Back in the US but it is different

We have been back now in the USA for a couple of days. It feels different. I feel that I have finally beat jet-lag and I have gotten back into my summer work routine (with some areas changed for the better), but I am still off days and want to take naps in the middle of the day (some people say me taking naps in the middle of the day is normal). We are in the process of putting all of our pictures together that we took so you will be able to see them so maybe some of the things we mentioned will make sense to you (pictures don’t always do the beauty justice and there is nothing like being in a place in person to fully grasp the whole culture, smell, and situation). When we finally get all of the photos together we will blog again and share the album with you. Thank you again for your support and thoughts. My plan is to try and call all of my supporters and connect with you on a personal level. If you would like to hear my story, please email me and I would love to share it with you. nvsteputis@vanguard.edu To the Land of the Thunder Dragon, until next time if our paths cross.

Recap

As I sit and analyze this trip, I can't believe that we can use the small game of basketball and the gifts and talents that each of us are blessed with to impact a nation. Who would have thought that the 10 of us would have spent the last two plus weeks in Bhutan, traveling around going into classrooms and putting on clinics and playing games? I didn't think it would be possible but we did and it was amazing. We met so many awesome people who have so much respect and love. Some things that I will miss from our trip and time in Bhutan: -the people- they are so respectful and hospitable -our teammembers- even though most of them will be around in the area, I will miss the late night talks and the van/bus rides together sharing wisdom/stories, laughing, and singing (don't worry we have amazing voices as well, just ask some of the classes we sang in). -being detached- it is always good for me to get away from the busy lifestyle that I/we create to recharge and refocus on what is really important in my life. -the landscape- Bhutan is a very beautiful place with lush mountains, valleys and rivers. It is hard to escape the wonders. -the food- I will miss having 3 good meals a day prepared for me/us where I didn't have to do any shopping, cooking, or cleaning. (If you really know me that is a huge deal) -playing/teaching basketball- most of you know that I am retired from playing on a consistent basis, and not directly involved with coaching the sport anymore, but it is always great to get out there and show these younger kids/players how much fun the game of basketball is and the things the sport can teach you if you are intentional about it. (All I know from this trip is I still got some game left, that is why the team nicknamed me "game guy", ok maybe I gave that nickname to myself because I brought it in the games we played) (you might hear different things from the team members about my in-game plays, but the altitude got to their brains and their memories are a little blurred, or maybe mine, ha) Thank you again for your love, support and thoughts, we couldn't have done this trip without you. I encourage everyone to go on a short-term trip like this one, no it doesn't have to be basketball related in Bhutan, (we have some contacts if you want a similar trip though) but seeing the world and experiencing new things and growing is important to everyone. I am pretty sure everyone could find a two week window that they could go and impact peoples lives and be changed themselves (just remember sometimes you don't have to go somewhere to impact peoples lives). Always be willing to grow and improve. I also understand that not everyone can be go-ers, that is why I am so thankful for my job and the availability for me to do these type of trips and to those who support me and encourage me in my life and on my life journey. I look forward to sharing more when we return home shortly, and I look forward to my next trip and where I might be lead. Land of the Thunder Dragon

#4

We finally got to hike tigers nest, it was amazing! The whole time we were here at bhutan i wanted to get a chance to hike or trek in these beautiful himalayan mountains but hadnt got a chance! Maybe i could of in the middle of the night but of risked my health with yetis, wearwolfs, and wild dogs roaming the streets and mountains. It was a short hike but quite steep and some parts very tiring. The views were amazing and i made an effort to get as many pictures as i could and get pictures with some of my teamates to remember this great time we had together the whole two weeks. I tried to take my time because i was hiking in the himalayan mountains! and tried to take advantage of every moment! We stopped halfway up for some needed water and they offered us tea but we were way to hot even to think of tea. They say tigers nest was only built in one year but all the materials had to be carried up the small trail we took to get up. There is a cave in the middle of the building which took u to the other side of the cliff that the building itself is built on. Its a small passage that u enter by going down a ladder and then have to actually jump across a deep crevise to get to the other side where beautiful views of the valley and mountains await u. This jump was actually quite difficult and dangerous because ur landing was on rocks and it was not a straight jump. I was not expecting this rush of adreniline up here. I didnt even think about getting back when i first jumped because at first glance this seemed to be much harder than the jump, but a closer looked revealed a little divit on the rock face to put ur foot on as a step up. Going back down was much more enjoyable because i was able to concentrate more on the beauty and the funny conversations. This hike never fased coach boom cause he is a hard body and in the best shape of his life. We then got to have dinner outside by a bonfire back at our hotel which was real cool and relaxing. As this trip comes to an end here in Bhutan I look back in my thoughts, journal, and photos to try and relive all of the wonderful memories I have made with everyone on this trip. I have written 75 pages of jounaling in my journal so i would never forget any memory, event, talk, joke, and thought. I have learned a lot about myself and my future on this trip through these experiences. We have also built many relationships that will some day change the world I have no doubt. Only Thailand awaits us tomorrow and I am sad to say i will have to leave a few days early to catch the start of another adventure. Luckily Pynch will keep my company as we both travel back together. I will never be the same on this trip and my team members will make sure of this. See everyone soon!

Closing Time

Last night we arrived in Paro, our last stop here in Bhutan.  It is interesting being back in a bigger city.  As Kirk and I were talking, this trip has flown by.  We can't believe that our time here in the country is coming to a close.  We have so many memories and stories that we could probably write a book (don't worry, I won't at least).  We have been truly blessed to be apart of of a trip like this.  In some of the schools we were the first Americans to come to their school and talk with them.  That is such a huge responsibility representing the USA, Vanguard University, and our families, among other people.  We couldn't have done it without so much support, thoughts and planning by many people. 
I would like to take this time and give some shout outs to those people that made our trip possible.  First off Tom Bohnert, who has been working with the Bhutan Basketball Federation (BBF), Bhutan Youth Basketball (BYB), and the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC).  We couldn't have done this trip without his connections and hard work for the past 10+ years.  Next is the BOC and BBF and their people who have been with us throughout this trip.  They have been the ones who set up the school visits/clinics and our games.  Josh Harrison is next on the list, he was one on our teams' end that handled the majority of the logistics and planning/organizing.  Boomer Roberts and Levi Seekins who also did a lot of the planning and who ran all the clinics and camps.  They did a great job, they got all the campers involved and even the crowd during all of our camps.  Next is the other six men on our team.  I am very proud of them and how they represented Vanguard and themselves throughout this trip.  I knew going into this trip that we had a special group of guys and they proved it hands down.  I wouldn't think twice about going on another trip with them, it would be an honor. 
Lastly, I would like to thank all of the people that donated funds/equipment for this trip.  There is no way myself or any of our team members could have experienced this trip without you in our lives and the love and support you show us.  The Bhutanese people also have benefited from your support.  We are truly blessed and honored to have gone on this trip and it isn't even over yet.  I am very thankful also for the gifts, talents, and life experiences that I have been blessed with, I see them being used daily and it solidifies my beliefs.
If you have gotten all the way through this long blog, thank you for taking time to read it, we all hope that when we return to the US we can share more memories and stories with you personally. 
From the Land of the Thunder Dragon. 

Boom Means Girl

Boomer here. I have not blogged since the first day we got here, so I figured it was time. This trip has been pretty awesome, have had some amazing experiences with the fellas. Really proud of all the guys for their attitudes and the way they have shared what we are about. If you are a parent, relative, friend or girlfriend of one of our guys, you should be very proud. In all aspects.
The Bhutanese people are beautiful, kind, and have a strong desire to learn the game of basketball. It's been fun teaching them and watching our Vanguard guys use their talents to communicate and teach the BT youth.
After tonight, we have one full day in Bhutan left. Today we hiked to Tiger's Nest - google that when you get a chance. It was a really tough hike, but well worth it. Something all of us won't forget.
Quick story to end it: Since the first day of our trip, I have been introducing myself to classrooms and basketball players as "Coach Boom". A lot of them giggled or smiled, which I thought was a product of my incredibly terrific humor or the attractiveness of my teammates. Not the case! "Boom" definitely means "girl" in Dzonka, the national language. Wonderful. I am affectionately known as Coach Girl to the BT youth.
Can't leave a blog without givin a shutout to my lady...pumped to see you on Monday. Don't worry about dinner that night---I got this. Cereal or pb&j's (sounds AMAZING). Your choice.
Much love to all of you who have supported us.

#3

After our 9 hour bus ride back east, we slowly made our way back west to Paro where we flew in. Our initial bus ride that I described in my previous post got us to a town called Tongsa. This town was majestic in itself because the town was placed on the sides of a steep cliff. There is absolutely no flat land, three canyons merge with a thundering river at the bottom. Our hotel was set on the side of one of these cliffs and the views were spectacular as we gazed down miles below us. We had a balcony which was my favorite and looked forward to the mornings when I would be able to just chill and soak in the beauty. Lots of crazy things happen in this town which were totally unexpected but def some of the highlights of the trip. We met some great people that I will for sure keep in contact with. We found out that there has been some yeti sightings in this city which we all thought was so cool. Dogs here are crazy I also found out and they go crazy here at nights. During the day they just lounge around all over the city. We feel like they are just physcially and mentally preparing for the battles at night. It sounds like they fight in gangs or something or maybe just against a yeti. TK is always so frightened which is always so funny. We had two camps at two different schools in this town. I want to say that the kids absolutely loved us but I think it would be more appropriate to say that we absolutely loved the children. Every school we go to we are welcomed at their big assembly and often are given gifts and tea. The culture keeps amazing and am feeling more and more at home every day I'm here. We got to witness some archery which is one of their national pastimes. It truly is amazing cause their target is 130 meters away and is only a few inches thick. We just kind of stumbled on it when we were exploring the city on our hike. Nole got a toy bow and arrow and we started to play with some of the kids and then his dad started to play with us which was really cool. We then drove for a few hours to the next city called panahka which was a little lower in elevation so a lot hotter. Here we went for a swim in the river and lounged on the beaches of Bhutan which consisted of large rocks. This was surprisingly comfortable or maybe the good company made it so. We had a few more camps. These camps were much larger cause many schools sent their kids to the school we were presently at. This was fun and at the end of the camps we got to play each school for a little like a little tourny. The rest of the school would gather around and cheer usually led by seeks and cam. Cam stole the show with all of his highlight dunks and it showed with the huge line of kids that wanted his autograph. Class visits are getting easier for me to just be my self. Josh doesnt help when he volunteers me to sing in front of the class or tell the whole High school class that i am single! Every day Always seemed to get better with the interactions with the kids, the surprises that always found us (not the other way around), and the interactions with everyone on our team. We have different partners and different roomates every few dAys and my half of my highs for the day consist of conversations with these people. We hiked tigers nest today and had a blast for various reasons that I will go over in my next blog. Can't wait to see my fam again in a few days! Love u guys

Final Destination (from Levi)

We are officially at the final stage of our Bhutan trip. We have two nights left here in Paro, home of the airport that we will fly out of on the 25th of this month. Sitting here while writing this blog I am tired and worn down physically yet still full of energy emotionally. We finally trekked up to tigers nest, which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. This was an amazing experience that was crazy and difficult. It is very hard to power through a hike that is mostly uphill for an hour and a half straight with an altitude of up to 10,000 feet.
This trip has been one of the most amazing times of my life and I have grown very close to all of the guys. As my time is coming to a close I feel that of all the things that have happened on this trip that is one of the most important.
We have seen amazing sights, traveled on small roads with thousand foot drops, eaten a lot of rice and pasta, seen thousands of kids smile, listened to TK and Nolan say the craziest things, and so much more. In the end though when I look back it'll be all about the people, the people we have met and the people who have been with me the whole time.

Seeks