I have lived approximately half my life in Kathmandu, Nepal and the other half in Connecticut, United States. My birthplace is Nepal, a small country landlocked between China and India. When I was 9 years old my family left the country to escape political unrest and search for economic stability.
9 long years of living in the U.S. and I have fully assimilated into the culture. My life in Nepal is a mere collection of vague memories of a distant childhood. However, growing up, my father always told me to stay humble and never forget where I came from. Thus, at a young age I came to the conclusion that Nepal is my birthplace so it will always be a part of me.
Even today, I can vividly recollect the overpopulated and crowded marketplace. The large rice paddies that crowd the hillside. Brick homes and structures with remnants of old Victorian architecture. The mighty mountains across the horizon and the plum red sunset. Although, the country is stricken with corruption and poverty, one could always find solace and appreciation in her beauty.
Progress in the country was slow but ongoing, however, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake changed everything. The earthquake killed more than 9,000 peoples and injured 23,000 more. The earthquake left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and caused havoc across the nation. In a matter of minutes, homes were destroyed and old sacred temples and buildings turned to dust and rubble.
During the earthquake, I was sound asleep in my home located in East Granby, Connecticut. Upon learning the news, I was filled with grief. I saw the same rice paddies, brick homes and tall mountains from my memory destroyed. At that point, I realized how fortunate I was to be living in the U.S. For others like the people of Nepal, luxury is not something they are accustomed to or will be in the near future. It’s going to take time but with courage and hard work the country can be rebuilt and the beauty restored.