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Witnessing the End of a Life and My Reflections on Death What is our life but this dance of transient forms? This week I had the unique experience of witnessing a funeral at the monastery. I had the privilege of being present for all three days of the ceremony and the cremation. This gave me an incredible opportunity to learn about an important part of Buddhism and for deep reflection on my personal beliefs, fears, and perceptions surrounding death. I have separated this blo

The day I was planning to go to a Sherpa wedding in the village across the valley I woke up and immediately knew something was wrong. My stomach was seizing in pain and I had to run to the bathroom and throw up. I was supposed to meet Wangden in Chulamu village, about an hour hike down the mountain from the monastery. He had told me to text him when I left the monastery and he would come meet me for the last section of the hike so I didn't get lost. Unfortunately, the night b

My first day of teaching was quite disorganized. Yesterday (Monday) the boys were busy cleaning out their classrooms since they hadn’t been used in a long time. We did lots of drawing and a few informal lessons but today was the first day of classes. However, all of the teachers, Khenpo, and the older boys were cleaning out the monastery and preparing for Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s birthday festival this Friday). I was not told this but after eating breakfast together, Tulku to

This blog post contains a lot of photos and videos, please scroll all the way to the bottom to make sure you see them all! April 24th This is a unique week at the monastery as most of the boys are away at a mantra program in Salleri and the classes have not yet resumed since they just got back from their winter vacations. There are only about 20 boys here right now – the youngest ones who aren’t old enough to sit for the mantras and the most senior students who are needed at

A Very Big Shopping Trip -- Arriving in Kathmandu and Purchasing Supplies for the Monastery I remember the first time I drove through the busy streets of Kathmandu when I first arrived last fall. It was all so foreign, so busy, and so disorienting. I was filled with the excitement of the unknown and was surprised at each new thing. The drive I did this morning, though we passed all the same places, felt entirely different. As we made our way through the city we passed places

After nearly one month in Cape Town I have countless stories that I haven't yet had the time to write about. It has been absolutly incredible and lifechanging -- I have gone on so many adventures, met wonderful friends, and am working in the most incredible internship ever. I will continue to delve into the stories in the weeks progress and when I find time to write at home, but for now here are a few of the highlights and some pictures to acompany them! Standing next to the

Writing about the week I spent at the Taksindu Monastery participating in the annual community medical clinic is difficult because everything from the people, the place, the energy, the work, and the joy comes together to form the most beautiful and unique moment in time that is hard to describe. Out of the 21 incredible weeks I have spent traveling so far in this gap year, this one was the most transformational, memorable, and closest to my heart. During this experience I m

After leaving Nepal I spent two weeks with my parents traveling around Thailand. During this time we visited the city of Chiang Mai, rode scooters around the countryside of Chiang Dao, and explored the Southern island of Koh Lanta (with a lot of rain). When we left the island my parents headed back to the states and I flew back up North for my next adventure. After leaving the bustling city of Chiang Mai I arrived in the hills of Huay Pakkoot village, a Karen/Pakinyaw communi

Teaching the women in the GVI projects and running the "conversation club" for the local children. Celebrating the festival Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, with out local team here. My (very rainy) adventure in Chitwan National Park. Sunrise and sunset views from the roof of my hotel. Beautiful Pokhara and Mount Fishtail! Fun activities in Pokhara! Paragliding! One of the most fun experiences I've ever had.

Grappling with Expectations and Plenty of Rain At the end of the festival two weeks ago, I took a trip to Chiwan National Park for the...

September 29 On my first day of teaching I wore white pants and a pink shirt. When I entered my classroom I realized I had managed to...

The view of Mt. Fishtail from my hotel room It has been five days since I arrived in Nepal and in that short period of time it climbed...

These experiences I had are ones I will treasure and remember forever. But no matter how incredible, memories fade and detailed pictures...

A. avicularia Abundance and Behavior on Attalea phalerata Palms in Relation to Artificial Light Proximity at Kawsay Biological...

Scarlet macaws in the Tambopata National Reserve During my last week of the trip I had an incredible adventure into the Tambopata...

As my time in the jungle comes close to an end, there are some memories that stand out from the rest. These incredible experiences are...

Some of the most beautiful moments in the jungle are those where its fragility and wildness reveals itself. Two of those such moments for...

Reintroduced black spider monkey at the Kawsay Biological Station (named Yaku) Hunting has long been an issue for the animals in this...

Saying goodbye to Victor on my last night Leaving Cusco there are so many things, people, experiences, and memories I am grateful for....

My first night in the jungle was wild, as I’m sure you can imagine. I am living in a bungalow with three other girls and there are about...