Reflections from Nepal on Election Day

As the polls open on the East Coast of the U.S., I find myself here in Nepal, following along as Americans cast their votes. I'll be keeping an eye on the updates into the evening and through the morning hours tomorrow, reflecting on the power of this day and the striking contrasts that come into focus from this side of the globe.

Here in Nepal, the needs are immediate and often dire—clean water, basic healthcare, reliable education. Political discussions here, when they happen, are centered on survival: Will the clinic have medicine next month? Will there be teachers for the children? Will the roads be safe to travel after the rains? It’s all about the here and now, with little room for ideological debate. Here, people come together to solve issues that impact them directly, united in a common purpose because they have to be.

In the U.S., Election Day often brings intense emotions, and with them, a good deal of division. We live in a country with tremendous resources, a well-established healthcare system, and educational access that’s far-reaching, yet these advantages often fuel a different kind of challenge—a challenge of ideals, identity, and conflicting visions for the future. Our election season can feel overwhelming, with a divisiveness that sometimes overshadows the sense of community we strive for.

What I see here in Nepal is a resilience and solidarity that comes from necessity. People unite to face common hardships, with an unwavering focus on achieving basic goals that touch their daily lives. There’s little time or tolerance for conflict when the needs are so clear and pressing. It’s a humbling reminder of how people can be brought together by shared challenges, and how focusing on immediate needs often helps cut through divisiveness.

Watching the U.S. election unfold from afar, I’m reminded of the incredible opportunity we have to shape our future together. My hope, as the ballots are counted, is that we’ll remember the strength in unity and choose to focus on what binds us, rather than divides us. Seeing these perspectives side-by-side, I feel both gratitude for the resources we have and a renewed hope that we can channel our differences into positive change, working toward a future that uplifts everyone.

Warmly,

Kelly

Co-Founder, AltruCare International