DONNELLSON - Former Donnellson teacher, turned Nepalese missionary, Ernie Schiller is back in Nepal and is hoping to get a message back home that he's close to funding the repairs for the earthquake ravaged villages, but needs just a bit more help.
Schiller, who did a video call with Pen City Current late Wednesday evening, said he needs to raise $1,200 in the next eight or nine days to complete some vital projects.
"We are still in Nepal for about 10 more days.....but of all the funding I raised, we are still in need of $1,200 to compete the needed plans for the students in this earthquake devastated region," he said.
A 2015 massive earthquake hit the mountainous villages of the thin country demolishing homes and classrooms. Schiller established the Rebuild Nepal Education Project Foundation and has made several trips to the area to bring school supplies, toys, and hope to the shattered region.
Those interested in helping Schiller finish the projects of this trek can make donations at https://www.gofundme.com/2f2mgsek or Ernest Schiller, Rebuild Nepal Education, 2224 204th Avenue, Donnellson, Iowa 52625. Any checks made can be accessed in the country.
Schiller's Facebook page is full of pictures and a video of the trek into the villages at https://youtu.be/KWmGkJAL2XE
The Nepalese live off three crop seasons, rice, potatoes, and corn or barley. Schiller said they eat what they grow and grow what they eat. They don’t have grocery stores, but they do have markets, but their diet is comprised solely of what can be raised on the land.
“When they grow crops they have these terraced hills and they don’t lose an ounce of top soil. No erosion takes place. You’re living like our people did 150 years ago yet you’re so ecologically sound that you don’t lose an ounce. The earthquakes, which they have about every 75 years, damages the fields but they immediately go to rebuild them.”
He said they are starting to use more durable materials with the adobe, including mesh and concrete for foundations on the homes to help structurally.
As part of the trips, Schiller also provides scholarships to students who are looking to seek higher education in some the more urban areas of the country.
"The journey this year has been so touching and moving. I have shed more tears than ever," he said. "We have been embraced and loved by so many people.....of all ages. I want to thank all who have supported Rebuild Nepal Education Project Foundation. Your gifts have so heartily been received with love by all the Nepalese children!!! From a world a half a world away, on a mountain slope, in a village, in a mystical and magical land I say....Namaste!!!."
A 2015 massive earthquake hit the mountainous villages of the thin country demolishing homes and classrooms. Schiller established the Rebuild Nepal Education Project Foundation and has made several trips to the area to bring school supplies, toys, and hope to the shattered region.
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