Four Tent Camps Coupon Distribution

Today was an incredibly busy day! We had to go to four different tent camps to distribute coupons! What an amazing experience! What a feat! Challenge accepted!

Morning Session:
Nilbarahi Bode Camp (242 families)

Afternoon Sessions:
Libali Camp (43 families)
IDP Camp (60 families)
Maheswari Camp (194 families)

~ Nilbarahi Bode Camp ~

There were so many monkeys at the Bode camp today! Even mother monkeys carrying monkey babies! Such a cute sight! 

 Thanks to all the local volunteers and the management team in helping us throughout the coupon distribution process. They are so organized and made sure all the residents lined up according to their proper tent number. It really made the process super smooth and efficient. We are so grateful for each and everyone of your help today! Awesome teamwork everyone! 

Blessing gift from Master Cheng Yen! It is in the shape of an apple for the Chinese character "平", meaning peace and serenity. The Chinese character on the inside "福" means blessings. Every resident received one of these "lucky charms" during the home visits. 

This blessing gift means good health. We always give one of these "lucky charms" to those who are suffering from illness or were injured in the earthquake. Upon receiving these blessing gifts, every resident always finds a place to hang it up immediately. They really cherish every good wish and blessing that comes their way. It is really touching to see just how grateful they are by nature. 

These two little cuties were dancing with me the whole time while we did the sign language performance! Show me your happy faces! :)

~ IDP Camp ~

It is officially monsoon season (between June - August) here in Nepal, so it could be super sunny one moment and the next is pouring down rain. So this morning at Bode Camp, it was scorching hot with the sun beaming down on everyone, and then by the time we got to IDP Camp, it started to pour!!!! Oh my goodness, it was as if a giant swimming pool unloaded itself over us! It poured so hard that even umbrellas weren't enough to cover all of us. We all quickly gathered all of the coupons and name list and ran to one of the empty tents. Half of the coupons were soaking wet already and the ink and stamp started to run all over the paper and our hands. We quickly put on raincoats and waited a little bit for the rain to subside. After 15 minutes of waiting, the rain was not getting any lighter. So we all decided that we still needed to go and give the residents their coupons, but we didn't want them to have to stand outside in the wet mud and pouring rain. In the end, four of us formed a team and started to go to each tent to give each resident their coupon. One team was to write the actual coupon and check each residents information, while the other team was going to administer how many stamps to put on the coupon. We all walked very carefully due to the extremely slippery and muddy ground. I really thought that this was a very great learning experience for everyone, because I, myself, was literally being very mindful with each step that I took. And every step was very firm and strategically placed. This reminded me of one of Master Cheng Yen's Jing Si Aphorisms: Only with our feet firmly panted on the ground can we hope for stability, inner peace and freedom. It really is true that we learn while we physically do things, and through doing things we gain more wisdom about the many truths in life. 

I was very happy and grateful that we accomplished the mission in a fairly timely matter and that all the residents stayed dried in their tents. Many thanks to the local volunteers again for their undying compassion to help others in need! This is the true Tzu Chi spirit of Great Love! 

 ~ Maheswari Camp ~

Many Nepalese women, especially Ajis (grandmothers), have bulging fabric around their waist. At first sight, many people thought maybe they had a big belly, but in reality it is actually their "purse." They actually keep everything in that "fabric purse." Things like money, important papers, combs, food, and when going grocery shopping, it serves as a grocery bag, as well. When the things are too heavy, they use it as a lever to help carry things on their backs. It is actually quite multi-functional. 

Thanks to local volunteers for filling out the coupon forms and making sure all the resident information are correct! Such a big help! Couldn't have done it with you guys! 

It's Nepali tradition for all the children to wear jewelry. The essential jewelry set up are two bracelets and two anklets! They all come in different color gems and silver/gold metals. Such a beautiful tradition. The children look so cute with it on! 

~ The Aftermath ~

Flooding was instant!!!!!

Our lovely shoes and pants after the initial clean-down! 

Luckily I brought another pair of white shoes with me! Disaster relief experience has taught me to always be prepared and have a plan B. The before and after shot is quite stunning isn't it???