Recently I was cleaning up my office and reading Shanti notes I've made for myself over the years. And reading those notes, I was reminded of our amazing accomplishments. It was as if I awoke from the stupor of all the mundane, day to day details and administrative tasks and regained my awe and wonder at what we have managed to do for our kids year after year after year. Simple things, but not easy things. Basic things, but life-changing.

*Literacy! Our sponsored kids are going to school! Something we take for granted in the U.S.but which is unattainable for so many children. Education is a way out of poverty into hope, armed with tools to create a better future.

*Shelter in the hostel. Safety from trafficking, child labor, life on the streets, early marriage, and hopelessness. A place to grow up feeling cared for. Clothed and fed. Our kids go to sleep at night feeling safe.

*Three healthy meals a day. This can't be underestimated. So many children in Nepal go hungry every day. How does a child grow or learn when they are malnourished?

*Medical, dental, optical care when needed. With 100 children in our care, this comes up a lot. So many children in the world suffer without these very basic services.

* Emergency support and problem-solving for our kids, their families and the schools we work with. There is no safety net for the poor so we do what we can when the need is great.

Years ago a donor called Shanti "a small charity with a big heart". That big heart is the collective love and kindness of many people coming together to make real change in the lives of our kids. Our sponsors, donors, Board of Directors, the school staff we work with....each and every one of you is a vital piece of our big heart. Now more than ever, that kindness is vital in our world.

For over twenty years we've kept our kids safe and have supported them to fulfill their dreams. Together we've accomplished something that's deeply meaningful. This is no small feat and I am so proud of us all. ❤🙏