text: Larissa Arrives in Nepal — Mitrata Nepal Foundation For Children
  Hello! My name is Larissa and I just finished my senior year at Kirkwood High School and plan to study psychology and education at Canisius College next year. I have volunteered for Mitrata for many years at trivia nights and mouse races. I had my first opportunity to travel to Nepal in 2015 on the sponsor trip, and absolutely loved my experience. After returning home I knew I wanted to go back, so in the summer of 2016, I traveled back to Nepal to volunteer in the Contact Center. I decided to travel back to Nepal this year to volunteer in the Contact Center because I enjoy working and spending time with the kids. It amazes me how strong all of the kids are despite the challenges they have to face on a daily basis. In my time here I'm excited to make new friends and learn even more about the Nepali culture.
  I arrived after a hectic two days of traveling, and since I've been here I have been busy visiting with many old friends. I went to the Contact Center with Sarita where I was reacquainted with Mina and many of the older students who were in the younger class when I volunteered in Nepal in 2016.
  Then I traveled with Alish to visit Regina Karki and the Reliance School. Regina is one of the girls my mom has been sponsoring since 2008, and since then we have created a close relationship through sending letters, and visits in the last 10 years. While visiting we shared many stories and laughs. After Alish and I left we traveled to the Reliance School. At the Reliance School I visited with many younger students who I recognized from my time at the Contact Centre in 2016. It was incredible to see how much the students have developed and advanced in two years.