Sabailai Jaimasee!

The time has come to let you all know what has been happening the past month. First, I want to thank you all for staying connected. Its great getting emails here and there with words of encouragement. Second, its been a busy month for Tiny Hands.

So, I know in my last post, I mentioned that I plan on seeing the needs in order to be the most effective. That idea sort of was put on the back burner. John, Tiny Hands President, has been thinking about creating a book club for all of our children's homes. Nepali children struggle to get the right child development so they tend to be behind as they grow up. one example is critical thinking; of course there are those who are above many, but those are a rare commodity. Getting in the habit of reading can change ones life. So this what we have been doing! there are different levels for each of the children, but of course they need to test into the level in order to begin. Now, it is difficult to get children to read books because from experience growing up, it is no fun to read just to read. There needs to be some sort of incentive. That is exactly what we are doing with our children. As they complete different levels, they will be able to earn fake money. We have also constructed a prize catalog so that when the children earn money, they can spend it on a prize of their choice based on their budget. The types of prizes we have are coloring books, puzzles, building blocks, guitar, keyboard, soccer ball, cricket set, bad minton, arts and crafts, etc. It may take some time to really allow this project to catch fire, but it was a well worth project.

Now, we are working on another project. This project will be more of a long term project. It is in the realm of border monitoring and human trafficking. This project entails research then traveling. I will be working with 4 other staff members (Nepali) which will be nice. Since it has just been introduced, there is not much to report on it.

I also mention that I was taking Nepali language courses this month. Indeed I have been and they have been going well. It still blows my mind that there are many in the world who can speak multiple languages. My teacher is very good at teaching. I usually spend about 5-7 hours a week. I have been taking course for all most a month now.

Well, that is it for now. If you have any question, comments, thoughts, etc. just email me. I thank you again for your support. Again, please email me updates where you are. It is always nice to hear news from friends and family. until next time...peace be with you.

hands, feet, words, attitude...

rhoman goyenechea