Today has been full of blessings. Or, as we like to call them on the Race, strawberries (the sweet things of your day). I began the morning as usual, waking up before I really wanted to sounds of screaming children and fighting dogs. But, I have to say, Nepali sunrises are worth the lack of sleep, especially when you get to view them from your rooftop terrace while doing your quiet time.
The women of our group got to go be measured today for some traditional Nepali outfits. This was our first real interaction with the Nepali people outside of our ministry contacts. The women who greeted us were full of warmth and good nature. They were eager to please, showing us all of the beautiful fabrics they had to offer and trying to discount already-low prices. Mind you, these seamstresses are not just putting in another normal days’ work for us; with 12 outfits to make by tomorrow morning, they will most likely work straight through the night to finish. Just the thought of such selflessness brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
The people here, Christian and non-Christian alike, are so hospitable, ready to show us the quality of character that their country possesses. Sure, not everyone is apt to welcome a large group of foreigners and I know we may encounter some opposition. But I am making a commitment to see the good in each person we encounter. I will seek to understand where they’ve been so I can better love the person they are now. The Savior I know is so worth knowing because He is so able to be known. As Jesus walked this earth, He made a point to not just perform miracles and teach good things. Rather, Christ saw people. He looked into their eyes and saw their hearts. He wanted to know them so that they may want to know Him as well.
If I accomplish nothing else during this journey, I pray that I learn to see people with Christ’s eyes so they may see Him looking through me. At the end of the day, I know it isn’t about how many children I played soccer with or how many bricks I helped lay on a new church building. What matters most is that Christ’s love is expressed and that the people we serve know Him better because of us.
P.S. Tomorrow our teams begin our week-long trekking voyage through some of the mountain villages to share the Gospel and minister to areas that don’t have as much contact with the outside world. Please pray that we have strength, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, to fulfill the task set before us.
