The Muna Mission
Life is inevitable. The ever first Muna Mission that tagged along with 6 Singing Muna students, has to call a halt a day before the initial mission. A catastrophic flood, the likes of which Nepal had not witnessed in over half a century, struck with sudden, catching the nation unprepared and leaving devastation in its wake.
We had nearly set aside Mission 2024, as the allocated budget had already been exhausted in October to support victims of the unforeseen flood disaster in Nepal. Yet, despite the added burden of making a second, more costly journey, we pressed on with our commitment — determined to visit and deliver school bags to the school we had promised. At last, the students, who had long prepared for this moment, performed with heartfelt joy for the guests they had eagerly awaited for so long.
For the second year, we move forward to help more students. We expand the beneficiary to 60 students from Shikhapur Village. It is heartbreaking to look back on the once-scenic journey along the BP Highway from Kathmandu, where golden fields of wheat stretched endlessly on either side. That serene beauty now stands in stark contrast to the devastation wrought by the 2024 Nepal flood, which swept away the highway, countless homes, and the fertile farmland that once flourished there.
Learning is important, but imagination is MORE. The first year of Muna Mission, we encounter "hiccups" on the way to rural area. It took us more than 22 hours to reach destination due to the unexpected road construction. Palden foundation members end up sleep overnight at transit spot to move on the journey via alternative route.