A Place to Call Home - Nepal

“Home is where our story begins”
The story of Gopal Pudasaini began in Kathmandu, Nepal where his sister currently lives with her children. As you know, 10 months ago Nepal was devastated by two massive earthquakes that killed/injured thousands and left almost all of Kathmandu’s homes in ruins. The tragedy of this disaster was sympathized around the world, but after recently hearing Gopal’s story of the ongoing devastation his family endures daily, I now have a more realistic understanding of the heartbreaking conditions the people of Nepal and his family continue to live in.
*The family's temporary shelter*

Gopal Pudasaini is a Nepalese-American Airman serving our country in the USAF. His family’s home in the rural corner of Kathmandu was completely destroyed by the earthquakes. Since then, his sister and her children have been living in a makeshift shelter constructed from salvaged material of what was once their family home. They are without running water, electricity, and any real protection from the elements and wild animals. Gopal has been sending financial support monthly to ensure they have food, water, and clothes. He has also managed to save enough money to buy a plot of land for them to build a new home. With him being the only source of income for the single mother of two, the construction process has been painfully slow. The land has been purchased, a foundation has been dug, and some materials have been bought, but with monsoon season quickly approaching and no material laid as the permanent foundation they are in danger of floods washing away the progress that has been made thus far. This would require them to postpone any further construction until after monsoon season (September) and pay to have the foundation completed again, requiring additional funds that Gopal will have to come up with.

*The land Gopal purchased for his family*

I know firsthand that it is easy for people to forget about the situation in Nepal because it’s not something we see every day, but the people of Nepal are still in desperate need of our help. Although I may not be able to resolve the awful living conditions that continue to exist in Nepal; I have given my word to Gopal to do all I can to lessen the burden he humbly and quietly carries. He has lived the last 10 months unselfishly saving and sending everything he can to Nepal in an effort to improve his family’s quality of life, but as a Senior Airman there is only so much financial support he can provide. I have faith that his inspiring story of sacrifice and selflessness will inspire the people he serves to protect to assist him in his effort to support his family.

*Senior Airman Pudasaini*

I would like to genuinely thank everyone who took the time to read and share Gopal’s story. If you are able to contribute to this family there is no donation too small and it would greatly appreciated. I will be updating with pictures to show the progress and impact your donations make in this critical situation.