Project: PenPals From the USA to Nepal

Traditional Communications, hand written letters from across the nations. Children learning languages and conversing with another culture. Learning to write, at the same time, learning English and Nepali.

Perhaps in due time, computers will be a factor for the communications between these children. Learning to understand a disability and overcome the challenge is something even our children need to understand. We all make a difference... making new friends around the world.

Dear All,

The past six months there have been times when I've been unable to fall asleep, or I awaken in the middle of the night with my thoughts occupied by plans, dreams and visions of bridging cultures and improving lives of children in two countries that are physically so far apart - Nepal and the United States. Our Pen Pal project had it's first classroom session this past Friday morning at Eastgate Elementary School here in Bellevue with two classes of children- fourth and fifth grade, aged 10 & 11. They watched, with rapt attention the video that I put together about the Disabled Center and the orphan home. Their eyes showed their interest, their concern and their caring. The questions that sprang from them during and after the short presentation warmed my heart-- "How can we help?", "Can we send school supplies to the kids in Nepal?" " Can we send books, clothes, toys?", "Can we raise funds to help?", "Can I have the address of my pen pal so I can send him more letters that I'll write from home?".

The kids proceeded to write their first letter to their new friends in Nepal. They began by learning their first Nepali word, "Namaste", the traditional greeting. I wrote the word in Nepali script on the board and they each copied, as best they could the Nepali letters on their paper, right after, "Dear Pen-Pal Friend...". I also showed them how to bring their hands together below their chin in the respectful and reverent manner when saying namaste. The children were extremely fascinated to learn these new concepts.

To have my dreams exceeded was indeed a special moment. I wish all of you could be there, but knowing that you are going to be a part of something life-changing and life-affirming should give momentum to your efforts.

Special thanks to volunteers Bobbie Izuo and Gina, who helped the kids with their letters.

As we left the school, several kids came running up to me and asked, "Hey, Rob....when are you coming back?". I told them in a couple of weeks, and before they ran off, they surprised me by saying, "Namaste" and putting their hands together in the traditional Nepali way. Truly, this is going to be a special experience for everyone involved.

Sincerely, -Rob Rose The Rose International Fund for Children /Bellevue Rotary Club.

-A very excited pen-pal