Hey all!
So as you know by now, the majority of my work here in Nepal is with refugees, particularly from Somalia. I have become rather passionate about refugee work and also feel like a proud mother when it comes to my refugee students. So, the past couple of weeks I've just beamed with proudness of them and I want to share why with you.
First, my 10th grade Somali refugee student has been nationally recognized in Nepal! 10th grade is the graduating year here and intense exams are given. He is the first international student in Nepal to ever take these exams! Now, the reason I find this so impressive is because 4 years ago he didn't even know any English. And now he's taking such intense exams in English to graduate in a foreign country! And not only is he expected to pass, but he's expected to be one of the top students in the whole country! So I've worked with him one-on-one extensively and it just makes me really proud of all the work he's done for this national recognition.
Second, just today one of the Somali families got news that they are finally being relocated! They've been here for 4-5 years waiting waiting waiting until they day they get to go to a safe, developed country where they have opportunities, good schooling, and can earn money. When they first came to Nepal, they imagined it'd be only a month. Can you imagine waiting for 5 years?? So they just got a 2 weeks notice that they will be moving to California! So not only is this great news for the family that is going, but it's great news for all of the Somali refugee community here. Things are finally rolling, opportunities are coming, and their hopes are rising! So as sad as I am to see this family go, as they are all truly wonderful, I'm happy to see that a more positive life will soon be in their hands so soon.
That's my quick update as I'm just really happy right and wanted to share with you! Hope all is well!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Nepali Festivals
There are countless festivals in Nepal! Since Nepal is primarily Hindu, and Hinduism has hundreds of gods, there are many days to celebrate. The schools get at least one additional day off every 1-2 weeks because of so many festivals. I would like to share a few of them that have stuck out to me since I arrived 7 months ago.
Gai Jatra (August-September)
Literally means “Cow Festival”. This day celebrates those who died in the previous year. Children dress up as the deceased with costume and make-up. Cows are decorated and are believed to guide those that died to Yama.
Teej (September)
This is the Women’s Festival. All women fast for 1-3 days. Married women fast for their husbands’ well-being and prosperity. Single women fast in hopes to find good husbands some day. Red, fasting, and dancing sums up the Teej scene.
Dasain (October)
The importance of Dasain is equivalent to the U.S.’s Christmas. This is the big holiday of the year. It lasts for 15 days and celebrates the goddess Durga’s triumph over evil forces. Goats are sacrificed and their blood is scattered to ensure safety for the next year. Families have parties at each other’s houses, men play cards and gamble, and everyone dances.
Tihar/Diwali (October/November)
Nearly as important as Dasain holiday. On the first day, crows are worshipped. Second, dogs. Third, cows. Carnation necklaces and tikas (the red dot on the forehead) are placed on dogs and cows on their special day, including the strays running the streets. On the fourth day, the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is welcomed into homes by decorating the entire house with lights. It reminded me of Christmas in the U.S.! Nepal even allows a full night of electricity during Diwali! The fifth day, brothers are worshipped, tika-ed, and given gifts.
Shivaratri (February)
Shiva’s birthday is celebrated. Sadhus (very devoted Hindus who’ve dedicated their lives to Shiva) from India and Nepal come to Pashupatinath Hindu Temple in Kathmandu. They freely and nakedly bathe in the Bagmati River, which is believed to be holy (uh… if only you’d seen it you might think otherwise), and smoke weed all night long.
Holi (March)
It’s known as the Festival of Colors to bring in Spring. How is it celebrated? With water balloons of course! On this day many people won’t even venture out of their houses because water balloons are freely thrown at any passers-by. And the balloons aren’t always filled with water… sometimes colored paint, or even urine, gum, or broken glass. I’ve heard that sometimes people will even come into an open house and cover people with paint! A week before the official Holi day, people start preparing. This week I was nearly hit by a water balloon (or I hope it was water…) walking home to and from school 3x! So many people have told me that I should stay in this day, especially because my white skin is a target! The official Holi day is this Saturday… so we’ll see how I survive it! I might just have to throw a few water balloons myself : )
Gai Jatra (August-September)
Literally means “Cow Festival”. This day celebrates those who died in the previous year. Children dress up as the deceased with costume and make-up. Cows are decorated and are believed to guide those that died to Yama.
Teej (September)
This is the Women’s Festival. All women fast for 1-3 days. Married women fast for their husbands’ well-being and prosperity. Single women fast in hopes to find good husbands some day. Red, fasting, and dancing sums up the Teej scene.
Dasain (October)
The importance of Dasain is equivalent to the U.S.’s Christmas. This is the big holiday of the year. It lasts for 15 days and celebrates the goddess Durga’s triumph over evil forces. Goats are sacrificed and their blood is scattered to ensure safety for the next year. Families have parties at each other’s houses, men play cards and gamble, and everyone dances.
Tihar/Diwali (October/November)
Nearly as important as Dasain holiday. On the first day, crows are worshipped. Second, dogs. Third, cows. Carnation necklaces and tikas (the red dot on the forehead) are placed on dogs and cows on their special day, including the strays running the streets. On the fourth day, the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is welcomed into homes by decorating the entire house with lights. It reminded me of Christmas in the U.S.! Nepal even allows a full night of electricity during Diwali! The fifth day, brothers are worshipped, tika-ed, and given gifts.
Shivaratri (February)
Shiva’s birthday is celebrated. Sadhus (very devoted Hindus who’ve dedicated their lives to Shiva) from India and Nepal come to Pashupatinath Hindu Temple in Kathmandu. They freely and nakedly bathe in the Bagmati River, which is believed to be holy (uh… if only you’d seen it you might think otherwise), and smoke weed all night long.
Holi (March)
It’s known as the Festival of Colors to bring in Spring. How is it celebrated? With water balloons of course! On this day many people won’t even venture out of their houses because water balloons are freely thrown at any passers-by. And the balloons aren’t always filled with water… sometimes colored paint, or even urine, gum, or broken glass. I’ve heard that sometimes people will even come into an open house and cover people with paint! A week before the official Holi day, people start preparing. This week I was nearly hit by a water balloon (or I hope it was water…) walking home to and from school 3x! So many people have told me that I should stay in this day, especially because my white skin is a target! The official Holi day is this Saturday… so we’ll see how I survive it! I might just have to throw a few water balloons myself : )
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Hello everyone!
Lately my blogs have been educational or about what I’m learning. I thought I’d post this time about updates on my life here.
Teaching at Elim is going well! Next week starts our final examinations. Students will take one exam for 3 hours per day for 8 days. We will end the school year with a week of fun activities. Then we will have 2-ish weeks of holiday, then start the next school year at the end of April. Schools here are nearly year round with a few gaps of holiday. I’ve really enjoyed teaching lately, particularly because I really enjoy my students.
My work placement has extended. Starting today I will also be working with the UN at the KCC – the community center for refugees. I will be teaching a few classes to more refugee students after I’ve finished my work at Elim.
We have limited electricity these days, which basically makes it seem that we never have electricity. Although it’s difficult with school planning and communicating back home, it’s also proved to be enjoyable. I have fun playing with my host siblings without T.V. and also reading books by candlelight.
I am enjoying furthering my friendships here. Although I have found it much more difficult to develop good friendships in Nepal than it is back home. The reasons are: 1) You must be home before it’s dark otherwise it’s very unsafe. So when you work all day then it is nighttime, times with friends during the week rarely exists. 2) Reliability is an issue. Plans are never set in stone and are always changing, so even though you make plans, don’t count on them following through. 3) You can’t just jump in your car and meet your friend somewhere. You either walk or take public transportation, which takes much longer to meet. So when there’s limited daylight hours, it makes meeting difficult. But nonetheless, I’m very grateful to have made friends here in which, even though time is limited, I still truly enjoy that time with them.
Lately the idea of “fear’ has been on my mind and heart. This has grown because of various reasons. 1) Japan is in the middle of a terrible devastation and it’s hard to fathom everyone’s pains (Luckily, the Japanese family/friends I stayed with last year during SAS are doing just fine. Thank God!). There is also the possibility of an earthquake in Nepal right now. An earthquake comes every 74 years here and now it’s been 75 years since the last one. Since Nepal is much less developed and structures are already in terrible shape, I can’t even imagine all the damage that would be done here. 2) at least one bus accident and many car/bike accidents occur every day in Nepal. The reason this is so hard to hear is because my university was deeply affected by a bus accident 4 years ago and I was in a bad car accident 3 years ago. Thinking about all the pain that came from those, just makes the idea of all the accidents here unbearable. 3) I also am a foreigner and my white skin sticks out like no other. Typically foreigners are safe, but I always have my guard up wherever I am. There are many kidnappings, rapings, and murderers here, which I just have to remember is typical of such a big city. So despite all the terrible things that are happening in the world right now, I just have to remember that God is protecting me, is protecting us. The Bible says, “Perfect love casts out all fear,” and no doubt God’s love for us is perfect. So by fearing I am also doubting His love. So as I’m sharing this with you, I just ask for extra prayers… for my safety and God’s protection here, and also that my anxiety with fear doesn’t control my life. Thank you so much.
I hope you are all doing well. I imagine the sun is coming out more and birds are singing songs. It is about 4 months until I return to the U.S., and 2 months until my mother and sister visit here! I’m rather ecstatic for that! So take care, and may God bless you in numerous ways.
“Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth.” –Colossians 2:7
Lately my blogs have been educational or about what I’m learning. I thought I’d post this time about updates on my life here.
Teaching at Elim is going well! Next week starts our final examinations. Students will take one exam for 3 hours per day for 8 days. We will end the school year with a week of fun activities. Then we will have 2-ish weeks of holiday, then start the next school year at the end of April. Schools here are nearly year round with a few gaps of holiday. I’ve really enjoyed teaching lately, particularly because I really enjoy my students.
My work placement has extended. Starting today I will also be working with the UN at the KCC – the community center for refugees. I will be teaching a few classes to more refugee students after I’ve finished my work at Elim.
We have limited electricity these days, which basically makes it seem that we never have electricity. Although it’s difficult with school planning and communicating back home, it’s also proved to be enjoyable. I have fun playing with my host siblings without T.V. and also reading books by candlelight.
I am enjoying furthering my friendships here. Although I have found it much more difficult to develop good friendships in Nepal than it is back home. The reasons are: 1) You must be home before it’s dark otherwise it’s very unsafe. So when you work all day then it is nighttime, times with friends during the week rarely exists. 2) Reliability is an issue. Plans are never set in stone and are always changing, so even though you make plans, don’t count on them following through. 3) You can’t just jump in your car and meet your friend somewhere. You either walk or take public transportation, which takes much longer to meet. So when there’s limited daylight hours, it makes meeting difficult. But nonetheless, I’m very grateful to have made friends here in which, even though time is limited, I still truly enjoy that time with them.
Lately the idea of “fear’ has been on my mind and heart. This has grown because of various reasons. 1) Japan is in the middle of a terrible devastation and it’s hard to fathom everyone’s pains (Luckily, the Japanese family/friends I stayed with last year during SAS are doing just fine. Thank God!). There is also the possibility of an earthquake in Nepal right now. An earthquake comes every 74 years here and now it’s been 75 years since the last one. Since Nepal is much less developed and structures are already in terrible shape, I can’t even imagine all the damage that would be done here. 2) at least one bus accident and many car/bike accidents occur every day in Nepal. The reason this is so hard to hear is because my university was deeply affected by a bus accident 4 years ago and I was in a bad car accident 3 years ago. Thinking about all the pain that came from those, just makes the idea of all the accidents here unbearable. 3) I also am a foreigner and my white skin sticks out like no other. Typically foreigners are safe, but I always have my guard up wherever I am. There are many kidnappings, rapings, and murderers here, which I just have to remember is typical of such a big city. So despite all the terrible things that are happening in the world right now, I just have to remember that God is protecting me, is protecting us. The Bible says, “Perfect love casts out all fear,” and no doubt God’s love for us is perfect. So by fearing I am also doubting His love. So as I’m sharing this with you, I just ask for extra prayers… for my safety and God’s protection here, and also that my anxiety with fear doesn’t control my life. Thank you so much.
I hope you are all doing well. I imagine the sun is coming out more and birds are singing songs. It is about 4 months until I return to the U.S., and 2 months until my mother and sister visit here! I’m rather ecstatic for that! So take care, and may God bless you in numerous ways.
“Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth.” –Colossians 2:7
Monday, March 7, 2011
Why I Believe
During my time in Nepal and other travels, I have been challenged with the idea of why I believe Christianity is the right or best religion. Growing up in the United States, people I was around were either Christian or atheists. I started thinking about why I believed from the Christian perspective, of why I would choose God rather than no god. My conclusions were summarized in the idea of why would we be on earth for no reason; we have a purpose that our Creator gave us. However, now I am in a country where there are many religions- Hindu culture, Buddhist host family, Muslim students, etc. I now am challenged with why I believe Christianity is the right religion. I have enjoyed digging into this idea and would like to share with you the reasons why I believe what I believe.
1) Christianity has evidence. As much as Christianity is about faith in what is unseen (and should be, don’t get be wrong), it’s natural to want some evidence along with it. It’s the way that humans have developed, wanting proof of what is real. And we have that with Christianity. Jesus died on the cross. There’s no way He could’ve lived. Yet three days later He miraculously rose from the grave. Hundreds of people were witness to this, both believers and unbelievers. There is proof of this incredible resurrection. Even the Muslim religion acknowledges this. Also, all the prophecies made in the Old Testament came true. And, so many miracles were performed by Jesus and his disciples. These are all factual things that were witnessed. Christianity is real.
2) “Has anyone ever died for you before?” This is what a Nepali Christian lady asked a Hindu lady who was curious about Christianity. This is what Christianity is about, being loved so much that Jesus died for us. I can’t even begin to fathom this tremendous love, yet I remain so thankful that Jesus died for me. Other religions aren’t about the love that our Creator has for us. They’re often about working so hard you’re entire life but fate is what determines your destiny. Yet Christianity is so simple. We are loved so incredibly much, just as we are, sins and all. We are loved enough that someone has died for us.
3) God’s grace is free. No matter what we’ve done in life, no matter the mistakes we’ve made, no matter how little we’ve done for God, He offers His grace to us. All we have to do is accept it. Yet, in other religions, grace is never free. In Hinduism, a person must do such good things their entire life and this determines their rebirth. They don’t have the love of a god that offers them forgiveness from anything they’ve done. If they mess up, that sin sticks with them their entire life and then they are reborn into a worse life. But as a Christian, ours can be washed away. All we have to do is accept that forgiveness and live for Him. Our Savior wants us to love Him because we truly love Him, not out of obligation or fear of punishment. Therefore, he offers grace to us in our own free will.
4) The evolution story makes sense with Christianity. Scientists have tried to say that we formed out of dust. Yet this possibility is equal to the chance of you winning the lottery 5 weeks in a row. Yeah, right. So how were we created? By a magnificent God. Note that I said God, not gods. In Hinduism there are 3 creation stories, all contradictory to one another. There’s no evidence of any of them, just stories that got passed down generation to generation. Yet in Christianity we have one story and personally I feel like it makes sense. We may not know the details, but that is because we are only human which is so small compared to the God that created us.
5) God has proven His control of my life. There are so many things in my life that I thank God for His perfect hand in, even though I may not have realized it at the time. There are situations in our lives that don’t make sense in that moment, yet years later we come to understand the good that came out of it. There are also situations that just make us so incredibly thankful to God. For example, I was in a bad car accident 3 years ago. There were so many details that were perfectly in place that allowed me to live, such as the car swerving enough, me wearing my seatbelt, me being asleep, no cars coming from the other direction, missing the telephone pole, etc. If just one of these things were a tad different, I wouldn’t be here right now typing this. It just makes me so thankful that God allowed me to live longer so I can do His work on earth. I think it’s good to reflect on our own life of how God has played a perfect role in it. This stirs my emotions and feelings of why I believe what I believe.
I hope that you too can dig into why you believe what you believe… and that you can truly believe it from your heart. Face the questions that are hard to ask, and keep digging until you can find some answers. Praise God for being the Truth, the Way, the Light.
Jayamesi!
1) Christianity has evidence. As much as Christianity is about faith in what is unseen (and should be, don’t get be wrong), it’s natural to want some evidence along with it. It’s the way that humans have developed, wanting proof of what is real. And we have that with Christianity. Jesus died on the cross. There’s no way He could’ve lived. Yet three days later He miraculously rose from the grave. Hundreds of people were witness to this, both believers and unbelievers. There is proof of this incredible resurrection. Even the Muslim religion acknowledges this. Also, all the prophecies made in the Old Testament came true. And, so many miracles were performed by Jesus and his disciples. These are all factual things that were witnessed. Christianity is real.
2) “Has anyone ever died for you before?” This is what a Nepali Christian lady asked a Hindu lady who was curious about Christianity. This is what Christianity is about, being loved so much that Jesus died for us. I can’t even begin to fathom this tremendous love, yet I remain so thankful that Jesus died for me. Other religions aren’t about the love that our Creator has for us. They’re often about working so hard you’re entire life but fate is what determines your destiny. Yet Christianity is so simple. We are loved so incredibly much, just as we are, sins and all. We are loved enough that someone has died for us.
3) God’s grace is free. No matter what we’ve done in life, no matter the mistakes we’ve made, no matter how little we’ve done for God, He offers His grace to us. All we have to do is accept it. Yet, in other religions, grace is never free. In Hinduism, a person must do such good things their entire life and this determines their rebirth. They don’t have the love of a god that offers them forgiveness from anything they’ve done. If they mess up, that sin sticks with them their entire life and then they are reborn into a worse life. But as a Christian, ours can be washed away. All we have to do is accept that forgiveness and live for Him. Our Savior wants us to love Him because we truly love Him, not out of obligation or fear of punishment. Therefore, he offers grace to us in our own free will.
4) The evolution story makes sense with Christianity. Scientists have tried to say that we formed out of dust. Yet this possibility is equal to the chance of you winning the lottery 5 weeks in a row. Yeah, right. So how were we created? By a magnificent God. Note that I said God, not gods. In Hinduism there are 3 creation stories, all contradictory to one another. There’s no evidence of any of them, just stories that got passed down generation to generation. Yet in Christianity we have one story and personally I feel like it makes sense. We may not know the details, but that is because we are only human which is so small compared to the God that created us.
5) God has proven His control of my life. There are so many things in my life that I thank God for His perfect hand in, even though I may not have realized it at the time. There are situations in our lives that don’t make sense in that moment, yet years later we come to understand the good that came out of it. There are also situations that just make us so incredibly thankful to God. For example, I was in a bad car accident 3 years ago. There were so many details that were perfectly in place that allowed me to live, such as the car swerving enough, me wearing my seatbelt, me being asleep, no cars coming from the other direction, missing the telephone pole, etc. If just one of these things were a tad different, I wouldn’t be here right now typing this. It just makes me so thankful that God allowed me to live longer so I can do His work on earth. I think it’s good to reflect on our own life of how God has played a perfect role in it. This stirs my emotions and feelings of why I believe what I believe.
I hope that you too can dig into why you believe what you believe… and that you can truly believe it from your heart. Face the questions that are hard to ask, and keep digging until you can find some answers. Praise God for being the Truth, the Way, the Light.
Jayamesi!
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