Alberta SALTers immerse themselves in Nepal and Egypt

MCC Alberta is excited to have three SALTers living and working abroad in Nepal and Egypt. These young people are experiencing life from a different perspective. Their time with SALT is not just a year abroad. It’s a chance to relate to the world in a new way, make mistakes, get messy and learn through trying. They are building relationships, skills and living out their values. 

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It is hard to believe it has been nearly three months in Kathmandu, Nepal. At times, it feels like the time has passed both faster and slower than I expected. I have never experienced so much ‘newness’ in such varied forms in my life. While the initial culture shock and adaptations have settled, I continue to find myself navigating new situations and contexts daily. I value my ongoing reflective process, noticing moments that challenge me, bring me joy, spark my curiosity, and present opportunities for gratitude.

September was a whirlwind of trying- and often struggling- to move through each day while seeking glimpses of ‘familiarity’ and comfort. Language lessons were challenging, walking around the city felt difficult due to limited sidewalks and fast moving vehicles, and many aspects—such as food, work dynamics, learning environments, and cultural norms—looked, felt, tasted, and sounded different. However, by the end of the month, there was noticeable growth. I felt competent at strolling across the road through moving traffic, saying ‘thank you’ in Nepali, and navigating my way through my neighbourhood to MCC and my favourite coffee shops.

October flew by with 2 weeks spent in Bali. The time away offered much-needed rest, and the change of scenery helped reset my mental capacity. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at the MCC One Asia conference, getting glimpses into MCC projects and contexts across Asia, while networking and connecting with staff from around the continent and North American headquarters. Post Bali came with a move to a new house and host family, and while I had anticipated a challenging transition, the adjustment this time was much smoother than my initial arrival in Nepal.

Upon returning to a post vacation routine, my priority was completing the initial draft of my research proposal for submission to Tribhuvan University (TU). Finishing that draft felt like an accomplishment, even if it was only the first step in this research journey. The process has been a bit delayed, and as of writing this update, I am still awaiting the approval of my proposal. The delays in the process have allowed me to practice flexibility and adaptability, helping me to build resilience.

Alongside challenges, I continue to find joy in the small things—reading good books in cozy coffee shops, discovering new walking routes and beautiful viewpoints, maintaining connections with friends and family, and regaining aspects of my independence that I had felt I had lost.

Although I find Kathmandu a challenging place to live, I am pleased to see the strides I have made in a short timeframe. I remind myself that this is likely the hardest year of my life, given all the unfamiliarity and constant evolution of my perspective on myself and the world. This realization helps me give myself grace throughout the process. I am deeply grateful for the support systems and self-care practices I’ve developed, as well as for the people—both near and far—who walk alongside me on this journey. 

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been orienting to my new context through:

•    Pre-Departure Orientation: Intellectually and emotionally preparing with other young people embarking to serve in a new context
•    In-Country Orientation: Deepening my understanding of Egypt’s singular history, culture and diversity while acclimating to new rhythms of life
•    Assignment Orientation: Starting my role working with unaccompanied children and youth seeking refuge
•    Egyptian Arabic Classes!

I am mindful of my positionality as a foreigner entering a new context to ‘serve’. Much harm has been perpetuated in the name of international service. This ranges from neglecting the expertise of locals most familiar with their context, to superimposing ‘solutions’ that disrupt local communities, wither capacity, and result in a new kind of colonial dependence.

Here are some principles I’m living into to mitigate against the above:

Mutuality: Both serving and learning

During my Pre-Departure Orientation, I prepared with individuals both leaving North America to serve globally and leaving global homes (think: Zambia, Kenya, Brazil) to serve in the United States. Our cohort challenges the idea that service ought to flow one way – a simple, yet radical exercise that grounds us in learning.

Invitation: Addressing expressed need

The nonprofit sector has a problem – it can develop ‘solutions’ nobody is asking for. To break away from this pattern of engagement, I embrace invitation. This opportunity was identified through long-standing relationship, my position was informed by organizational need, and I was personally invited after discernment with local staff. Within the role I prioritize work I am explicitly invited into, acknowledging that as an outsider I have much to learn about needs in this context.

Beneficiary Leadership: Guided by experts in their own experience

I am serving at St. Andrew’s Refugee Service (StARS), a refugee-led organization. It works as displaced people for displaced people, experts in the migrant experience, providing psychosocial casework, legal assistance, education, and community connection. What is unique about StARS is its operating model: It is primarily staffed by former clients, thoughtfully bridged in and developed for leadership. My leaders and colleagues are themselves refugees, guiding me to serve others with an understanding I cannot replicate.
 

Or are you eager to serve in your own community?

MCC offers a wide range of volunteer programs for young adults. Find one that suits your interests and go make a meaningful impact! Start your journey with MCC today.

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