YOLO Journal Issue 12 - Flipbook - Page 81
worked with the emissary to organize
the logistics had intentionally diverted us
to this monastery in great need of help—
a cosmic nudge of sorts.
Four years after our first trip, we
returned to Bhutan. Although this time
we knew what to expect from the trek,
it was as breathtaking as seeing it for the
first time. As we approached Sewala,
horns blasted and we were welcomed by
a new school principal. It was wonderful
to see many familiar faces, now older,
and new ones, too. With more roof over
their heads, the school had increased
their enrollment. Our project turned out
to be a catalyst for other improvements:
the government eventually rebuilt parts
of the monastery, including the beautiful
shrine room. UNICEF has since built
proper bathrooms. In 2012, we raised
more funds to install a water system so
the boys wouldn’t have to miss class to
fetch water in the forest. The monastery
has continued to expand in size and
population as resources grow; we are
now building a new dining hall.
Over time, we have become involved
in other projects in Bhutan as well.
Recently, we traveled with advisory
members of the Bhutan Foundation to
a village in the country’s far east, near
the northeastern Himalayas of India
called Merak, home to a matriarchal
society of yak herders. Historically,
the women were known to have more
than one husband. On our first night,
we participated in a memorable ritual
in which each household brews their
own form of intense grain alcohol. You
drink it as they kick and pinch you to
drive out any demons coming into
their town! We’ve also been working
with the Foundation to renovate the
Wangduechhoeling Palace, the former
home of the first and second monarchs.
The meticulous restoration includes
traditional hand-painting with organic
pigments. It is due to open in May 2023
as a cultural institute and museum.
Today, Sewala Shedra is like home
to us. The monks are family—maybe
even our karmic family. We sit together
for morning and evening prayers as they
chant and play their musical instruments.
Over the years, we have brought many
photos of friends and loved ones who’ve
been ill or going through difficulties. The
monks do prayer work and healing for
the people we cherish. Now that the
monastery has running water, they make
baths by placing hot stones that they’ve
been burning all day, along with fresh
herbs and leaves, into a deep wooden
trough. It is very medicinal, but to us
it also feels like an act of love. We will
forever be grateful to the prescient lama
who nudged us on our way to the wrong
place at the top of the mountain.
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