Dana was enrolled in summer program at Rangjung Yeshe Institute. She booked her flights and accommodations, purchased visa and insurance but as of a massive 7.8 m earthquake hit Nepal on April 25^th, the damage caused by the earthquakes, her classes at RYI were cancelled, leaving her with no plans for two-month stay in a grieving country where post-disaster conditions are especially dangerous for a solo female traveler of her age. She insisted on travelling, anticipating the opportunity to be involved in disaster relief off any kind.

 Dana is one of the dedicated volunteer Shenpen has and she is always willing to travel and help distribute relief materials. She had travelled to different places for relief distribution. This is what she has to say about her experience visiting different areas for distributing relief materials through Shenpen.Travelling to Sankhu, Chapagaun with Shenpen Nepal was an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience. I was asked to attend for the purpose of taking photos and videos, but the afternoon soon became much more than that. When we first arrived I saw all of the women sitting on the roof patiently waiting, talking amongst one another. The energy I felt from these women was very strong, as they were joined together with the intention of healing after the recent earthquakes. Experiencing the welcoming smiles of many and becoming part of the ceremony are among some of my favorites memories of my recent weeks in Nepal – I feel very thankful to have connected with these beautiful people during this time of healing.

Next day,I had an incredible opportunity to travel around Kathmandu with a few monks and volunteers from Shenpen/White Monastery to distribute medicines  to a few hospitals, clinics, temples and, I can tell you that I have never had a more fulfilling day in my life. I left the guest house at 7 am and returned on 10:30 pm.