everest & more

We woke up at 5:30 and left for the airport. well, not departing Kathmandu for Singapore, but to see the highest mountain in the world - EVEREST! And truly, it was breathtaking! It was so nice to see God's beautiful creation and to know how great and big He is :).


"Mountain so high, no bird can fly" (Got this picture from google).


After an enjoyable morning, we spend the afternoon shopping, and getting souvenirs :D.






:P We are street kids ^


^Pastor Gopal sharing the gospel to these two boys :).

Living backwards forward

“Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Singapore Changi International airport where the local time is approximately 8.02pm, Saturday, the 23^rd of January 2010”. To me, this is home, yet to the rest of the team, this is “home” in varying definitions of the word – A resting place / a place of refuge. Familiar surroundings, familiar food and communication in a familiar language.

Rewind a couple of hours back where we started our day over a bowl of spicy noodles for breakfast. After finishing the last bits of our packing, we gathered in Pastor Dhan’s bedroom with children ranging from 6 – 9 years old, Pastor Dhan, his family, Pastor Gopal, the 2 resident girls who had been toiling hard in the kitchen since the day we got there and our new friend, Krist all gathered cozily on the 13 x 9 ft carpet. After songs of “Jesus Loves Me This I know” and “Jesus Loves The Little Children”, we spent time praying for the Pastors, their families and their ministry there in Nepal. After which, we were treated to a Nepali Christian song and dance Krist had taught the children. Our short meeting closed with the team singing “The Doxology”.

After a quick lunch, we loaded up, got a couple of last minute “group pictures” and were on our way to Kathmandu International Airport for our flight back to Singapore. It was sad that we had to say our goodbyes to the Pastors, Krist and our faithful driver prematurely as only passengers are allowed into the check-in terminal here in Kathmandu. However, we find excitement and joy in the fact that we know we will meet them again, if not on this earth, then at the feet of our Father’s throne. Checking in was a breeze, we couldn’t figure out why they wanted us to get to the airport so early as it’s a small airport. We understood the moment we got to immigration. While lining up for about 20mins to get past immigration, we met a nice American missionary couple who had been serving in Nepal for 4 years! Their fervor and love for the people and God was such an encouragement to us. Here we were, in Nepal for 11 days and looking forward to the likes of ice-cream, chocolate and cheese. These people had been here for 4 years and radiated God’s love and the joy they find in Christ during our short conversation with them. After immigration, it was time for security! THAT WAS AN EXPERIENCE. They have separate lines for men and women. The girls got through quick because their line was exceptionally short. After 30mins or so, the guys decided to look for the possibility of a quicker clearance. We then found out that we could have gone through the “ladies” line as it was also cleared for passengers of the flight we were on. By the time we switched lines, we were too late, another long line had formed. Upon reaching the scanning machines, we were then told that we were in the wrong line and should have been in the one we were originally in. ?!?!?!?!?! Thankfully, with the help of the nice Silkair agent who intervened on our behalf, we were allowed through. After collecting our bags for the scanner, the bags were manually searched again. By now, they were paging for all remaining passengers of our flight. We had started our check-in at the airport more than 2 hours ago! At the entrance to our gate, we were frisked again before allowed to get onto a bus of waiting passengers all ready to be transported to our plane. On our flight back to Singapore, we had time to reminisce memories made over the past 11 days and reflect on God’s faithfulness during our time there.

The team is now back in Singapore, where the journey of our mission to the Himalayan country of Nepal began. Thank you for praying for us faithfully. We definitely felt every bit of it.

This isn’t the end though. Our team will continue to pray faithfully for Pastor Dhan’s family, Pastor Gopal’s Family, their extended families who are all involved in ministry, the children, the youth and the people of Nepal. We ask that you join us too!

They are very excited to welcome another team in 2011. Will you heed the call?

Contrast

Hearing the alarm sound at 3:15 this morning was not a very welcoming noise. But we each slowly arose from our sweet slumber. After quick breakfast of boiled eggs and noodles, we piled into the van for an hour or so journey. Some of us slept and some of us were not so lucky to grab a few more minutes of sleep as the van rumbled over the incredibly bumpy roads. For most of our drive we were going in what seemed like circles. By the time we reached our destination some of us were... slightly nauseous. But alas, we had arrived. The next half-hour or so were spent deciding what exactly we would be doing. It was decided by Pastor Dhan that we should have coffee. So we went inside a very nice hotel to enjoy a nice cup of java (for some, it was our 2nd for the morning). And then, we headed out into the frigid air as we saw it. What exactly did we see you might be wondering to yourself. We saw the majestic work of our awesome God painted for us in the heavens above. We could not help but stand in awe of what our Saviour and Creator had made for us to see. The sun was rising from the east reflecting off the Himalayas to the north. The grandeur of our great God will never cease to amaze.

CONTRAST


After winding through the maze of streets we have come to know as Kathmandu in our brown chariot (which on occasion has been known to stall) we summited to the stopping point. We stepped out of the car and were greeted by the sounds of monkeys and the ever faint smell of burning incense. Pastor Dhan paid for the tickets and so we entered. At the begging we passed some who sold coins, some food, some memorabilia. We climbed the many stairs until we reached the top.


Littered everywhere were the remnants of worship. A candle here, red and yellow dust there. Atop the large white sphere at the top of the hill workers worked on constructing the gold figure. Around the figure were wood spindles, 181 we were told. By spinning them your sins are "forgiven" is the explanation given. In other stations around the large figure are smaller figures. Above our head we could see strings of flags being flown. Upon them bore the words to prayers that are believed to be ascended into the heavens every time the wind blows. Some people we passed muttered unintelligibly words.


At this place of worship for so many Nepali people, I couldn't help but be left with few thoughts. They were very different than the ones that were left resonating in my mind from this morning. They were thoughts which made my heart ache. These thoughts were played out by the pictures which were passing before my eyes.


The god that these people had come to worship to be cleansed by, was locked behind a gate. This god couldn't comfort them, let alone hear them. This god does not see their hurt or hear their cries. This god sits there, locked behind a gate. It has no power.


The prayers written on the flags flying high above our heads, would soon be rubbish on the ground along with the other ones which have withered away and fallen to the ground and now are laying in the dirt. There is nobody that is there hearing these prayers. Needless to say, there is no one that is going to answer them. The dirt where they will eventually lie and decompose will have greater chance hearing the prayers which are written upon the flags than the figure which sits behind a gate and a lock.

Nepal needs your prayers. Less than 1% of the people here have confessed their sins and believed upon a God who truly does hear there prayers and who will truly forgive them and wash them clean as snow. Also pray for the people who are laboring here in answering the call to make disciples. Pray for the Lama family as the Lord expands their ministry everyday. Our prayer is that it's not remembered about who we are or where we come from, but that its all about the God who lives, see, feels and hears. That He alone is the only person who can make a difference in their lives. That He alone is the one where they can find joy and fulfillment.

Keep our team in your prayers as we finish up our time here. Tomorrow is our last full day here. Most of the team is taking a plane up to see Mt. Everest in the morning. When we leave we will be incredibly sad to leave all of the people who we have come to call friends and others we have come to call family.


Thanks for your prayers support. It has been not only an encouragement to us to know that there are people back home who are praying for us. But it has also been an encouragement to the people that we have been able to minister to while we've been here.

Glimpses of Our Week

Pastor Gopal Lama translates while Austin shares during the conference

Alana teaches a song during English class at the Kawasoti conference

Phoebe and Pastor Dhan Lama

Just Wait

This morning dawned foggy and cold. We woke up in Gorkha, and after looking around at the small village for the last time, eating a small town breakfast and loading our luggage, we set off.

Today is the beginning of the end.

The roads were bumpy leading to the main road, uphill and taken very slowly. It was rather quiet in the van for several minutes--and yes that was because some of us were sleeping. Leaving behind what we came for and heading back to Kathmandu was in a sense depressing, yet in another like we were headed home.

Among the traffic that was quite normal for Nepal, and a little life threatening feeling for us, I saw one of the colorful trucks displaying "Just Wait."

Just Wait.

It struck me as inviting I guess. Here I was with my team finishing our last adventure. Traveling over mountain roads for the last time on this trip. Yet, it said "Just Wait."

Yes, the reason we came to Nepal has been completed. Yes, the people we came to meet we have gotten to know. Yes, we are extremely different than the last time we were in Kathmandu. But really even though one adventure is finished another has just begun. All we have to do is wait for it. Be ready for it. Get excited because it's going to be better than we could ask for!

So as we take the afternoon to recover from our nomad travels and light colds, we ask that you all do keep praying for us. This adventure is just beginning, we still have lots to experience--lots to learn. It's been a beautiful day. One filled with sunshine and laughter. Please keep praying for us, friends. More greatness is on the way.

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!

Monday in Prithvibasti

"Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, dong wonders?...You in your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed." (Ex. 15:11, 13)


In the damp coolness this morning, our team stood outside the Kawasoti church and prayed with our brothers and sisters there once more. Our hearts are full of gratefulness for the three days of fellowship, worship, teaching, singing and learning that God gave us. Many of the people went home last night when the conference ended, but some lived farther away and spent the night in the church. I was awed and humbled to hear that some had a ten-hour walk home today.

We were excited to be going to the church in Prithvibasti--to meet new people, to see more villages, to experience a community that lies on the border of India.

The narrow highway winding through the mountains does not usually have a center line. Most of the traffic this morning were trucks and buses. Truck decor is like a circus! They are painted orange, pink, yellow, green, blue--and then covered with ornamental scrolls, decorations and pictures. Occasionally English phrases are included..."Honk Horn" "Speed Control." These informative phrases have also taught our team that "Love is Life" and "Love is Drama." :)

Despite the narrow road, it is not unusual to see a bus or truck broken down in the middle of the road--tire off or an axle on the ground (surrounded by several symbolic rocks to warn traffic). Our van driver (and the rest of traffic) is unphased, swerving around it and avoiding oncoming traffic in the thick fog. We've seen several wrecks (meeting traffic in your own lane isn't surprising at all), and this morning we saw several buses and trucks that didn't quite make it around a curve. Their front or back tire was slipped off the road into the 2 ft. wide gutter/"ditch" (along the mountain drop-off).

We pulled over to read a monument in a clearing that marked Nepal's east-to-west midpoint. It is 512 km to either border.

Prithvibasti lies at the bottom of the mountains--in the plains that carry into India. A canal runs out of the river to irrigate the crops in this area. Driving off the main highway, we were stopped to pay a road tax. Bumping along the gravel road, winding around pot holes, we had an idea why they would think it was time to collect a repair tax. :) These rural homes are made of mud and covered with thatch roofs. Many front yards' landscapes include water buffalo, goats and chickens.


We arrived at the church and learned that "youth" conference meant the entire family! Over two hundred people joined the conference; some of them live very close to the India border.

The pastor's wife here is the daughter and sister of the Lama family pastors with whom we have been working in Kathmandu and Kawasoti. We experienced the most loving and gracious hospitality in their mud home. They gave up their dining room so we could eat around the table. They gave up their two bedrooms for us. We felt very honored to be allowed into the kitchen to watch dinner being prepared in the dim light. Finally we could see how the delicious food we've been eating is prepared! When they serve chicken ... they cook the whole chicken!! They asked if we liked milk ... and we enjoyed delicious, warm buffalo milk. :)


Hearing the pastors's family's vision for ministry was very inspiring and humbling to us. We learned that the two daughters were skipping several days of school because of a Hindu festival which involved praying to gods. Their grades would suffer, but they accepted the inevitable loss without question. Although they dream of going to America, they have decided instead to go to Bible college and return to minister in their village--and more rural areas in Nepal.