I squished myself into the microvan amidst the many wet Nepalis. I couldn’t believe it was pouring down rain in the middle of January during the dry season! I had stopped carrying my umbrella 2 months ago, so I was glad my winter coat had a hood that would keep me dry until I made it home. We drove through Maharajgunj and I squeezed out of the micro and back into the pouring down rain. I walked the 15 minute walk to my house as quickly as I could, jumping over the many muddy potholes. The alley up to my house is the worse, as it is right beside a construction warehouse that is constantly muddying up the alley. Covered knee high in cold water and mud, at least I would be inside my dry house soon. I arrived to the house gate. There was a padlock on the outside. Great. That means my family is out and I don’t have a key for the lock. They said they would be here when I came home, but instead I am locked outside in the freezing cold rain. I call them. No answer. Call again. No answer. Call again. Finally an answer. They say they are in Chakrapat, only a 5 minute drive away, and on their way to let me in. Good. I wait as the rain pours down on me. There’s no shelter around the house or even half a dry spot. But they said they’re on their way so I won’t be waiting long. But long it is. The cold water was seeping through my jacket and was now getting on my clothes. I walked back out of the muddy alley and got under the roof of a nearby café. Waiting. Soaked. Waiting. Cold. Freeeeezing cold. I could feel my sickness getting worse and was trying to avoid getting too angry. All I wanted at this moment was to be dry, warm, and feel at home. I was tired of being disrespected and my needs forgotten. This moment just added to those feelings. But the anger isn’t what was overtaking me; it was the feeling of not even being cared for. My mind went round and round about the cultural differences I was forced to get used to. I had been distracted by my own thoughts and avoiding the cold rain, that I hadn’t looked too much around me.
For some reason all of a sudden I looked up and straight ahead of me on the other side of the alley was a breath-taking site. The shack on the other side of the alley used large metal scraps for its siding. On two of the pieces read: “AMAZING” and “GRACE”. Wow. This site seemed so out of place… this is a Hindu country with so few Christians, especially in Basundhara where I live. Who knows this song? Who knows and worships the same God that I do? Who decided to write it on metal scraps? And who would want to build their shack with it? But more than the whos and whys was the message behind it, that I would have never learned if I hadn’t been locked out in the rain. Despite the pouring down rain and cold, I have God’s amazing grace. Despite not having a place to feel at home, I have God’s amazing grace. Despite my anger from cultural issues, I have God’s amazing grace. My life is far from perfect and I’m constantly grasping on to God’s grace to save me. When I am feeling lonely, it is God’s grace and presence that comfort me. When I need confidence with my work at school, it is God’s grace that strengthens me. My life is only through God’s grace. The ironic thing is that I had walked this alley hundreds of times, but the only way I would ever notice this message of amazing grace was by being locked out in the cold rain. I’m often reminded of God’s grace when I am soaked and chilled to the bone, needing comfort, strength, or someone’s presence. But here as I was standing cold and soaked, I realized that the thing I truly need in my life is God’s amazing grace. And there it was, written on scrap metal pieces of a shack in a muddy alley of a Hindu country.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I’m found,
Was blind but now I see.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine.
But God who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
He’ll be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
One Week Around Nepal
Christmas break for Elim School was about one month long. During my last week before holiday break was over, I traveled to a few places in Nepal with my good friend Tabea.
Our first stop was Pokhara, a Nepali city nestled in the valley of the Annapurna Mountain range. Our bus ride there was along the mountain ridges that followed a beautiful blue river with huge boulders. On our first day in Pokhara, we hiked up to the Peace Pagoda that sits above Lake Fewa with just an amazing view of the Annapurna’s. We wanted to take the longer route around the lake back to Pokhara, but instead ended up with a surprise adventure. Nepali roads are much different than American roads, in the way that a main road can be a narrow dirt road, and a nothing-road can be a wide stone road. It also can happen that what you think is the right road because it is wide and not-so-bumpy-as-others just all of a sudden turns into a huge dried up riverbed with large boulders. So then you are left taking tiny paths along the steep river bank hoping it eventually leads you around the lake. Instead it led us to the mucky lake bottom (because it is dry season), and I wasn’t going to begin to trust that (bad experience of sinking in the muck when I was younger!)! So this is what happened to us, and we ended up getting “lost”.
We found our way back to a boat dock that takes tourists back across the lake to Pokhara. We hopped on a small wood boat and our 12-year-old guide rowed us back across. On our second day in Pokhara, we went up to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise over the mountains and lake. After that, I went paragliding! This was an awesome experience. I was flying alongside the birds in the Annapurna valley. The view all around me was just incredible! On the third day, Tabea and I rented scooter-bikes and took them through the Himalayan mountainside. It was so great to drive a motorized vehicle again, even if it was on the left side of the road! It was so fun seeing all the villages along the way, even as they were laughing at these 2 foreign girls on scooters.
Our 2nd destination was Tansen to visit our friend Anielle. She lives in this small town that is on the mountainside. Our bus ride there was a bit frustrating, as we experienced the travel agencies scamming us and sending us on a local bus (not very safe, and much cheaper). Scams happen time and time again and it is so frustrating not being able to trust anyone. One thing this culture has taught me, that I’m hoping does not become a part of me, is to never trust anyone and their motives behind “helping” you. Anyway, our visit to Tansen and seeing Anielle was enjoyable. It was nice to be in a small town with friends and no pollution!
Our 3rd destination was Sauraha, which is a tiny tourist village that sits on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park. Chitwan is a popular nature and animal reserve in Nepal and Asia. It is famous for its one-horned rhinos, although there are only a few left because many were poached during the Maoist era. We went on an elephant safari through the jungle that was just amazing! First of all, just riding on an elephant is a cool experience. But then actually seeing other wild animals is incredible! First we just saw lots of deer and birds. Then we saw a crocodile! As our elephant crossed the river I was just hoping that he wouldn’t step on one, freak out, and we’d all end up in the croc-infested water! Then we saw rhinos- which is very rare! We ran side-by-side a mother and baby rhino as they were trying to escape us. After awhile they shot us quite a scary glare, and then we stayed back to avoid being charged! If an elephant is afraid of a mouse, I don’t want to see how he handles a charging rhino!
After one week it was time to come back to Kathmandu. I needed to prepare for my classes and Tabea needed to prepare for leaving Nepal. However, our bus ride back was not a relaxing one like I had anticipated. After a few hours our bus came to a sudden stop as it was the first to arrive on an accident scene that had just happened seconds before. Two buses had collided and one had flipped over the side of the mountain, landing upside-down down below. This was an experience that I didn’t want to have, but was at least thankful that our bus wasn’t part of the accident. Traveling in Nepal isn’t necessarily the safest because it is a mountainous country with hardly any road rules and drivers who just want to get to their destination. So when we made it back to Kathmandu safely, needless to say I was so incredibly relieved.
School has resumed now. This term continues until March/April and then the school year is over. There will then be a 1-2 week break and the next school year starts up again. The schools here are basically year-round, with 2 larger breaks (which I’ve had both of already) and then random days off that are public holidays. I’m excited to dig even deeper with my students this term. As I’m teaching, I’m reminded of Mother Teresa’s wise quote, “It’s not the work you do, but the love you put into it that matters.” Especially as a Christian here, I want to make the biggest impact through Jesus’ teaching, which revolve around love. I can’t preach Christianity, because most of my students are Muslim. But I can cover them with love and acceptance, and show a sincere interest in their lives. I hope that the life I am living is an even bigger testimony than what I am teaching.
I hope you all had a happy new year and are staying warm. It’s VERY cold in Kathmandu right now, particularly while I am writing this! It rained yesterday, which is very rare during dry season, so it is just incredibly freezing today! We also are up to 12 hours of no electricity everyday and heaters are rare! I’ve definitely become fond of lots and lots of blankets! Alright, thanks for all your prayers and support. It means so much to me. Take care!
Our first stop was Pokhara, a Nepali city nestled in the valley of the Annapurna Mountain range. Our bus ride there was along the mountain ridges that followed a beautiful blue river with huge boulders. On our first day in Pokhara, we hiked up to the Peace Pagoda that sits above Lake Fewa with just an amazing view of the Annapurna’s. We wanted to take the longer route around the lake back to Pokhara, but instead ended up with a surprise adventure. Nepali roads are much different than American roads, in the way that a main road can be a narrow dirt road, and a nothing-road can be a wide stone road. It also can happen that what you think is the right road because it is wide and not-so-bumpy-as-others just all of a sudden turns into a huge dried up riverbed with large boulders. So then you are left taking tiny paths along the steep river bank hoping it eventually leads you around the lake. Instead it led us to the mucky lake bottom (because it is dry season), and I wasn’t going to begin to trust that (bad experience of sinking in the muck when I was younger!)! So this is what happened to us, and we ended up getting “lost”.
We found our way back to a boat dock that takes tourists back across the lake to Pokhara. We hopped on a small wood boat and our 12-year-old guide rowed us back across. On our second day in Pokhara, we went up to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise over the mountains and lake. After that, I went paragliding! This was an awesome experience. I was flying alongside the birds in the Annapurna valley. The view all around me was just incredible! On the third day, Tabea and I rented scooter-bikes and took them through the Himalayan mountainside. It was so great to drive a motorized vehicle again, even if it was on the left side of the road! It was so fun seeing all the villages along the way, even as they were laughing at these 2 foreign girls on scooters. 
Our 2nd destination was Tansen to visit our friend Anielle. She lives in this small town that is on the mountainside. Our bus ride there was a bit frustrating, as we experienced the travel agencies scamming us and sending us on a local bus (not very safe, and much cheaper). Scams happen time and time again and it is so frustrating not being able to trust anyone. One thing this culture has taught me, that I’m hoping does not become a part of me, is to never trust anyone and their motives behind “helping” you. Anyway, our visit to Tansen and seeing Anielle was enjoyable. It was nice to be in a small town with friends and no pollution! 
Our 3rd destination was Sauraha, which is a tiny tourist village that sits on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park. Chitwan is a popular nature and animal reserve in Nepal and Asia. It is famous for its one-horned rhinos, although there are only a few left because many were poached during the Maoist era. We went on an elephant safari through the jungle that was just amazing! First of all, just riding on an elephant is a cool experience. But then actually seeing other wild animals is incredible! First we just saw lots of deer and birds. Then we saw a crocodile! As our elephant crossed the river I was just hoping that he wouldn’t step on one, freak out, and we’d all end up in the croc-infested water! Then we saw rhinos- which is very rare! We ran side-by-side a mother and baby rhino as they were trying to escape us. After awhile they shot us quite a scary glare, and then we stayed back to avoid being charged! If an elephant is afraid of a mouse, I don’t want to see how he handles a charging rhino!
After one week it was time to come back to Kathmandu. I needed to prepare for my classes and Tabea needed to prepare for leaving Nepal. However, our bus ride back was not a relaxing one like I had anticipated. After a few hours our bus came to a sudden stop as it was the first to arrive on an accident scene that had just happened seconds before. Two buses had collided and one had flipped over the side of the mountain, landing upside-down down below. This was an experience that I didn’t want to have, but was at least thankful that our bus wasn’t part of the accident. Traveling in Nepal isn’t necessarily the safest because it is a mountainous country with hardly any road rules and drivers who just want to get to their destination. So when we made it back to Kathmandu safely, needless to say I was so incredibly relieved.
School has resumed now. This term continues until March/April and then the school year is over. There will then be a 1-2 week break and the next school year starts up again. The schools here are basically year-round, with 2 larger breaks (which I’ve had both of already) and then random days off that are public holidays. I’m excited to dig even deeper with my students this term. As I’m teaching, I’m reminded of Mother Teresa’s wise quote, “It’s not the work you do, but the love you put into it that matters.” Especially as a Christian here, I want to make the biggest impact through Jesus’ teaching, which revolve around love. I can’t preach Christianity, because most of my students are Muslim. But I can cover them with love and acceptance, and show a sincere interest in their lives. I hope that the life I am living is an even bigger testimony than what I am teaching.
I hope you all had a happy new year and are staying warm. It’s VERY cold in Kathmandu right now, particularly while I am writing this! It rained yesterday, which is very rare during dry season, so it is just incredibly freezing today! We also are up to 12 hours of no electricity everyday and heaters are rare! I’ve definitely become fond of lots and lots of blankets! Alright, thanks for all your prayers and support. It means so much to me. Take care!
Monday, January 3, 2011
3 Weeks in India
On Dec. 7th I left Kathmandu for a 3 week journey in India. I flew from Kathmandu to Kolkata (on the map it is “Calcutta” and is in the east), in which just landing pushed me into a mild culture-shock. The city was huge! All along I felt like Kathmandu was this big city, but Kolkata made it seem like a small farm village! India is much more developed than Nepal. Here are the primary differences between India (Kolkata) and Nepal (Kathmandu):
• India has street-lights; therefore it’s safe to walk around after it gets dark
• Vehicles, buildings, street-width, everything… are much bigger
• The taxis are old-fashioned
• There are less dogs and cows than in Nepal
• Staring is even more acceptable and therefore done more often and for longer periods of time
• There are traffic lights! And people obey them!
• On the buses, ladies sit on one side and gents on the other
• Buses have numbers on them so you know where they’re going
• Northern India is not as friendly (people can be so rude, start arguments so quickly, are offended and offend you quite often, rip you off, set you up to be scammed, etc.)
• There is a metro, and it is a good metro
• People stay up later because they have lights at night
• There are more sweets
• The beggars are more insistent
• In Kolkata, they serve tea in clay cups
Some of my Kolkata activities included going to the zoo, getting a new pair of prescription glasses, touring around the city with Chase’s (a Nepal SALTer) friend who is there on a Fulbright scholarship, visiting Motherhouse (Mother Teresa’s home, grave, and where the sisters live), and attending Mass with the sisters. On the last night in Kolkata, the MCCers from Bangladesh arrived. We packed our things and on the next morning boarded our train that would take us to Goa. 
The train journey from Kolkata to Goa took 2 days with a train change in Pune. This is a long time to be on and sleep on a train, but yet it is very cool. There are street-sellers always coming through selling chai (tea), food, socks, etc. They say what they’re selling in a very nasally extended tone, which we had fun mimicking. We kept ourselves busy playing Mafia and getting to know one another. And at other times were entertained by the transvestites that came through the trains.
2 days later we arrived in Baga, Goa (southwest on the map, by Panaji). Goa is the Hawaii of India and is SOO beautiful. We had our MCC Retreat for Nepal, Bangladesh, and India here. It was filled with great sessions in the morning (such as Christianity in an Asian context, Self-care, and Meditation), and the afternoons of relaxation/personal time… which often consisted of swimming in the Arabian Sea. One day we went out a tour of the Goan area… which was quite interesting. We stopped at a Catholic church started by St. Xavier. He is a very important saint to the Catholics because he spread Christianity around Asia. The church kept his 400+ yr old body right beside the sanctuary. It used to be an open casket so believers could touch and worship his body (uhhhhh...). One very devout follower was so inspired one day that she bit off 2 of his toes. GROSS. So even though I’m disgusted by this, the church was impressed by her devotion… 
so his toes are now framed beside his body. That afternoon we went through a couple of Sound and Light shows that should be renamed to Creepy Walking Tour with Unmoved Monotonous Guide (“This is the blood of Christ shed for you. Please step to the left….” That evening the group went on a River Cruise where people were invited to dance on the stage. Towards the end when no one else wanted to go up, several of our group went up and we just had fun dancing on stage. Afterwards so many people came up wanting pictures with us! Haha. The MCC Retreat was everything that I hoped it would be… thought-provoking, encouraging, healing, fun times with other MCCers, and relaxing. 
I wanted to see more of India even after the retreat was done, so a group of 5 of us traveled up to Delhi (northern India) via a 2-day train again. We visited the Jama Masjid (mosque), ate at Karim’s (world famous restaurant), spent a day with Lynda Nyce and her husband, toured the Qtab Minar (ruins of ancient city and mosque/call tower), and went to Agra (on map, just south of Delhi) to hang out at the Taj Mahal.
On the 23rd, 2 of the groupees left and Lydia Nofziger, a good college friend, flew to Delhi! So the next 5 days I was spoiled with a wonderful group of friends: Lydia, Phil (college friend serving with MCC in Bangladesh), and Anielle (Indonesian serving with MCC in Nepal). In Delhi, we visited the Lotus Temple (of the Baha’i religion), the Red Fort, and couldn’t help but go to Karim’s again. For Christmas Eve and Day we went to Udaipur (on the map, southwest of Delhi), which is an absolutely beautiful place. A palace rests in the middle of the lake, with mountains surrounding the lake. We also managed to run across every animal possible there… cows, donkeys, chickens, monkeys, pigs, elephants, bulls… 
We foud a Christian church to go to on Christmas Eve night. Even though it was nothing like the one I really enjoy going to at my home church, it was still nice to celebrate the birth of Jesus with other believers. We traveled back to Delhi via overnight bus because the train was cancelled and we had the most uncomfortable seats possible. The bad transportation luck continued as the next day our train was very delayed going to Agra (to see the Taj again, with Lydia this time!) and very very very delayed going back to Delhi. The next day I said my sad by grateful goodbyes to Lydia and Phil, Anielle and I flew back to Kathmandu, and that night I got some very much-needed rest.
I spent New Year’s Eve with my MCC friends here and am now embarking on some more travels. I will be going to Pokhara, Tansen, and Chitwan National Park (all in Nepal) with my good friend Tabea for some quality time before school starts back up on Jan. 17th and she moves to Australia on January 20th.
I hope that you all had happy holidays and were able to celebrate Jesus’ presence in our lives. Cheers to a great 2011!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)