Conor's reasons for traveling to Nepal

1) Pages 6 and 7:

Conor Grennan, initially, wanted to do something drastically different in his life. He was bored of routine and wanted to travel around the world. He realized, however, how incredibly selfish that was. Even his carefree friends did not think it was a good idea, so he decided he should do something that was not selfish sounding, such as volunteering at an orphanage, so he would not feel as guilty and reckless when he is asked why he is traveling. Volunteering at an orphanege is the perfect excuse to travel the world, do something crazy with his life, yet appear as if he were a saint.

2) Pages 53-55:

When Conor Grennan initially came to Nepal, he did it essentially to brag. He did not expect to develop such a strong and intimate relationship with the children. He never considered becoming a parent in the near future, yet he had essentially developed a father and child relationship with all of the children. This time when he returned to Nepal, he was going to do it because he had become so emotionally attached to the children, not because he wanted to recklessly do something different and interesting with his life. He finally understands what it is like to have a family whom he never wants to leave. The reason Connor is going to return to Nepal is because he feels he finally has a sense of belonging and a home. He feels he has a family.

3) A comparison of initial and later reasons:

Conor has always loved traveling and participating in exciting events in his life.  Whether it be working in Prague, biking through Asia, or partying with his friends.  When he first went to Nepal, he wanted to do something drastically different with his life.  He was bored of the same routine he had developed in Prague and in other aspects of his life.  In order to gain support from others in this life changing event, he needed to do something that sounded worthwhile and would impact the lives of others.  Volunteering in an orphanege is the perfect oppotunity not to only travel around the world, but to also gain support from others by performing this selfless and worthwhile deed.  Although this selfless deed, when in reality was completely selfish, started with a reckless and carefee attitude, it developed into a sense of desire to impact the lives of the children in Nepal.  He no longer feels the need to do something to entertain himself and to ease the boredom of a routine lifestyle.  He has found a family whom he feels he cannot leave and abandon.  His sole desire and focus is to help this family and to stay in Nepal, so he can impact the children's lives.  What had initially started as a selfish act had turned into a selfless act.  He no longer cares about how being a volunteer in an orphanege will impress all to whom he speaks.  All that matters to him is helping all of the children of Nepal.