Why do I love this photo so much? There is such simple joy in this picture. Somehow I think it reminds me of the carefree joy of my own childhood… the wonderful excitement of each day, when everything is possible, where one creates one’s world and there is nothing more important than the present moment. The children of Shanti remind me of these important life options all the time. What comes so naturally to a child takes a little practice in my adult life, but the kids remind me.

I guess this is also why it feels so important to support kids whose childhood is not so easy. In Nepal so many are challenged in ways that even we as adults would find hard to bear.  And yet they do bear their burdens with grace and good cheer. So how can we make their lives a little easier, a little sweeter?  How do we help them have some semblance of a childhood? These are important questions to ask ourselves. They are part of our human family and their welfare cannot be overlooked. It does not take so much : knowing someone cares, feeling safe,  having enough to eat, getting an education. Basic needs. Thank you one and all who have given support to these children on the other side of the world. Your love and compassion make a world of difference, giving our kids a taste of the joy of childhood..