Spirit in the Room PART 3

by William Aura

(Continued from: 'Spirit in the Room: Part 2')

Hari is exited to show us the progress on the new music rooms recently rented by the foundation. This will most certainly allow him the ability to expand his student base. With a great sense of pride he takes us upstairs to show us his new working space. Hari is profoundly grateful for this opportunity. He has previously been quite limited with what he can do in the cramped quarters that primarily serves as a drum-making studio and music shop. There are times where I can hardly find a place to stand. Expanding his space is opening his mind in a new and dramatic way. I can see the twinkle in his eye as he again expresses a deep gratitude to PFCF for this marvelous gift. We also make arrangements to order ten new instruments for his students. The melodica, also known as the ‘blow-organ’ or ‘key-flute’, is a free-reed instrument similar to a harmonica. It has a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. These kids would never be able to afford one of these without our support. They will without a doubt be warmly received.

Bhuban sings softly to himself as he makes a madal drum. He seems to be drifting in and out of another realm. To craft such a thing of beauty requires a movement that has almost a dance-like quality to it. Hari rescued this orphan from a local village and is giving him an opportunity to learn, as well a place to call home. He is a fine boy, gentle in word and full of respect. Hari has made a big difference in this young man’s life. I would venture to say he has saved this child from a lifetime of suffering. And because of the support received from kind folks like you, PFCF will be able to help Hari expand this good nature. What else is all this about my friends? Plans are made to present the PFC movie later in the week to all the students. They have no idea what they are about to experience, but they get something is up. Hari gets back to work preparing the new music rooms and we say our goodbyes.

My favorite poached egg and papaya lassi is served at Café de Patan. We are there to meet with Ishor’s cousin and nurse student Rehena. I am on a mission to find a woman to join our team. We desperately need a female perspective in all of this. In the past, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of Rashmi Adhikari joining us on these trips to the village. She is currently studying in far away London. Her family and myself are all so very proud of her accomplishments. (Again I must thank Linda Myers for her numerous years of sponsorship by supporting her education.) But boy do we miss her now. She was instrumental in communicating directly with the girls regarding health and hygienic issues that are so desperately needed in these remote villages. She also did a magnificent job in teaching of the dangers of trafficking to these at-risk girls. This is not men’s work directly. We can be supportive behind the scenes of course but direct communication with young village girls about these critical issues are best suited for a woman.

25-year-old Rehena and her brother arrive and our meeting commences. She seems happy to meet me. Ishor has shared stories about our trips to the village over the years at family gatherings and in the back of her mind she has always wanted to make a connection. So here we are. Previously over the phone Ishor discussed our current goals and invited Rehena to join our crew. Unfortunately she immediately informs me that she will not be able to come. My heart sinks. She seems perfect. Rehena speaks English well, is studying to be a nurse, and on fire to make a difference for her people. Yesterday when she sought permission from her professor, it was determined ten days were too long for her to be away from her studies. She and her brother plan to join us next year.

It’s then I learned that Rehena and her brother have never been seriously out into the countryside of Nepal. Yes it’s true. Many young people born in Kathmandu rarely get out to experience their diverse homeland. The effort it takes to excel in school is all encompassing. The modern convenience of electricity, social media and so on keeps them in the Kathmandu valley. I properly warn them this will be no holiday. The work will be hard, the land will be hot and unforgiving, and oh by the way - there are the snakes. Squeamish faces are now before me, but its best to make this clear in advance so there are few surprises. It does seem strange to have this foreigner inviting a native to discover Nepal’s remote regions, but I have been here before and it is indeed a pleasure. No question that if she joins our team next year, this decision will forever affect their lives.

My iPod is pulled out and headphones untangled. The PFCF produced video featuring Devi Karki and the Mother’s Society is loaded. I just love watching people’s facial expression as our story unfolds right before them. Rehena’s eyes are glued to the screen. She listens intently to Devi, Rashmi and friends articulate the struggles facing young girls in the eastern regions of the Terai. I don't care how many times I discuss the issue of trafficking here, it nearly always moistens my eyes. Its heartbreaking stuff to deal with once you become keenly aware of the magnitude of the suffering and injustice. But it’s also comforting to know it takes little effort to educate and forewarn. That is what we are all about. When the presentation is completed, the headphones are slowly taking off and there is a deafening silence. Lost in thought for a moment Rehena looks up and quietly states, “We absolutely must go and help. On behalf of the people of Nepal I thank you and Playing For Change for your service to our county.” She was visibly moved. The glowing face said it all.

Follow Aura's journey from the beginning
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