Eighteen months ago I took a hard look at where I was in my life and where I wanted to go. At that time I still had over two and a half years until I retired. I looked back on my life to find what brought me joy, peace, fulfillment and a feeling of accomplishment. I knew I wanted to find the things that were just for me. I was ready to be independent, to be free of a relationship and to not depend on my kids to fill my time or to depend on them for the path that I wanted to take. If anything I wanted to show them I can live independently and inspire them to pursue their own dreams.
As I looked at my life I realized the importance of being out in nature. The joy and pleasure that being in the mountains or a forest. How energizing it can be, yet soothing and it can bring a sense of peace that comforts ones soul. I also looked back on the joy and satisfaction that volunteering has brought to me over the years. So I started researching. I knew I wanted to see places in the world where I had not yet traveled. I also wanted to go to places where I could hike, be in nature, and walk in a forest. I initially looked at some opportunities in South America. I was then led to other continents. Then I saw Nepal. I saw a need for volunteers that could make an impact in peoples lives. I saw mountains. I saw forests. I saw an amazing Sherpa and Buddhist culture. As I explored further my imagination just filled with possibilities. I explored trekking opportunities and was inspired to do the Everest Base camp trek. I knew then I had a new purpose. I knew then where I wanted my path to lead. While my main focus was Nepal, I still had my eye on Peru. Looking at the Inca Trail Trek I knew it would be an excellent test of my ability to take on the Everest Base Camp trek. I could also take on a two week volunteer position there. That would help me to acclimatize to the altitude before taking on such a challenging trek.
First things first though... I was not anywhere near the physical shape I would need to be in to tackle such a goal. So a workout plan was put in place. Hiking goals were set. Yoga, exercise, hiking became my new hobbies. In the eighteen months since I only failed to meet one goal, that was last year at Denali National Park, I was not able to make the summit of Mount Healey. I did accomplish the other hikes I had planned. I just was not able to do that one. Three months later though I summitted Enchanted Rock and then did a four mile hike around the base of it. The following day I did a six mile hike with inclines as high as Enchanted Rock at Lost Maples State Natural Area. I did these two hikes to celebrate my 65th birthday. I have since accomplished the hikes I had planned in Cloudcroft N.M., Colorado Bend State Park and too many hikes to list at Mother Neff State Park. In a few weeks time I will take on some bigger challenges with several hikes in Colorado. I will post about the outcomes after I return.
I cannot quit now. A few weeks ago I contacted the Volunteer Society of Nepal. I gave them a bit of my background and experience. I told them I would obtain my TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) Certificate. I mentioned I would love to be in a smaller town in the Solukhumbu region. I told of my interest in Buddhism and trekking. I said I would look to commit up to eight weeks to a position. They offered exactly what I was looking for, teaching English to young student monks at the local Monastery and children at a local public school in Salleri, Solukhumbu , in the lower Everest region. The trekking is amazing in that area as it was the original starting point for Sir Edmund Hilary when he set forth for his successful summit of Everest. I will get the opportunity to further my Buddhist studies at the monastery. This trip will take me to a rural Nepali town, the pictures I've seen of it remind me of the rural villages in Ethiopia. Modern conveniences will be rare. There is only one road in/out. It is at times a dirt road. It will be a ten to twelve hour jeep ride from Kathmandu. I will live with a host family during my stay. They will provide breakfast and dinner each day of my stay. The plan right now is to leave for Nepal in early September 2026 and return early December that same year. There is a major holiday that falls mid-way through the teaching assignment that closes the schools for two weeks. I hope to trek to Pikey Peak - a 3-4 day trek from Salleri during that time. The views are incredible from there and it would give me a view of Mount Everest plus several other of the tallest mountains in the area. I wouldn't head out on the Everest Base Camp trek until my assignment is completed. I don't want to rush the trek, I want to take my time and really enjoy the experience. I am also thinking that if I return to Kathmandu with time to spare I may venture over to Chitwan National Forest for a wildlife safari. Rhinos, tigers, elephants and some amazing bird species. I plan to be home by Christmas.
I haven't yet reached out to the volunteering group in Cusco Peru. I'm not too picky on the position I would accept there. I do prefer working with animals due to the short time I would have there. It is hard on kids if volunteers are only there for a short time, so I prefer too avoid those assignments. I am currently looking at Maximo Nivel for help with a placement. Hoping either at the animal shelter or wildlife rehab at the local university.
I have talked in previous posts about how my love of the mountains and hiking was shaped by my childhood vacations. My volunteer work for years was in the kids schools while they were in elementary school. Oh I was a homeroom mother, I helped out the teachers with special projects and field days. I also spent a few years working one day a week in the school library. It wasn't until I adopted my two youngest that I had the opportunity to help out at the orphanage in Addis Ababa. When we returned 6 years later we stayed there just to volunteer where needed. I usually helped in the pre-school during the mornings and then assisted the school-age kids with homework assignments in the afternoon. I really enjoyed it so much. I knew at some point in my future I would want to do something similar. That time is now approaching. this is where my path in this life is taking me. It feels so right. I am so excited to be on this journey. I hope that as I tell my story it will inspire others to pursue their dreams.
