In 2005, my family and I took a trip to the Himalayas. My father was a veteran climber, having been on dozens of expeditions to  Everest, Makalu, and other renowned peaks. Despite his many travels, my father had not yet succeed in reaching his dream of Mustang, a once forbidden kingdom of Nepal. Mustang is a tiny stretch of land, resting on the Tibetan Plateau, in the northeast corner of Nepal. Until 1991, no visitors were allowed to enter this ancient realm. At long last my father set his vision in action and our family was whisked into a land full of color, culture, and free of time. 

Mustang was trapped in a time capsule of antiquity. No vehicles, no telephones, no electricity, no connection to the modern world. The beauty and simplicity of the land and the tenacity of the people took my breath away. In my 10 year-old-head, I knew I was in one of the coolest places ever. 

Before we left for our foreign adventure, my father sat me down and told me to think of something to bring over. Since we were going to be staying in people's homes, eating their food, leaving footprints, and taking memories, we should give them something in return. I glanced next to me where my crayons were spilled all over the table, and it clicked, crayons! 

I started an art supply drive at my middle school and received generous donations: a couple hundred pounds of art supplies. We presented the supplies, along with a few soccer balls and games, to some schools, a nunnery, and an orphanage in Tibet that we came across. We talked to the teachers an asked if they needed anything. They said books.

And Wind Horse Power was born. 

The next year, I had book drive, not just at my school, but all around my home town. It was huge. The community donated over 600 pounds of children and reference books in Wind Horse Power's first year. My family and I couldn't believe the amazing spirit of our peers. 

Wind Horse Power has been in existance now for six years. I have returned to Mustang four times to continue giving books and donations to select schools, a community center, and a nunnery. The money we have donated has built two libraries, complete with bookshelves, glass windows, solar power, and desks. My most recent film, "The Road" is a documentary about the modern changes Mustang's culture is going through. 

Mustang is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The people, the culture, and the spirit has become a part of my life and will remain in my heart forever. I am continuing my involvement in this project and expand Wind Horse Power in the future.