Over the last 3-4 years we have all received photos and letters from our sponsored children, and we have been able to send them photos of our families, letters and details that we take so much time and trouble to prepare. You cannot imagine how important it is for a child to receive a photo from a person who worries about him or her and who knows that, thanks to this person, the child will be given an education, decent food and adequate medical attention.

There are currently 67 boys and girls in the orphanage, between the ages of 3 months and 20 years, as well as 15 old people, who are fed and cared for in exchange for whatever they can do, helping in the garden and teaching the children the traditional customs of their country.

All children over 4 go to school and, depending on their age, they go to one of 6 different centres. In Nepal education is not free, so part of the money we send them every quarter is used to pay the schools and registration fees, which are very high, and the school materials and uniforms which differ from one school to another.

The orphanage is able to pay for itself in part by growing rice and wheat, the staple foods. They also have 9 cows, and the amount of milk they give depends on the time of year, but 50% of the milk is used to supply the orphanage and they also make yoghourt with it. The other 50% is exchanged for other foodstuffs or is sold to the neighbours. The centre also has a garden, with its own gardener, although he is helped by the children. They grow cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, green beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions and potatoes.

This Easter (2003) I was fortunate enough to visit the orphanage for the first time and I assure you that it is an unforgettable experience I recommend it to anyone. Seeing these children, who have nothing, but the little they have they share, and who are so happy, laughing all day, helping each other. The little ones look to the older ones for support, for help with their homework and work around the house, making their beds, sweeping the porches, picking up leaves in the garden and a thousand other chores, but who, no matter what, are still children - orphans, but happy ones, with a huge family which looks after them and makes sure they are well. One boy of 15 wrote this in a letter to me: "I have nothing to give you but my words in a letter."

If you want more information, you can visit the webpage at www.amicsnepal.org to get an overall look at the Association.