Dr. Christine Schutz Arrives in Kathmandu

Sep 30

“Upon my arrival in Kathmandu, it was time to hit the ground running. I began by meeting with Bhuvaneshwori Satyal Foundation (BSF) Executive Director Leena Satyal to go over the scheduling for the week before the sponsors arrive. BSF has to coordinate many children coming from different schools to meet with me, so scheduling is very important! We also discussed recent changes and developments BSF have faced as an organization and met with their office staff. BSF has been actively scoping out a location for the second Contact Center and they are making great progress.

This whole week was devoted to shopping for the annual Holiday Bazaar, that will take place in St. Louis on December 2 and 3, 2023, as well as meeting with all 98 Mitrata children for photos and videos and giving out the sponsor packets. First on the list were the 11/12 grade children.

Finding a location in the office where there is ample light and good sound is a challenge. Construction was going on next door, and then of course there are the neighborhood dogs! Both of which are extremely common in Nepal, and make lovely background sound for the videos! While the children waited, they enjoyed lunch of momos (dumplings) and pizza. As I met with each child, we discussed how they are doing in school and in life.

The evening was rounded out with a chaotic and raucous dinner at Mike’s Restaurant with 23 alumni from the Mitrata-BSF programs. It is the first time many of them have seen each other in awhile, as they are grown up and living their lives. They have all been good friends, and practically family for many years, so there are a lot of hugs and excitement when they are able to meet! The evening was filled with much lively discussion, joking, and laughter.

*Raj ordered a sizzling meat dish but before he could eat it, everyone jumped in and grabbed some of it.*
*He was left with the cabbage leaves!*

For me, a real highlight of the dinner was the ‘Mitrata grandchildren’. As the Mitrata graduates marry and begin families of their own, I am given the privilege of being a hajurama (grandma) to their many wonderful children!