Durbar Square, Kathmandu, before the earthquake on April 25, 2015.
It was four years ago that we fell in love with Nepal. We traveled to the other side of the world with 12 companions all with the same goal: build two Habitat for Humanity houses near Dhulikel (about two hours from Kathmandu) for two deserving families. But we never knew our lives would be forever changed by the experience. Nor could we have predicted that an earthquake on April 25, 2015, would tug at our heartstrings as we mourned Nepal’s losses.
Eyes of Boudhanath Stupa
The New York Times brought the devastation to our living room with an article on April 26 by Ellen Barry: “Earthquake Devastates Nepal, Killing More Than 1,900.” But even as we write this post, the toll mounts as reported by Thomas Fuller and Chris Buckley: “Earthquake Aftershocks Jolt Nepal as Death Toll Rises Above 3,400.”
Something in Barry’s article truly hit home: Bert and I had been there with our Habitat for Humanity group and toured three of the four now-demolished UNESCO World Heritage Sites — “Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a temple complex built in the shape of a conch shell; Patan Durbar Square, which dates to the third century; . . . and the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas.”
Temple in Bakhtapur — is it standing? (Still searching for pictures on the Internet to find out.)
We remember visiting Bhaktapur on our second day in Nepal when families worked together to sift and lay out grains on huge mats. Following us around were ladies carrying strands of beads over their arms — until we finally gave in and bought necklaces whether we needed them or not. People seemed happy that we were there. And we, in turn, felt their pride — in their community and their buildings which, we learned, bore signature carved wood decorations not seen in many other parts of the world. But now, much is gone.
Ornately carved window, Bakhtapur
In Bakhatapur and in Kathmandu, sites we saw in 2011 are now damaged beyond repair or gone altogether. Like Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple in Kathmandu where centuries-old craftsmanship of the Nepalese people in this once-frequented house of worship have turned to rubble. A loss that may never be regained. (For more before and after photos, click here.)
Demolished: Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple, Kathmandu. Photo: Niranjan Shrestha, Associated Press: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/25/world/asia/nepal-landmarks-before-after-earthquake.html
Losing temples, however, is more than just the loss of artistry. Whole communities in Nepal now find themselves without buildings that once were unifying forces.
Like this temple in Kathmandu where we happened upon a group of women lined up to pay homage to the gods they worship. One by one the women entered the temple, laying down strings of marigolds or setting plates of food in and around the ancient altars. We wonder now if the earthquake’s devastation has created more than a physical loss. Has it marred, at least temporarily, the spirit of a people known for time-honored traditions? Will the people return to worship? And where?
Women bringing tributes to a temple in Kathmandu
Even more devastating than the destruction of cultural icons though is the loss of human lives. And, for us, this loss in Nepal, a country struggling with many issues, has had a profound effect. It’s the people, you see, that bring us pause: like those who greeted us cordially, placing marigolds around our necks and smearing red paste on our foreheads.
Women of Nepal greeting us on the site of one of our Habitat builds.
It’s the families we met. And the stone masons who directed our work. And the children at the job site who trugged up the mountain to get to school each workday, but came back to play with us in the afternoon.
We’re also wondering about the school kids at Bhabishva Ujjwal Primary School in Kavre, about 45 minutes from Kathmandu — children who sang for us and showed us their classrooms and made us feel welcome. Did the earthquake affect them? Their families? Their teachers?
Schoolchildren in Kavre, Nepal watch as we pay a visit to Bhabishva Ujjwal Primary School.
We’re watching, Nepal. We’re reading whatever we can get our hands on and checking for tweets and Facebook posts. We’re listening for news of rescue efforts in Nepal and Mount Everest where hikers were caught in a deadly avalanche. And we’re supporting you with contributions through the Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
We’re thinking about you. A lot.
The daughter of one of our Habitat homeowners dressed up for the dedication ceremony.
For we mourn Nepal and wonder what more we can do.
Namaste, Nepal.
For more information:
Barry, E. (April 25, 2015). “Earthquake Devastates Nepal, Killing More Than 1,900.” New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/26/world/asia/nepal-earthquake-katmandu.html
Godlasky, A. (April 27, 2015). “How to help victims of Nepal quake.” USA Today. Retrieved from: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/04/25/nepal-quake-how-to-help/26361193/
Fuller, T. and Buckley, C. (April 26, 2015). “Earthquake Aftershocks Jolt Nepal as Death Toll Rises Above 3,400.” New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/27/world/asia/katmandu-nepal-fear-loss-and-devastation.html?ref=todayspaper
“Nepal’s Landmarks Before and After the Earthquake” (updated April 27, 2015). New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/25/world/asia/nepal-landmarks-before-after-earthquake.html
Island Traveler
My thoughts and prayers, and yes, support to the people of Nepal. Seeing the great loss and devastation broke my heart. More than prayers, they need all the help we all can offer the world over for basic supplies for survival. I hope soon they all will have reasons to smile again, but for now we grieve with them in this moment of tragedy and sadness.
Oh, the Places We See
What a heartfelt response! Thanks for being so concerned. I think many of us are feeling the loss but also a sense of helplessness. Such a tragedy. Thanks for reading.
Linda Arthur Tejera
Such devastation is heartbreaking. Prayers have gone out for all those affected.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right — it is heartbreaking. I keep wondering what else I can do besides send money. This country needs our support . . . desperately.
Amy
They are still trying to rescue people, sobbing…
Oh, the Places We See
Yes, we applaud the rescue efforts. But sadly, it may not be enough. The tragedy just keeps worsening. Thanks for taking a look.
Nature on the Edge
So sad. The images of loss and destruction are terrible, what a tragedy for a nation of gentle people. Thanks for the links.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s one of the saddest things — a natural disaster that destroys lives and culture. We feel so helpless. You’re welcome for the links. Thanks for reading.
Curt Mekemson
Namaste… Thank you. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
You’re welcome. It was a touching experience made even more poignant in the face of this tragedy. The families on the mountain about 45 minutes from Kathmandu may have been spared. But we’ve heard nothing so far. Thanks for reading!
focalnow
Seeing pictures and reading about your experiences in Nepal makes loss harder. I hope and pray that the spirits of the Nepalese people are lifted and that they rise from this tragedy much stronger. Thank you for the link to this article.
Oh, the Places We See
And thank you for taking the time to click on it. When you know people — even for a brief time — you feel a kinship around the world. We are hoping for good news, but not sure when we’ll hear or what we’ll hear.
phb2003
oh wow – you sure do have a history with nepal – and my thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time – and with the wonderful red cross – what great place to send support – fantastic post at such a gut wrenching tragic time.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look at our photos. We are so worried about so many — not just the people we met. Nepal’s needs are great — just finding a way to help will be a challenge.
phb2003
I know – so sad –
willowdot21
Yes indeed so devastating, and sadly the aid and workers are having trouble getting through. I hope the people you met and helped and befriended have survived. All we can do is send help and pray.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right — send help and pray. I hope we/they can save as many as possible, but it won’t be easy. Thanks for taking time to read the post.
badfish
I don’t have a TV, only hear news on BBC radio sometimes these days. I had heard about the quake, but did not realize it had done such damage. It saddens me greatly…to see things disappear, like ancient buildings. And culture. And always the people. Nature is nothing to laugh at some times. But what a great experience for you to build something while there, and remember. And share. Thank you for this.
Oh, the Places We See
You are so welcome. If you did have TV, you would see coverage that is very saddening. So much rubble. People buried in debris. Historic buildings razed. Not a good situation at all. Thanks for commenting.
badfish
I was in Mexico when the quake (was it 1986?) hit Mexico City. It was bad. But Nepal…all that history, gone. Sad, very sad. I’m glad I can’t see it on TV.
whichwaynow101
It is good of you to bring this to our attention and put some human faces to the tragedy. So very sad for you.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re right — it’s very sad. I’ve tried contacting the two people we met who joined my list of Facebook friends, but I haven’t heard from either one. Not sure they have power, wi-fi, etc. So, I’m in the dark about what’s damaged and what’s not. The TV photos, however, aren’t encouraging. Thanks for the comment.
Suzanne
thank you so much for visiting my post earlier, and for providing this link so I could experience a bit of what you saw while you were on your travels. suzanne
Oh, the Places We See
You are quite welcome, Suzanne. Our hearts are working in the right direction. We just may not be able to do much more than pray and think positive thoughts.