I realized today it has been a week since I updated this last...so what can I share about the last week.
I walked to Thamel early in the week which was about 5 miles and fairly enjoyable. I enjoyed walking, the dirty air was not too much fun though. I also took a bus on my own for the first time. When Michael was here (He left last Sunday), we would spit the cost of a cab. I didn't particularly like spending $4 on a cab when a bus was only about 25 cents...I know $4 isn't much but it adds up. Once Michael left I couldn't bring myself to pay for the cab. So, I tried walking and the bus.
I also had my first ride on a motorcycle. Although in the US I prefer to stay off of them...I think it has been my favorite mode of transportation here.
Over the last week I have been preparing for the next two weeks...
While I've been here I have made several new friends one of which is Miranda. Tomorrow the two of us will be heading to Pokhara for an 11 day trek in the Himalayas. I'm very excited about this because honestly, how many people can say they've gone hiking in the Himalayas? (Not to mention I have been in desperate need to speak English with someone :) )
The kids on the other hand are not so happy about me going. Sunil has tried making many deals with me to convince me to stay. I had to promise them I would come back when I return but he still wasn't happy because it will only be for 2-3 days. I leave Nepal on July 31st and will arrive back in Orlando on August 1st...provided there are no problems with the flight. (Please pray...I don't know that I could handle that again!)
I'm not really sure what else I can share right now except that while I'm on my trek I will not have internet access...so I will not update this again until I return. I can assure however that I will have many pictures of my time in the mountains!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Contentment
It was three weeks ago that I started this journey with very few ideas about what to expect. I was told there wouldn't be flushing toilets, hot water, or even power at times...you don't truly realize what that means until you are living in it. I also knew the kids were suppose to be in school from 9-4 and I would have free time then. I didn't expect to have air conditioning and assumed their would be mosquitoes. All of these were things I came here expecting, but I've learned so much more.
My first day at the children's home was a little difficult because I expected them to know some English. Most of them know enough to communicate although we still struggle because of our theirs and my accents. I also never considered how difficult it would be to learn all 22 names. If they were names like Joe and Brittney I would have had no problem...but they're names like Sudarson, Monisha, Sapana, Vhim. Seeing them in print makes it easier which is why I had Vhim write them all down for me the second day :)
I was also told that they would provide my meals at the children's home but I didn't know it would be Daal Bhaat at every meal; don't get me wrong, Daal Bhaat is very tasty, it just becomes old after you've had it three times a day for three weeks. Occasionally we get some fried rice and potatoes or ramen noodles for lunch. This meal schedule has actually made going into Thamel even more exciting because I get to eat something different.
Speaking of Thamel, let me describe the city to you. For starters, I am staying in Kathmandu which is the capitol of Nepal. In Kathmandu there are many sub-districts. Narayanton is where I am and it's sort of like the suburbs. It's very pretty here with lots of farmland. The pollution is much lower here because there are less cars driving through. Thamel is were most of the tourists go. The streets are lined with shops and there are many cars driving through there. It smells awful and you constantly get people (especially trained kids) asking for money. There are several more sub-districts in Kathmandu of which I'm not familiar with the names of but it's an interesting city.
To get back on track, although there were many things I was expecting, there were also several things I didn't know or fully appreciate until I arrived here. I have found that there have been many times here that I was bored..I'm so used to constantly having something to do but here there is so much time to just do nothing. Often I have filled those times with reading, but I also try to just spend time with the kids. Even the youngest one who is 6 has no problem just sitting and really not doing anything. Many times we just sit and talk, although they typically are speaking Nepali. I can pick up a few words and try to contribute to the conversation but it's also fun to just listen.
I went from my life in Florida where I could turn on the TV, take a hot shower, go get a pedicure, go to the grocery store, a restaurant, the beach, or any number of things when ever I felt like going, to here in Nepal where I don't have any of those luxuries. Just coming to the internet cafe to talk to my friends and family or type this blog takes about a 5 minute walk (sometimes through mud) to do. I can't just turn on the faucet for a glass of water because there may be bacteria that I'm not used to in the water. I have to go to the shop, which fortunately there is on attached to our house, and purchase bottled water.
I say all this not to complain about what things are like here but to share what God has taught me through this. I have lived the life where I have all that I could want and now I am experiencing what it's like to not have it all..but through that I have learned that I'm doing just fine without it! In fact, yesterday I was actually looking forward to our dinner of Daal Bhaat :)
Paul wrote to the church of Phillipi:
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Philippians 4:11-12
This means more to me now then it ever did. I have three more weeks here of which I will spend almost 2 of them hiking through the Himalayas and I can't wait to see what else God teaches me!
My first day at the children's home was a little difficult because I expected them to know some English. Most of them know enough to communicate although we still struggle because of our theirs and my accents. I also never considered how difficult it would be to learn all 22 names. If they were names like Joe and Brittney I would have had no problem...but they're names like Sudarson, Monisha, Sapana, Vhim. Seeing them in print makes it easier which is why I had Vhim write them all down for me the second day :)
I was also told that they would provide my meals at the children's home but I didn't know it would be Daal Bhaat at every meal; don't get me wrong, Daal Bhaat is very tasty, it just becomes old after you've had it three times a day for three weeks. Occasionally we get some fried rice and potatoes or ramen noodles for lunch. This meal schedule has actually made going into Thamel even more exciting because I get to eat something different.
Speaking of Thamel, let me describe the city to you. For starters, I am staying in Kathmandu which is the capitol of Nepal. In Kathmandu there are many sub-districts. Narayanton is where I am and it's sort of like the suburbs. It's very pretty here with lots of farmland. The pollution is much lower here because there are less cars driving through. Thamel is were most of the tourists go. The streets are lined with shops and there are many cars driving through there. It smells awful and you constantly get people (especially trained kids) asking for money. There are several more sub-districts in Kathmandu of which I'm not familiar with the names of but it's an interesting city.
To get back on track, although there were many things I was expecting, there were also several things I didn't know or fully appreciate until I arrived here. I have found that there have been many times here that I was bored..I'm so used to constantly having something to do but here there is so much time to just do nothing. Often I have filled those times with reading, but I also try to just spend time with the kids. Even the youngest one who is 6 has no problem just sitting and really not doing anything. Many times we just sit and talk, although they typically are speaking Nepali. I can pick up a few words and try to contribute to the conversation but it's also fun to just listen.
I went from my life in Florida where I could turn on the TV, take a hot shower, go get a pedicure, go to the grocery store, a restaurant, the beach, or any number of things when ever I felt like going, to here in Nepal where I don't have any of those luxuries. Just coming to the internet cafe to talk to my friends and family or type this blog takes about a 5 minute walk (sometimes through mud) to do. I can't just turn on the faucet for a glass of water because there may be bacteria that I'm not used to in the water. I have to go to the shop, which fortunately there is on attached to our house, and purchase bottled water.
I say all this not to complain about what things are like here but to share what God has taught me through this. I have lived the life where I have all that I could want and now I am experiencing what it's like to not have it all..but through that I have learned that I'm doing just fine without it! In fact, yesterday I was actually looking forward to our dinner of Daal Bhaat :)
Paul wrote to the church of Phillipi:
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Philippians 4:11-12
This means more to me now then it ever did. I have three more weeks here of which I will spend almost 2 of them hiking through the Himalayas and I can't wait to see what else God teaches me!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Just some pictures!
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| We had another come down with the chicken pox this week. That makes a total of 6 now. Two of them are over it but we have two teenagers with it now who look so miserable. I guess it's true...the older you get the worse it hits. |
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| This is a picture I took of Soraj while he was studying for one of his exams. He wanted to go outside but it was raining, so he made himself a "house." |
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| I know this one is a little blurry, but I like it :) |
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| Sudip, Sapana, me, and Alisha B lying on us :) |
Well that's it for today...I wish it didn't take so long!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
So much to share....
So much has happened since I last updated, where do I begin?
Let's see...let me give you some background before I share this story. When Michael and I first came to the house, mommy showed us to our rooms and told us to make sure we keep our doors closed or we would get mice in our room. So, from, day one I have been sure to keep my door closed during the day and at night. I do have my window open most nights though to keep the room cool.
Well one morning last week Michael came into my room to tell me about his night. Apparently around 1am he heard a scratching noise by his head. When he tried to find the source it disappeared. About thirty minutes later he heard something on the window sill and when he looked a huge rat jumped of the window onto the bed next to his. YIKES! He was up most of the rest of the night trying to find the rat with no luck.
The following night the power went out around 8:30 so I decided to read a book on my phone in bed. I was really getting into the book and around midnight I was still up reading. As I was reading I felt something crawl across my leg...now I'm sure you're thinking "Oh no, it's the rat"...well it was not the rat but anyone who knows me would understand why this is so much worse. I flicked it off and when I looked I saw that it was a cockroach! I immediately jumped up and thought how silly I would look to anyone watching, but I was terrified and the cockroach had taken off. I reluctantly laid back down and continued reading. For the next hour every noise made me jump (I thought about Michael and his rat). Finally around 1:30am the roach had managed to land on it's back giving me the opportunity to take it out with my shoe. Than I was able to go to sleep until the rooster crowed at 4am :)
What else...mommy bought buffalo for us one night last week. Most of it was ok...several bites were difficult to swallow though.
We also harvested corn which was an experience. When we got it all back up to the house we cooked some on a fire and boiled some.
I'll tell you tomorrow...I'm out of time today.
Let's see...let me give you some background before I share this story. When Michael and I first came to the house, mommy showed us to our rooms and told us to make sure we keep our doors closed or we would get mice in our room. So, from, day one I have been sure to keep my door closed during the day and at night. I do have my window open most nights though to keep the room cool.
Well one morning last week Michael came into my room to tell me about his night. Apparently around 1am he heard a scratching noise by his head. When he tried to find the source it disappeared. About thirty minutes later he heard something on the window sill and when he looked a huge rat jumped of the window onto the bed next to his. YIKES! He was up most of the rest of the night trying to find the rat with no luck.
The following night the power went out around 8:30 so I decided to read a book on my phone in bed. I was really getting into the book and around midnight I was still up reading. As I was reading I felt something crawl across my leg...now I'm sure you're thinking "Oh no, it's the rat"...well it was not the rat but anyone who knows me would understand why this is so much worse. I flicked it off and when I looked I saw that it was a cockroach! I immediately jumped up and thought how silly I would look to anyone watching, but I was terrified and the cockroach had taken off. I reluctantly laid back down and continued reading. For the next hour every noise made me jump (I thought about Michael and his rat). Finally around 1:30am the roach had managed to land on it's back giving me the opportunity to take it out with my shoe. Than I was able to go to sleep until the rooster crowed at 4am :)
What else...mommy bought buffalo for us one night last week. Most of it was ok...several bites were difficult to swallow though.
We also harvested corn which was an experience. When we got it all back up to the house we cooked some on a fire and boiled some.
I'll tell you tomorrow...I'm out of time today.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Movies
The kids love action films here and in my opinion they're very cheesy. I don't understand a word they're saying and the graphics are awful compared to the films in the US. However, this morning when they asked if we could go to the theater, I couldn't resist seeing the excitement on their faces. We have watched several movies at the house but this was the first time going to the theater.
They all got dressed up in their best clothes. I was planning on wearing the t-shirt and and long shorts I had on but Hira insisted I dress nicer...so I switched into a skirt. We walked the 10 minute walk up to the main road...all 19 of us. I can only imagine what we looked like to others. Two of the younger boys, Sudip and Soraj, held tight to my hands.
At the top we waited for the bus...and by bus I mean a big van that you stuff as many people as you can into. In addition to our 19 there were probably already 20 or so people in there. We just pack ourselves in like sardines and hold on tight for the bumpy ride.
It took about 15 minutes to get to the "movie hall" and then we all filed out of the bus and over to the theater. I guess in Nepal you pay for a certain area of seats. We purchased the cheaper seats which meant we sat in front of the theater. It wasn't bad though, we were about 6 rows back from the front.
As I said I didn't understand a word they were saying aside from the few phrases I've picked up in the last week, but I figured out the story line well enough. It played for about an hour than there was a 5 minute intermission and the second half was about an hour as well. All in all it was fun and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. Besides school, most of them don't really get to go very far outside of their neighborhood.
Sudip and Sushila sat by me.
They all got dressed up in their best clothes. I was planning on wearing the t-shirt and and long shorts I had on but Hira insisted I dress nicer...so I switched into a skirt. We walked the 10 minute walk up to the main road...all 19 of us. I can only imagine what we looked like to others. Two of the younger boys, Sudip and Soraj, held tight to my hands.
At the top we waited for the bus...and by bus I mean a big van that you stuff as many people as you can into. In addition to our 19 there were probably already 20 or so people in there. We just pack ourselves in like sardines and hold on tight for the bumpy ride.
It took about 15 minutes to get to the "movie hall" and then we all filed out of the bus and over to the theater. I guess in Nepal you pay for a certain area of seats. We purchased the cheaper seats which meant we sat in front of the theater. It wasn't bad though, we were about 6 rows back from the front.
As I said I didn't understand a word they were saying aside from the few phrases I've picked up in the last week, but I figured out the story line well enough. It played for about an hour than there was a 5 minute intermission and the second half was about an hour as well. All in all it was fun and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. Besides school, most of them don't really get to go very far outside of their neighborhood.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Pictures!
I will try to post more soon...it took an hour to do this many :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Nepali weddings and bathrooms
As promised I will tell you about the bathrooms...in Hira's words they are "very simple."
You have a room about 5 feet deep and 10 feet wide. Half way through there is a step up where the "toilet" is located. And by toilet I mean the ceramic bowl is in the cemented into the ground. You have to squat over it and there it does not flush. Most toilets are like this however I have seen one traditional toilet. On the other side of the bathroom is the shower which does is cold water...but at least it's running :)
I will have pictures eventually...still need to figure out how I can upload them.
On another note, I had the opportunity to experience a Nepali wedding yesterday. We arrived around 9:30am and at 10am I watched as they put what looked like red rice on the mans forehead. It has a name and it's part of the Hindu tradition but I'm not really sure what it's called. I was able to pick out the Christians because they didn't have any mark on their head. Surprisingly there were quite a few. After the rice thing they walked around in a parade with the groom and some others who I'm not really sure who they were.
The groom drove off following the band and the men followed. The women stayed back to cook or sit. Around 1 we ate. I'm not sure what it all was except the Daal Bhaat. I know there was some chicken as well as potatoes and it was all very spicy. I did my best to eat it and "mommy" was kind enough to notice my hesitation in drinking their water so she sent her daughter Alisha to buy me a bottle.
After we ate, we went back outside to dance. One of the older women kept dragging me out to dance. They found my dancing quite entertaining as I'm sure anyone would have...I have video of this but it will have to wait until I get back to the US :)
We danced for several hours than around 7pm "mommy" said we needed to go. I guess the bride and the groom come back to the house later but "mommy" was worried we wouldn't be able to get a bus back home if we stayed much later. We walked about a mile up hill to get back to the main road then we caught a bus back to the house.
It was a fun day but I was exhausted and actually slept from 9-6 without waking up once :)
You have a room about 5 feet deep and 10 feet wide. Half way through there is a step up where the "toilet" is located. And by toilet I mean the ceramic bowl is in the cemented into the ground. You have to squat over it and there it does not flush. Most toilets are like this however I have seen one traditional toilet. On the other side of the bathroom is the shower which does is cold water...but at least it's running :)
I will have pictures eventually...still need to figure out how I can upload them.
On another note, I had the opportunity to experience a Nepali wedding yesterday. We arrived around 9:30am and at 10am I watched as they put what looked like red rice on the mans forehead. It has a name and it's part of the Hindu tradition but I'm not really sure what it's called. I was able to pick out the Christians because they didn't have any mark on their head. Surprisingly there were quite a few. After the rice thing they walked around in a parade with the groom and some others who I'm not really sure who they were.
The groom drove off following the band and the men followed. The women stayed back to cook or sit. Around 1 we ate. I'm not sure what it all was except the Daal Bhaat. I know there was some chicken as well as potatoes and it was all very spicy. I did my best to eat it and "mommy" was kind enough to notice my hesitation in drinking their water so she sent her daughter Alisha to buy me a bottle.
After we ate, we went back outside to dance. One of the older women kept dragging me out to dance. They found my dancing quite entertaining as I'm sure anyone would have...I have video of this but it will have to wait until I get back to the US :)
We danced for several hours than around 7pm "mommy" said we needed to go. I guess the bride and the groom come back to the house later but "mommy" was worried we wouldn't be able to get a bus back home if we stayed much later. We walked about a mile up hill to get back to the main road then we caught a bus back to the house.
It was a fun day but I was exhausted and actually slept from 9-6 without waking up once :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
First thoughts
I'm not going to go into details about the mess it was getting here but I'll just say the devil wanted to play a little part in this trip...despite all his efforts however, God prevailed and I made it here Monday morning at 8am. (Only a day late)
The first night I said at the hostel in Kalanki, Kathmandu where I met a few other volunteers. Ursina, Dan, and Miranda are all here for the next month however they are working in different children's homes. We exchanged numbers so we can get together sometime in the next few weeks.
Kalanki is an interesting part of Kathmandu. The streets are very crowded with shops and I don't believe there are any traffic laws. That in it's self was an experience. I walked around a little but decided to hang out at the hostel. The hostel is a house where the volunteers stay before and after their project.
Tuesday they took me to my project. I met my host mother, Suna and host sisters, Sapana. and Ratna. Two of the boys were also home from school with the chicken pox. They fed me some Daal Bhaat which is rice and bean soup, then I unpacked all the gifts everyone sent with me. Mommy helped me to sort through them and pass them out. It was amazing to see how grateful they were for such a small thing.
When all the children were home and everything was passed out they dragged Michael and myself outside to play. (Michael is another volunteer at the project. He is 19 and came from South Dakota) Once again they showed me how much they could do with very little. The bigger boys played soccer and I played several different games with the younger kids.
For dinner we had Daal Bhatt. This is the only meal they have but thankfully it tastes good. They serve very large helpings which are difficult for me to finish but I'm trying. If I didn't stop them they would give me even more. After dinner we sat on the terrace and I listened to them talk. (I don't think I mentioned yet that they don't speak very good English. The children speak more than the adults however) Yet again they amazed me with their contentment. They sat for several hours just talking. They didn't need a TV or video games.
And that was the first day. All of them are really wonderful. They gave me a Nepali name: Kulpina, and they're teaching me Nepalease...I'm slowly picking up phrases.
Wednesday was a similar day except there was no school. I just played with the children and really worked on learning their names. There are 19 of them and all their names are new to me so it has been difficult. I think I almost have it now.
I also learned yesterday that they are Christians here. It's difficult to talk to them about it because of the language barrier but I'm learning bits and pieces. Many of them have4 had a rough life already so early but you wouldn't know based on their attitude. They are able to recognize the blessings in their life and not dwell on their hurts. I think they are teaching me more than I'll be able to teach them.
...well I am going to leave it at that for now. My next post I will have to tell you about the bathrooms...we really do take so much for granted!
The first night I said at the hostel in Kalanki, Kathmandu where I met a few other volunteers. Ursina, Dan, and Miranda are all here for the next month however they are working in different children's homes. We exchanged numbers so we can get together sometime in the next few weeks.
Kalanki is an interesting part of Kathmandu. The streets are very crowded with shops and I don't believe there are any traffic laws. That in it's self was an experience. I walked around a little but decided to hang out at the hostel. The hostel is a house where the volunteers stay before and after their project.
Tuesday they took me to my project. I met my host mother, Suna and host sisters, Sapana. and Ratna. Two of the boys were also home from school with the chicken pox. They fed me some Daal Bhaat which is rice and bean soup, then I unpacked all the gifts everyone sent with me. Mommy helped me to sort through them and pass them out. It was amazing to see how grateful they were for such a small thing.
When all the children were home and everything was passed out they dragged Michael and myself outside to play. (Michael is another volunteer at the project. He is 19 and came from South Dakota) Once again they showed me how much they could do with very little. The bigger boys played soccer and I played several different games with the younger kids.
For dinner we had Daal Bhatt. This is the only meal they have but thankfully it tastes good. They serve very large helpings which are difficult for me to finish but I'm trying. If I didn't stop them they would give me even more. After dinner we sat on the terrace and I listened to them talk. (I don't think I mentioned yet that they don't speak very good English. The children speak more than the adults however) Yet again they amazed me with their contentment. They sat for several hours just talking. They didn't need a TV or video games.
And that was the first day. All of them are really wonderful. They gave me a Nepali name: Kulpina, and they're teaching me Nepalease...I'm slowly picking up phrases.
Wednesday was a similar day except there was no school. I just played with the children and really worked on learning their names. There are 19 of them and all their names are new to me so it has been difficult. I think I almost have it now.
I also learned yesterday that they are Christians here. It's difficult to talk to them about it because of the language barrier but I'm learning bits and pieces. Many of them have4 had a rough life already so early but you wouldn't know based on their attitude. They are able to recognize the blessings in their life and not dwell on their hurts. I think they are teaching me more than I'll be able to teach them.
...well I am going to leave it at that for now. My next post I will have to tell you about the bathrooms...we really do take so much for granted!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Feelings...
Excitement, curiosity, wonder, and maybe a little anxiety...just to name a few of the feelings I'm having right now.
As I sit here at my computer at 11:30 at night I have so many thoughts running through my head. I can say without a doubt that this adventure I'm beginning tomorrow is of God however I still can't help but wonder what I will be able to do or what difference I can make. I've never really thought I was very good at praying on my own, what if someone wants me to pray with them? How will I know what to say? Will I say the wrong thing and push them away. All of these are fears that I know come from Satan himself, which is why I'm thankful for Andrea's words about God equipping us.
Andrea is a wonderful woman in my life who made the statement last week at a Women's Retreat that "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called."
Do I think I'm the best person to share Christ with the children or adults I encounter? Not at all; but I also know that it doesn't matter what I think because I'm not the one calling the shots. His purpose may be for me to teach others about Him or maybe it's about me and bringing me closer to Him. I don't know the answer but what I do know is he will reveal his plan to me in his timing. In the mean time, I will continue to pray the best I know how and I would ask that all my wonderful family and friends pray as well.
Can't wait to share with you all the ways God uses me!
Lots of Love,
Gretchen
As I sit here at my computer at 11:30 at night I have so many thoughts running through my head. I can say without a doubt that this adventure I'm beginning tomorrow is of God however I still can't help but wonder what I will be able to do or what difference I can make. I've never really thought I was very good at praying on my own, what if someone wants me to pray with them? How will I know what to say? Will I say the wrong thing and push them away. All of these are fears that I know come from Satan himself, which is why I'm thankful for Andrea's words about God equipping us.
Andrea is a wonderful woman in my life who made the statement last week at a Women's Retreat that "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called."
Do I think I'm the best person to share Christ with the children or adults I encounter? Not at all; but I also know that it doesn't matter what I think because I'm not the one calling the shots. His purpose may be for me to teach others about Him or maybe it's about me and bringing me closer to Him. I don't know the answer but what I do know is he will reveal his plan to me in his timing. In the mean time, I will continue to pray the best I know how and I would ask that all my wonderful family and friends pray as well.
Can't wait to share with you all the ways God uses me!
Lots of Love,
Gretchen
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Anticipation and uncertainty
1 week, 5 days and 14 hours...then I board a plane and begin the journey God began to set in motion six months ago.
Several people have asked me over the last week if I'm nervous and each time they ask, I'm not sure how to respond. Am I nervous about spending 20 hours on a plane...a little but that's the easy part right? I also have to spend 13 hours at an airport in a country that I've never been to before...that makes me nervous. Then once I arrive I have 6 weeks in a country that has different beliefs, a different language, and an all over different way of life. What will happen when I arrive? Will I like the people I'm staying with? Will they like me? How will my days go? Will I be able to do everything they want me to do? Is it safe for me to be leaving the country right now? ...I could keep coming up with questions about the unknown, but instead I began to read.
I began reading 2 Chronicles chapter 20. The Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites were on their way to battle Jehoshaphat and his people. When fear began to overtake Jehoshaphat, he called out to God and God reminded him who the battle belonged to. God set ambushes and the Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites mistakenly attacked each other. They all ended up dead; Jehoshaphat and his people never had to lift a finger.
Jehoshaphat feared the unknown. He was about to be at war with 3 armies and he didn't know what was going to happen; it seemed like a hopeless situation to him. He gathered all the people of Judah and Jerusalem and they prayed...then God answered them. "Do not be afraid" is the answer they received. "The battle is not yours, but God's." How true is this to all of us everyday? Each day as a Christian I encounter battles with others as well as myself and each day I need to remind myself who the battles belong to: Jesus.
When I think about all the things I don't know I remember why I am doing this to start with: God has called me to be a voice for him. Although my battle is quite different from Jehoshaphat's, my response needs to be the same. I need to go to God and remember that this is his battle. I am simply his servant following orders. He will lead each of my steps and what ever happens while I am gone is his will. My job is to listen. So, I will not be afraid; instead, I will continue to pray and seek him while he unfolds his plan.
Several people have asked me over the last week if I'm nervous and each time they ask, I'm not sure how to respond. Am I nervous about spending 20 hours on a plane...a little but that's the easy part right? I also have to spend 13 hours at an airport in a country that I've never been to before...that makes me nervous. Then once I arrive I have 6 weeks in a country that has different beliefs, a different language, and an all over different way of life. What will happen when I arrive? Will I like the people I'm staying with? Will they like me? How will my days go? Will I be able to do everything they want me to do? Is it safe for me to be leaving the country right now? ...I could keep coming up with questions about the unknown, but instead I began to read.
I began reading 2 Chronicles chapter 20. The Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites were on their way to battle Jehoshaphat and his people. When fear began to overtake Jehoshaphat, he called out to God and God reminded him who the battle belonged to. God set ambushes and the Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites mistakenly attacked each other. They all ended up dead; Jehoshaphat and his people never had to lift a finger.
Jehoshaphat feared the unknown. He was about to be at war with 3 armies and he didn't know what was going to happen; it seemed like a hopeless situation to him. He gathered all the people of Judah and Jerusalem and they prayed...then God answered them. "Do not be afraid" is the answer they received. "The battle is not yours, but God's." How true is this to all of us everyday? Each day as a Christian I encounter battles with others as well as myself and each day I need to remind myself who the battles belong to: Jesus.
When I think about all the things I don't know I remember why I am doing this to start with: God has called me to be a voice for him. Although my battle is quite different from Jehoshaphat's, my response needs to be the same. I need to go to God and remember that this is his battle. I am simply his servant following orders. He will lead each of my steps and what ever happens while I am gone is his will. My job is to listen. So, I will not be afraid; instead, I will continue to pray and seek him while he unfolds his plan.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Children in need...
I was recently asked if there were any items the children need over there so I said I would put a list on here.
They need toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as hair brushes.
They also could use school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, crayons and flash cards.
Small toys are appreciated and clothes such as underwear and t-shirts were suggested. I was told they really like shirts that represent other places like Mickey Mouse or a US flag :)
I don't really have any new information. I am continuing to research and learn as much as I can before I leave.
Thank you again for all your prayers!
They need toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as hair brushes.
They also could use school supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, crayons and flash cards.
Small toys are appreciated and clothes such as underwear and t-shirts were suggested. I was told they really like shirts that represent other places like Mickey Mouse or a US flag :)
I don't really have any new information. I am continuing to research and learn as much as I can before I leave.
Thank you again for all your prayers!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Helpless Colony
I received my assignment yesterday which means now I know which orphanage I will be working with. I was placed in the Helpless Colony Orphanage located in Hattigauda Kathmandu. There are 18 orphans ranging in age from 5 to 14. I will be staying in the orphanage where I will be helping the children complete their homework, stay clean, play games, sing, and go on field trips to places in the city such as the zoo. I'm excited to see the village and meet the kids.
I also contacted a church located in Kathmandu. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I'll let you know when I do.
I also contacted a church located in Kathmandu. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I'll let you know when I do.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why IFRE and why Nepal?
When I first began looking for a place to go for this mission trip I was looking at Africa or China but really had nothing specific in mind; the only thing I was certain about was that it would be something with children. I looked at several organizations and the locations they had available. I even emailed 2 or 3 of them. Then my sister directed me to IFRE; IFRE stands for Institute for Field Research Expeditions. At first I didn't like the sound of the organization because I was so sure I should be going with a Christian organization. I spent several hours going through their web site and finally decided to email them. They had the best prices and I figured, what would it hurt?
The next morning I had a response. I still wasn't sure where I would go, what I would do, or even if I would go with this organization. The director there was great. He was quick to get back to me on every email and answered all my questions. I prayed about it and asked God for direction. Through several emails with the director I felt piece with this organization and decided to go with them. With the decision made about the organization, I also felt direction on where to go.
As I said before I spent several hours on IFRE's website. Each time I was on there, I found myself viewing information on Nepal. Prior to the decision to take this mission I had never heard of Nepal. I decided to do some more research. Nepal is a small country about the size of North Carolina. It is located between China and India and the home of Mount Everest (You would think with that fact I would at least have heard of the country). Eighty percent of the population is Hindu, ten percent are Buddhist, four percent Muslim and less than one percent are Christians. If that isn't enough of a reason to go let me share what else I learned.
From 1996 until 2006 Nepal was at war with it's self. In short, a group of people who called themselves Maoists wanted freedom from the monarchy. They spent ten years engaged in a civil war in which thousands of families were torn apart. I read stories about mothers who were taken as slaves while the rest of the family was torched and then their were fathers who left their families in the middle of the night. Children were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Many villagers would set up what they called a safe house for the children but all they really did was put the children to work, made them beg on the streets until they raised enough money and then abandoned the children yet again.
The children who were fortunate enough to make it to an orphanage are now left with the feeling of abandonment. Although the organization I'm going with is not Christian themselves, these children desperately need to feel Christ's love. I emailed a local Christian church in Kathmandu today to help guide me as give these children the thing they need more than anything else: to know that Jesus loves them.
I will continue to post as I learn more. Thank you for sharing this adventure with me!
The next morning I had a response. I still wasn't sure where I would go, what I would do, or even if I would go with this organization. The director there was great. He was quick to get back to me on every email and answered all my questions. I prayed about it and asked God for direction. Through several emails with the director I felt piece with this organization and decided to go with them. With the decision made about the organization, I also felt direction on where to go.
As I said before I spent several hours on IFRE's website. Each time I was on there, I found myself viewing information on Nepal. Prior to the decision to take this mission I had never heard of Nepal. I decided to do some more research. Nepal is a small country about the size of North Carolina. It is located between China and India and the home of Mount Everest (You would think with that fact I would at least have heard of the country). Eighty percent of the population is Hindu, ten percent are Buddhist, four percent Muslim and less than one percent are Christians. If that isn't enough of a reason to go let me share what else I learned.
From 1996 until 2006 Nepal was at war with it's self. In short, a group of people who called themselves Maoists wanted freedom from the monarchy. They spent ten years engaged in a civil war in which thousands of families were torn apart. I read stories about mothers who were taken as slaves while the rest of the family was torched and then their were fathers who left their families in the middle of the night. Children were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Many villagers would set up what they called a safe house for the children but all they really did was put the children to work, made them beg on the streets until they raised enough money and then abandoned the children yet again.
The children who were fortunate enough to make it to an orphanage are now left with the feeling of abandonment. Although the organization I'm going with is not Christian themselves, these children desperately need to feel Christ's love. I emailed a local Christian church in Kathmandu today to help guide me as give these children the thing they need more than anything else: to know that Jesus loves them.
I will continue to post as I learn more. Thank you for sharing this adventure with me!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Where it started...
Ever since I was a little girl I've loved kids. I was always carrying around a baby doll and on Sundays I tried to hang out in the nursery. I got my first babysitting job when I was 11 and have been caring for kids ever since. (Looking back I can't believe someone trusted me with their 15 month old when I was so young)
All through elementary school I told my mom I wanted to be a mom when I grow up...although I also told her I wanted to be a cow girl. In middle school, my best friend's mom was a obstetrics nurse and I thought that would be the best job ever. By the time I got to high school though, I knew God had giving me a heart for teaching. I took Early Childhood and fell in love with every preschooler I worked with.
When I graduated high school I worked at making that dream a reality. Today I am teaching second grade and although each day is a challenge for multiple reasons, I'm loving every minute of it; I get to spend the day with some amazing kids who have no idea how much they teach me. Ever hear of a quadrabazillion? Apparently it's a very large number.
During Christmas break, this past December, I spent a lot of time with God. Since high school I have wanted to go on a mission trip but I would always find a reason I couldn't go. It's not a good time; I don't think I can afford it; or I can't find the right organization. During one of my times in prayer a question came to me: What is something you have always wanted to do? Immediately I thought about that mission trip and realized all my reasons were just excuses. There was no real reason I couldn't go.
I began looking at several different organizations looking for something with children. I settled on the organization IFRE. I spent quite some time looking through their web site and the different countries they offered volunteer opportunities within. Over and over again I kept going back to Nepal and their orphanages. I emailed the organization and had a response the next day. I did some more research and decided this was where I needed to go.
On June 17th I am leaving Florida and beginning my six week journey in Nepal.
All through elementary school I told my mom I wanted to be a mom when I grow up...although I also told her I wanted to be a cow girl. In middle school, my best friend's mom was a obstetrics nurse and I thought that would be the best job ever. By the time I got to high school though, I knew God had giving me a heart for teaching. I took Early Childhood and fell in love with every preschooler I worked with.
When I graduated high school I worked at making that dream a reality. Today I am teaching second grade and although each day is a challenge for multiple reasons, I'm loving every minute of it; I get to spend the day with some amazing kids who have no idea how much they teach me. Ever hear of a quadrabazillion? Apparently it's a very large number.
During Christmas break, this past December, I spent a lot of time with God. Since high school I have wanted to go on a mission trip but I would always find a reason I couldn't go. It's not a good time; I don't think I can afford it; or I can't find the right organization. During one of my times in prayer a question came to me: What is something you have always wanted to do? Immediately I thought about that mission trip and realized all my reasons were just excuses. There was no real reason I couldn't go.
I began looking at several different organizations looking for something with children. I settled on the organization IFRE. I spent quite some time looking through their web site and the different countries they offered volunteer opportunities within. Over and over again I kept going back to Nepal and their orphanages. I emailed the organization and had a response the next day. I did some more research and decided this was where I needed to go.
On June 17th I am leaving Florida and beginning my six week journey in Nepal.
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