Dreams are funny things. Sometimes they are soft like whispers and you can choose to ignore them.
Sometimes dreams come like fierce, howling winds, blowing open windows and rattling doors.
Learning House was the latter.
Had I known that when I came to Nepal nearly seven years ago my life’s course was going to completely change, maybe I wouldn’t have come.
But I did, and me being me, I started asking questions. Then I watched. And Nepal being Nepal brought me endless cups of tea and conversations and obstacles and problems to solve.
I fell in love, and I knew I couldn’t leave.
That blustering wind carried me as Learning House came into existence, and I see those same gusts sweeping students inside the door as they come with dreams of their own: To learn English, to find community, to meet an encouraging smile, to provide for their families, to start something of their own.
Every time I think I’m done, that I’ve had enough, that I miss New York or Colorado or my home, that wind comes back, bowling me over and reminding me how much more work there is to be done and why we started in the first place.
When we first dreamed of Learning House, we knew what we wanted to create: An energetic space where people of all backgrounds could gather and learn and exchange conversations and hearty laughs over coffee.
That happened. As I write this, the hiss of milk frothed in the kitchen competes with the sound of belly laughter erupting from the downstairs community lounge.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I am confident that the same community that has help dictate what Learning House has become will steer the ship with those same winds of ambition and dreams; the right course will be charted.
I sure am thankful to those who have supported me personally, and also my team. Constantly creating and giving while staying energetic and positive isn’t always easy; sometimes I fail miserably.
But then there is that wind. Whipping me away, yet again, with a new idea, a new concept, a new dream.
In this moment, with the celebration of Learning House and all those who have participated in their own unique way, I am filled with gratitude, joy, and pride. Thank you.
Ngawang, none of this would have been possible without you.
Michelle