As my time in Nepal is coming to a close, I am so excited to share a little bit of my time there with you through these pictures. As I leave here, I know I am leaving a piece of my heart in this place. I love the beautiful people of this incredible country. It is so exciting to see God doing an amazing work in this place. Please be praying with me that this nation turns to Jesus.
Day 82: Kothe, Nepal
This is Grandpa. He can hauck a lugi like no one I have ever seen. Many times his cough makes me concerned that a lung will pop out. Grandpa doesn’t move much except for when he coughs, laughs at us, and makes some popcorn (which he can’t eat because of his lack of teeth). Today, however, was an exception. When Samuel, his grandson, got on the drums, Grandpa got the urge to move like Jagger. He was spinning and moving his hips and let me tell you, his hips don’t lie.
Day 83: Dhandagaun Village
Livestock is extremely important to the villagers of Nepal. They use their animals for milk and to help till the ground. In other words, cows and water buffalo are often these family’s source of income so when one gets sick, there is a serious problem. In times like these, the question is not…how do you want your steak cooked? (as some of us were secretly hoping) because killing and eating cows is illegal here, instead, the death of a cow causes a huge loss for the family. One of the families we visited today has a sick cow so they asked us to pray. I love that we serve a God who cares about us so much that He even cares about our sick cows.
Day 84: Bhakkhor Village
We went to visit a school in the Bhakkhor Village. On the way up the mountain, we got a little lost going to the school but we found it eventually. The teachers gave us over an hour to teach the kids worship songs, do a couple of skits, tell a Bible story, and play with them. I am still blown away that we are allowed to come into public schools and tell the kids all about Jesus and how much He loves them. Many of these kids have never even heard the name of Jesus so this opportunity truly is incredible. I fell in love with these sweet little kids (especially the adorable one in the middle named Sabina). They are so eager to hear about a God who loves them and play with people who hiked all the way up the mountain just to see them!
Day 85: Duguna Gadhi, Nepal
One of the other teams from our squad came to visit us last night so we decided to take them up to The Last Resort for a day of fun, spending time together, and hearing stories about each other’s ministry this month. We had some obstacles in trying to get there (the bus wasn’t running so we had to cram into the back of a jeep to get there) and get back (the last bus heading our direction was jam-packed so we had to ride on top of the bus, which isn’t uncommon, but this time we were sitting on the very front with nothing to hang on to). Overall it was a great day with a ton of adventure, laughter, and fun.
Day 86: Binjel Village
We hiked up to the upper portion of the Binjel village to visit some people from the church. Many of the people who faithfully come to the church in Kothe each Saturday walk anywhere from 1-3 hours one way. Oftentimes they are the only Christians in their village and face persecution from their family and neighbors on a daily basis. This particular home is one where a mom hikes down the mountainside to bring her 2 little kids to church each week despite her husband’s disapproval. She was so excited to invite us into her home to sing songs, discuss the Word of God, and pray together. Though she has hardly anything to live off of (this is a picture of her downstairs which is only one room for her bedroom, kitchen, and living room), she graciously fed us all and was so full of joy and life. Her faith amazes me!
Day 87: Tatopani, Nepal
We got to stand on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China)…that’s right, I’m in two countries at once!
Pastor Tara, his son Samuel, and the rest of their family are absolutely amazing! They welcomed us into their home and made us feel as if we were a part of their family for the past month. They invited us up into the church, which doubles as Jake and Kyle’s room, for a time of prayer before we leave tomorrow. As a thank you, they gave each of us girls a gorgeous shawl and the boys a traditional Nepali hat. We came here to bless them by serving alongside them. Tonight I realized how blessed I am to have been a part of their ministry for the last few weeks. I’m really going to miss Pastor Tara’s “hallelujuah” greeting everytime he sees us, Auntie’s joyful smile, Samuel’s heart for the people of Kothe, Grandpa’s dancing and hacking, and each of the other members of this special family.
Day 88: Kothe, Nepal
Thanks to a riot one town over from where we lived, the one and only bus that was available to take us the 3 1/2 hours to Kathmandu came with about 40 other people plus all of our luggage on top of a bus…as Samuel would say, “This is Nepal!”
Day 89: Kathmandu, Nepal
With team changes looming over our heads, tonight was our last dinner as Team Perisseuo. I can’t even describe how much I have come to love and treasure these 6 people in the last 3 months. They really have become like my family and I will miss them tremendously. I’m so excited, however, for the adventure God has for each of us in the months to come and, even though we’re not a team anymore, the relationships we built will go on with us.
Day 90: Kathmandu, Nepal
Meet my new team–Stephanie, Natalie, Katie, Marissa, and Sarah (not pictured).
Day 91: Kathmandu, Nepal
Jake, Kaitlyn, and I met Darwa at the beginning of the month in his scarf shop. Per his request, we came to visit him everyday we were in Kathmandu. Since today is our last day here, Bri, Kaitlyn, and I spent a couple of hours drinking tea and chatting with him in his shop. Please be praying with us that he comes to know Jesus.
