Meet Pawan from Nepal

He was born and raised in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a bustling and vibrant city. It is considered the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas, making it a popular starting point for trekking and mountaineering expeditions. On a clear day, you can see the peak of Mount Everest. His wife has worked for the U.S. Embassy in Nepal for over 21 years. He said, “I met my beautiful wife in college. She was working for a local hotel. One day, I offered her a ride to work on the back of my motorcycle. Today, we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter.” Employees who serve the U.S. Embassy for 20 years or more may apply for a special immigration visa. He and his family moved to the United States just two weeks ago. Pawan said, “Nepali culture differs from American culture in that, in Nepal, it customary for families to live together their whole lives. I was not the easiest child. I used to love to fly kites. Kites in Kathmandu skies carry a message to Indra, the god of rain, with the hope that the valley’s farmers have had enough rain for their crops in the growing season. I wouldn’t just fly the kite from the ground. I would climb to the tallest terrace so that I could get the kite as high as possible. One time, a kite broke free from my grip. I chased it with such reverence that I fell two stories to the ground from the terrace. My poor parents! In Nepal our education is also different. In what is considered the 10th grade we are given a standardized test. That test is a very big deal for families. My family was more excited for me passing that test than they were for me receiving my bachelors degree and then my Masters Degree in Business Management. At 28 years old, I survived being burned in a fire. Over 40% of my body was covered in burns. The doctors told my family that I most likely would not survive. I found the will to live through the love of my family. I am the eldest son. I have two younger sisters that now live in Sydney, Australia. Although, my mother and father are still in Kathmandu. We will continue to visit each other regularly. I feel that it is my duty to take care of my parents as they age. I knew that I had to live so that I could do that for them.” The one thing he wants to tell the world is, “Take care of those who you love and who you’re close to. Tomorrow is never promised. Make sure that whatever you do you do it with love and kindness.” Pawan, thank you for visiting! Namaste!