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!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
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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