To say I was excited for Nepal is a massive understatement. Something about this country has had me captivated for a while now, so you can imagine my excitement as we moved from debrief in the touristy Themel to the much lower key Lalitpur. The day after we arrived, we were told that our ministry would start at 11am, at which time someone would stop by our place to lead us to the ashram for an hour of amad together (quiet time). Fun fact: that is also where I wrote my previous blog. After the amad, we were told that they wanted 5 people to help in the kitchen, and the rest would go to the slums for a children’s outreach ministry. My hand was up for the kitchen crew, which might surprise some of you, so let me explain: back in Thailand, I was having a conversation with my lovely team leader, Sara, about making connections. I was worried that on the race I would not be able to make connections because we were only in each place for one month at a time. Her wonderful advice was to spend time in the kitchen, that the best connections are made there. So that’s what I did. I don’t think I did very well at that last month, so this month it is my goal to love people so well that it’s incredibly hard to leave them. So there I was with 4 other teammates in the kitchen.
It’s hard to articulate what that time was like. I met so many amazing people. We were cooking for the weekly celebration of the ministry and expected about 50 people. I peeled ginger and garlic, and we cut potatoes and onions. We drank tea made by our lovely, fun, sassy friend Seema and met their American roommate from Chicago who is here for a 6 month mission. We laughed, danced, and just got to see how well they truly love each other. The Word says that you can tell how people love Jesus by how they love each other, and these people have it. I got to play with Benita’s 2 1/2 year old daughter Dikshya.
Later that night, we came back for the celebration. It is so obvious that they are on fire for God. Brian, the leader of the organization, welcomed everyone with a passionate speech about the importance of resting in God’s blessing and reminded us of the truth that we were bought with a price so we can rejoice and rest in His freedom. He then challenged us to greet as many people as we could, saying there was a prize. Not being a super competitive person, I just got up with the intention to greet 3-5 people and sit back down like you do in church. No, no, no. When I went to greet Sameer, our host’s son, he challenged me to a competition, saying that he was going to greet more people than me… it was so on. I think I can successfully say that I absolutely beat him, but seeing that neither of us counted it’s hard to say for sure (I won). We felt like family, I have known these people all my life. I love them with all my heart. Sitting on the floor listening to Rachel crush her message, watching little Hera stealing everyone’s water bottles, and soaking in the worship with all of these people singing in one voice to our Father, I was home. I was happy. As dumb as it sounds, that night I went to sleep smiling. I’m not doubting God, but it’s going to be quite a feat to create a day better than that on the race.
So all that to say, Nepal, you have my heart — all of it — and this month with you is amazing.
Thanks for stopping by! Much love-Lyndie
*this is from thanksgiving but were gunna let it slide:)* me and Benita <3
