The first words that came out of Bim’s mouth when he saw me were, “do you want to get tea?”
I told him I had zero money but he took me to tea anyways (turns out he gets free Nepali tea at this one place). You could say I was thrilled.
Not only did I get to share the story with him, but I got to share the entire Gospel story when he asked me to explain who Jesus was. We talked back and forth for an hour or so and made plans to eat traditional Nepali food together with his family on Wednesday.
I can tell that the Lord is doing big things in Bim’s heart, and I am patiently praying for him to have a miraculous encounter with God.
After leaving Bim, I started walking back to our home for the week (our fifth place to stay this month). Along the way, the French speaking shop owner, who I’ll call Chris, stopped me and introduced himself and his three shop owner friends. They asked all about my life, my mission trip, and about Christianity in general. It was such a great conversation!!
Funny side note: Chris asked about my hobbies and I said singing, reading, cooking, and painting. He really wanted me to sing right there on the street for them, but he settled for a video recorded on my phone from a wedding… ha! So odd.
Chris invited me into his shop and showed me a book of quotes he has been collecting over the years. He said many quotes have been added by tourists —> turned friends, but that he hasn’t gotten anyone to stop and chat in a while. I’m so glad I did!
I got to share more about my walk with God, and he asked me to come back tomorrow so he could ask more questions. I was also able to add my favorite set of verses in his quote book, then explain them to him.
And with that, I was off to see if my friends were home from school and outside playing!
When I reached their driveway, I was so excited to see that they were right where I hoped. I gave them each a strawberry jelly candy after chatting a little.
Before I knew it, I found myself walking the dark steps into their home, as they had insisted that I join them for a birthday party.
They led me to a tiny room closed with a curtain. When I pushed it aside, I found a 30-40 member Nepali Family huddled inside! They were all sitting around the 6 year old birthday boy with a cake. Right when I took a seat, they lit his candle and sang Happy Birthday. The sweet family fed me cake, Coke, and a traditional Newari dumpling that I’ve never had before.
They wanted to feed me a whole meal of fish, potatoes, and other traditional food, but I politely said I was about to eat dinner with my friends and needed to save room! They seemed quite fine with my response, praise Jesus! I told them all thank you very much and once again continued on towards home.
With three strawberry jelly candies left in my bag, I noticed three kiddos playing in a small side street to my right. I introduced myself, gave my jellies, and walked the 2 minutes left to our place.
This morning I asked God to use me and to lead my every move. I gave out of overflow, and so so much fruit came out of it. I met so many people, had incredible conversations, experienced a traditional Newari Birthday party, and it was all because the Lord graciously opened my eyes and ears to hear His voice and see His people for who they are.
I long to live every day like today…tuned into the Holy Spirit and letting Him direct my path! Maybe each day will not look like crazy pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together, but regardless, I’m all in for whatever it does look like!
And that’s all folks!
Over and out,
Julia
