A gorgeous portrait taken in Bhaktapur, Nepal
During the last few days of our time in Bhaktapur, we sat down to interview Ramesh for our documentary film. In his small office at the back of his ancient house, we asked him many questions about his life, his family, his job, and his country. Though we had already spent so much time with him, we learned even more about this man we now call “Bhai” or brother.
We learned that when Stephanie from the Unatti Foundation originally offered him the job of running the orphanage, that he was not interested. He had gone to business school, he was in his mid twenties- unmarried and without children. The position just wasn’t appealing. That is, until he met the girls from the Unatti home. And in his own words, “they attached to his heart.”
I feel the same way about Nepal and these people. They have consumed my love and have taken it wholeheartedly, immediately reciprocating with hugs and kisses and namaste. Leaving this country and specifically, the Unatti family (and their extensions at the Pagoda House) was beyond difficult.
What I am grateful for is that I have a new favorite city in the world, Bhaktapur. I have been challenged and supported in a way that I never could have imagined while in Nepal. I made friendships in one month that I feel are stronger than some I have back home in the USA. Unapologetically close and loving friendships.
The kindhearted smile of Unatti's leader, Ramesh
I am so happy that Patty was here on the journey with me. Having someone else to talk to about these feelings seems like explaining the unexplainable. Now when we travel in India, we barely have to speak and we know how much we miss our Unatti family. We understand and celebrate the memories as often as possible.
I will come back to Nepal. There is no doubt in my mind. I will cherish seeing the faces of these girls as the film we envisioned comes to fruition. We will relive the memories and apply the lessons we learned as often as possible.
Goodbye, my darling Nepal. I miss you already.
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Janelle K. Eagle is infamous for always having her hands tied up in multiple projects simultaneously. She's directed a lot of theater, worked on some films, and raised lots of money for non-profits. She travels all the time and loves to share her videos, photography and writing via this blog. 
