Adventures in Missions. Truly, this is an adventures orientated mission trip. This trek revealed to me how much each day of the World Race is an unforgettable adventure, if you make it one!
Unreached people groups. There were many prayer flags, shrines, and signs pointing to the Tibetan and Hindu religion along the trails. These people are living far from the city and need someone to come tell them about Jesus. We have seen the efforts of local organizations in Nepal who are reaching out to these people.
Self-talk. Sometimes you don’t have anyone else cheering you on. Be your own cheerleader. Tell yourself you can accomplish things that seem utterly difficult.
Humility. It’s okay to hand over your heavy stuff to someone else. For the trek, that meant giving my pack to our porter when I could no longer bear the weight. For you and me that means daily handing things over to the Lord that only He can bear the weight of.
Speechless. There are honestly no words to describe the beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. The Lord took just a little more time on the curvature of each snow-covered peak. I have also never seen such a lit up night sky like there was at the Australian Base Camp.
The sunrise and sunset were to die for.
Food is energy. When I am not spending 6 days hiking for 35 hours, I usually am not so conscious of what I put into my body. I like to be healthy, but sometimes I forget when I eat that I am fueling up my body for activity throughout the day.
Dal bhat is a traditional meal that is popular in many areas of Nepal. There is a saying here that, “dal bhat gives you power for 24 hours”. Well, it certainly did for me.
Slow and steady wins the race. During the first day, I started getting blisters on my feet. I also have asthma, so I had to use my rescue inhaler most days. Altitude sickness got to me; I was nauseous and light-headed so water was vital. Due to all of these factors, you could find me at the back of the group each day. And you know what? I became okay with that. There’s no need to rush through this life.
Your plans can change. We were supposed to make it to Annapurna Base Camp, but a snowstorm re-routed us. Our trek peaked at 3,200 meters. The Lord laughed and whispered to me, “there’s always something better”.
Scripture is always applicable. Sometimes I forget that the word of God is alive! It’s so easy to relate scripture to our every day lives. I was convicted of the weight of the crossbeams Jesus carried up to his death. It seemed like my Osprey pack was getting heavier and heavier with each step. I quickly remembered that Jesus had just been whipped and beaten, but still carried the cross. I have the ability to carry my bag without complaints. It was also very humbling to see women carrying enormous bags of rice and brush.
Take the path less travelled. Because of slippery mud or melting snow, it was easier for me to walk where someone else before me had not. I kept seeing this pattern, then remembering how the World Race seemed like something so much more different than what all my friends were doing. Well I’m sure glad I took the path less travelled.
