Disaster Relief !

I still remember the morning in 2015 when I woke up to images of crumbling buildings, terrified people, and devastation across Nepal. When my wife called and told me a massive earthquake had struck, I realized I was not watching a movie—I was witnessing the destruction of my native country.

I felt helpless and afraid for my family, friends, and thousands of people who had lost everything. But I knew I could not simply stand by. With the encouragement of a dear friend, I started a crowdfunding campaign and reached out to friends, colleagues, and our community for help.

Our first priority was survival. Working with my brothers and people on the ground, we purchased and distributed rice, lentils, salt, and cooking oil to approximately 1,200 families—more than 4,000 people in my home region of Bhalche. Eventually, I traveled to Nepal with four trucks loaded with food so I could stand beside the people affected and see their needs firsthand.

What I saw at the local schools changed the direction of my life. Children were studying in temporary classrooms made from thin corrugated metal sheets, exposed to freezing temperatures and harsh weather. Watching them brought back memories of my own childhood and made me realize that food was only the beginning. These children needed safe places to learn.

Back in California, I reached out to our supporters again. Together, we raised funds to rebuild schools. To make every dollar count, we purchased materials directly and managed the construction rather than relying entirely on contractors. With engineers providing technical guidance, we ultimately built three stronger, earthquake-resistant schools using reinforced steel, concrete, and durable materials.

I also wanted to be part of the rebuilding—not simply watch it happen from thousands of miles away. I took three weeks off work and returned to Nepal, working alongside local people during construction. We also hired workers from the affected communities, providing income and helping families regain stability and dignity.

Looking back, the journey began with one painful question: What can one person possibly do? I learned that we do not need the power to solve every problem. We simply need the courage to take the first step.

One friend’s idea became a crowdfunding campaign. That campaign provided food for thousands of people. That effort became three schools—and those schools became symbols of hope.

The earthquake took lives, destroyed homes, and shattered communities. But it also showed me the extraordinary power of compassion when people come together.

Sometimes we cannot change the whole world. But we can change someone’s world. And sometimes, that is where healing begins.