It is said that happiness begins with contentment. Perhaps those less fortunate have mastered this tactic—the very same tactic that the privileged seem to find nearly impossible. More is the only way in most people’s eyes. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s true.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? When did you last stare into a sunset as opposed to a luminous screen, or found yourself beaming at a child’s laughter? Have you ever worn the same clothes for three days without a shower, and thought that you were lucky? Lucky, because the situation was not your everyday reality, but rather a trial of your willpower that eventually had an exit route back to your comfort zone? We do so on every trip, and although the projects change, the countries vary, and the group are strangers, the lessons learned are valuable and irreplaceable. Everyone goes home with a new family, a broadened mind, and a newfound appreciation for simplicity.
During our experience in Nepal, OX Adventure teamed up with ‘Partnership for Sustainable Development’ (PSD) to complete the charity work. Over the course of 10 days, 17 of us experienced Nepal and all its beauty by trekking and camping in the Himalayas for 5 days, and then we made our way to Kathmandu. We restored Garma Sudhar School in Kathmandu Valley and built a basketball court to encourage the children to play sports and be active. A cement pathway was also created to prevent the school from flooding and classes canceling during the monsoon season.