Greetings from the heart of the Himalayas!
I write to you from the stunning mountains of Hagam, Nepal, surrounded by the awe-inspiring presence of Mt. Jugal and, just beyond, Mt. Everest. The air is filled with anticipation as we prepare a delicious meal of seasoned Daal, a green lentil soup, paired with steamed rice and a spicy Achara—a fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors. Here, in our small corner of the world, the spirit of community is palpable. From Amber, our facilities coordinator, to Dr. Suman, our medical director, and every staff member, we work together as a family. Whether chopping vegetables, washing dishes, or serving food, we share our daily tasks—and most importantly, we say a prayer before each meal.
The sense of togetherness reached its peak last night during a lively bonfire gathering. As the fire crackled and warmed our hearts, we joyously sang Christmas carols and local Nepali love songs. The celebration took an unexpected turn when the staff turned up the volume with hits like Gasolina by Daddy Yankee and a classic from Pitbull. In that moment, Dr. Paul, with his flashlight set to strobe mode, reminded us that music and joy transcend all borders—Pitbull’s “Mr. Worldwide” rang true, even in Hagam!
These moments of food, music, and fellowship are more than just fun; they reflect the core of our experience here at Jericho Road Nepal (JR Nepal). In Hagam, we witness a beautiful blend of diverse backgrounds and beliefs, with staff members from various ethnicities, religions, and life stories working side by side, united in a shared mission. While most of our team is Christian, we also have individuals who identify as Buddhist, Hindu, and even Shi’i Muslim. Yet, under the same sky and around the same table, we find harmony and mutual respect, living out the values of love, service, and community.
At Jericho Road, we believe that people of all walks of life can come together to practice, share, and spread the universal messages of Jesus Christ: to love thy neighbor, care for the needy, live with compassion, and serve others. These values are not bound by religion or culture; they are shared by all who walk the Jericho Road. In this place, we are reminded that we are not so different after all—we are all Samaritans, each in our own way, working together to help those in need and spread peace.
Dr. Paul recently spoke to our community about the importance of empathy, drawing from the Bible verses that have influenced his journey as a Good Samaritan. The verse that resonated with me most was from Lamentations 3:51: “Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.” This powerful verse emphasizes how deeply understanding the suffering of others—truly feeling their pain—can move us to act in compassion and kindness.
Here in Hagam, we have chosen to act, thanks to the support of so many across the globe. Dr. Paul, Fidèle, Dr. Glick, and all those who have come here to serve have allowed their hearts to be affected by what they’ve seen. They have chosen to do something about it—and now, we must continue this work, together.
The Good Work has only just begun, and we are grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our journey, one step at a time.
Until next time—Alvida!
-Hawraa Ahmed, Medical Assistant
Hawraa, originally from Iraq, came to the U.S. as a refugee and is now a dedicated medical assistant at Jericho Road’s Barton and Breckenridge locations. Having been a patient of Dr. Paul Violanti and Dr. Myron Glick since she was just one year old, Hawraa’s journey has come full circle as she now serves others in need. At 23, she dreams of attending medical school next year, determined to make a difference in the lives of others, just as those who cared for her have done in her own life.
