Sorry in advance, this post is super long. I feel it is important to share with you my first three days of ministry because they were so special to me. I say three days because I had a big turn of events Friday morning. If you make it to the end you will find out what happened!
First week of ministry in Nepal and boy have I had a lot of ups and downs. This week has seemed like a month. I love Nepal, I love the people, the culture, the food, and our ministry host are so cool and inspiring.
Part of being on the World Race means flexibility is key. (Side note for all future racers- trying to be the timely, well-planned American on the race will only lead to frustration.)
Anyway, our ministry host was full of surprises each day. We met at their house every morning for worship on the rooftop and then an hour of Amad, which means intimacy with God. When that was finished, they would tell us what we would be doing that day, no matter what attire you had on.
Tuesday we trekked up a small mountain to pray over the city. We took a bus to the bottom of the mountain and then trekked for about an 1.5 hours, (I trekked in my lovely white now brown converse). At the top of the mountain was a Hindu temple, old and half-destroyed by the earthquake. Couples came trekking down the long stairs looking helpless and desperate. Turns out the temple was for the Parvati- the Hindu goddess of fertility, love, and devotion.
Our squad made our way up the stairs and inside to look around and get a better picture of the Hindu religion, as well as the amazing view of the city.
We all silently walked around and prayed over the temple. The smell of burning incense, orange and red paint smeared every where, and the money stacked up in the pot bellow the goddess’s feet, made my insides turn. It saddened me to see people work so hard, trekking up a mountain to please their god.
I’m so thankful that my God came down to us to give us rest and a renewed sprint, rather than asking us to trek to Him.
Wednesday and Thursday were two of my favorite days on the Race so far. We went to the slums of Kanthmandu to hang with the kids and play futbol. Those who know me well, can imagine how excited I was. I had been waiting so long to play some futbol.
I will never forget when we got to the slums for the first time on Wednesday. We got off the bus and walked down under the bridge to the edge of the river where all the box house and shacks sat on top of one another.
The smell was so overwhelming it made my eyes water. We walked through the tiny alley ways making turns left and right through the houses and squatty potties. Eventually getting to the edge of the river where most of the kids were playing in the mud and moms were sitting feeding their babies with what little they had. Immediately a swarm of kids, half-dress came running up to us. One little boy with no pants ran into my arms and four others hugged my legs so tightly.
I looked over at one of my friends, Michelle who had a group of kids around her as well and we both had tears in our eyes. We had never seen anything like it. Trying to hold back the tears, we took them to a little room where the church ministry had in a tent and played with them for about an hour singing songs and loving on them. It was such a profound day of ministry for me. A wake-up call to why I’m here in Nepal and really why we are here on earth.
I’ll never understand why I was one of the chosen ones born in good ole America, raised with more than enough. But I believe the Lord wants us to come face to face with poverty and open our eyes to uncomfortable people and places so that we appreciate who and what we have and to soften our hearts a little bit.
Thursday was futbol day! We got up super early and met the slum kids at a futbal field that was more like a cow pasture. We had to cover a couple of cow patties. We played futbol for four hours, I was in heaven. There were kids from age 5 to 17 playing. During one game i fell face first sliding across the dirt, it was hilarious.
After futbal we all sat in a circle and and ate a chicken curry meal that half my squad helped make with the ministry host. Each kid probably ate about three servings. We shared a bible story with them and prayed before sending them off. Walking home that afternoon, exhausted and dirty from head to toe I thanked the Lord for days like Thursday. For sending me here and providing me with hope, joy and direct access to Him.
The Lord is filling my heart through those kids, even the ones with snot dropping down their nose, lice in their hair and no pants on. As much as I want to run away and stay clean, the Lord is teaching me to die to myself. Friday morning came and I actually felt like death. I had a 101 temperature and the worst body aches I’ve ever had.
I wrestle through the pain most of the day until Friday night rolled around and another girl on my squad was battling something as well so our squad leaders sent us to the hospital.
We where we were both admitted and treated for E. coli. I got to hang in the hospital Friday to Sunday. I wish I had an exciting story to tell you about my hospital experience but I don’t. It was a private hospital so it was very quiet and well run. Danielle and I shared a room and with only one bathroom, we got vulnerable real quick. You know those momories you cant wait to share with you kids and grandkids, thats how my weekend was.
Being sick over seas can seem very scary when you are so far ways from home and away from comfort but my team and squad were so supportive and loving. I was released today feeling much better but will take a couple days to get back to normal. I’m so thankful for the Lord healing me and surrounding me with so much prayer from around the world.
I’m sure there will be more sick moment in the horizon this year, hopefully no more hospitals but it’s out of my control. I’m just thankful to be where I am; learning, growing, and trusting. Stripping away the things that have held me in bondage for so many years.
Thank you all for the support!
j
