:: Day 134 :: Kathmandu, Nepal :: 1:19pm ::
I am surprisingly overwhelmed at the surprise I stumbled upon.
I ventured to a coffee shop this afternoon after hearing two words that make my soul jump for joy and gasp in happiness: french press.
The coffee lover in me is ecstatic to savor the scrumptious beverage which was daily accessible 5 months prior.
The coffee lover in me decided to make this a priority today and spend the time with Jesus.
Haha!
I was surprised because the menu here [at Top of the World, yes that’s the name] has as an option a basket of popcorn, buttered and salted. Wait. Stop. Did I read that correctly? YES!
These two things, coffee & popcorn, are simple things that make my tastebuds, stomach, and soul content and happy.
Jesus loves me so much that he said, “Okay, Andrea, let’s go on a date and I’ll give you two of your favorite things, popcorn & coffee, in a place 7,389 miles from home -because I love you.”
I’m telling you the reality of my heart – I nearly cried happy tears when the sweet lady working here brought out the french press & popcorn with a radiant smile.
Papa loves me so perfectly!!
I am reminded in these moments of his wild love for me, just because!
He knows me! He knew that not just any regular americano or plate of momos would make me experience his love for me like popcorn and french press would.
He knows me! He knows my love language! He gets me!
I forget so quickly of his ridiculous affection toward me. My heart & mind are so quick to forget.
The past few weeks I have forgotten of the affection he has toward me.
Then just a few days ago, Papa used a squad leader to speak directly to my heart to remind me, “I haven’t forgotten you, I love you so much! I know you, I see your heart and know you want to self protect because you’ve been hurt in the past. It’s okay. I still love you so much. I brought you here, because I love you! Before you were born, I knew this day would come and I’m here to use this person to say, Andrea, I love you!! I don’t judge you like you judge yourself. I’m not disappointed in you. I’m not upset that you aren’t in the same place as your peers here. I love you!! I love you so much! This process isn’t always pretty, you’re right. But the result will be beautiful. You will be beautiful.”
Sure, there are other moments of distinction in the past couple weeks, but this is more ordinary and every day that you are able to relate, right?
I don’t want to share every post that you say, “well I can’t remotely relate to that.”
This year is so out of my norm, yes, but simultaneously what things can I take away from this year that are every day. Some things, like living in community with at least 6 other peers, will likely not be a living situation I find myself in again. But forgetting the love of Papa for me, and the ways he lets me taste and see his love, that is everyday. That is common place. That is relatable.
I won’t leave these blogs completely devoid of the rare situations I find myself in the midst of.
In order to bring you into this journey, I believe it’s important to relate, find common ground we can tangibly share; experiences and thoughts we both find ourselves struggling with.
Do you know how much Papa loves you?
What ways do you feel his love for you?
Where do you struggle to experience his love?
How do you experience his affection for you?
How does he surprise you?
When do you feel most loved by Him?
These questions are such a good starting place! Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers. I certainly don’t and this is where we can relate! You’re not alone! I am not alone!
// Just today, we had to visit the office of immigration to extend our visas. A fellow American pointed us to the right line and I struck up a conversation asking where he and his family were from. California. No way, common ground found, thus the foundation of a surprise conversation and I’m sure a pleasant surprise to both our days.
Find common ground. Find something to relate and boom you can go anywhere.
It’s funny how establishing a commonality can change an interaction from awkward to interesting or quiet to talkative.
Again, this is something I can take with me even after these months. We can both take this into our space, our sphere of influence, our workspace, our daily interactions with whomever we encounter, be it stranger or friend.
There you have it. Nuggets.
I had no idea this is where the blog was going today, and yet here we are. Haha!
Thank you for joining me in this discovery! I enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoy these couple songs I have linked. They remind me of Papa’s love and are filled to overflowing with goodness!
Thank you Papa for this surprise. He gives the BEST surprise gifts. 🙂
He loves so perfectly! Uh, I’m so thankful.
// Seasons Change – United Pursuit
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Geographic update //
We go to China in 5 days! I have heard this country has tight restrictions to internet so, I have no idea if I will be able to update or connect in the coming weeks. We shall see!
Thankful for
+ YOU reading my updates & praying for me
+ being in the mountains for nearly 3 weeks! The wilderness brings life to my soul
+ health [praise Papa I have only had the diarrhea twice these 100+ days of eating so differently than I am used to]
+ moments to play with kids spontaneously, oh how it brings me life & joy! More please, Papa!
Pray for
+ safe & smooth travel
+ open hearts [we debrief as a whole again]
+ eyes to see who we can love
+ fresh yes from myself and my squad
+ resilience and endurance [we’re coming up on month 5 already]
+ vision [I feel many times I am just going with the flow and lack vision for the people I will encounter, city/village, what I want Papa to do in my heart]
+ compassion
+ more of Papa’s love + joy!
