Today, we said a difficult goodbye. We’re very grateful for the time shared with Australian volunteer Agnès Bolley, who has been with us since March. Our hearts are especially heavy as we part ways with two of our Nepali interpreters: Bhawana Ghalan and Ajaya Gopali. Bhawana and Ajaya began their journey with us last August, joining our first interpreter training led by Clinic Director Sushila Gurung. At first shy and soft-spoken, they quickly blossomed into confident, skilled, and deeply compassionate medical interpreters. Including their 3 months of training, they were with us for a total of 10 months, bridging language and care with warmth, discipline, and respect.  “They are like my children,” Sushila says. “I’m amazed by how far they’ve come, and I’m deeply proud of them. It’s very sad to see this phase end.” This farewell is not because they’ve stopped growing, but because monsoon season is arriving and with it, a pause in our volunteer program. Since interpreter positions are supported by volunteer fees, we’re unable to keep them on over the summer. We hope to bring Bhawana and Ajaya back as soon as possible. Until then, they’ll be helping their families with field and household work: Bhawana in Tasar (a one-hour walk from clinic) and Ajaya in the Newari village of Kunchal. To all of our volunteers past and future: you make moments like these possible. Your presence funds jobs, builds local capacity, and leaves lasting relationships behind. Bhawana and Ajaya: thank you for your care, your laughter, and your tears. You are a part of this family always.  💛 #GoodHealthNepal #AcupunctureReliefProject #NepalHealthcare #VolunteerImpact #MedicalInterpreters #Gratitude (fb)

Naya Barsa 2082! Happy Nepali New Year! Across Nepal, the month of Baisakh marks a powerful time of renewal, fire, and new beginnings. Nepali New Year is based on the Vikram Sambat calendar, an ancient lunisolar system established by Indian King Vikramaditya of Ujjain around 57 BCE. It begins each year in mid-April, when the sun enters Mesha Rashi (मेष राशि), the astrological sign known in the West as Aries. Mesha (Aries) is ruled by Mars and symbolized by the Ram and so is associated with courage, movement, and transformation. It's about bravery and rising energy after the inward focus of winter. This is the official national calendar of Nepal, widely celebrated in schools, government offices, and public life, especially among many hill Hindu communities. But Nepal is beautifully diverse and you'll sometimes see us celebrating multiple New Years here! Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Tibetan Buddhist communities follow the Tibetan lunar calendar, celebrating Losar in February or March. Newar communities follow the Nepal Sambat calendar and celebrate Newar New Year during Tihar (usually October/November). At Acupuncture Relief Project, we honor the rich cultural mosaic of Nepal, and we’re grateful to walk beside the communities we serve, through all seasons, and all calendars. Here’s to 2082: a year of light, health, and new beginnings! Naya Barsa Ko Subhakamana! #NayaBarsa2082 #NepaliNewYear #VikramSambat #MeshaRashi #NepalCalendars #Losar #Tihar #NepalDiversity #AcupunctureReliefProject #MahankalClinic #HealingInCommunity (fb)