THE PROTÉGÉS G2 – D14
On July the 8th The Proteges were at Pokhara, Nepal. As usual everything was planned and they did not have any idea what is going to happen during that day. To their surprise! They were going to hike a 5000 feet mountain!!
Healthy breakfast 
The proteges were very excited to the idea of reaching the peak of a mountain!!While hiking some proteges got tired and exhausted and others stopped for a short break but soon enough everyone got back on track!
Hiking 
Half way through !
As they were getting closer they saw how bad and tiring the lives of the Nepalese people; small houses, kids with torn clothes. But despite all the obstacles they might face everyday, the proteges saw something fascinating. They saw an old woman carrying heavy weight behind her back all by herself; ironically that old woman smiled at the proteges and there was not even a single drop of sweat on her forehead. This simple scene touched them deeply. The message of her simple smile without any exchange of words was understood; life is beautiful and no matter how much and how big your problems seem to be, it is not worth your sadness nor your madness. “This positive energy of hers illuminated and gave us the positive energy and that extra boost that was needed to reach the peak” said protege Yaqoub Al Nafisi.
"Smile..."
Moreover, The Proteges were mostly surprised by the Nepalese people, because there were the ones who admired the beautiful scenery and no matter how many times they saw the same view their eyes were glowing every time.
“Our jaws dropped and we almost drooled when we reached the top. Deep inside I was asking myself could heaven be any better?” states one of the proteges. It was naturally breathtaking and exquisite landscape scenery. The proteges have also learned a lesson, to reach your target the hard way is the best so that you would actually appreciate it. If they have landed at the top of the mountain by a helicopter they wouldn’t have appreciated the scenery as much as they did when they cooled down and laid on the grass.
Protege Abdulwahab Buhaimed mesmerized by the view 
Others took pictures of the temple that was there. Mentor Ahmed Al Majed went back down to bring up those who wanted to rest so they would join for the session Mentor Yarub Burhama prepared. Yup a session on top of a mountain, surely none of the proteges ever imagined that !!
At the top of the mountain
Temple
Mentor Burhama started his ‘thinking out of the box’ session by reading some Jubran Khalil Jubran’s literature asking the proteges what do they think the poet meant and discussing the brilliant writings of Jubran. Then, He showed them a book of an american artisit, Norman Rockwell, who draws real life pictures creatively asking each student to choose a picture they like and state why. Last part of the session was a book by Shel Silverstein, The giving tree. The proteges read and acted the book which basically emphasized the importance of giving.
Proteges Reem Al Fahad & Fatma Al Omar
After getting down from the mountain. The proteges went to visit a Tibetan refugee camp where they had the chance to meet some hard working refugees. They also went to see and buy some of the hand-woven carpets and bags, and how it was made. It was amazing how they lived in harmony and how they created a home for their selves.
Protege Sara Al Qabandi
The day ended with a soccer match, stunned with mentor Shamlan Al Bahar’s tricks! But of course the winning team was mentor Ahmed Al Majed’s team.
End of the day..
