In early 2007 I wrote this email to a new sponsor:

I am home again and at last able to sit and write you a bit about your sponsored child.

Her name is Shanti BK and she is 6-7 years old. Ages in Nepal are often indeterminate because villagers rarely record the date of birth. She will probably enter school in Nursery (her Grade or Class).She has likely had no previous schooling.

She is from the Dalit caste (formerly called untouchable). BK stands for Biswa Karma, or Iron Workers. Her Father is Lal Bahadur BK and her Mother is Dahn BK. They are kamyas or bonded laborers. Yes, it is amazing but this kind of thing still exists. It is certainly on it’s way out in Nepal but still remains in places.

This family lives in Chitwan, in the south of Nepal, a tropical, jungle sort of area close to the border with India. They are very poor and live in a shed. There are 3 girls and 2 boys in the family. It is admirable that despite all that, they are trying to educate their children!

Shanti will attend Pegasus school, which is in Kathmandu close to Boudhanath. The headmaster is Mr. Kinley, a lovely man. Pegasus is one of the few schools that take the very poor.

When Shanti arrives at Pegasus we will take pictures and send them to you.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. If you would like to write an introductory letter to Shanti, please do! And the kids LOVE to receive photos of their sponsors. I can pass the letter and pictures on to her for you... much love and gratitude for your kindness and generosity!!”

So, Shanti did come to Kathmandu. When she was shown the hostel, her eyes got big as saucers and she whispered in delight: “I’ve never had a bed before. Is this really mine?”

Everyone loved Shanti. When she was suddenly taken sick months later, Mr. Kinley was distraught and badgered the doctors at hospital relentlessly to try to ascertain what was wrong. Shanti died holding her uncles hand.

So, we honor this little girl who had never had a bed and who would have gotten an education and a better life. Shanti Children’s Foundation. She would have been so proud.