Today was our third day in Nepal, and oh what a day it was. I know for myself and many others on the team, the day was filled with much joy as well as heartache. We split into two teams led by the wonderful stephen and Lizzie. Each team did their own exploring in the city of Kathmandu as well as Bhaktapur, an ancient city filled with temples and tourists.

On the way to Bhaktapurt there was a situation that brought heartache to many on the team...While we were on the bus to the ancient city, a small, beautiful little girl came around with her hand out asking for money. We have been advised not to give money away because A. we cannot be sure the money may actually go to the child and B. Once you give one person money, you will have a whole flock of people following you and asking for money. Because of this, each person on our team had to say no to this little girl, multiple times. Looking into the deep, sad eyes of this girl and telling her no, was too much for some on our team to handle. It definitely opened our eyes. How do we share the love of Christ and show this little girl that we care while we are turning down her request for a biscuit or a rupee? How can we love better, harder, and stronger in the name of Christ? May our hearts always be broken for people just like this little girl.

Bhaktapur looked like something out of a movie. Each way you looked there was an old narrow road filled with shops and people or an ornately decorated temple stretching to the sky. It was a whole lot of fun to explore. There were some amazing and breath-taking views. We had lunch as a team and some of us ordered mo-mo for the first time without knowing what it was. I love our adventurous spirit.

To finish the day, we went to two seperate children's homes and just played with the kids. It was the most wonderful time we have had so far. The house I visited had fifteen children with ages ranging from 2 years old to 13 years old. They were so happy and joyful to play games and sing us songs. They were so beautiful. Everyone on our team had a huge smile on their face. The parents of the house fed us dinner and served us soda, a luxury. It was very humbling. We did not want to leave the home... we will be back soon.

With Love,
Angela