As the cockeral crows

19 Jan 2010

5:15am
We awake to the sounds of chatter in the kitchen. Our hosts gathered around the fire-stove in the kitchen preparing for the day. Early, friendly banter this early in the morning has been a daily occurance for us since our first day in Nepal. The unavailability of regular electricity and the 5pm sunsets have set the tone for a typuical day in Nepal - early to bed and early to rise.

5:30am
Lazily pulling myself out from under the warm layers of blankets into the cold, dark aura of the early morning. Stmbling as I make my way to the water pump with the help of the dependable kerosene lamp for an early morning head wash. Thank God for warm water - our first since arrival into Nepal.

6:00am
Quick breakfast. Watching mice scurry around as we pack. Guess we're not the only busy ones.

6:15am
In the quietness of the morning, we utter a prayer of blessing over the pastor's family. The little time we've got to spend here in Prithvibasti cannot limit the bond we've developed with God's people here. Their hospitality, warmth, trust and dependence in God has been remarkable and such an encouragement to us.

6:30am
We embark on an hours journey back to Kawasoti where we were given the opportunity to present bicycles, purchased from the funds raised through each one of you. These bicycles will be used by the local pastors here to go into remote villages to share the gospel, attend meetings and be available to those who request help.

11:00am
After an 80km journey, we arrive in Gorkha - the location for our third and final conference. Greeted by the familiar smells of curried chicken, rice and Dhal, we fill our hungry stomachs with the delicious Nepali cuisine we love. Shortly after, we walk outside to the scenery of meandering rivers, ebbing and flowing between snow-capped mountains. Seeing such beauty only makes one stand in amazement and awe of God's beauty present in His creation!

Noon
Conference starts. After arriving in drips and drabs - very typical of Nepali culture- we have 100 youth and adults excited to hear about God's Word. It has been an amazing experience to see the joy and love for God in their worship. They were so excited! We learnt that we are the first missionaries to ever come into Gorkha! After sharing about how we can share the love we have from Christ with others through serving, we got the opportunity to carry out an act of servanthood by washing their feet. We have done this at every one of the conference and pray that they will not remember the act we carried out but remember the example that Christ set for us.

6.30pm
After goodbyes and hugs and wishes of "Jaimashiha" (praise the Lord), we get a quick team picture taken against the beautiful scenery. For dinner (or what we thought was dinner), we enjoyed a delicious meal of MOMO (Nepali dumplings) and fried noodles. Our friend, the chicken joined us at our table for dinner too but Marcus chased it away. I think I would have too.

7.00pm
Made a quick trip to the suspended bridge but didn't go too far as it was dark and the pastors thought it was wise not to venture too far.

7.15pm
Headed back to the house where we were presented with a second dinner! We were so full from the Momos and noodles but enjoyed the food they prepared all the same. They have been so thoughtful in trying to make our stay here as comfortable as they possibly can.

7.30pm
Started a video for the village people (I think the whole village was there, young and old) - Facing the Giants. Unfortunately, after a 2mins teaser, the electricity went out. The sighs of the people were discouraging. But after sighs and disappointment, the electricity came back on after 5 mins (which never happen here in Nepal). There were shouts of cheer (it was so loud, it could be heard a street away) and we got to continue the movie.

So that is a day in the life of our team here in Nepal. It has been nothing short of amazing! Thank you all for praying and do continue to pray for us as we spend our last couple of days in Nepal. Please pray especially for our health!

Thank you for partnering us!