From a Life changing Trip to a Lifelong Connection: One Sponsors Story

In April, 2015, I was with a group of 15 friends deep within the granite walls of the Grand Canyon on a twenty four day rafting trip, when we came upon a couple who had hiked down a slot canyon. We got to talking about what had been going on in the world above the canyon rim while we were down there cut off from the rest of the world. They told us there had been a large earthquake in Nepal and thousands of people had lost their lives. We were of course disheartened to hear this, but as with many disasters such as this, so far away and so removed from what we were involved with we didn't give it a lot of extra thought. Little did I know this far away catastrophe would change my life. 

Once back in Big Sky I had a dental appointment with Dr. Pete, who had been in Kathmandu during the second earthquake (about 3 weeks after the first) and he showed me many photos of the terrible destruction.

Those photos along with Pete's incredible passion for Nepal motivated me to fly over and help however I could. A few months later I was meeting Pete and some of the Tsering's Fund team in Kathmandu where we started visiting the schools, orphanages and villages where many of the students we sponsor live and go to school. This was a transformative experience. Despite the extensive damage caused by the earthquakes, the Nepali people and specifically the children were so incredibly resilient. People there were facing immense hardships. So many buildings had been destroyed, entire villages wiped out and yet here they were pushing forward and making the best with what they had left. I guess that's what you do in dire circumstances such as this, but it was inspiring to see.  

My friends and I spent two weeks visiting the various schools where Tsering's Fund sponsors students interacting with the children the group sponsors. We delivered backpacks and school supplies and joined Pete and others meeting with local government officials and construction people about rebuilding a school and other projects. It was so much fun interacting with all the students. They were so full of joy and really seemed to enjoy meeting us, folks from the other side of the world. It was a very satisfying experience. 

Then a couple good friends and I left for two weeks of trekking in the Khumbu (the Mount Everest region). This was simply a dream come true ! As a person who lives a mountain lifestyle, seeing Everest and Lhotse, Nuptse and the stunning Ama Dablam gave me so much joy. I literally burst out laughing when I came around the corner and there they were in all their glory. 

This trip to Nepal changed my life and I knew this beautiful country and it's amazing people would be part of my life going forward. 

Once back in the States I decide to sponsor Tashi, a very cute, energetic six year old, who Pete's daughters had met in one of the small high altitude villages in the Khumbu. She was so eager to go to school but in need of financial assistance to do this. I was excited to help. 

In 2017 I made my second trip to Nepal. Once again the first two weeks were spent visiting schools, meeting the kids, accompanying Tsering to some orphanages and enjoying the exotic hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. I then joined my Sherpa friend Ngima for another two week trek in the Khumbu, in part to meet Tashi and bring her some small gifts. 

Upon meeting Tashi in Namche Bazaar (a village perched high in the mountains and the center of Sherpa culture) she, being just eight years old, was understandably a little shy and bit confused as to who I was and why I was bringing her gifts. It was a really gratifying feeling getting to meet this darling young girl whom I had been sponsoring. After our initial meeting the kids all ran off to lunch, later we met up again and this time she and her friends were so excited to see us return! They encircled us and wanted to talk and play and laugh. It was such a great time. It truly warmed my heart. It meant so much to me to actually spend time with her and her friends. She was no longer the little girl in the photograph who I send money to support. She was Tashi, my little friend who was so full of life and exuberance, growing up in this magnificent place excited to learn and follow her dreams. 

I have been fortunate enough to return to Nepal two more times, in 2019 and 2023. Each trip has been rewarding. I love going there. 

I am looking forward to going back next year. Tashi is now 17 and I have not seen her in many years . I'll be excited to meet her now that she is nearly grown up. I now sponsor a boy named Unik. I can't wait to meet him for the first time.

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at jamie@tseringsfund.org