Blaine Bryant USA (Aug.2015-Nov.2015)

Namaste I have been at HOPAD for the last few months, and the experience here has been unlike any other. Bisal's ReignI have never been outside of the country before, I have never had the struggles that come hand-in-hand with being truly away from "home", I have never experienced what it is like to be the "minority", and I love every bit of it. There is nothing that can compare to feeling the full embodiment of what a culture is, and more importantly, of what being part of this family is like. It is still just the beginning for me, but from where I stand now, all I can say is that I see the love, where it can grow, and how I can be a part of it.

If you would like to know more about the orphanage or my story, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at; bryant.blaine@gmail.com

Brian Young, USA (Aug.2015-Nov.2015)

Hey, my name is Brian Young and I am 21 years old and from Houston, Texas USA. I am currently volunteering at Hopad during my semester off from The University of Texas at Austin, where I study Economics. I've been fortunate enough to travel a lot with my family throughout my life. However, never have I embarked on a solo trip with so much uncertainty and ill preparation, and never have I had so many amazing and unforgettable experiences. The kids at Hopad warmly welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the family almost immediately. Living at Hopad has allowed me to fully immerse myself into Nepali culture and partake in their daily routines and many adventures. A couple of my favorite experiences so far have been hiking the Champa Devi, which is the highest peak in Kathamandu, and our almost daily soccer games. I've only been here for a couple of months, but I already feel like I've gained so much with still so much more to learn and gain. If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to email me at Brian101594@yahoo.com.

Pauline Laize. France (Aug. 2013 - May 2014 & May 2015 - July 2015)

Namaste! My name is Pauline and I have been volunteering at Hopad for 10 months (August 2013 - May 2014), I was then 21. I come from France so I can answer your questions both in French and English! Please don't hesitate to contact me for any information (paulinelaize@hotmail.fr).

I really enjoyed my time here at Hopad, it was my home. The kids are great, Nepal is a beautiful country and there is so much to learn! Everyday brings something new. What could be better?!

Jeffrey Jackson, USA (Aug.2012- April 2013, +2)

Namaste, my name is Jeffrey but all the children call me Kamal Uncle. I am from the United States and have visited Nepal three times now.

For me, each visit to the HOPAD Children's Home is like re-learning to love and my heart always leaves bigger and fuller. I find the children to be the wisest of elders and the simplest of teachers. There is never a moment wasted or forgotten.

Nepal and the children have taught me so much and I love nothing more than sharing that with others. I impatiently await all your questions and comments! hopad.us@gmail.com

Lisann Drews, Germany (Aug. 2009-June 2010, +4)

Namaste, my name is Lisann and I'm a medical student from Germany. I spent 10 months at HOPAD in 2009/2010. Since this his time was so special for me I'm returning to Nepal almost every year, so far I've been 5 times in this beautiful country! HOPAD is like a family to me, every time I return I feel very welcomed, it's my home away from home. The energy of the children is definitely contagious, the love you get from them is without limits and the children would never forget a single moment you ever spent with them!

Please feel free to contact me for any information or if you have a question about the kids or the volunteer program: lisann@gmx.net (English or German)
Hope to meet you soon in the holy Kathmandu valley

Gesa Korte, Germany (Aug. 2012- May 2013)

The time I spent at HOPAD was full of adventures, of laughter, dal bhaat, walks to school, but also some tears and thoughtful moments. The good memories are the ones I am looking back on, the hard ones I grew from.

I would like to share one of the many moments I cherish until today. It was in October, vacation was in full swing, and Kamal Uncle, some of the boys, and one of our neighbours went on a small hiking tour to Chobar. start: 4am.

This had been planned the days before and was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had in my life. We walked for a good two hours, mostly uphill, while watching the night change into day. First it was only a soft light, marking the outlines of trees and hills, while the starts slowly faded. Then through a valley, where the morning fog was lying and one could barely see their hands before their eyes. Finally on the last uphill stretch we broke through the fog and the first rays of sunlight crept over the far away outlines of the Himalayas -truly magical.

But this was not all. Reaching the hilltop we visited a temple where people came to say their morning prayers and leave their flowers, gifts and candles to the gods to start a new day. The atmosphere in this sacred space amazed me. Children chasing pigeons, bells ringing, quiet prayers, loud prayers, and the sound of prayer wheels spinning, while the air was glowing from the shine of the candles, and daylight had not yet fully captured it. On the way back the weather graced us with one of the clearest days I had seen so far, leaving views of breathtaking mountain landscapes.

It was amazing to share this walk with some of our children. These outings -not only this one, but also all the other ones -bonded me with the children even more. I look back at my time in Nepal with absolutely no regret, I would always do it again, and I cannot wait to visit. I am so thankful to Purna and the HOPAD family for taking me in and giving me an experience that has influenced my life and my choices until today.

You are very welcome to contact me if you have any more questions!

My email is gesakoerte@googlemail.com and you can write me in German, English or Spanish.

Mahima Devkota Nepal

Namaste! I'm Mahima, from Nepal.
The percussive impact I felt while volunteering on HOPAD, was totally life changing. Seeing and being part of all those imminent progressive incidents occurring on the children's life. I am thankful for your humble and kind acceptance and I feel proud to be part of those children's life who lives content life even on deficiencies ,who puts smile on difficulties and who finds hope on the hopelessness. There, I understood the difference between Seeing and Watching, 'Being and Showing'. They taught me the lesson which I could not excel on my academic Excellency degree. All those things I learnt,memorize, recite and conceptualize went on vain when I saw the real ground. I myself was immature learner trying to be The Hope to the matured life's learner. And; I can give the warranty of the children's future excellency which only became possible because of HOPAD.

Alex Gehrien, Germany (Aug.2015-June 2016)

Namaste! I'm Alex, I'm 22 years old and come from Germany. I have been in Nepal for two months and will spend ten months here at HOPAD.

The kids are great and welcomed me very frankly as I integrated into their daily lives. So far I have collected many great experiences here and I am sure that I will experience many more in the coming months. I have a tremendous amount to learn from the children. I am very grateful for the time I can spend here. If you think also a volunteer in Nepal or simply want to learn more about HOPAD only, you can contact me anytime and ask me questions. I look forward to hearing from you!