Denver Catholic

11 DENVER CATHOLIC | APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2015 Editor's note: Twenty-one students from Mullen High School traveled to Nepal last month with social studies teacher Barb Figg to teach and work at a girls' hostel in Solukhumbu, south of the Ever- est region; deliver more than 500 pairs of Shoes for Sherpas and 80 Kits for Kids fi lled with medical supplies; and work at an orphanage in Kathmandu. One stu- dent shares her perspective below. W hen we left Colorado for Nepal, I knew my perspective wouldn't be the same, yet I didn't realize how deeply I would be a• ected. Ever since I can remember I've wanted to travel and see the world, to experience other people, other cul- tures. This trip was a chance to start my dream, though I didn't know my dream would lead me to fi nd God in places I never would've thought to look. Our mission was to go to Solukhumbu, help build a hostel for girls, help teach at secondary schools, and see rugged Nepal through trekking along the way. Looking back on the jour- ney, the most impactful realization for me was the respect gained for the girls living in developing countries. Through the activities and experi- ences, I learned about life outside of privilege, especially from a female point of view. Girls in Nepal and many other developing countries have just recently gained the right to education, and even then usually only till eighth grade. They are not provided with the tools to acquire a job or make a living on their own. That is why we built the hostels— they allow girls to go to school an extra three or four years. They learn how to get jobs and make it on their own. The hostels make an education possible for these girls, and an education means a future. Knowing that I gave a small contribution to help build a hostel was an amazing feeling because by doing so, I was helping to provide a future for someone. Yet, this feeling became much deeper when I saw the girls in both the hostel and the Himalayan Hope Home. Their culture was alive and their happiness was infec- tious. They welcomed us with open hearts. Knowing fi rsthand the people we were serving was a privilege. I will never forget when a young girl grabbed my hand and said, "Let me show you my home, sister." The more I got to know the girls, the more respect I gained for each and every one of them and the struggles they face every day. They clung to one another, demonstrating their sisterhood and the value and dignity they place on each other. The girls are so talented and achieving something great in a place where greatness in women is not expected by the culture. As time passed and we created relationships, I was proud to say I had made friends. Yet, as I left Solukhumbu, I realized I wasn't leaving behind friends, but I had gained new sisters. It's a unique thing when people half-a-world away, di• ering in language, tradition and religion can open their hearts to each other and create connections. That is where I found God: in our di• erences, in the relationships I made, and in the simplicity of being kind and open to the people in front of me. I found God in the hope that arises from a place of hope- lessness, in the work I did for others, in the face of each and every girl standing up for her right to a dignifi ed life. Finding God in Nepal Sarah DeLine is a sophomore at Mullen High School. Guest Column SARAH DELINE Serving at an orphanage in Nepal during a recent mission trip was an eye- opening experience for Mullen student Sarah DeLine. PHOTO PROVIDED WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Where have you seen God unexpectedly lately? • On a trip? • Through a stranger's kindness? • In your neighborhood or at a social event? • Another place? Email us at DenverCatholic@ archden.org and your response might be published in a future issue. A time for boldness Archbishop Aquila encourages a bold response to "attempts to push faith out of American society" referring to the reac- tion to "legislation in Indiana and Arkansas that were designed to protect people of faith" from government coer- cion ("Easter: a time for boldness," April 11-17 Denver Catholic). That message calls to ques- tion the response of the Indiana Bishops to that legislation: "Indiana's fi ve Catholic bishops are reacting to the state's religious objections law with a statement saying no Hoosiers should face discrimination, whether it's over their sexual orientation or for living their religious beliefs" ("Indiana Catholic bishop: No one should face discrimination," Associated Press). But that was not the issue. No one was facing discrimination. The leg- islation did nothing more than provide standing in court for anyone sub- stantially burdened by demands counter to their religious beliefs. The tepid, o• -point response o• ered no support to the governor of Indiana (Mike Pence) as he wilted before the assault of the rabble-rousers. The same Denver Cath- olic issue also contained a photograph of Pope Francis meeting with President Obama in 2014. The accompanying story ("Pope Francis to visit White House Sept. 23," Catholic News Agency) provided a list of "shared values and commit- ments" that included "promoting religious freedom around the world." The A• ordable Care Act, the president's signa- ture legislation, requires the Little of Sisters of the Poor to fund abortion practices or pay crip- pling fi nes. The sisters refused and the presi- dent's administration pursued them all the way to the Supreme Court seeking, and failing, to force compliance. Dozens of similar cases are currently in litigation. Clearly it is not correct to assert that the pres- ident shares the pope's commitment to religious freedom. There is a war on reli- gion in the United States. Religion is losing. This is the time for boldness. Boldness begins with correctly identifying the adversaries in this war. Boldness requires thoughtful practice of the freedom of religion as Americans. Boldness also requires courage in o• ering our witness as Catholics. Thank you, Archbishop Aquila. JAMES JONES Parker Easter meditation We have prayed in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus descended into hell rather than to the dead. The reason is when he descended into hell, he trampled its gates and broke Satan's hold on humanity. I found this from the "Meditations" section for Saturday, April 4, Easter Vigil, in The Word Among Us, and want to share it with Denver Catholic readers. We can refl ect on this matter whenever we pray the Apostles' Creed. In God we trust, DENNY WOZNICZKA Centennial Support of Cardinal Pell Very nice piece by George Weigel on Cardinal Pell ("The indomitable, and e• ec- tive, Cardinal Pell," March 28-April 3 Denver Catholic) in proper support of a good man. I've always liked his strong, direct and robust self-presentation. I trust Cardinal Pell. Thank you for your praise-worthy tribute and defense. RAYMOND H. WOLF, JR., PH.D. Milton, Fla. Email your letters to DenverCatholic@ archden.org LETTERS

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