On the way to Thamel, the tourist
district of Kathmandu, a couple weeks ago, I happened to look over
and spot a little restaurant in a section of stores called “The
Lazy Gringo,� with a promise stating they served Arizona-style
Mexican food. Like two hawks diving for their prey, Heidi and I found
our way back to the joint and walked up the iron staircase to the
entrance. It was there, at the front counter, that we met Ellen, one
of the owners of the restaurant. Little did we know, she would soon
become one of the most amazing puzzle pieces that composes our World
Race montage.
We shared a little bit about what we
were doing in Nepal, and learned that she and her husband, from
Arizona, have been living here for 9 years, completing a 10-year
commitment which they will be finishing up at the end of this year.
We grabbed her number and then consumed some of the best Mexican food
I’ve ever had.
We met back up with Ellen a few days
later, and got to sit down and talk with her for quite some time.
These were some of the best hours I’ve spent on the Race; I love
hearing people’s stories. She was kind enough to take us around town
and even showed us a frozen yogurt shop, which turned out to be quite
good.
It was at the end of this evening that
we heard the words that would forever change the month of April 2011
in my life. Having heard me say I missed BBQ more than anything,
Ellen invited us all over to her house the following Monday, and to
go feast at her friend’s home nearby.
The day after Theresa and I jumped off
a suspension bridge into a massive canyon, I was as equally as
excited to get to spend the evening with Ellen. The night was
marvelous; thank you Brian for fixing us an incredible meal (yes,
including BBQ sandwiches!)
In addition to having us over, Ellen
voluntarily cut my hair, washed our clothes, let us take hot showers,
fixed us meals, and was the closest thing I’ve felt to a mother since
leaving my own 8 months ago! Ellen’s husband, Todd, went out of his
way to not only clear my digital camera of the virus that struck it
back in Africa, but he was able to save all my data, wipe my laptop
clean, and installed Linux for me! I am happily writing this blog on
my net-book once again.
Talk about a living breathing example
of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25… “I was hungry and you gave me
something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I
was a dirty stranger on a mission trip around the world and you
invited me in and said, ‘make yourself at home. How can I serve
you?’â€�
Thank you Ellen and Todd for taking us
under your wing, into your home, and loving on us SO much! I can
never thank you enough; you have made a huge impact in my life, and I
want to emulate your hospitality, kindness, and selflessness in the
days to come. We love you!
