I have volunteered and donated to the Friends of Nepal in some type of capacity over the last 12 years remotely from the US. My daughter Josolynn first traveled to Nepal in 2012 as the first American volunteer for the organization. She spent a year at the WPC teaching English, computer skills and taught them how to make jewelry which had a ripple effect, and they started a new business called Narnia Alliance.
My recent trip to Hetauda, Nepal was an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. I spent 8 days working with the WPC. Women’s Protection Center and Children’s Safe Home which protect women and children from human trafficking. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with several young women we sponsored when they were children. Seeing them now as accomplished college graduates-working as accountants, project managers, teachers and business owners was beyond inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact that support and education can have on someone's life.
We visited the Children's Safe home and met the children myself, my daughter, and other trip member’s sponsor. One particularly touching moment was when my daughter Jessica baked chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, we transported from the US for all the children and staff-a simple gesture that turned into a monumental experience. This was the first time any of them had ever tasted a cookie, and the joy on their faces was unforgettable. I also brought several pairs of shoes from my own closet and witnessed a couple of boys from the community putting on shoes for the first time. One heartbreaking event during my visit was seeing a mother drop her child off at the safe home after losing her husband. She faced an unimaginable choice: either bring her child to the safe home or sell her. Witnessing such a moment was devastating and put into perspective the harsh realities these families endure. The issues in Nepal are vast, but this trip reinforced by belief that even small acts of kindness can ripple outward, making a lasting difference. If each of us focuses on what we can do as individuals, we truly have the power to change lives. A shift in my personal spending priorities enables me to provide comprehensive support, including food, shelter, clothing, and education, for three children at the Children’s Safe Home. Please visit https://friendsofwpcnepal.org for more information on sponsoring a child or donate.
One thing I believe we Americans can learn from the Nepali people is their profound sense of community and the way they take care of one another. In Nepal, I witnessed firsthand how people come together to support those in need, regardless of their own circumstances. There’s a beautiful sense of responsibility for one another-a shared understanding that no one is ever truly alone. Whether it’s through offering a helping hand, sharing a meal, or providing emotional support, their compassion and generosity shine through in everyday life. It was a powerful reminder that true strength lies in connection and that communities thrive when people prioritize kindness and care for one another. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me and hope to embody in my own life.
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