Graduate to join Nepal rebuilding efforts

  Tuesday, May 5, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

When Natalie Black graduates from Pittsburg State University on Friday, she will begin a journey that will take her half way around the world, to a place that is desperately in need of some kind, willing hands.

Soon after Black graduates, she’ll leave for Mozambique, where she’ll undergo two months of training before moving on to Nepal, where she will join the massive effort to help that nation rebuild from a devastating earthquake on April 29.

Black, who will receive a bachelor of science degree in family and consumer sciences with an early childhood emphasis, will be among more than 1,250 undergraduate and graduate students eligible to participate in PSU’s 111th spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

A native of Mound City, Kan., Black, went on her first mission trip when she was just 13, but said she soon knew that’s the path meant for her.

“I knew that’s what Jesus was telling me to do,” Black said.

Since then, Black has served in several countries, including Nepal in 2014, where she completed an FCS early childhood internship, teaching art to young children.

When the earthquake hit, Black said, she was worried about her friends with IRIS Global, a Christian NGO.

“All of the people in my ministry are safe,” she said. “The last I heard, they were heading out from Katmandu to help in some of the outlying villages.”

Black said she expects to be in Nepal for at least two years.

“The main focus will be helping the villagers rebuild,” she said.