Costa Mesa, Ca.
June 24, 2015
Dear Family & Friends:
Yesterday, Mingma Sherpa came to visit us in California.
Mingma was my Sherpa the first time I summited Mt. Everest from the South side in 2009. He was the Sirdar (the lead Sherpa in charge of all other Sherpas), when I summited Mt. Everest from the North side in 2014.
Mingma lives with his wife, 2 small children and 1 of his sisters in Kathmandu, Nepal. His Mom and his other sister live in the tiny village of Thamo in the mountains near Namche Bazaar where they operate a small café for trekkers. Mingma and his wife, Nawang, manage a mountaineering shop in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. Mingma’s primary occupation is acting as a climbing Sherpa and Sirdar for expedition companies offering services for climbs of Mt. Everest and other mountains in Nepal & Tibet. Mingma has summited Mt. Everest 9 times. Mingma’s father was a cook for Alpine Ascents International at Camp 2 on Mt. Everest. Tragically, he was killed in the serac collapse in 2014 that killed 15 other Sherpas. Mingma now has responsibility for supporting his Mom and 2 sisters, as well as his own immediate family.
Mingma has always wanted to visit the United States. This desire intensified after we met in 2008. Twice, he was denied a VISA by the United States Embassy in Kathmandu. This year, I wrote a sponsorship letter for Mingma explaining why he would abide by all of the terms of his VISA. This time, the VISA was granted. Mingma is overjoyed at the opportunity to visit our great country. He will be living with us in Costa Mesa until his return to Nepal on July 6, 2015.
Set forth below are a few photos of Mingma. He brought some photos and video showing the devastation caused by the massive earthquake in Nepal in April of this year. I will share some of those photos with you, as well as happier photos from his visit to the land of his dreams.
Bill Burke
Mingma’s Family in Kathmandu (Background-Nawang Doma Sherpa, Mingma Sherpa & Bill; Foreground Tsehring Futi Sherpa and Pemba Tshering Sherpa)
Nima Futi Sherpa (Mingma’s Sister) in Kathmandu
Mingma’s Mom (Ang Riku Sherpa) & Sister (Lakpa Yengjee Shepa) in Thamo
Mingma & Bill on the Summit-2009
Bill & Mingma on the North Side
Lori, Mingma, Puchhanga & Amy on the Everest trekking Trail-2008
Mingma & Amy on Mingma’s Scooter in Kathmandu
Mingma at the Burke Residence
Mingma & Amy on Bill’s “Scooter” in Costa Mesa
What a wonderful friend!
Thanks for sharing this!
Bill,
Very nice of you to sponsor and host Mingma’s visit to the USA, growing an even stronger bond between you. Surely he will gain memories for a life-time.
Warm regards,
K:-)
I am formerly with the Laguna Beach Business Club and you gave us a presentation.
Can you do a presentation to the Laguna Beach Rotary Club in 45 minutes.?
Hope so, Gil
Excellent of you to host his trip to the USA. Enjoy the visit with your brother from Nepal. Blessings!
Mingma must have quite a case of culture shock, but I’m sure you’re the perfect host.
Perhaps he would enjoy a Dodgers game and the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier!
P.
Dear Bill:
What a joy to SEE Mingma. I’ve been reading about that guy for , WHAT….years???
How absolutely wonderful that he actually came and is staying with you all. I LOVE it.
Have a wonderful time,. and I’m sure he enjoy your wild Fireworks on the 4th.
Have a great time.
Love to you, Mingma. I sort of feel like I know you. Thanks for the great attached pictures, Bill
.
Lori Hoskins
Welcome! Namaste! I was hoping whenI saw your email that you were having a reception for Mingma and his family while they are visiting you! I am sure they are overwhelmed with your love and hospitality. May each moment of your visit be etched on each other’s hearts 🙂
Namaste, Mingma. The bond that you, Bill, and Mingma have will be made stronger during this visit.
Blessings,
Rick
What an amazing opportunity for the both of you to share your country and home with one another. Truely making each other’s dreams a reality. Lovely story -thank you for sharing. I know Mingma will have an incredible visit and love the 4th of July!
Much love!
Bill, great pictures and story — I’ve also read your subsequent post. Glad you were able to get Mingma into the country so he could realize his dream. Enjoy your time together!!!