Bambie’s Family, Nepal (FVP Story 2021.18)
My husband and I have been volunteering and peacebuilding for over a decade. When my youngest was only 3 years old, we started to bring our kids with us. They serve with us. Serving people is not easy. We invest a lot, our time, our finances, our heart, and our soul. But for us, we want them to know the value of living for the greater good, and to be compassionate towards others and the environment.
We started as a family cleaning the Bagmati River with friends and colleagues every weekend. We also served old-age homes and orphanages. When the 2015 earthquake hit, they helped fundraise and distribute relief goods.
Last year, during the pandemic, they wrote letters dedicated to the frontliners which I posted on social media. They also help pack relief goods for families. “When the pandemic started many people lost their jobs and couldn't put food on their tables. My parents help people who are in need, and I also assist my parents every time they serve the people. It feels good to help others and see their happy faces,” shared my eldest Elijah.
My most memorable service is when we served an old age home. My kids were cleaning and spending time with the residents. My eldest drew a house and gave it to a grandmother. He hugged her and said he hoped she would be with her own family someday. It hit me to my core. I saw my son had started to understand other people’s hearts.
Despite the storms that we experienced our heart is still full of gratitude because we are healthy and can help others. Even a small act of kindness can impact another life. “All of these experiences have filled me with gratitude and happiness that I could help others,” my youngest Austin shared.
That is why I make sure that I am teaching my kids to work hard not only for themselves but to make other people’s lives better. I believe that this is one way we could achieve peace if we think beyond ourselves.