BIDDEFORD, Maine — A group of five young adults and two staff members, sponsored by New Life Church in Biddeford, are currently in Nepal. They’re part of an organization, 360 Maine, a gap-year program that allows young adults to prepare for college while taking part in global initiatives including volunteer work.
According to 360 Maine Director Josh Lebel, everyone with his group in Nepal is safe. They’re located in Pokhara, approximately four and a half hours outside of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is one of the hardest-hit cities in Nepal.
Lebel left the country days before the earthquake. He’s had limited communication with his team ever since. He said, “They felt a rumbling. Just down the road there were houses falling down and what not.”
Two of the group members are New England natives, including Julia Howard from Plaistow, New Hampshire, and Ben Hichens from South Berwick, Maine.
“The hardest thing is knowing that I can’t jump in my car, run down and help him. When you put someone you love and care about among all the devastation, it’s scary. It makes it real,” said Ben’s father, Calvin Hichens.
The group is scheduled to be home around May 9, but the trip back to the United States might be delayed. Ben Hichens’ relatives say he was able to email them Sunday. He told them the team is stressed, but group members are focusing their mission towards relief efforts now.
“Nepal is in one of its darkest hours. We can make a difference,” said Lebel.
360 Maine is attempting to raise money in order to contribute to relief efforts and possibly send another team to Nepal. To donate, click here.