We were at the Yoyo Snowhouse early to be sure we didn’t miss them. We had just bought our ice cream cones in order to enjoy the free wi-fi in the store. Taryn, Steph and I were ready to see our kids. It’s been 5 months since our teary-eyed goodbye in November and I miss those children like crazy. The little ones from Happy Home Nepal were planning to Skype with us thanks to a helpful volunteer. When they didn’t get online I decided to call my mom, thinking that the email didn’t go through and we’d missed them. That’s when I heard Steph and Taryn freaking out. Yea! They made it! They’re here!
When we huddled around Steph’s computer and put our faces into the webcam we were met with tons of smiles, yells, little faces, and hands waving everywhere. They were pushing and aching for a glimpse of the screen, playing for our attention. At one point I could see into a kid’s nostrils as he came over top of the screen upside down just to get into the picture. David, such a funny guy! They were all there: Chyang Chun, Shrijana, Furlamu, Pemba, Puspa, Mingmar, David, Mazbulla, on and on…
It was a blessing just to see their smiling faces, to hear their laughter again. I was not even prepared for what was next. After we asked about their school and the weather I decided to ask about what we’d taught them…about Jesus. We were in the middle of an ice cream shop in the middle of a completely Muslim town. Fortunately the place was completely empty apart from us, as I did not want to get our contact into any trouble. So I asked, “Do you remember the songs we taught you?” A unified and resounding “YES!” came through the computer speakers. One sweet voice started and the rest just jumped in. No words, no music, just their memory of the Jesus songs they’d learned. They went through Jesus Loves Me, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Father Abraham before we could get another word in. Steph asked if they remembered the stories from the Bible. Again, a boisterous: “YES!”
By this point my eyes were tearing up and a smile was stuck on my face. They remember, Lord. They remember! I can’t tell you how much joy invaded my soul at that realization. Five months and they know it. They are still reading, still singing, still praying. They remember us, the volunteers, but more importantly they remember YOU, Jesus! Thank you! I left that place on such a happy high. We had to actually hang up on them because they refused to let the volunteer get close to the computer while we were still there.
Not only was it good to see some cute familiar faces, but it was good to see their yearning for the gospel. Their invitations to come back made me want to hop a plane from here. These 20 minutes of conversation reassured me that what I am doing this year and what God is doing through me is definitely making a difference. Thank you, Lord for that sweet reminder that you are still with my Nepali children. You will continue to pursue and love them relentlessly. You are so good!
