lover. Ask that chick at that coffee shop you've been lusting after. LETS MAKE THIS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! Click the link in my bio to buy your tickets :) the early big special is still happening so don't wait!! #teamnepallin