Finally Meeting My Sponsored Child in Nepal: A Journey 10 Years in the Making

In early November 2025, I entrusted my two children into the capable hands of my husband and embarked on a life-changing journey to visit their 'elder brother' — a Nepali boy I’ve been sponsoring for 10 years.

Along with nine other travellers, we traversed rocky roads and crossed streams to witness World Vision’s impactful work in the Sindhuli East community. Here are my reflections from our eight-day trip.

Community Power: Uplifting One Another

Before heading into the fields, World Vision arranged several briefings to help our group better understand the area and the programmes in place. We had plenty of opportunities to speak with staff who poured their heart and soul into their work and learn about the many partners involved, from local NGOs to government representatives and community leaders.

Thereafter, over three days, we braved long jeep rides to witness first-hand how our monthly contributions had helped build community facilities like the health centre and improved local schools. As a mother, I was especially encouraged by the efforts to address erroneous breastfeeding practices, such as early weaning. At the school, one of the girls shared how our contributions had provided safe drinking water for the students and staff, and funded the construction of a wall around the school, making her feel safer.

The community spirit in Sindhuli East was palpable. Young mothers cradling babies supported one another in “Mothers’ Groups,” while fathers proudly passed down farming techniques to their sons. The entire family—young and old—worked the fields together and reaped the rewards of their collective labour.

Everywhere we went, the locals welcomed us warmly with flower garlands, tika and homemade curd. I remember one instance when a school teacher suddenly pulled me for a photo, which both amused and tickled me.

As we left the health centre, a lower-caste girl shyly handed me a bracelet, a simple gesture that moved me deeply.

Personal Lessons: Of Weeds and Valleys

At the Climate School, which serves as an agricultural training ground, I had the opportunity to try pulling weeds and quickly realised that they looked very similar to the crops the farmers had planted. It was an awakening moment for me – much like in life, unhelpful habits or distractions often look harmless at first, and unless we stay attentive and act early, they can quietly take up space and crowd out what truly matters.

The long hours spent travelling offered us stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and golden padi fields. While we often speak of and yearn for those ‘mountaintop’ experiences, I realised that the valleys are the true fertile grounds for growth. Few homes are built high on the inaccessible peaks. In the same way, our lowest points can also be fertile grounds for personal growth.

Sponsorship Journey: Gratitude & Humility

Meeting my sponsored child in person was surreal. He will be turning 18 soon, and this may have been my first and last chance to meet him, as he will soon transition out of World Vision’s sponsorship programme.

From a shy-looking boy in Nepal’s signature blue school uniform to a young man taller than me today – what a transformation!

Much to my surprise, he could confidently converse in English, and we were the only pair in the room that did not need an interpreter. We caught up like old friends, talking about our families and sharing photos on our phones. I heard about his plans to further his studies and the incredible support his older siblings have given him.

Knowing that I’ve played a small part in his growing-up years humbled me deeply. Nepal will always hold a special place in my heart — the warm communities, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and, most of all, this remarkable young man I’ve been blessed to connect with.

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