Chitwan

Imagine you are sitting in a freezer with lots of ice cream and you have a brain freeze now think the exact opposite... that's Chitwan. We took a break from city life and took a six hour bus ride down to what felt like one of the hottest places on earth. Located in a tropical rainforest type enviroment, Chitwan is a small quaint little town with lots of elephants. The first night we got there we went to salvation home, which is the only childrens home located there. The kids were absolutely wonderful as usual and we ended up playing volleyball, chess and singing songs. That night we then went back to the hotel where the power (and thus the fans) went on and off throughout the night. The next day we were able to experience the local flair of chitwan when we went on a canoe safari down a crocodile infested river, followed by elephant bathing, and concluding with an elephant ride through the jungle. Although we had a great time in Chitwan we were excited to leave and beat the heat in Pokhara.

Nepalese Home

Today we started our day by going to Northfield Cafe (our usual Breakfast spot). Angela practiced her nepali while we were there and asked for the waiters name which was Geet. After that we went to the Nepalese home. While there we were shown around the homes which were very nice and learned a little about their mission. They provide a home for trafficked women and women at risk and they also provide scholarhsips for children. After visiting the homes we visited the school that the children attend. The school was a lot like a boarding school and the principal spoke portuegese. After that we all went to a vegetarian restaurant and had delicious food while listenign to american music. That was our day.
-Kyle

Light in the Darkness

Today we truly saw people who radiated with the Light of our Lord. We started out the day with a wonderful ride on the gloriously bumping Nepal rode to our destination for the day. The organization is doing wonderous things to help women who have been rescued from internal trafficking by providing training in computers, arts, amd also giving the help they need for them to become emotionally whole once again. While there we went to the different homes that are under the umbrella of the organization. While we visited each one we prayed for those who run them and for all the people they are trying to help.

As the day became night we were preparing for our next mission. Tonight we went to a dance bar (they are very different than those in the US, the girls are very much clothed, allbeit scantily, while they dance on stage) in hopes of reaching out to the girls who work there. The responsibility was primarily on the girls so we were very nervous but the excitement of helping these girls with the love of God. It was a successful night we got four girls to meet up with us the next day! We are hoping to for a relationship them so they know that someone out there cares for them and wants to help they live the life they deserve. Pray that it happens.

Bieber Fever

Bieber fever has swept Nepal. We see Justin Bieber on posters, hear the kids singing his songs, and pass by shops blasting his music. As Stephen would say, "Only YOU can prevent Bieber fever". I think we can all agree that somehow the lyrics "Baby, baby, baby, oh!" now provide us with a sense of home. Afterall, cheeseburgers have come to mean fried cheese patties on a bun (yak cheese no less), a chocolate malt order will provide you with a hot chocolate, and you better be sure your milkshake mentions ice cream or it will only be a flavored milk. We've definitely had our share of adventures and laughs at the culture difference and the American influence.

For the past couple days we have been without internet, so I (Taylor) will attempt to catch you up with our ever busy schedule... The last 3 mornings have entailed some hard labor at the Mother Teresa home in Pashupati. We washed floors, dishes, and clothes, changed beds, sanded our hearts out of about a million metal framed beds, and painted those same beds... pretty much anything the Sisters told us to do. It's hard work and they don't mess around. We all looked forward to the mango juice boxes with Mickey on the front after hours in the hot sun.

Monday afternoon we visited another children's home with 9 boys rescued from the streets, ranging in age from 3 to 17. They were amazing, but loved to rough house and push each other down to get to the volleyball we brought. They also showed their soft side, as Angela befriended one of the quieter boys and a couple of the them showed us their drawing skills. The children home's always lift our spirits, giving us hope amidst the brokenness of the country, and refresh our energy.

Yesterday afternoon, we visited a coffee shop that provides jobs to underprivileged men and women and had one of the best meals, complete with a delicious chocolate cake for dessert. I think we will be back there again, both for the food and to learn more about their mission. After the marvelous lunch, we joined in a weekly prayer meeting including people from many different organizations. It was truly amazing to see such a great example of the global church in one room and have the opportunity to prayer together. From there we split into groups, where one team headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest, and the other visited another, newer children's home. The kids were so shy and we were tentative of how it would go at first, but as we headed down to the open field, they slowly came out of their shells. There were 2 younger girls in particular that just clung to me by the end. I loved seeing them warm up to me and pull me around to play games. Although we were so tired, the children had no concept of this, climbing all over Chris to play "car", and playing games, including relay races, tag, and one entailing trying to step on each other's feet with me, Stephen, and Eddy. All in all, we couldn't help but find joy in interacting with the children.

I will leave you with this, as there is much more to come... We are all learning so much and can't wait to see what is next on the schedule each day. I just have to say that every member on this team is wonderful. Thank you so much for all your support! Please keep up with the prayers. They are much appreciated. Love to you all!

Our first Sunday

Today was Sunday. A day typically associated with God, rest, a time for rejuvenation and preparation for the week to come. For Team Nepal it was a bit slower paced then normal, but our typical is go go go.

We enjoyed breakfast at our usual spot (yes, we have one already and they know us by name) with two of our wonderful contacts. Stories filled with inspiration were shared, laughter was discovered, and tears found a way down some of our cheeks. All that God is, all that God is doing is amazing beyond your wildest dreams. Encouraging would be a small word to state all that was given to us.

The afternoon was filled with a competive scavenger hunt about the city. You wouldn't believe what was required, things no one would see in the states. I wish I could attach the list, maybe in the future :) It was great fun. Quickly we have grown more accustomed to walking these crazy streets and chatting with the Nepali people whom at first can be rather intimdating simply because they are different than what we know.

We had a few hours of personal rest. Praise the Lord.

The evening was filled with Children Home visits to the two homes we went to a couple days ago. I will never get enough of spending time with these children. They are amazing and they will grow up to change Nepal and therefore, the world! I love praying over them, loving them, encouraging them, learning from them, and being in their presence. I am in awe of the parents of the homes. God has made them truly special beyond words. May blessings be poured out on them today and always.

Sleep calls to me. May God be blessed by all that we do, all that we say, and all that we are.
To Him be all the glory forever and ever, Amen.

All my love,
Corinne

An incredible man and his family

Day four in the Kathmandu and we are having a spectacular time. We started the day with our famous and fierce leaders, Kyle and Callee. They took us to a breakfast spot, niche in the middle of thamel. It has typical American breakfast choosings, like an omelet and pancakes. It was very good. We then went to Church and transported there via Tuk Tuks. If you don't know what they are i will tell you basically they are these box looking cars with a pointy nose that is placed on three wheels. It was a slow ride, but who cares when you are smelling the Nepali air in a Tuk Tuk.

When we arrived at the Church it was way different than an American Church. You start by taking your shoes off before you go in then you are greeted with a "jaimisee"(victory in Christ) by everyone in the church. I don't know if we stuck out so much that they wanted to greet us or they do it to each other all the time. Either way i felt welcomed and when we walked in you are seated on the ground with your legs folded. Immediately worship was going on and it felt amazing. The people were raising there hands and worshiping and i just was just in awe, to think what God is doing in a place were Christianity is only 5% among the population. Also seeing how a woman can speak at the church where women are oppressed in the culture. It just showed how people can change from the environment they are in to show love that people deserve, especially the women. I honestly think that most Nepali's don't smile but at that Church i saw so many people with them that it was great to exercise my cheek muscles.

After Church we then went to a Childrens home that was operated by a man named Bishnu. Once this man talked i was immediately drawn to listen to him. He had so much wisdom and so much love for the kids and it was just great to hear his testimony as well as know that there are people in Nepal who care about the injustices that are going on. He found all the kids at this home on the street. He takes them in feeds, teaches, and loves them, he calls them his family. Him and his wife are doing an extraordinary job there. Bishnu is well known around here and i hope i get to hear more stories from him and see the kids. My experience at the Children's home was great. When we went to the kids i was taken right away from a little 8 yr old girl named Asa, which meant Hope. She clamped my hand and said, "brother come" in her broken english. She took me on this tour of the place for the whole hour we were there and taught me some games. The best moment there was when we were going to a pond and when we were going down and i started to skip. Every kid started to do the same and immense laughter came, it was a joy. Everyone was having fun and some of us were playing soccer with the other kids. I had a great time and i commend Bishnu for his ministry. I hope there will be more days like this.

We ended the day with some games and spaghetti at the president of Tiny hands. An intense game of Mafia was taking place and all i can say is that it was a great team bonding time. With intense narrations from Angela and Justin. So to whoever reads this know that there are people and ministries here that need your prayers. As well as our team for the next five weeks. Thanks and Jaimisee!

sorry for it being long. Thank you friends and family-Eddy

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