The Manna Bakery Fund

Tara Datt Pant and his wife Sundari live and work in Dandeldhura Nepal. They are the owners of the Manna Bakery & Cafe here.  They also are members of the small Christian community here in Dandeldhura. They not only worked hard in building their business over the years, they did likewise to build a home which they own. They have raised three daughters, all of which are receiving higher education provided by their parents. The oldest is 25 and already a Doctor (pictured). She is pursuing a career in the Kathmandu area, and hopes to eventually work in America.They also have taken in two teenage boys who work part time at the bakery and are being provided education. Several days ago, the owner of the property (in green vest) next to Tara and Sundari's land, continued over protests to excavate dangerously close to the home and bakery.
Hours after work was halted for the day, ground broke loose under a corner of the home. The eight people living in the building were immediately evacuated. Now Tara and Sundari are sleeping in the bakery. I'm not sure where the boys are staying at this time, the other occupants have gotten shelter elsewhere. In America the offending party here would have never gotten so far with his project to cause this damage and put the entire structure in peril. In Nepal, justice in a case like this will be slow in coming, if at all.  The offender has money, and even in far west Nepal, money can talk loud.  He is in no hurry to make safe repairs. A legal battle could drag on until the rains come and wash out the foundation even more. These people need help now. They didn't ask for it either. I am doing this on my own. They were saving money for a commercial mixer as Sundari works at mixing everything by hand, and a badly needed gas range. Now the more immediate need is to hire help and get materials to make the repairs needed to keep their home from sliding into the excavated area. These two people are among the finest, hardworking and selfless humans I have ever met. Tara speaks more English than his wife, and he and I have had many memorable conversations. I consider them both friends, and I vow to return here as soon as possible to see them again.  Their business is thriving and many regulars eat here, including employees of the nearby government hospital (pictured) where Tara also works. Sundari makes several birthday cakes every week for the neighborhood kids, and in fact made one for my 65th just a few weeks ago. Their bakery isn't just a source of income, it is a local gathering place. I looked at their oven and it needs parts that are not readily available. Only three of the five burners work and the oven control is erratic and doesn't hold temperature properly. If it fails, the bakery part of their business most like will also, perhaps the entire business. The funds I'm asking for along with their savings, should take care of the equipment needs and get a start on the property repairs. I realize many of you have helped with getting me here and providing donated items and hard earned cash. I only ask that you consider sending whatever you can, pass the word, share this site, please do whatever you can to help these beautiful people.  Every dime after Go Fund Me fees will go to help them. I will provide a full accounting to those who donate.  Time is of the essence as it will be difficult to get money to them after I start my return trip home around December 10th. I have no premiums to offer in return for your generosity, other than my heartfelt thanks, and the feeling I hope you will experience, knowing that you reached nearly half way around the globe to help deserving strangers that make a difference themselves in a world we all live in. Namaste my friends!