Sharron McAllister’s blog
I was desperate to get involved in Who Cares? Scotland’s ‘Reaching Higher’ project from the minute I heard about it. Thanks to Lynne and Grant I got a Yes!
I had been fortunate enough to visit Nepal twice before. I knew it was a wonderful place where the people were friendly, unassuming and happy. The culture, poverty and deprivation definitely tested me and always will! When I am there I soon see beyond that and can’t help but feel lucky to be there. It really does challenge my perspective about life. I knew that our young people in care often get a raw deal and as a result they don’t get the same life opportunities as others who are not in their predicament. I wanted to be part of something that could change this. I thought it would and I was not disappointed!!
From arriving at the Who Cares? Scotland office the night we left for Nepal I could feel a buzz about the place and was so excited!! My sister was with me and I was really proud that she could see that I was part of such a great thing. I always knew Who Cares? Scotland was special and she told me she recognised that as she left and went home, as I SET OFF FOR NEPAL! It was good for both of us!!
Before I knew it we were on the bus and had such a great send off!! I felt our group bonded really quickly and the sense of anticipation (even through our travelling) seemed to build the closer we got to Nepal, and the ‘actual’ trek. I think the trek was probably the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done. However, the people, laughter, conversations, views, and the realisation of Nepalese life in contrast to our own, that we all experienced, made it all worthwhile. I set out to achieve a goal of contributing to, and witnessing, young people being challenged and using this to build their own strengths, goals and aspirations in life. I am so proud to say that they all did this and much more. Thanks to all of you for being so resilient by facing and conquering so many challenges, and wanting more… I loved getting to know you all and watching you grow every day! You helped me achieve a personal goal so thanks again!
What I didn’t think about was the supporting adults that I would share this experience with. I am really glad to have met such great people and I believe we will remain firm friends and be able to call on each other. I think this kind of journey tends to do that. Thank you to everyone. I had a ball!!! You are all still very much in my thoughts and I look forward to seeing you all again. I feel that future projects are inevitable but I do take heed, Beshtari Beshtari (thanks Jeff and Angus…. much needed in our culture, daily life and aspirations)
My high points:
* Being part of such a great group.
* Doing the optional high point on the trek even although I felt that my legs weren’t mine. The views and the people were amazing!!
* Our trekking song, Resham Firi. I still listen to it all the time, thanks for the gift Janice.
* The poem Never Give Up as that is exactly what we had to tell ourselves every day. Thanks to Mahesh for introducing this to us and thanks to Lynne for the gift she gave me that has the poem. I have now got it proudly displayed in my living rooom.
* The inquisitiveness, happiness and resilience of the sherpas / porters and the Nepalese people we met on our journey.
* Mananging to visit the school I worked in in Bouddha 2004 / 2006 and seeing some of the children again.
* Namaste and bye bye, bye bye, from all the school children we were lucky to meet.
* Bouddha Stup at night. It is my favourite and most tranquil place in the world. Always helps me put things in perspective and be grateful for what I have in my life.
* Watching the Gulf Air blankets multiply – we learned that waiting around Bahrain on the way out was hard work but thanks to the Gulf Air flight out of Kathmandu we all managed to borrow a blanket and get a kip in the executive lounge on the way home.
* Getting back home to my family and friends and realising I can do more for children and young people in Scotland and in Nepal to have better opportunities in life.
My low points:
* The reality of Nepal.
* Swearing at Wullie (ha ha – sorry, Wullie, I luv u!! – it was a low point, you’ll know what I mean if I say it was reflective of the difficulties that the trek threw at us, eh?)
* Missing Michael and Geraldine.
One Comment to “Sharron McAllister’s blog”
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Hi Sharron, I was on trip 2 & can relate to everything you said, although you’ve done a far better job of articulating it than me – it’s really hard trying to find the words to do it justice isn’t it!
I still miss our young people & their cheeky banter, and the chats + laughs us pensioners (anyone over the age of 21 according to our YP!!) had together.. there’s definitely something about going to the loo in a toilet tent that bonds people together! Mx