It’s January 4, 2025. Two flights, two departure airports, one destination: Kathmandu. While I set off from Hamburg, Yeshi – or Hishsi, as she is known in Nepal – begins her journey from Cyprus. This trip marks not just the start of a new year but also the beginning of a shared adventure, one that promises to answer as many questions as it raises.
Why Nepal? Why now? The answers are as personal as they are universal. For Yeshi, this is a step back to her homeland, but more importantly, it’s a step forward. After months working as a domestic helper in Cyprus, she has found the courage to reclaim her dreams. Her goals are clear: earning the school diploma that was long denied to her due to a tangled web of false identity, and pursuing formal training as an educator. She envisions a life of independence and freedom, one that celebrates her strengths rather than being defined by others.
For me, this journey is a return to the roots of my connection with Nepal, a bond that began over a decade ago when I first met Yeshi at a monastery school in Pharping. Since then, I have witnessed her struggles and triumphs and have supported her as best as I could. Nepal is more than a destination for me; it’s an encounter with a culture that feels both distant and deeply resonant. It’s a chance to learn, to give, and perhaps even to heal – for both of us.
But this trip is more than a geographic journey; it’s an inner voyage. We are both facing challenges that deeply affect our lives. Yeshi must navigate the consequences of her past: the uncertainties caused by her unclear identity and the experiences of being a Dalit in a society that often discriminates against her. I, on the other hand, am grappling with transitioning into a phase of life where I seek new meaning and purpose, far from the routine of my professional career.
Together, we aim to tackle the personal and professional obstacles that have held us back. Yeshi is fighting to realize her professional dreams, to work again as a Montessori teacher, and to break free from societal expectations. I want to support her in fully exploring her potential while redefining my own goals and values.
This journey is our shared effort to overcome the barriers to our dreams – with courage, trust, and the belief that a new chapter is always possible.
In this blog, I will share our experiences: the challenges we face, the people who inspire us, and the moments when we realize that every journey is not just about the destination but also about the path.
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