James goes to Nepal

James Hargreaves is a child sponsor of Forget Me Not and visited Nepal with us for the first time in November. 

Nepal - Day 1 - 2012 trip

Wow. Just...wow. I don't really know how else to describe my first thoughts after stepping off the plane. But, it's safe to say I was not expecting the streets of Nepal to be in such a state. Most places look like bomb sites and the shops are tiny concrete and wooden caves. It's quite an incredible yet confronting experience. Its most definitely still a developing country. Yet after time, you realize how amazing the shop owners and Nepali folk are.

After a bus ride to Annapurna Guest House we headed off to visit the girls. After months of anticipation, to say we were excited would be an enormous understatement. As our small bus approached the house we could hear the girls screaming with joy from behind the 6ft fence as we pulled up. The door on the bus opened and the girls came rushing in. They couldn't wait to meet us all. Neither could we.

Eventually, after hugs and quick introductions, They graciously invited us into their home where we all got to introduce ourselves and afterwards, share stories and information with these beautiful young ladies!

I must say, it was hard to hold back tears. After everything these girls have been through they were all so happy and bubbly. They obviously have amazing strength and resilience. It wasn't long till I'd met every one of them. It felt good to finally put names to faces.

It was Ruma who instantly grew attached to me. "Can I call you James Brother instead of James Uncle? You're too young to be an uncle!" asked Ruma. She showed me all over the house. Apart from tripping me up the stairs in the dark (power doesn't come on until 9pm) she was a great tour guide! She then asked me if I could speak any Nepali. After all I'd been in the country for over 3 hours now. How come not? So after a short lesson, I now know a few words. And she'd set a date for my exam!

Before we knew it, we had to leave. It's hard to say good bye to these smiling faces. Even though it'll only be a few days till we see them again. Before i left, Ruma told me i had to go see a movie with her and the sisters on saturday. "You'll love it James brother, its soooo romantic, these 2 boys love the same girl!" she said. Its normally not my type of movie, but she twisted my arm. So, Back on the bus we got.

So many things rushed through my head on that 20 minute trip back. But it's safe to say, my passion and drive to do everything I can for Forget Me Not and the kids in both Nepal and Uganada is now stronger than ever. And...I'll be back to visit the girls and this incredible country.

Cheers,

James.