Bring What Others Need

I wished I had brought pens and pencils when I first went to Nepal in 1998. It was the height of the initial “dot com boom” – at least in the parts of the world where I was doing business (US, Japan, Australia).  But many of the kids we met in the Himalayas greeted us by saying, “Namaste, can I have a pen?”  Village schools didn’t have enough pens and pencils.  And I didn’t know to bring them.  It was frustrating especially to think about all of the extra supplies we all have sitting around and the ease with which we can run to Staples for more.

My friend Doug who was on that trip recently recalled kids playing soccer with balls made from crumpled paper and tape.  There were few proper balls or many were deflated because they didn’t have a working air pump.

Some of the simple items we take for granted here are coveted in remote parts of the world like the Himalayas. Yet, many people seemed “happy” with meager material possessions. They seemed to have a deep appreciation for nature and each other, which they relied upon for survival. It made me realize both how lucky I am and how little I really “need.”

So, as I head back to the Himalayas in 48 hours, I’m bringing lots of pens, pencils and other supplies to hand out.  My client 24 Seven provided some pens and Doug donated a bunch of balls, pumps and school supplies.

My daughter helped me pack these into an extra duffle last night and wondered what else the kids in Nepal might want.  Barbie dolls?  We thought about it. While some children would surely enjoy playing with a Barbie, we want to be sensitive to the culture in Nepal.  The materialism and potential jealousy represented by such an item just doesn’t feel right.

So this time I’ll reply to the kid’s request with a warm, “Namaste. Yes, here you go.”