Embracing Joy and Compassion: Zoe Sarlemijn’s Impactful Volunteering Journey in Nepal

At Volunteer Society Nepal, we are privileged to welcome volunteers from all over the world, each bringing their own unique energy, skills, and compassion to the communities they serve. One such volunteer is Zoe Sarlemijn, who joined us from the Netherlands for a two-week volunteering program at a nunnery and with the little monks in Kathmandu. Zoe’s time in Nepal has been nothing short of inspiring, as she has left a lasting impression not only at the nunnery but also with the young monks she spent time with. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication have brought smiles and joy to everyone she’s encountered.

This is the story of Zoe’s journey, her heartwarming connection with the nuns, her work with the young monks, and the incredible trek to Langtang she embarked on during the final days of her stay.

Zoe Sarlemijn: A Volunteer with a Heart for Service

Zoe Sarlemijn arrived in Nepal with a deep desire to make a positive impact. Coming from the Netherlands, where she leads a busy life, Zoe sought to immerse herself in a different culture and environment, contributing her time and energy to something meaningful. She chose to volunteer with Volunteer Society Nepal, recognizing the unique opportunity to connect with the nuns at a local nunnery and to be part of a community dedicated to service and compassion.

Right from the start, Zoe’s warmth and positivity radiated in every interaction. Her genuine desire to bring happiness to others was immediately evident, and the nuns at the nunnery quickly took to her presence. Zoe’s ability to make others feel seen and appreciated played a significant role in the connections she built, and her enthusiasm for learning about Nepalese culture enriched her experience as a volunteer.

Volunteering at the Nunnery: Building Bonds Through Kindness

The nunnery where Zoe spent the majority of her time is a peaceful and sacred space where young women dedicate their lives to spiritual practice. The daily routine at the nunnery involves meditation, prayer, and communal activities, all centered around fostering mindfulness and discipline. While these practices form the core of the nuns’ lives, the introduction of volunteers like Zoe brings an element of joy and connection that goes beyond their traditional routine.

Zoe’s role at the nunnery was not rigidly defined, allowing her to interact with the nuns in a natural and meaningful way. She spent her days engaging them in conversations, learning about their lives, and participating in their daily activities. Whether it was joining them in their morning meditations, helping with chores around the nunnery, or simply sitting together to share stories, Zoe’s presence brought a sense of lightness and joy to the community.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Zoe’s time at the nunnery was the laughter and happiness she inspired. Many of the nuns, though dedicated to their spiritual practices, rarely have the chance to interact with people from outside their community. Zoe’s curiosity, open-mindedness, and sense of humor made her a welcome guest, and she quickly became a source of joy for the nuns. The genuine smiles and laughter captured in pictures of her time at the nunnery are a testament to the positive impact she had.

Volunteering with the Little Monks: Extending Her Compassion

While Zoe’s primary focus was her work at the nunnery, she also took the opportunity to volunteer with the young monks at a nearby monastery. This experience allowed Zoe to expand her reach and make an even broader impact during her two-week stay in Nepal.

Working with the young monks was a completely different experience from the nunnery, as these children were full of energy, curiosity, and a hunger for learning. Zoe’s approach to volunteering with the monks was filled with the same warmth and enthusiasm that she brought to the nunnery. She engaged the boys in creative and playful activities, making sure that their time together was both educational and enjoyable.

Zoe was particularly drawn to the idea of helping the young monks balance their academic and spiritual education with hands-on learning and play. She organized interactive games, storytelling sessions, and group activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and self-expression. The little monks, who were often engaged in more structured learning environments, relished the opportunity to participate in these fun and stimulating activities.

One of Zoe’s favorite moments came when she helped the monks create simple craft projects, allowing them to express themselves artistically. As they worked on their projects, Zoe guided them with patience and encouragement, creating an atmosphere of excitement and discovery. The monks, who were usually focused on their studies, were able to tap into their playful sides, resulting in an afternoon filled with laughter, joy, and pride in their creations.

By volunteering with both the nuns and the young monks, Zoe demonstrated her incredible ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her versatility and openness to different experiences allowed her to make a significant impact across multiple communities, enriching her volunteering journey in ways she never imagined.

Trekking in Langtang: A Personal Adventure in Nepal’s Majestic Mountains

After two weeks of volunteering, Zoe’s Nepal adventure wasn’t quite finished. In the last days of her stay, she decided to embark on one of Nepal’s most famous treks—the Langtang trek. This journey through the stunning landscapes of the Langtang region offered Zoe the chance to experience the natural beauty of Nepal while reflecting on her time volunteering.

The Langtang trek is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and traditional Tamang villages. For Zoe, this trek was not only an adventure but also a time of introspection. As she hiked through the mountains, she was able to process the many meaningful experiences she had during her time at the nunnery and the monastery.

Zoe described the Langtang trek as a spiritual journey of its own, one that allowed her to connect more deeply with the land and people of Nepal. The physical challenge of trekking through rugged terrain was balanced by the peaceful moments of solitude she found along the way. Surrounded by the grandeur of the Himalayas, Zoe was reminded of the beauty and simplicity of life—a lesson she had also learned from the nuns and monks she had spent time with.

During her trek, Zoe encountered local villagers, shared meals with fellow trekkers, and marveled at the kindness and resilience of the people living in the remote areas of Nepal. This experience added a whole new layer to her understanding of the country, deepening her appreciation for its culture and natural wonders.

The trek was also an opportunity for Zoe to reflect on her personal growth during her time in Nepal. Volunteering at the nunnery and monastery had given her a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but the trek allowed her to reconnect with herself and gain a greater sense of clarity about her own path in life. The physical exertion of the trek, combined with the emotional and spiritual insights she gained, made the Langtang experience one of the highlights of her trip.

The Lasting Impact of Zoe’s Journey

Zoe Sarlemijn’s time in Nepal may have been brief, but the impact she made will last long after her departure. At the nunnery, her kindness and joyful spirit brightened the lives of the nuns, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. Her work with the young monks opened up new avenues for creativity and play, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for learning and self-expression.

For Zoe, the experience of volunteering in Nepal was transformative. She left the Netherlands seeking a way to give back, but she gained so much more in return. The connections she built, the lessons she learned, and the personal growth she experienced have all become part of her ongoing journey.

Zoe’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that volunteers can have on the communities they serve. Whether through small acts of kindness, shared moments of laughter, or the willingness to lend a helping hand, volunteers like Zoe bring hope and joy to those around them. Their presence is felt long after they leave, as the bonds they form and the contributions they make become woven into the fabric of the community.

Join Us: Make a Difference Like Zoe

At Volunteer Society Nepal, we are incredibly proud of volunteers like Zoe Sarlemijn who go above and beyond to make a positive difference. Zoe’s journey shows that even in a short period of time, it is possible to create lasting connections and bring joy to others. Her work at the nunnery, her time with the young monks, and her Langtang trek are all part of a larger story of compassion, growth, and service.

If Zoe’s story has inspired you, we invite you to join us at Volunteer Society Nepal. Whether you’re interested in working with nuns, monks, children, or local communities, there are countless opportunities to contribute your time and talents. Like Zoe, you can make a meaningful impact, learn from new cultures, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Volunteering in Nepal is not just about giving; it’s about receiving the gift of connection, understanding, and personal growth. Whether you stay for two weeks or two months, the experiences you’ll have will stay with you for a lifetime. You’ll leave with a heart full of memories, knowing that you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Joy and Compassion

Zoe Sarlemijn’s two-week volunteering experience in Nepal is a beautiful example of the power of compassion and human connection. From the nunnery in Kathmandu to the young monks at the monastery, Zoe’s presence brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of warmth to everyone she encountered. Her journey culminated in the breathtaking Langtang trek, where she found peace and reflection amidst Nepal’s natural beauty.

At Volunteer Society Nepal, we are grateful for volunteers like Zoe who bring their hearts and souls into their work, making a lasting impact on the communities they serve. If you’re ready to embark on your own volunteering adventure, we encourage you to join us. Together, we can continue to build bridges of connection, compassion, and hope across communities in Nepal and beyond.