Nepal has been crippled with poverty for generations.  Although politics, economics and earthquakes have crushed the country, it has not crushed the will of the Nepalese people.  They remain steadfast and devoted to their faith as they bravely face each new hardship life throws at them.  It seems like this is one place where hardships land more often.  In Patan many homes do not have running water and only sparsely available electricity, if it at all.  In the city, as in ancient times, many collect water from communal wells.  The wells range from elaborate fountains to a trickle at a hole in the rock.  Some struggle and cannot collect water.  They are too old, too young, some too sick, some injured.  The man in this drawing is dedicated to helping as many of these people as he can.  Without this man, their struggle could become dire.  If you had visited Nepal 700 years ago, it's likely you would have found such a man doing similar work.  He's an urban water porter.  All day, everyday without fail, he fills and then refills cauldrons of water to make as many deliveries as possible.  He hangs the vessels off a yoke that he places around his neck to carry throughout the city.   He is an old man.  He seems too old to do the work he does.  For little pay, he works relentlessly in the hard and broken streets.  His bare feet on cold stone.  He defines commitment.  His resolve pushes him on each day without fail.  He brings the essence of life to those who may otherwise not be so blessed.  He is, for all of us in this world, the essential man.