December 14

These next few are to answer the question to myself and others,
"Why do you love Nepal so much? What keeps you going back??"



(Reason number one)
Rakesh's sweet, sweet spirit. He knows he is a stud, and he knows his smile can get him just about anything he wants. He is one of the youngest out of the boys, and though he would like you to believe he is just as tough as the rest of them, I can tell that once he feels safe with you, all he wants to do is feel close. He loves holding hands, and is constantly making sure that whoever is supposed to be, is nearby. He wore his school uniform everywhere, even though he is supposed to take it off at night, but it offered him pure confidence, and at times, arrogance. He likes to be complimented, just like any other 8-year-old. He is so much fun, and has an intelligent sense of humor. He is always the one that sticks around until the end - when the rest of the boys have gone back to work, Rakesh is still hanging out, asking for chocolate or begging to race. He knows his brother and his friends will take care of him, and I admire his trust and his ability to let go and enjoy the sweetness of life.