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Adirondack Lifestyle ™: May 3, 2009

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Instant Karma from the Adirondacks to Nepal

One of the comments I frequently hear from those curious about life in the Adirondacks involves the perception that our remote location is isolating and cuts us off from the rest of the world. I am here to tell you that couldn't be further from the truth. It was back in the day of horse and wagon when the Adirondacks earned the remote and inhospitable reputation. These days find you'll find Adirondackers taking the broadband-bandwagon all over the world.
A case in point is my friend, Elizabeth, a nurse educator who spent a month in Nepal helping children at an orphanage. This recent article in the Plattsburgh Press Republican tells part of her story. What it does not mention is how Elizabeth lived in the hovel of a local Nepalese family and slept on a camp mat in a sleeping bag for the duration of her work. It didn't mention that she brought the largest duffel bag allowed by the airlines filled with donated medicine, children's clothes, and personal hygiene supplies along with her to Nepal. She ate what little her host family had and worked long days at the orphanage. Elizabeth said it was the thing to do for a number of reasons, such as, she was able to help people who needed her help, and she immersed herself completely in another culture, which is an incredible learning experience. I suppose it is obvious I am proud to call Elizabeth my friend. I still marvel, however, that she learned of this volunteer opportunity and arranged all the details online, while tucked away in the remote Adirondack mountains. She found the coordinating organization, Global Volunteer Network, on the web, where she also made the travel and numerous additional arrangements necessary for an endeavor of this nature. Obviously, it is now easier than ever to get some good karma and enjoy this awesome Adirondack Lifestyle.