What is a Nepali prison like? I am learning that the one nearby is overcrowded, has poor hygiene and poor quality food.
In addition, Kathmandu valley is hot and full of smog at the moment. This is a view from our roof.
Some prison inmates are innocent, some asked to take the blame for others, many have traumatic stories and very sad situations. Three blocks house 1,400 men who sleep on mats on the floor. Of these around 300 receive medication for mental health issues. There is very little funding to give any counselling support for those who suffer in this way. I suddenly have the role of supervising counsellors who suddenly have the role of counselling male prisoners. We’ve formed a supervision group we call Naya Dhoka (New Door) Working in this area is a steep learning curve for us. (fortunately I can consult a UK supervisor who has experience of working in prisons)
In contrast, this is an old door. 4,000 metres up in the Himalayas.
I had the privilege to go trekking here with a friend recently. The remote mountain areas were full of space and light and clean fresh air. It often felt as if we were characters from a story like The Lord of the Rings – Arriving at this monastery in the late afternoon sun where we were to spend the night.
We met people on the paths like this 89 year old lady and this young mum cooking for roadbuilders in the open air.
An unforgettable Easter morning.
Trekking is always a huge challenge, cold and basic but amazing and definitely worth it.
nepaljennyji 