Well folks.  This is it.  I’m on my way today.  I sincerely thank you for all your amazing support through your thoughts and prayers and for everyone who has donated to this project.  Please continue to pray for this trip and the people of Nepal.  When I get back I’ll be sure to keep this site up to date with stories from Nepal and the ongoing work being done there.  I’ll see you in a week and a half.  Peace and Joy.  Jason

Out of all the support Gateway to Nepal has received for this trip, what has touched and blessed me the most is the support that the students from Ridgeview Middle School in Oromocto, New Brunswick Canada have provided.  Three different language classes at the school pooled together their resources (school supplies and even money in their piggy banks) to pull together an amazing $140 dollar donation and a generous amount of school supplies for the kids of Nepal.  More importantly today I received many notes from the kids today where they expressed their concern for the children in Napal, curiosity about what Nepal is like and their best wishes for me and the trip.   I want to personally thank the children of Ridgeview for their support, thoughts and prayers.  I also want to thank Monique, their teacher for sharing Gateway to Nepal with them and getting involved.  The support they have provided will have a significant impact.  I hope to visit them to tell them about the trip on my next trip to New Brunswick.

I wanted to share with everyone the amazing notes they sent me today.

Jason,

The students are with me and we want to wish you luck in Nepal.
I wanted their voices to be heard so todays lesson they gave me messages to send to you and your group.
Thanks for taking the time to share this experience with them.

All the students are supporting you and your team it is a very worthwhile cause.(Lauren) Please tell the children there, that we say hi. (Hanna) Thank you for your work with the ‘Gatway to Nepal project’.(Zach) Can you please send us pictures of your trip? (Blake) Good Luck with all your projects like the zip line and our prayers are with you. (Ayden) Be careful on your trip we realize that it is a dangerous mission. (Cori) When you get back we look forward to reading more on your Blog about your trip.(Shania) I hope you get the Zip line up and running so that it helps the villages to rebuild.(Todd) Thank you for giving the supplies to the children in Nepal. (Hunter) I hope all the children will get good use out of the supplies that we have sent.(Hanna) Thank you for helping all the people of Nepal.(Matt) and all the families (Jackson) I hope that slavery in Nepal is a thing of the past.(Owen) Is it easy or difficult to help the children of Nepal?(Taylor) I hope that the children have all that they need in Nepal.(Brett) I hope you have a great trip.(Alex) I hope that the people of Nepal will have better Health with our help.(Raven) I hope that the people will get clean drinking water.(Blake) I send you all my best wihes for all of you in Nepal.(Kennedy) I hope that the prices will go down on ‘Moo,s’ so that more people will be better nourished.(Alex) Good luck in Nepal.(Taylor) Never give up.(Zach) I hope that even with all that hard work you have a great time in Nepal.(Maddie) I hope the children will like the supplies that we sent.(Tanasha) I hope the children can find some time to have fun.(Holly) I hope you have a safe trip.(Kelsey)

We send our prayers your way. The students did not have time for letters however I am sure that you can keep their words in your heart to bring with you to Nepal.

All our best

I hope you have agreat trip to Nepal. (Alex) I hope that your teachings will flourish in Nepal.(Emma) I hope you have a great expereince in Nepal.(Alyssa) I hope you can share your photos with us.(Cole) I hope that you were successful in accumulating supplies for Nepal.(Shawn) I think that this is a very worthwhile project and I hope that we help many children to have the opportunity to go to school.(Riley) I am certain that the people of Nepal will appreciate all your help.(Mackenzie) I hope that you get a chance to help the students in the schools.(Taylor) I hope that you have a great time in Nepal helping the people.(Jason) What type of things are the students learning in Nepal? (Isabelle) Good Luck in Nepal with everything.(Allistaire)and (Lesha) I hope that many children will get the chance to go to school.(Emma) I hope you are able to bring and send lots of pictures.(Carly) I hope that the weather is good in Nepal for you to get your mission completed.(Marcail) I hope that you make many friends.(Abby) I hope that your work will lead to great success in the future of all the people of Nepal.(Hanna) I hope that you capture on camera lots of amazing pictures of your journay in Nepal.(Erik) I hope that you meet many nice people.(Jessica)and (Kristen) I hope that you raise lots of money and supplies for your journey to Nepal.(Colton) I hope you have a great and safe trip to Nepal. (Cullen) I hope you are given the opportunity to help many people in Nepal.(Tyrell) I hope that there are many others that are donating to this worthwhile cause.(Emma) I hope that all of you find some time for fun in Nepal. (Cole) I hope that the children learn a lot in the schools of Nepal.(Riley) I hope that all of you need to make a difference.(Cole)

Sending all our prayers with you.

Finally here are the questions and comments from my Homeroom grade 7class of students.

I hope you have a great time in Nepal helping the children.(Abbey) I hope that the children will enjoy your visit with them.(Emily) I hope that the children will be happy receiving the school supplies that we have sent for them.(Maggie) Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others in Nepal.(Josh) It is wonderful that you are giving up your time to help people.(Dalen) Best Wishes on your missionary work in Nepal.(Lauren) Will you be living with a family when you are in Nepal?(Alyson) How did you go about doing this work in Nepal? What was your inspiration?(Catherine) Will you give us details of the work you were able to achieve when you get bcak please?(Rebecca) Could you please take pictures of their homes and schools for us? (Dalton) I hope that the weather is good for your missionary work in Nepal.(Liam) Do the children play any sports or games in Nepal?(Mikayla) What types of food do they eat in Nepal? We know they eat rice and milk, I just wondered what else. (Maggie)and (Dalton) Could you update us on the results of your trip? (Salena) The work that you and your group are doing is remarkable, thank you. (Haley) What village will you be visiting on your trip? (Cullen) What type of transportation are they using there? (Sam) How many people will be joining you on your trip.(Liam) Be careful on your trip and best wishes your way.(Nick)

Thanks Jason

My sevens had lots of questions. We are really excited about this experience and are confident that your efforts have already made a huge life not only to the people of Nepal but to the students of a Middle School in Oromocto as well. We are blessed to be  part of this project.

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did.  There are several questions that the kids asked that I will answer when I get back from the trip

Jason

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a couple weeks from my last update so I apologize.  Much has transpired and I would say it’s all good news.

First, I received my passport back from Visa Express complete with my Indian Visa.  I’ve never had to get a visa before so I was expecting this to take a long time.  In total it only took 3 weeks to get it and with the trip only two weeks away, I can now check that off my list of things to get done.

Second, as many of you know from various emails I’ve sent out that there has been an increase in political unrest in Nepal as the Maoists and the National Congress contend with each other over a new country constitution.  The Maoists are issuing “bandhs” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandh).  You can read more about them at the link, but they are basically protests and strikes issued by the government.  The bandhs that are currently going on, and will most likely be going on during our trip are bringing the country to a stand still.  Marian has been communicating with our friends in Nepal monitoring the situation and although there are some concerns, we will be doing everything we can to stay safe.  We have been assured that we will have an escort to get us through road blocks and papers from local leaders in case we are stopped by any police.   The majority of the activity is around the Kathmandu area so we hoping that the western area of Nepal is less impacted by these.  You can get more info on current travel advisories in Nepal at the following site: http://nepal.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html

And lastly, in my last update I mentioned that I would be meeting with Dr. Drew Conroy, one of my college professors.  Drew spent a year teaching agriculture and dairy herd management in Tanzania and worked in other areas of Africa studying agricultural and animal management practices while he was working on his PHD.  I had a great get together with Drew.  He was able to give me great practical and common sense advice which I can apply to help me better understand and find out what works and what doesn’t work relative to caring for water buffalo in Nepal.  His most important piece of advice was to just ask lots of questions and listen,  learn from the locals and when there is opportunity, make suggestions.  In addition to the great advice Drew shared with me many of his “Indian Jones” like adventures that he had in Africa.  He’s a great story teller and I think I laughed half the time I was there.  If you’re reading this Drew….thanks for the time and support. I’ll synch up with you when I am back.

Only two weeks left until  take off.  Thanks for all your support and prayers.

Regards:  Jason

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  I wanted to provide you with a quick update on news from Nepal, preparations for the trip and items that need your prayer.

First, i’ve recently learned that the water buffalo prices have changed significantly from the $250 dollars they were a year and a half ago, to currently $400-600 dollars (about 40,000 Nepali Rupee).  My understanding from Marian who has recieved word from Madan, one of hte local leaders,  is that this is a supply and demand issue.  So, unfortunately, our donate page is currently incorrect in stating that you can purchase an entire “moo” for $250 dollars.  We’ll get this corrected.  For all of you who have donated, thank you so much.  Your money will be pooled together to purchase what we can for “moos”.

Second, Good news on the Zip Line effort.  Before work could start on the Zip Line, the local leaders of  villages and local officials needed to come to agreement on the Zip Line.  I recently heard news that this has happened so we should be all set to freely work on the zip line project when we get there.

Thirdly, Marian has told the local leaders that while I am there I will be assessing water buffalo health at various villages.   I’ve been reading reports from Nepali water buffalo and agricultural efforts on common water buffalo issues , nutrition etc to try to prepare for this trip.  Also, in two weeks I will be meeting up with university professor of mine, Drew Conroy, who has experience with teaching sustainble agriculture and dairy heard management in 3rd wolrd countries.

Fourthly, Please pray for the following.  That i’m able to learn what I need regarding buffalo health care and treatment so that I can be helpful while i’m there.  That my India Visa, which is still in process would get back to me on time.  Also that God would bless the work that we will be doing while we are there.

Thanks everyone.  Again, Happy New Year and thank you for support and prayers.

Jason

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to come to this site. I’m excited about this upcoming trip to Nepal.  For those of you who are just learning about this trip and want to know more about what is currently going on in Nepal, where help is needed and why I am getting involved the best places to go are the following links:

http://truestoriesfrommarian.blogspot.com/

http://www.gatewaytonepal.org/about/

Currently, the trip for Nepal is scheduled to leave Boston on Wed January 2^7th and return February 5^th.  About half the time is spent actually getting to Nepal and back, only leaving about 5  days of actual time to work.

On this trip, myself and the folks I am traveling with will be visiting many of the villages mentioned in the links above and we have a number of work and community projects planned. Currently, my schedule looks as follows.

Day 1: Visit western villages.  Assess water systems, buffalo/cow supply and school situation.  OK.  For those of you who are asking “what does he mean by the buffalo/cow supply” please read the above links.  Water Buffalo and Cows are a critical part of the sustainable food/agriculture plan to help these villages thrive.

Day 2-5.  We will be in the town of Tikapur.  Tikapur recently lost many of it’s shelters, school, food supply, and clean water wells to a flood.  Here we have many projects planned including:

-Planning for a new school and working with community to support it.

-Access health of Buffaloes/Cows, study food yields etc.  For those of you who don’t know, I actually have a degree in Dairy Herd Management/Animal Science and worked on many Dairy farms.  I’ve been brushing off my old books and talking to farmers who are well known in the sustainable agriculture community in order to brush up on my skills in this area.

-Building of Zip Line Houses:  The Zip Line is a project that will join two villages that are currently cut off by a river.  The zip line will allow children to get to school and for supplies to be sent across.  Boats and Bridges are too expensive and difficult to maintain.

-We will also be discussing potential scholarships and sponsorships with local community leaders.

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I prepare for this exciting trip.  There is much for me to get in order to accomplish this.

Also, if you would like to donate in support of this trip and the work that we will be doing you can easily do that by going to the following link.  All donations are tax deductable.  http://www.gatewaytonepal.org/donate/

Jason

Gateway To Nepal is selling Himalayan Batik Christmas cards that were handmade in Nepal to support the work with ex-slave families in western Nepal. The price is $12 for a set of 5 assorted designs. They are blank inside so you can add your own greeting or photo. If you would like to purchase any, or would like to sell some yourself to family and friends, please contact us!

Nepali-Made Christmas Card - Pointsettia

Many projects are in the works to serve these former slave families including providing clean drinking water, supporting two schools, purchasing water buffaloes for families, offering microloan opportunities and providing emergency aid for villages devastated by recent flooding.

These cards were handmade in Nepal and are sold by The Nepal Leprosy Trust. The NLT was founded in 1972 with the purpose of improving the lifestyle of people affected by leprosy and other marginalized people. This project employs more then 20 producer families who are able to move towards a greater economic, social and psychological inclusion. All proceeds from the sale of these cards will go directly towards helping the people of western Nepal.

Check out truestoriesfrommarian.blogspot.com for more information about current happenings in western Nepal.

With less than 72 hours remaining before we head to Nepal, Jasmine and I are overwhelmed with the level of support that has landed our way since beginning our Gateway to Nepal effort.

Because of you, we’re heading over with inner peace, two laptops, school supplies, and over $2,500 in donations. That’s a lot of moo. Because of you, we’ll be able to support schools, clean water, nutrition, and the liberation that accompanies a $1-a-day living wage.

While the journey remains ahead of us, the race we’ve run together in these 30 or so days has been an astounding success. We’ve shattered the tape in record time. The movement’s been built with the support of over 100 individuals and small corporate grants.

I could go on, but I won’t. It leaves me in awe.

Now it’s time to pack everything up and head to New Jersey, where our families await before we board the plane.

I can’t believe it’s here.  In just over one week (next Monday night), we’ll be stepping on Continental Flight 85 (non-stop!) from Newark, New Jersey to Delhi, the first leg on our journey to meet the people of Tikapur and Nepalganj over a two-week period.

Google shows you where we’ll be (try calculating driving directions for this trip!)

View Larger Map

Last week, while driving through Boulder, Colorado, the song “See The World” by Gomez found its way onto our rental car’s satellite radio.  The essence of that moment could not have been captured better.

With so little time, we urge you to accept the Moo Challenge.  However, I can’t overstate how encouraging each and every one of you have been.  Your support has been overwhelming and awesome!  While Jasmine and I are making the physical journey, the mission is really a consequence of every one of us banding together in support and solidarity.

To keep the momentum alive, we’ll be providing daily postings right up to departure day… stay tuned.  And, as conditions permit, we’ll be live-blogging during the journey, using Jasmine’s new smartphone.

Those of you who attended our Benefit Event last weekend (thanks a million, by the way!) may have heard us speaking about the “Moo Challenge.”

It’s a simple as this.  We’re going to use the next week to secure as many “moos” (water buffaloes) for the people of Nepal as we can. For each $250 donation (or two $125 “half-moo” donations), we can provide one more “moo” to a family.  This animal provides enough milk for four families.  Each family that receives a moo can nourish itself and also sell surplus milk to other families, providing a sustainiable microloan.  In short, it’s a win-win situation.

In addition to working on a banana plantation, providing these water buffaloes is a way to provide immediate economic benefits to some of the world’s poorest residents.  Sustainable, natural resources provide a means of participation in the economy, leading to empowerment and dignity.  It’s gain for all of us.

Please consider taking part in the challenge this week.  It’s our final week before we head out.  Already, several remarkable individuals have risen to the Moo Challenge.  To maintain privacy, we won’t publish names, but to those who have already stepped up, we salute and thank you!

You can give a moo (or whatever you’re comfortable giving) right now at our donations page.  Peace!

Those of you who have heard me ramble about our upcoming trip have undoubtedly heard an earful about the technology portion of what we’ll be doing.  I can’t hide it – I’m pretty excited!

We’ll be bringing at least two or three older laptops with us, loaded with software suitable for training and educating young children from ages 5 – 10.  The primary purpose of this effort is to 1) get technology into the hands of people who otherwise may never see it, and 2) use the technology to teach more efficiently and effectively than we otherwise could.

To that end, we’ll also be training the teachers.  Part of this exercise will involve building a primitive weather station outside the Grace School that can measure temperature, rainfall, and humidity.  We’ll then create a spreadsheet that teachers can use to update the daily minimum temp, maximum temp, and other weather “vitals” – the goal of which is to provide a tangible and practical use of information technology.  Charts and graphs of weather stats can then be created and used to demonstrate the value of storing all those bits and bytes.  ”Let’s look at the trend.”  It’s uncertain if the next Al Roker will emerge from Tikapur, but we certainly will be organizing information!

On the topic of computer software: we can most certainly use any modern (meaning, post Windows 95/98 era) software with educational or entertainment value.  My plan is to create a very basic software image consisting of open-source tools combined with commercially-available games/educational titles that can be used interchangably on machines of varying power and speed.

How can you make a difference?  Most certainly, if you have 

• a Windows-based laptop with power supply (a good battery isn’t a must, but the power supply is.)
• educational software (think Encarta, BodyWorks, learning games suitable for grades preK – 3)
• technology teaching ideas

we can use them most certainly right now, right away.

That old laptop you have in your home office or in the attic (yeah, that one) that runs Windows 2000 or XP, that was good back in the day but just wasn’t fast enough for the newest PowerPoint, could be used immediately in Nepal.  I’ll bring over as many as I can pack.

Please… drop me a line if you have any ideas or donations.  We’ll make good use of them.