This week I had the absolute pleasure to participate in a week long training for the Advocacy Project Peace Fellowship. My decision to participate in this fellowship was influenced by reading the blogs of former fellows who did nothing but laud and praised how much they had learned from their projects and how participating in this fellowship had ultimately changed their lives. I knew this fellowship would present exciting challenges that would push me to the limit and I am hoping that I will survive its rigorous agenda by the end of the program.

I am leaving on June 3^rd for Surkhet, Nepal to work with an organization called Women’s Reproductive Rights Program (WRRP). WRRP seeks to address the root cause of uterine prolapse by educating women on the issue. This summer, my goal is to empower Nepali girls by teaching them about child marriage and menstrual hygiene. Before arriving to the training, I spoke to my host organization and I am very excited to be joining a passionate team who are making a difference in the lives of marginalized women in rural Nepal.

Reception with the Ambassador of Lichtenstein, a long- time supporter of AP

My two major goals, which I hope to achieve from this fellowship, are to spread awareness of child marriage and become a storyteller; listening and sharing that which others hold as precious. Here the challenge lies with developing a plan conceived in another country, plopped in the middle of community with virtually no language skills. At this point, I am constantly setting small and big goals for myself but find myself thinking “Wow that is a great goal but how much will I actually be able to do”? With the unexpected challenges of the program and the limited timeline, would I truly be able to meet the criteria and expectations of the organization I will work for? Then, I caught myself. If I start out with thoughts like this, my expectations will be lower than I want them to be. Of course there will be days when I questions things, but I have to set high standards and goals for myself so that I can do my best. If I can provide a positive influence, motivation, and love to all the girls, I will feel as though I did what I came to do.

Stay tuned for the next blog!