Dear Nepal,
Thank you so much for becoming one of my favorite countries. The atmosphere, the people, the food, and the culture, the list could go on and on.
We are now month two done.. its crazy, these two months have flown by, but I suppose that’s how it’ll always be. I will say, it was an easier month than India for me personally. I felt content with my surroundings. It started the moment I got off the plane, I knew I would love it here. I love meeting people and that’s a huge thing I got to do this month. So many travelers from so many different places come here. It’s interesting to listen to them talk about why they are here. Most of the people I’ve met this month really don’t have a plan, they just left to leave. It’s nice knowing wherever I go, I have a purpose. That is to bring the kingdom and joy of the lord to others.
Before I travel to countries to do missions I always pray that the lord will put a word on my heart during the time I’m there. This month he has actually given me two words. The first is Joy, why Joy you may ask? The reason for this is because the people here. No matter the poverty, no matter the hurt, the pain, suffering.. ect. These people keep such a joy around them. They will always give you a smile and a cup of tea (hehe they loveee tea). I noticed a lot of the joy when ministering to the children, and older people. The kids don’t always get food in their stomachs but yet, they still love to laugh and play. They take what they can get and use it to bring happiness among the people they come in contact with. I want to strive to be that way more. I will not always get my way, times will be tough. But just knowing and having the joy of the lord in my heart is enough. I need to share that joy and spread it around to others. That’s the reason I’m here right? I have a passion in my heart and if I keep it to myself that defeats the purpose. I have so much happiness and love that I had to bring it to others so they can feel that love also. It’s been so sweet to see the lord using that around here.
The second word the lord laid on my heart was seek. Now I’m still trying to figure that one out. I’m guessing it means seeking him. I’ve been trying to get in a routine of prayer and quiet times. Now I will be honest, last week and a half have been hard for me to find a perfect time to meet with my father alone. I need to start really seeking him first, and then everything else will follow suit. He’s such a sweet father, spending time with him brings me pure happiness. Seeking after him should be my number one goal. They told us at training camp that we get out of the race what we put in. My goals for the race are to have a beautiful relationship with my Jesus and have wisdom. I won’t have either if I’m not seeking him first. I’m going to strive for that more and I can’t wait to see the results.
This month we got to see so many different parts of Nepal. We started week one off with ministering around the Kathmandu area. We had so many different ministries during that week. We went to the slums and feed children, a woman’s home to talk with the older ladies, a safe home for endangered woman, and the leopards colony. Week two was going off the grid to unreached people groups in Chitwan. Probably one of my favorite weeks, the 10/40 window has a place in my heart. 10/40 is the most unreached people groups in the world, and I got to do it! Hiking through the Nepali jungle was also a plus. The final week was our four days of high adventure ministry. Now that was most defiantly my favorite few days in maybe my life. Waking up to the Himalayas, talking to the unreached, and getting to experience the lords beauty with my friends was truly a blessing. The lord has opened my eyes up to many different things this month.
* to put him first
* Be content with where I am
* Seek him before anything
* Be happy with what I have
* Patience
* Love
* Gratitude
* What true hospitality looks like
The list could go on and on. I’m so grateful for this month, by far one of my favorites. I pray that I will take the things the lord has shown me and given me and run the Rest of this race with endurance and strength. The lord has given me and others a voice, so now it is time to share it.
We leave for Africa in a few days to start our new adventure. I know that every month and every country will look different but, I trust that the lord will bring truth to any place we go. He’s put his hand of protection around us and will continue to give us amazing opportunities. I thank my Jesus for giving me these opportunities and support. He has been blessing the racers thus far and i know he won’t stop. As we leave for our next adventure please pray for safe travels, logistics, and health. Thank you!!
Much love from Nepal,
Mara
