So I made it back from Chitwan National Park in one piece, and we returned to our ministry base in Kathmandu. We relaxed, had a little fun, ate great food, and rested. It wouldn’t be long before we headed to the Himalayas so we knew we needed to prepare ourselves to do some serious physical work aka trekking.
We took another long bus ride to the Annapurna region of the Himalayas, got out, and strapped on our packs for our initial hike. It was beautiful, rainy, and actually a nice temperature.
We trekked for 3 days and covered a little over 26 miles during that time. While most of our days were filled with walking, it meant that we got to go to some of the most remote areas to share the Gospel and to encourage other believers.
I loved the views when I would finally pause to look at them. Most of the time was spent looking at my feet, trying to make sure I didn’t slip on wet moss on mountains, checking for leeches and pulling them off of my body, and checking other people for leeches. I honestly cried about leeches and how much I hated them while my feet bled.
I even slipped a few times while going down mountains and thankfully some friends helped me up and my large backpack actually kept me from injury since I’d always land on it. I allowed this to slow me down and found myself behind the group significantly with a couple of my teammates. I realized fear had gripped me, I prayed for the Lord to steady my steps and to make them certain, and remembered that He has given me love, power and a sound mind. I picked up my pace, didn’t fall or slip again, and caught up with the group.
We would rest at little home-stays each night with some of the most hospitable and sweet hosts that would feed us hearty meals and a place to lay our heads. Our particular home-stay had 2 sweet ladies that really liked the story of Jesus and wanted to follow Him but were afraid to be the first ones in their little village to do so. They continued to tell us that as long as someone else went first, they would follow. We shared stories and scripture over breakfast and will continue to pray for these 2 women.
We visited one house with a husband and wife who were also Hindus. The wife laid down on a mat in pain with a fever for a few days. She could barely sit up without help and much pain. Her husband had asked us to come over and pray for her. We spoke with the family for a bit and then prayed for the woman. Then we left. When we came back the next day, the same woman was fever and pain free, squatting on the edge of her porch with a smile on her face. We all spoke briefly and then went on to another house.
As we climbed up rocky roads to reach another house, our host informed us that the couple we were walking to see were the first to believe in Christ in their village. We showed up to their house, climbed their fence, and were welcomed with huge smiles and an invitation to come inside. They brought us in around a fire in a dark room, and I sat on mat getting blood on their floors. She boiled water over a fire and made us all delicious tea. We shared stories and Scripture with her. Many of the others in the village had told this couple to leave Jesus behind and even told them that following Him meant they would get cancer.
I immediately began to think about persecution and how Jesus says that we’re blessed when we are mocked and persecuted for His sake. I sat and considered sharing about Scripture on this after a couple of my squad mates had shared on other things. One of my teammates Vanessa stepped forward and shared the exact same passage I looked at reading. One of my other teammates Viktoriya had also looked at that passage as well. It made me laugh at the irony of how the Lord is able to give all of us the same idea because He looks to encourage His believers and was going to use someone to get the story out that needed to be heard. We all left that house encouraged by this couple and hoping that we were just as much of an encouragement to them.
So I learned that I don’t love trekking but I love the outdoors, including rivers, mountains, and beautiful views. I learned that I hate leeches and wet moss that I slip on but that a lot of that part is capable of being endured with a proper mindset. I learned that trekking ministry may never be “my thing” but it was worth it to share the Gospel and encourage those that needed it. I learned that the Lord cared about all of my little things and all of His people.
I remember walking down on our last day to make it to our bus and saying, “Wow. Circumstances really affect my attitude.” I made this statement because this last particular day, there were no leeches on me, no rain and no slipping; and I seemed to be in a much better mood. The stark contrast struck me. And one my squad mates Chloe telling me that it was a great realization as we laughed about it. My natural response when I don’t like circumstances includes crying about things and possibly reacting with frustration, complaining or fear; however, realization can lead to change if we allow it.
So what will I choose to believe? How will I choose to respond? What thoughts will I allow to fill my mind? And when I know better, will I change my thought process? Will I choose my response instead of letting any reaction come to the surface? And when I don’t get it right, will I acknowledge it and do something about it?
From my heart to yours,
Kim
