These past two weeks in Nepal have been wonderful. There have been some challenges and uncomfortable moments, but the blessings far outweigh the sacrifices made. You’re probably wondering about the title…there’s a short video clip to explain the pagan pigeons and I’ll tell you about our happy little children. Actually, the pigeons should be lumped together with a few other small challenges…
In Nepal the weather is beautiful, the scenery is incredible and the children are down right cute. Still, there is the fact that I got excited about a trip to the city one day because we found a Pizza Hut…something familiar! To make it better, there was a clean bathroom with toilet paper and…a western-style toilet! That was the first toilet seat I’d seen since our apartment in India. Another night I fell asleep after our team meeting and woke up a few minutes later realizing I still had my contacts in and I hadn’t been to the bathroom yet. Yuck…crunchy eyes and a full bladder. I was wrapped up in my sleeping bag (because it’s crazy cold at night!) and to take out my contacts would require finding the hand sanitizer, waiting for it to dry, then hoping my eyeballs didn’t burn out or get infected. To go to the toilet I’d have to find flip-flops, put them on with my socks, find a headlamp, walk outside in the cold, and down the stairs. I also forgot about brushing my teeth. Let me go find my water bottle, toothpaste, toothbrush…and go out to the roof where I can spit in the trashcan. Oh yea, the neighbors are watching out their window… great. Now it’s finally time to go to sleep!
Let’s just say that you know you’re a missionary when you dream about going home so that you can walk down a warm hallway to a bathroom that already has all your toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper waiting for you. The electricity always works, you don’t have to wear flip-flops and there is a clean mirror on the wall. To take a shower you don’t have to psyche yourself up or hold your breath because the water isn’t painfully cold. In fact, you can shower more than once every three or four days and you don’t have to check for lice afterward.
Some days here we’ve also had issues finding the next meal. Wait, wait, just listen… we are in no way going hungry because the Lord definitely provides each and every day. It’s just that sometimes the food choices aren’t always nutritious or appetizing. This week there have been many festivals and last night was a big Hindu holiday. Everything was closed except a few corner shops. Dinner was bread, some Nutella spread, sour cream and onion chips, and crackers (don’t worry Mom, I am eating veggies and drinking water at other meals!).
Whew…now that you have a bit of a picture of some of the difficulties, let me blow you away with the blessings. Because in reality, what’s the big deal about having to walk down a few cold steps to get to the bathroom at night when you get a chance to make an impact for the glory of God? He is so FAITHFUL and GOOD!
My view on the way home in the evenings.
Phulmaya! One of the precious children here at Happy Home Nepal
At the beginning of this month our team knew that Happy Home Nepal was not a Christian organization. We did not think we would be able to openly share the gospel with the kids or administrators. So we prayed. We prayed for opportunities to let our actions burst with the love of Jesus. We prayed over those in authority and for the sweet little ones we would love on. We prayed and God answered. For some reason we were surprised. I don’t know why. We really should expect that he will answer, but this time he went above and beyond our expectations. After a day of playing with the kids we were able to talk with our contact about what he wanted us to do. He gave out various projects and goals ranging from teaching to construction, then he said something that almost made me laugh out loud for joy. No lie…like direct quote: “The children don’t know much about the Bible so you can teach them.” Um, ok?! Later he asked us to come from 6:30am-7:30am as a time specifically set for teaching on Jesus. We may have slid it back to 7am as he said that was also convenient, but still…what an answer from the Lord!
Day one we taught on the “Lost Son” and how much the Father loved him no matter what he’d done. The Father loves everyone and his grace extends to all. He gives second chances and forgiveness. This is not common among Hindus or Buddhists. Day two was a lesson on the first disciples (or students) who caught so many fish that their nets began to break and their boats to sink, yet they left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus. We also learned the first part of John 3:16 and the words to “Jesus Loves Me”. I can’t tell you how much my heart swells up with joy when I hear the kids sitting at lunch and singing, “Jesus loves me this I know.” Or when they are sitting at a desk coloring and the words just come to their mouths. Once, we gave the older children an opportunity to write down any questions about God, the Bible or Jesus that they had. What a perfect platform for the gospel! Some of the questions: Why did God send Jesus to earth? Why didn’t God come to earth himself? Who wrote the Bible? There were many more, but this was a start. We were able to play “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and to explain why Jesus came. Ben did a great presentation of the gospel and I know there will be many more days this week to expand what we’ve started. The administrator asked us to teach about Christ because he sees him as another important god that is respected and honored. He doesn’t see Jesus as a threat to the Hindu or Buddhist beliefs. Please pray that both he and the children will see the Truth. Pray that Jesus would shine as the One God that he is and that all others would be taken away.
I can hardly believe that half of our time here is done. Still, I already see so much growth and HOPE that wasn’t here before the Lord brought us. By being available to listen to the kids, to love them, play with them and give out hugs or play tag, we have brought the Kingdom to earth. There is such excitement when our group shows up in the morning. Smiles all around. The children know that they are loved not just by us, but by Jesus. I praise Him for choosing to use me and bless me in countless ways.
My next blog will have more details on the home, the children and how you can pray. As always, thanks for your prayers. I know you’re praying because I see things happening. I feel the Lord and his hand here. Thanks for what you’ve done so that children in Kathmandu, Nepal can know the love of God.
