Finding Their Sanctuary

Caught in the middle of violent civil unrest in Bhutan, Bhim and his family were forced to leave the country when he was six years old. The family moved to a refugee camp in Nepal where they lived for 16 years. Seeing the potential for unrest and war if they returned to Bhutan or the surrounding region, Bhim’s family decided not to go back. Instead they chose “the peaceful choice” – moving to the United States.

“We never had a house, we never had a future. So we felt that coming to the U.S. would help [us] realize both,” says Bhim.

Bhim and Ganga’s families knew each other from their time in refugee camps, but it wasn’t until they moved to the U.S. that the two met and eventually married. Many of Bhim’s family members now live in Omaha as well. In fact, two of his brothers are Habitat Omaha homeowners.

As they think about owning their first home, Bhim and Ganga look forward to having space to study, pray, and play music. Bhim plays the tabla, a Nepali drum, as well as the American drums and several antique instruments native to Bhutan. The couple is Buddhist, and loves to learn about other religions. They have met people from all over the world – learning new languages, cultures and traditions – an experience that Bhim says reminds them we are all human.

Bhim’s father taught him to make a difference in the lives of others, and he has honored his legacy. Right now he is volunteering as a leader of his community by helping with ESL classes and refugee resettlement.