The region of Gorkha, Nepal is like something from a Peter Jackson movie.
Not King Kong, but one of the good ones.
It is a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush jungles where the beauty of the sun-kissed day is equally as inviting as the mystique of the moon-soaked night.
Nestled in the emerald hills of eastern Nepal, the sights here are matched by the warm hearts of the people who call it home. The people here describe it as a town where hospitality knows no boundaries and "love" ( or Maya) is both a common middle name for women and a way of life for both believers and non-believers alike.
There were also apparently Leopards in the hills just above us well…so theres that to think about in your tent at night too…
A day in Gorkha typically calls for 3 things: Hiking, eating, and ministry.
A hike in this region will take you from our camp at New Life Church in the village of Khoplangha to a running river bunked below a rocking metal bridge, like something out of Indiana Jones. It's a prime sight for rock jumping, bathing, or just a swim among some good friends both old and new.
It can also take you to a waterfall (read: shower) in the middle of a jungle, overlooked by a natural bat cave accessed only by 2 tree trunks that have been moved into place.
The food here consists of Rice, vegetables, and typically some form of eggs with the occasional serving of chicken; that is if you have the stomach to slaughter it yourself.
There are some things you can't unsee….
Perhaps the greatest adventure in Gorkha can be had by visiting a warm water lake and sharing the gospel with the locals.
Or maybe its having the kids of the village stop by to say "hi" to the strange looking people handing out bibles and riding on top of dump trucks through the one road.
In my first week in active duty as a Squad Leader members of Team 3-4-1 showed me a lot about the truly greatest thing about Gorkha. It was the realization that language doesn't have to enter in to the equation when your actions are speaking a language that is deeper than anything a human tongue can produce: Godly love.
I watched a team who had just the night before been burglarized, go and love strangers better than I think I can love my closest friends when ANYTHING doesn't go my way.
It was the most humbling thing I've seen from my peers on this race and it affected me in an unexpected way.
So to the people of Gorkha: Thanks for the gracious hospitality.
To the hills of Gorkha: Thanks for the muscle cramps.
To Wes, Jon, Matt, Lauren, Allie, Jess and Morgan: Thanks for the lesson in how to love like Christ in the aftermath of a heinous situation.
You make our Almighty P-Squad look SO good and your Heavenly Father SO proud!
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I am still in need of another $3,500 before July 1st to COMPLETE my fundraising. If you feel led or know someone who may be inclined to donate, please click the "Support Me" link to the left of this page or share this blog site. Be blessed. Be love.
