That’s right… I wore my 50lb backpack up and down the Himalayas. Excruciating and sort of fun actually! But first – some pics from the end of the second village:
This is what my team treated me to on my birthday:
Pork over the fire!
My own birthday cake! How they found it in the middle of
nowhere Nepal, I don’t know, but we devoured it in 5 minutes tops.
And this was the progress we left the village with – a foundation with three separate stalls and some wall posts. As funds come in, they’ll be able to keep building.
Well, the time to move on from our blessed second village came. We were told the next village we were going to was very remote, would take about 2 hours to hike, and there would be no electricity, markets or water. We were all pretty excited because we are an adventurous crew and have come to enjoy those moments when Jesus stretches us. We got our packs on and started the climb!
Except it turned out to be one of the most treacherous, hateful experiences of my life! I was NOT in shape, was carrying 30lbs on my back, rolled my ankles a ton of times and the hike turned out to be 5 HOURS! We were all so exhausted!!
The only way to get there was straight up and up and up! And then back down and UP again and then down.
But of course – it proved to be all worth it (as all things related to Jesus are) and we arrived at our new tree house for the next week. It was exquisite. The fact that we had no water, electricity, or internet paled in comparison to being sandwiched between the mountains. No noise, besides animals squawking. Just our team and our contact’s family. Living the good life.
Our ministry in this village was helping them in the planning stages for a new school. The children in this village currently have to walk 2 hours there and back at the end of the day for an education. Not just down the street – but over those same mountains, crossing a high river that is incredibly dangerous for these kids. Our contact said the kids cry a lot and are exhausted at the end of the day, but still have to do work and chores for their home.
My teammate Lauren designed a basic school building for them and we helped by carrying river rocks up to the land. This village still needs about $16,000 to finish, so if you feel called to donate, please let me know because our contact is directly connected and will use funds to continue to purchase materials in this remote location.
We also preached in church and sang songs for them. This week was by far the most laid back. We all loved it dearly. I really only worked a few hours a day and spent the rest of the day reading, singing, spending time with our host family, napping and enjoying nature. It was a blessed time through and through.
Bringing the word while our contact’s daughter Rosanna translated.
Managing a smile carrying some rocks : )
A family picture with Radiant Change and the villagers who will continue building and fund raising.
The best part of the day was finishing work, rinsing off in the natural spring half a mile from our home and coming back to some delicious corn! Corn corn corn. A Nepali staple.
So the time passed too quickly and it was time to move on to another village. This one we only stayed for one night before hiking further to another village for another night, and then finally our 16 hour bus ride back to beloved Kathmandu. In both of the villages we sang songs and loved on the people for a night. It’s nice to feel a part of a family everywhere you go. That’s how it is in these countries for Christians. Shame it isn’t like this in America.
Our trek to the next village was semi-hostile. We had to cross a swollen river 3 times. We were all soaked and so was our stuff. We floated down rapids in intertubes and sent our bags across hoping for favor. The hike was gorgeous though. Nepal is truly exquisite.
I’m very happy to report that Nepal has been my favorite country on the World Race. I think a combination of team changes, the culture and scenery…I just felt more like myself than ever here in the mountains. I already look forward to coming back. I was in my element here, despite the bug bites, allergies and pesky laryngitis I picked up.
I – will – be – back.
Next stop for Team Radiant Change? SOUTH AFRICA BABY! Tomorrow I board a plane for Africa. Goodbye Asia, my home for the past 6 months – Hello Africa and all the challenges and celebrations to come.
