I have just returned from spending several days over the Dashain festival with Riya, her husband Rupak, and the children from the Bhaktapur children home. I thought you might enjoy to see the pictures and have a moment of connecting ;-)
I will write a bit more in the next week when I have some time, but one thing that really struck me was the difference in Ashok, who when he arrived to the home one and half years ago he could not speak and his integration with the other children was almost zero. He is now speaking in sentences, very comfortable with physical touch (actually now he is very tactile!) and is much more able to connect and play with the other children – not always the football playing, but other less physical games and activities. Very heartening to see and hear the changes!
On my way now today to Annapurna children home in Pokhara .. Love & hugs to you all, kira
(ps can I have the mailing address from all of you who are sponsors to the children? Riya would like to send you each a painting and letter from the children)