At this time of year, nine years ago I was living in
Nepal. I'd left my job in the UK and had traveled to Kathmandu to be a volunteer at
Siphal Children's Home. I had originally planned to be there for 6 weeks, but the wonderful beauty of the country and its people stole my heart and I ended up staying 3 months. It was without a doubt the most amazing experience I have had and one of the most happiest times in my life. I met the most wonderfully kind-hearted people there, amongst my fellow volunteers and the many Nepalese people who welcomed me in and looked after me like family. I was so sad to leave Nepal but I left a very changed person and knew that I'd really made a number of friends for life. So yesterday I sat with a heavy heart as news of the devastating Earthquake which hit Nepal, Bangladesh and India spread and my thoughts were very much with my friends, family, loved ones and everyone affected by this natural disaster.
