In February 2006 I found myself in Kathmandu in Nepal with my husband Simon. Simon had been accepted as a Volunteer for VSO and I went as his partner.  Only ever having been to France on holidays before this adventure meant that was the start of an amazing life changing experience. At 56 years old I had never thought anything quite so magical and profound could be possible. For the first few months of living in Kathmandu all my time was taken up just doing day to day things and remaining upbeat whilst feeling totally out of control ! 

 

After a while my friend, Hazel (another wife of a VSO volunteer) suggested we find something to do with our time. We had been told of DNC and the children there, so went along to be met with a wonderfully warm welcome from children of all ages, Shanti the house mother and Raju the then manager. We shared cups of delicious lemon tea made by Didi Mani who also lived and worked at the centre. Initially we would help the girls and boys with their Maths and English homework but each time we went we would be drawn further into their lives and learn from them what we could do to help to make their lives easier. So much was needed, warmer clothes for the winters, toilets mended, water supply so the washing machine could be used, windows mended, beds mended with new legs. Help with nutrition was easier, we purchased bags of fruit and meat to take in with us. We were able to buy them a medicine cupboard and fill it with various dressings, creams and lotions that were so greatly needed to help after the operations on their limbs to help them to walk again. There is a never ending need for financial help but it is possible to do a great deal with relatively little money and with the help of Fran's charity over here, things are now improving and a new home is nearing completion. Now back in the UK, I continue to support financially and chat with some of the older children regularly on Facebook; their friendship and warm fun loving smiles are always with me. Their resilience through all the hardships of their disability and the harshness of life in Nepal is just amazing. 

It was such an overwhelming, rewarding experience that has shaped my life since coming back home and next year Simon and I hope to return for a visit.

Linda Grainge