Reflections on the Past Year as a Mitrata Employee
“As we enter 2023, I am also entering my eighth month as a Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children employee. These past eight months have been a whirlwind of meetings, events, trips, and more! When I first joined Mitrata in April, the world was still relatively shut down. Events were still virtual, international travel was questionable, and most plans for the future floated in the realm of uncertainty.
My first interactions with Christine, the Board, and many of the friends of Mitrata took place over Zoom. My first Trivia Night was virtual, as was Miles for Mitrata Kids, as well as most of our Operations Team meetings. As the Communications and Development Coordinator, I even had the pleasure of writing blogs and emails about people I had never had the chance to meet. Although all those events and introductions were wonderful, I was ecstatic when the 20th Anniversary Party finally rolled around and I was able to meet -in-person- the individuals I had heard so much about.
Mitrata would not exist without the people in the United States who faithfully support the mission, nor could it function without the amazing BSF staff and the children in Nepal. Although I already fully believed in the mission of Mitrata, I knew all of my work would be lacking if I never met those individuals or experienced life in Nepal firsthand. That is why, despite the uncertainty of all travel, especially international travel, I still purchased a plane ticket to Nepal. If there was a Mitrata Sponsor Trip going, I was set on being there too. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Don’t get me wrong, the trip was not all sunshine and rainbows. Forty hours of travel time both ways, acclimating to a new timezone, and a poor wifi connection that made work very difficult were just a few of the obstacles I faced on this trip. But in my opinion, the pros far outweighed the cons.
Trekking in Nepal is absolutely gorgeous, and so worth it!
Trekking in Nepal also includes a LOT of stairs.
While in Nepal I was able to experience an entirely new culture, eat delicious food, go trekking in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayan mountains, and -best of all- spend time with the children who are the sole reason Mitrata even exists. From various dinners, to Graduation, to the Kathmandu Fun Park, there was never a dull moment when spending time with our sponsored children.
Today, I would like to say thank you. Thank you to Mitrata for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to the Board and various Committees for supporting me as I learned the ropes. Thank you to the friends of Mitrata for your unwavering support. I have seen with my own eyes the difference this makes. It was wonderful to meet so many of you at the 20th Anniversary Party and Holiday Bazaar. I can’t wait to meet even more of you at the April 15th, 2023 Trivia Night!
May 2023 be a year of love, joy, and growth for all in our Mitrata family.
- Anna Wertman
Communications and Development Coordinator
