summer update
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:32AM 
The beautiful bride and groom!I love the summer and I've been soaking it up over here these past two weeks being home. I miss the children and my life at Kopila tremendously but I have to say being here in the U.S. has felt like quite the luxury and has been incredibly restorative for me. This past weekend my best friend Hannah got married in Ithaca, New York. It was a beautiful wedding with the most beautiful people. It was a wonderful gift to be able to be there for her special day and spend time with her amazing friends, family and Hannah’s new husband Adam! Having my first young friend get married up there at the alter definitely threw me for a little bit of a loop and I couldn't help but cry seeing her walk down the aisle. It feels like just yesterday we were 18 and setting off on our very first adventure in the South Pacific with our backpacks. We hit it off immediately in the airport in L.A. and have been close ever since. We've meditated in a Buddhist monastery together, lived in remote sea villages, scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef, and travelled on camels, trains, and rickshaws all across India. Hannah has been such a huge part of my journey to Nepal and was really the sole reason for us deciding to volunteer in India in the first place. She has been a huge support throughout my entire journey and a dear, dear friend and I'm so thrilled to have her in my life. Congrats to Hannah and Adam!
As for life back at Kopila Valley, things seem really good and surprisingly calm. Maybe it's the monsoon coming in or maybe it's just because I'm so far away but Tope sends me picture updates of the kids (especially Namraj) and the entire team seems on board and on top of things right now. I feel lucky to be able to have such peace of mind and know that children are in good hands with their aunties, uncles, teachers and new principal. Our good friend and past volunteer Lisa (from Texas) went over for the month to help us out as well. We'll have a guest blog post coming right up from her very shortly. I think it will include a story about Bishal dancing naked in the rain. It's monsoon season and it sounds like the Kopila kids have a little bit of cabin fever.
That's all for now! Thanks for checking in and Happy Summer!
After Hannah graduated from Cornell, she came straight to Kopila to help open the school.
Reader Comments (8)
congrats and love to hannah and adam! Looks like one fun party! :)
Maggie - probably the best course for you is going to be scheduled times to recharge close to your folks. The fact that you say "being home" says a lot. The fact that life goes on in Kopila during these times says how well it operates. Christine from Seattle
"Bishal,
STOP! Don't get hurt!" I wonder if he remembers me teaching him to say that each time he found himself headed for trouble?
Seriously, Maggie, think about what a wonderful worldwide organization you have built that runs so well as you catch your breath.
I agree with Christine and Uncle Eds comments.
Maggie, Its nice to see you enjoying yourself.
The dedication and commitment you have for Kopila Valley is admirable but a break from the stress is what you need. Take advantage of it and eat some good food, enjoy some great friends and give yourself some much needed stressless time to relax.
I am so happy to hear that Kopila Valley is managing well without you... which shows you are running things well.
Enjoy the rest of your vacation in the states.
Is that a Moroccan/Tunisian/Yemeni Jewish wedding?
Maggie,
I live in Ithaca! If I had been in town myself I would've LOVED to be able to say hello!! :)))
It seems fateful that someday we might meet! I've had lunch with Kath March, had coffee and waterfall and chat sessions with Megan and am just in LOVE with Kopila! Again, maybe someday I can help with a music program there!! Glad you enjoyed Ithaca! Have fun in the rest of your time off! :) Well deserved!
Just came to your site while surfing the web. Amazing... on what you have done and what you continue to do.
Are you still around in NJ? If so, would you have time for a quick chat?
Just reading this now...thanks Mags!! I feel so blessed that you could be there! I totally remember that first day in LAX and the way we became inseparable from then on...you have influenced my life in so many ways!
Sylvia- it's an Egyptian/American wedding:)