Nepal…
I am here. I almost can’t believe it. For a long time this country has sounded pretty sweet, mostly because it is home to the Himalayas. When I was 18, the prospect of coming here sounded extraordinary, for I had added “Hiking Mt. Everest” to my bucket list. This place sounded like an epic, far-off land that was never on the radar and rarely crossed my thoughts.
It was never on the radar until April of this year, that is. Nepal captured my heart, and not only for the glorious mountains or lively colors, but for reasons that are much more worthy. My friend Astrid and I visited a house church in Denver one chilly, evening this past spring. This meeting was different than our ordinary small group that met in a large living room filled with 12 white kids aged 22-25 who discussed crucial faith topics and drank coffee. Yes, this gathering was extremely different. Picture 20 people. Envision men, women, and children of all ages crammed in a tiny, one-bedroom apartment in a not-so-safe part of the city. Everyone is barefoot. There is singing and worship. There is exuberant prayer. There is weeping. A healing is witnessed. This goes on for a good while. There is no time constraint. Finally, yet regrettably, the “service” ends. Women bring out heaping pots of rice. There is dal, curry, and chai. They are living Acts 2. These people are Nepali refugees. A pastor in Denver heard of them and felt called to begin a church, “Hope Intercultural.” Many have come to know Jesus because of this man and his wife’s endeavors to follow no matter the cost. I continued to go weekly. It is a beautiful thing going on there and I miss this church family dearly.
Many of you know that I never seriously considered doing the full, 11-month World Race until just a few weeks before the training. Previously, I had signed up for the 4-month trafficking trip to Atlanta, India, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is odd to think that I would be going home soon if I had remained on that trip. But, the 4-month trip was cancelled and I decided to go all out and do “The World Race.” All of the same countries were on the agenda, and several more were added. I was thrilled to find that one of those countries was Nepal.
I did so many random things alone last year in Colorado Springs. One Thursday evening, I decided to check out a monthly YWAM gathering. I went to the base where about 100 folks met to discuss and pray for Nepal. Yes, Nepal. I had no idea Nepal would be the topic of the evening, I promise. Out of all the countries in the world, Nepal. Coincidence? You tell me.
I far from doubt that God knew what he was doing when he cancelled that 4-month trip. He knew what He was doing for all of the above reasons. He also MUST have had in mind that two guys from the Nepali church back home were going to be in Nepal the exact same time that I would be visiting. Kevin Perrson and Dustin Alraid come to Nepal roundabout every November to minister in orphanages. I am hoping to catch them in Kathmandu in a few weeks. Even if we don’t meet up, it still astounds me that we’re all here at the same time.
I like Nepal just as much and even more than I expected . . .
Stunning women in their vibrant assemblies of garments.
Playful little baby goats.
Glorious and flavorful food.
The stray dogs are genuinely nice in this country versus those in Eastern Europe.
My house is made of wood slabs, straw, mud, straw, and newspaper.
Tea time is my favorite meal.
The kids call me “sister.” I’m sure they do this in other countries as well, but I find it quite endearing.
Sugar cane galore.
Mt. Everest.
And other things.
I am learning the language! Three kids who live relatively close come over each day after school to play badminton and hang out. They have sort of made me into their project and quiz me on everything from how to say, “God bless you” to “mosquito bite.”
I walk for multiple hours each day, talking with natives who are curious of my fair skin. Side note: all of you girls in the U.S. (myself included) who spend hours attaining bronze skin, be informed that most of the world is jealous of your natural color and spends hours longing to look like you. Rock it.
Every person asks, “Where are you from?” and “Why are you here?” And one of us will respond, sharing the Gospel with these precious souls who have never heard of Jesus. How can this be? How can I be in a foreign land with the honor of sharing the greatest joy I have ever known? I am so ordinary. I am currently reading Living Water by Brother Yun. The part I read yesterday was specifically about the types of people God uses. Chapter four of Acts speaks of Peter and John speaking to the rulers who imprisoned them. Verse 13 notes, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.This may be straying into a topic on which I should write an entirely separate blog, but let me conclude my thoughts. Yun says, “The way of the world is always to look at human credentials as the prerequisite for success.” He later notes, “God chooses to use those individuals who know Him intimately.”
I am only in Nepal for a short time…this go around. I hope to come back again someday. If anything, I am excited to go back to Nepali Church in Denver, Colorado.
Please pray for Nepal.
-Pray for the worth of the women here.
-Pray against schemes of trafficking to India and other places.
-Pray for strengthening of local churches and against persecution.
-Pray for abundant crop in these months, as it is harvest time.
-Pray for more believers to be sent to Nepal.
-Pray for the government.
