WELCOME TO THE WORLD RACE!
Our lives the first few days included….
We have listened to lectures, spent time on repacking, worship, hashing out future plans if we are caught in a crisis (injured teammates, missing people, illnesses), saying goodbye to parents, and finishing up last minute preparations.
We have taken over the airport with our backpacks, tye dye army, and (hopefully not TOO loud) American selves.
We almost missed our very first flight due to miscommunication with the booking agency. (But we all made it after a bit of rushing through, praise the Lord!)
We have slept on the airport floor.
We were introduced to our first squatty potties. (They are just what they sound like. It’s quite the adjustment…)
We have attempted to master the new currency (rupees) and not get ripped off.
We have gotten strange looks. Many, many strange looks.
We have been exposed to Indian culture and cuisine on our 14 hour Indian Air flight. (Can you say lots of sleep, journaling, sleep, watch a movie, sleep, eat, sleep, reading, and more sleep?)
WELCOME TO NEPAL!
So far, we have tried Buff (Buffalo) Momo. (The favorite around here. Actually really delicious!)
We have time traveled to the year 2071 and reversed our sleep schedules.
We have read much appreciated notes and letters from loved ones. (And might have shed a tear or two.)
We have weaved in and out on sidewalk obstacle courses, and played Frogger on the Nepalese streets (which evidently have no other traffic rules than don’t get hit.)
No, but really. I have been warned a couple times that if you get hit once, get out of the way because it is cheaper on the driver if you are just killed and some WILL try to reverse. So listen when your parents tell you to look both ways before crossing the street children. 🙂
We have had traditional Nepalese garb made for us by the sweetest women.
We got super up-close and personal with each other, stuffing more people in a van than previously thought possible. Multiple times. This may or may not have included some of us on laps and the gentlemen hanging off of the side or the top of the vehicle with the packs.
We have gone to an international church service with other believers, reportedly representing about 70 nations all together. Epic.
We have been spoiled with our accommodations (which include beds, a beautiful terrace, a kitchen, and a shower!)
We have been absolutely awed at the beauty of this country, both the landscape and the people.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have graciously received a few days to adjust (reverse our sleep schedules, get money converted, figure out our meal plans and go grocery shopping, blog and let everyone know we are alive, get culturally relevant clothing, etc.)
Soon we will get the opportunity to begin what we came here to do. We will be working with Tami Asia. This ministry shows love to street children, woman who have been sexually exploited, those in villages in Nepal, and others. We will start a trek through the mountains beginning on Tuesday after our orientation. You can visit there website here- http://www.tamiasia.org/
PRAYER REQUESTS
For each of us to be led by the spirit and use our time pro-actively.
For the hearts of those we will encounter to be open to what will be communicated to them and receptive to love.
For our team and squad to continue to bond and pour into each other.
Pray against any inclination to be apathetic or lethargic as we get over jet lag and readjust to new circumstances.
To experience God in a new and fresh way and be attentive to what He is already doing here in Nepal.
For the ministry we are working with and that we can be of an encouragement to them.
That my heart is fully engaged and I am living out of a place of overflow of confidence in Christ through me.
Lovingly yours, Kelsie.
SUPPORT
Still needing to raise about $3,000. If you would like to donate, go to kelsiebiven.theworldrace.org and click the orange “support me” link at the top of the page. 🙂
CONTACTING ME
If you would like to contact me, you can message me on FB or email me and I will get back to you when I can, dependent on how often we have internet.
EMAIL- [email protected]
FACEBOOK- Kelsie Biven
