At this time of year, nine years ago I was living in Nepal. I'd left my job in the UK and had traveled to Kathmandu to be a volunteer at Siphal Children's Home. I had originally planned to be there for 6 weeks, but the wonderful beauty of the country and its people stole my heart and I ended up staying 3 months. It was without a doubt the most amazing experience I have had and one of the most happiest times in my life. I met the most wonderfully kind-hearted people there, amongst my fellow volunteers and the many Nepalese people who welcomed me in and looked after me like family. I was so sad to leave Nepal but I left a very changed person and knew that I'd really made a number of friends for life. So yesterday I sat with a heavy heart as news of the devastating Earthquake which hit Nepal, Bangladesh and India spread and my thoughts were very much with my friends, family, loved ones and everyone affected by this natural disaster.
I have heard from friends and family in Nepal and Bangladesh and very luckily they are all ok although shocked and scared. Sadly so many have not been so lucky and my thoughts go out to their friends and family at this difficult time.
The scenes after yesterday's Earthquake are so sad and devastating and aftershocks are still being felt! I really wish I could be there to do something to help, however while I can't be there I have donated to a number of Nepal relief funds and will continue to do so. If you're able to do so, please please donate what you can to the aid effort to help the many people who have been affected. Below are links to a number of organisations through which you can donate.
UNICEF You can also donate £5 to UNICEF by texting NEPAL to 70123
Save The Children You can also donate £5 to Save the Children by texting CRISIS to 70008
Some of my fellow volunteers are trying to raise £5000 for Nepal on GoFundMe which you can support here.
There will also be a candlelight vigil for Nepal in Trafalgar Square in London on Tuesday 28 April from 8pm-10pm
Jx
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