Finally the Wait is Over

Today, we share double happiness. First, Bhutan is celebrating its 118th National Day in the sacred Bumthang Valley - a day that marks the unification of Bhutan under our great leader, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Second, after a long wait, we are finally reunited with our beloved children after 972 days (2 years, 7 months, 29 days).

Our foreign dreams came with a heavy sacrifice. It was nothing like the pain of leaving behind our two beloved kids and family. Though they were well-taken care of by my brother, sister-in-law, and our mother, nothing eases the ache of being away from them. The early months were especially hard, filled with guilt, longing, and constant thoughts of their well-being.

Life did not offer us many choices while I pursued my studies. Bringing them with us then would have been so hard for all of us. We waited, endured, and grew stronger. Today, though I am still a university student pursuing a research degree, we are a little more secure.

As our children join us, we hope this new chapter fills them with humility, learning, life skills, and values to serve our king, country, and people.

Welcome to our rented home

17 December 2026 | Arrival: 6:15 p.m (Canberra airport).

The Classic Two

 

Pic: Reden (Left), Yesha (Right)

It feels unfair not to mention anything about this photograph sent to us. It takes us back, as if we'd only just left them yesterday. Yet, time has moved so fast, both have grown into entirely different from the ones we left behind.

When we left, our boy had just begun to speak words like "papa, mummy, mammum" and our Yesha was still too young to be apart from us.

Perhaps it was not fair on our part as parents. However, different circumstances pushed us to this far away place, separated by mountains, valleys and oceans.

Honestly, when I think about the missed milestones of our children, my higher degree and the foreign experiences are nothing.

We console ourselves in far away places, deep inside our heart, that even though there's a quiet regret that lingers, yet life must go on, no matter what. And we're not just the parents who're far away chasing some wild dreams. 

When I first saw this photo, I just couldn't scroll to the next. I was profoundly lost in this photo. It gave me some mixed feelings, one proud that they're in safe hands and the other, it pained my heart that we missed every moment of their milestones, which money and our experiences can't buy. 

"Missing their innocence, baby smell, nagging, laughter, and funny moments will never return".

Reden's mature pose and Yesha dressing full in sublime purple and mixed, girlish tone remind us of the years we'd just missed. Indeed, those missed precious moments of our kids will remain forever etched in our hearts. 

We may have been away, but our love has never left them and never will.

  

Beyond Medal and Certificate

On Saturday, May 10, my sister-in-law shared the exciting news about our daughter Yesha's upcoming Annual School Sports Day. We were both thrilled and anxious, excited to see her stepping beyond the classroom walls, yet nervous about all the "what ifs": What if she doesn't win? What if she comes first or last? Despite the uncertainty, I remained hopeful about her participation.

When we heard that Yesha came third in the "Shoe Race," our hearts swelled with joy, pride, and gratitude. Watching the videos before her race made us a little uneasy; the tension was palpable. Competing on the track against strong opponents isn't easy, especially at her age. But she did it, she ran, she finished, and she won a medal. That alone felt extraordinary.

As parents, our happiness wasn't just about the medal or certificate. It was about seeing her engage in something beyond academics. I've always believed that activities like these aren't just about play or physical effort, they're essential to a child's learning journey. They shape character, build resilience, and teach values like determination, perseverance, teamwork, and most importantly, how to face failure.

This is just the beginning, but Yesha is already making her mark in the world beyond the classroom. I'm incredibly proud of her. I hope she continues to grow, not just academically, but as a grounded, compassionate, and capable human being. I also hope every parent encourages their children to participate in such activities. Because in the end, it's not about winning, it's about learning, growing, becoming, and yes, failing. Failure must be embraced as a vital part of life and learning.

"As I celebrate Yesha's achievement, I'm reminded of my own school days. The thrill of competition, the sting of defeat, the lessons in teamwork, and the emotional rollercoaster of it all. I'm sure she felt some of those same emotions too."

Later that day, we congratulated her and asked how she would've felt if she hadn’t placed third. Her honest answer: "I don't know." That opened a moment of reflection. I told her how proud I was, but also reminded her to prepare for setbacks. I asked how she would've reacted if she came fourth, fifth, or last. I explained that most people experience far more failures than successes in life. Even basketball legend Michael Jordan credited his missed shots and lost games as the foundation of his success.

I want Yesha to understand that failure is not something to fear. It's something to accept, learn from, and grow through. Life isn't a bed of roses; it's a mix of triumphs, setbacks, joy, and pain. Resilience is what carries us through.

Toward the end, I sincerely thanked my sister-in-law, my brother, little Reva, Rewang, and our cousins for standing by Yesha's side. Her medal and certificate felt like a collective victory. She made all of us proud. Thank you, everyone!

----------

Yesha's Bronze Medal

Certificate

Celebrating My Girl's Birthday Through Video Calls, Thanks to the Magic of the Internet

👯👯

Time flies so fast —it's hard to believe it's been already two years since we last held our beloved kids. So much has happened, some moments were beautiful and others unforgettable, but the hardest part has been missing them every single day. Some days, it felt almost unbearable to exist on the other side of the world just missing them, too much —their absence was felt so deep. 

There were some moments that knocked so hard, pierced my heart  so deeply, and the world had just collapsed over my chest and emotions ran over the sky. And it was this moment I felt real pain in my heart. (All the whats and hows👀👀👯👯)

Birthdays are incredibly special, both for parents and children. They are a time to connect, share love, impart values, and strengthen family bonds. 

For my daughter’s 8th birthday, we celebrated through video calls. Thanks to the internet and modern technology, we were able to make the moment feel real and unforgettable, even from miles away.

Being away from kids is never easy—ne'er!!! 

We have already missed many precious moments like smell, cuteness, milestones, and emotional growth. But no matter the distance, we make sure they are well taken care. 

As a parent, I have often thought, I wouldn’t mind begging on the streets, or stealing if it meant providing happiness for my kids. This thought is so genuine, yet it reflects the universal truth of parenthood—even the dumbest animals go to great lengths to care for their young ones.

In this long journey, there are a few people who have made it possible is my brother, my in-law and my mom. They have ensured that our children are well looked-after and for that, we are eternally grateful.

As we celebrate my daughter’s 8th birthday, I wish her continued good health, prosperity, and happiness. 

May she grow into a kind, caring, and compassionate person who helps others and becomes a beacon of light for her family and country.

May she serve her King, Country, and People with the utmost loyalty, dedication, and highest INTEGRITY.

Yesha's Seven Birthday

 

To Yesha, Our Deepest Prayers and wishes

To Yesha, May you spread beauty to the world

                                   This are the flowers and special butter lamp, we offered to 

                                   God to safeguard you. 

                                   May you continue to spread the love, and beauty to the world.

To Yesha,

Every day without you feels so void, and today we feel even more missing of you. We feel so sorry for not being able to attend your special day. However, we've arranged a small but meaningful celebration for you. Your Duema and Dewa, will replace us unconditionally and hoping it brings you joy and a sense of our presence. 

 

We love you so much!

 

As you turn seven today, it's an important occasion, reminding us of the immense happiness you brought into our lives seven years ago. Every March 18th is cherished, evoking the beautiful memory of holding you in our arms for the first time, filling me with paternal pride.

 

Reflecting on that day seven years ago, as your mother endured labor pains, I stood by her side, offering solace amidst my own nervousness and anticipation. 

 

Witnessing your arrival into the world, I gained a deeper respect for the sacrifices mothers make and I know how it feels. Amidst the flurry of emotions, I rushed to gather cakes and chocolates, overwhelmed with gratitude for the medical team's professionalism. I gifted them for helping us throughout our stay in the national hospital (JDWNRH).

 

On your birthday, I wish for you to grow into a thoughtful, intelligent, honest, loyal, respectful woman, adorned with a good sense of humor, embodying the virtues we hold dear. 

 

We would like you to be a careful and caring person. For you, I have sent a special message to God to help you in every step you take in life. 

 

May you grow into someone who embodies the utmost integrity and professionalism in your career. May you lead by example, lighting the way for your team and your family. May you reach for the stars and spread everlasting love throughout the universe. May all your hopes and ambitions be realized. And may you serve TSA-WA-SUM (King, Country, and People) with unwavering honesty and dedication.

 

Happy Birthday Baby Yesha from your papa and mummy.

 

We love you so much!

 

Her Way : My Daughter In The Pursuit of Education

At her age, I barely knew the existence other than my parents, relatives and a tiny village. Except for a few auspicious hospital visits, I was never exposed to the outside world. At 5, the farthest I knew was the boundary of my home and village. 

”

The Frog in the Well knows nothing of the mighty Ocean

 

A little innocent boy draped in torn clothes and bare feet, I never imagined I would one day sit in front of a power laptop, phone, sofa, have a cosy bed and walk around a high rise building and drive a car.

Fast forward, the world including my village has changed so fast and so much. The road and electricity were never thought to be the basic necessities of livelihood. And more over, people moving outside of their community for education, work and livelihood was never envisioned since farming work used to be the supreme end. 

We never imagined the power of technology would grow this powerful and sophisticated and dictate us like today. Whatever are the happenings; there is no looking back, and gone are the days.

 

Sitting back and seeing my girl who is yet to be 6-year old this March is already way advanced than her parents; she is already so exposed to things such as YouTube, tv, phones, tabs, laptop, computers, books, comic, pen, pencil, colors, geometry box, make-up set, dolls, toys, cars, dresses, shoes, foods, pizza, cake, ice cream, coffee, chocolate, sweets, etc. 

 

I don’t feel so excited, proud, and moved when some of my friends and relatives say –she speaks fluent English. Although she can communicate well with correct grammar and tenses, yet I don’t feel proud, nor do I take any credit. It happened by virtue of being a new era child. Thanks to the power and versatility of the internet and technology.

 

Of course, they are more fortunate than most of us. There is nothing special to feel at an age when things are just away at the click of a button. This trend and fashion will remain forever hereafter is a normal thing. 

 

More than her English, I worry about her flare and tie in our National Language and my mother tongue. These are the two worrying trends I am experiencing in my family and with my kids. Ever since she was born to us, we always focused and wanted her to be exposed to Dzongkha (national language) and mother tongue, but it never happened the way it is thought initially for the fact that English content is everywhere in most lovable manners making escape so hard and omnipotent. 

 

My mother tongue at home is already near to extinction and this is becoming a test of time with my aging parents. However, I keep little hope in my parents to inherit a few important words, culture and tradition to my kids.

 

At 7, I was hardly exposed to, or knew how to say my name. But, my daughter at 5 can easily write her name, draw her favorite food, cloth, doll, place, and more. 

 

More interestingly, she can also easily identify different colors and even complete the alphabet without looking. It is something to feel proud of as a parent, but how to make lifelong learning is a big test of time and age because outside is more beautiful, attractive and interesting than the hardship of learning. 

 

***My Daughter -YESHA making her productive time***

Yesha’s Work During Lockdown

Happy Family

Building We Reside

Imagination beyond my interpretation

IIt won't be fair on our [parent] part if we miss to archive this little drawing painstakingly prepared by Yesha.  The gift of beginner’s artwork and I shall cherish forever. 

The hard work and creativity put in by my little daughter during lockdown time was impressive and shall occupy a special place in my heart and possibly on the walls of our home. It won't be surprising to most of us in the era ruled by smart technologies that can do such little things in a click, more accurately than what a common man takes ages. 

This little pencil work done by Yesha isn't so artistic and chic, but to us [parent] this little thing she did being away from gadgets and screen is something amazing. Such a small unit of activity only binds us more and makes us feel happy, proud and connected. 

My mother always says, son, it’s ne’er easy to be a parent. It needs a lot of patience, effort, sacrifice, hardship, pain and collaboration among others to be a parent. But one thing is certain; we start to feel the true meaning of love. Every time we come together as a family, it gives the essence of human touch.

Right from dawn to dusk, they nag you with endless demands –be like them, act like them, listen like them, eat like them, smell like them, run after them. This often seems odd but it always adds up good value that makes us feel for others. 

Third day of the lockdown, high with fatigue and boredom for being squared with limited space. Therefore, I chanced to give a final touch to some unfinished work on the table. Yesha suddenly demanded a pencil and a paper.  As usual, I got her a pencil and a paper. No sooner did she receive her tools, she settled down to inscribe something. I mined my own business in the radar of her younger brother, who is more active than whole family members.

It didn’t take much for Yesha to come up with a stick drawing of our family members, the building we reside in, shape of a heart, number 6, woman crying and a few alphabets. Isn't this her instant thinking, or something she dares so much? It seems she was in a good mood. She came up with her own artwork. She must be feeling the connection of a family, the place where we reside in, and must be undergoing some battle of emotions. Above all, it was impressive work from my daughter. 

Are you planning to raise smart kids ready for the 21^st century? The question is how serious are we? What are the programs in place?

NHK World, Japanese English Channel is a good platform for young people to watch and learn, mostly filled with educational content. Arirang News, a Korean channel is yet another exciting Channel packed with many learning for kids. Letting them watch a few good programs would be a good mix for young minds to imagine and explore. Try a few programs with your kids.

There are interesting topics such as carbon emission, environment, littering, ice melting and polar bears drowning, compassion and non-violence, peace, freedom, and community, technology, fashion, food, and traveling. Because I believe much in these elements of life, after school. 

This small act of archiving her innocent work would be a good mix to reflect that her childhood days were indeed filled with worthy activities. I am basing it on making her feel that she grew and treated so well and was given every opportunity as a child. When she comes of age, I would just say daughter, go on and explore more, there is nothing wrong in dreaming more. 

This is the artwork of my daughter YESHA RAI, and this March 18, she turns 5 years old. On this day, I will whisper in her ear, this is the beginning of your era...keep going, keep working... 

MORE... It's your time!