Youre Beautiful

I'm currently on vacation and LOVING IT! I'm amazed at how God has blessed every step of the way as I explore Europe. There is a song that has become my theme song during this week.
It is called You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham.
http://youtu.be/QGlTzH9xkXQ

"I see you there hanging on a tree



You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me


Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne


Soon we will be coming home


You're beauti'ful, you're beautiful"

This song not only summs up my feelings as I see God in the beauty of Europe but it is also perfect for this Easter Sunday
Happy Easter Friends!

Vacation

“YOUR FEET WILL LEAD YOU TO WHERE YOUR HEART IS”

I’m not exactly sure what the artist meant by this statement. I suspect it had some sort of romantic connotation but for some reason I liked it.

You see, I love to travel. I love to see the world.

The first time I spent a summer over seas I had no idea the wanderlust that would grow inside of me once I caught a glimpse of the world.

It’s been a year since my last trip and today I’m taking off on a two-week adventure that will take me to Paris, Prague, and Vienna.

Aside from seeing the “world” I will be seeing good friends and eating good food…two things required for a good adventure.

You may wonder how someone in my financial position can manage such a trip. Well, there are a few perks to living in a 3^rd world country.

1. I don’t spend much money
2. I’m already on the other side of the world so “foreign” destinations are not so foreign.
3. I’m staying with friends in each destination.

So, off I go on my two week vacation..

Don’t worry, I will be sure to take lots of pictures. I’m also packing my “fat” jeans so that I can east as much as I want. 

friends

The majority of my American friends here in Nepal work with people groups that are located in the Mountains. Due to our jobs it is common for multiple people to be gone at the same time.

This week alone 5 of my friends headed for the mountains. They are scattered throughout the different mountain ranges of Nepal. Their main goal is to be a light in the darkness. By the end of this week 4 more of my friends will be headed up to different areas as well.

Pray for my friends as they go to places and meet people that have never heard the name of Jesus. Pray for good weather and safety. Pray for boldness and clarity as they communicate in another language. 

so I go...

To be perfectly honest with you there is NOTHING glamorous about going to the village. In fact when my supervisor mentions that I will need to go, there is a little bit of me that groans inside. I think about the “bed” or wooden boards I will have to sleep on. I remember the lack of water and showering and the heaps of rice I will have to eat. Most of all I agonize over the actual travel (bus rides and walking uphill are my two least favorite things).

There are three ways to get to the village of Bhandar.

1. 12 hour bus ride
2. 12 hour private jeep ride
3. 20 min flight and 2 days of walking

Thankfully the volunteers I was in charge of could afford a private jeep. So early Thursday morning my teammate, three volunteers, and I started out on our journey. The first 8 hours of travel were on “paved” roads that afforded us amazing views of the Himalayas. The last 4 hours however were on a dirt road cut through the mountains. Needless to say it was twisty, dusty, and bumpy.

This sort of all day journey takes a toll on you. Once we arrived in Bhandar we ate a large plate of rice and lentils and then headed off to bed.

The following days were spent with fellow believers who had come from all over to receive training on how to share their faith and start house fellowships in their home village. Meeting these believers instantly reminded me why the 12 hours of travel is worth it. Their faith is big. For example a 7-month pregnant woman walked 8 hours from her village and an older couple walked 4 hours in the sun to come.  Their spirit exudes a kindness that I can only describe as Christ like and the hospitality that they show humbles me.

Every day after training everyone would come together to eat, sing, and fellowship. We would take turns singing in English and Nepali. There were times when we would sing the same song but in our own heart languages…giving me a small glimpse of the rejoicing that goes on in heaven. 

Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to the city.

Rather than taking a private jeep through the mountains our only option was to take the bus. That’s right just when you think only a private 4 wheel drive vehicle can go through the mountain, Nepalese pile into a bus and go….it’s insane. The bus was packed and the ride was rough to say the least. The motion of the sharp curves and bumps nauseated the majority of passengers and there seemed to be a person throwing up no matter where you looked.

So what makes me go to the village? Obviously it’s not “me” that is the motivating factor. Plain and simple, it’s God. He called me to this place, to this life, and to these people. So I go.

…although I still hate riding the Nepali bus. 

MOM

Today is my Mom’s birthday. It’s been a while since I was around to celebrate with my Mom. As a matter of fact I can’t remember when the last time was that I was home on April 2^nd.

Mom, I wish I were in Zillah WA today. If I were, it would be your day! We would only do stuff that you like. I’m thinking eat a great lunch at a cute café and then get a pedicure. If the weather were nice then maybe we would grab a drink at Sarbucks and hang out at a pretty park or look at plants. If the weather is not so great then we could head in doors for a chick flick. The evening would include the rest of the family…what’s a birthday without your grandkids.  

Being that I am currently in Nepal it is impossible to do these things today but I want to publicly proclaim that IOU when I come home this summer. Don’t forget! Sometime after Aug 2011 you and I are spending the day together…my treat!

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.