Pictures from Ellora

Pictures from Ajanta

Our first overnight train.

Ajanta Caves built as Buddhist monasteries and temples 200BC - 600AD

One of the earlier caves that has no paintings

One of the many paintings detailing the incarnations of Buddha

More Pictures from Vijayawada

This picture is with Hari's father near the big lake at Vigayawada

With a large portion of Hari's family in Vijayawada

Delhi at Last

We have arrived at our final stop in Asia: Delhi! We are both glad to have a short time of rest before our flight. We found a hotel in Main Bazaar, a street full of shops filled with things I love! Purses, skirts, jewelry: all of the hippie items that I search for in the States. Why didn't I save all of my shopping for Delhi?!? Well, we are just chilling out here until Sunday, so this might be our last post until we get back in the states unless something exciting happens. Maybe the next time we share a story, we will be able to share it with you in person!

The Taj Mahal

I know it's been a while since we've posted. Hopefully soon we will be able to fill you in on the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, and show you pictures of our new friends, John and Rachel, and Amanda teaching children's church in NGO Colony, Hyderabad. For now, however we'll just talk about Agra, home of Taj Mahal--arguably the most beautiful building in the world.

We saw it today, the Taj. We went this morning after a liesurely breakfast.

It really is magnificent. It's very large and very white (all the marble). The inlaid disigns and coligraphy from the Koran add a nice touch. To walk in the monument you either must take off your shoes or cover them. Amanda went with her sandles covered. I went barefoot.

We wondered around the complex for about an hour and a half, then retreated out to the front where we found a place that sold really cold 7up (but not as cold as that place in Ellora).

Agra is reportedly the most corrupt city in India. I'm somewhat glad i've been hardened against banes of India. I now know how to deal with the rickshaw drivers, pedlers and begars. Here they they seem worse than the other cities and I'm glad I've had practice.

Today we had three snakes pulled on us. The first was a cobra. An older man wearing the typical orange and white of a Hindu holy man removed the cloth of his basket to reveal a cobra raised in attention. "Picture," he says not 3 feet in front of us. "Let's go," Amanda says. The man wanted us to give him a few rupies to take a picture of or with the snake.

Later as we were heading out to the coffee shop this afternoon... A small boy comes up to us with a basket with a top. He pulls the top off and what's inside? A snake. "Cobra" he says while he's 4 feet away walking toward us. As he get's close, i clearly see that it's not a cobra and not poisonous. I still don't apreciated having a snake thrust at me. "Go away," I tell him (my new favorite phrase for men who are pestering me). He comes closer.

I'm not deathly afraid of snakes, but I surely don't like them thrust in my face. Amanda and I try to escape. He follows us for 30 meters, over a busy intersection. "Baksheesh" he says meaning he wants money for him to leave us alone. I'll give a few coins to the occational beggar. I'll also give some to the sweeper boys on the train who, otherwise, won't leave your compartment. I was not, however, about to be bribed into giving and not by some punk... kid. I think a combination of my turning to face hime and saying very firmly and slowly "go away now" plus the hindi words of some bystanders finally sent him away.

The third time was as we were coming to a restaurant for dinner. A younger man than the first but dressed the same way was at the entrance holding a basket. I was thinking that he was going to bring out flowers and red stuff with which to bless people, but instead it was another snake. This time our host shooed him off probably with the help of some rupees.

Everywhere we go we have shop owners, peddlers, cycle rickshaw drivers, auto rickshaw drivers, and beggars trying to get our attention, trying to get our money. Amanda and I are honestly rather fed up with it. Amanda has it worse considering the hundreds of catcalls and the constant illicate stares men give her.

Yesterday as we were aproaching the fort in the city we passed an overturned bus. The area was covered in shattered glass. There was also a rather large pool of blood. We learned later 5 people had died.

Lastnight right as we got in our auto-rickshaw from supper, we saw a speeding moterbike directly hit an unsuspecting pedestrian. As our auto sped off we could here the man who was hit moan in pain.

I know these sorts of things must happen in every city. It just may seem worse here.

Yesterday we were able to change our tickets. Now we have an AC chair car back to Delhi at 6am Thursday morning. We'll then have a leisurely few days before coming back to the US. Both of us will be very glad to do that.

Public Speaking, Beaches, and Sarees

Sunday morning Ben and I attended two different church services. It was assumed that we would both speak at both services. At the second service, I was asked to sing with Ben. Each service had over one hundred people. Ben loves to speak in front of people, but I was less than thrilled to speak in front of everyone, much less sing. Sudip once told us that everyone will think we want to speak because we are from the west. (This is not his only prediction that ended up being accurate.) I had already spoken at the all night prayer service and Bible school service at this point. I had used up any enlightening speeches I had left in me. So, I had to figure out something to do...

I got away without saying much in the first service. I just rambled on about how God will bless the congregation if they remain in His will. (It was all things I believe, but really just a five minute elaboration of that blanket statement.) In the second service, however, I got creative. Much to the pastor's dismay, I was tired of sitting on the stage having everyone stare at me. I politely refused the five people that tried to escort me from the congregation to the stage, and I soon found Hari's mother and sat with her.

When I was called to speak, I talked about how in the South, it is an honor to your parents to sit with them in church. I told them how much I wanted to honor Hari and his mother by sitting with her. I felt it was important to emphasize that I was there to visit Hari's family and not to speak in church and put on a big show. This ended up being a good way to get out of saying much and also a good way to show Hari's family how much I care about them.

I mean no disrespect to Hari, his family, or his pastor by saying that I did not want to speak. I just do not enjoy public speaking. I'm not sure what was conveyed to the people in India from the people in Mobile as to our reason for being here, but my reason for being in Gudlavalleru (the town Ben can't remember) is to spend time with and love Hari's family. They are very precious to me, each and every one of them (and I think I've met everyone related to Hari within a hundred mile radius of his hometown). Despite the language barrier, their love for God, Hari, Ben, and me is overwhelming. They've done nothing but shower us with abundant hospitality, delicious food, and gifts that I will cherish forever. They also...

took us to the beach! About ten of Hari's family members, the pastor, and the guy that had been translating for us in the services (sometimes) piled into two vehicles and drove the thirty km to the beach. Granted, it is not as clean as the beaches in Alabama and Florida, but it is fun to spend time with family at the beach. It was early evening, so the heat was no longer stifling. And when you go to the beach, it is not acceptable to stay on the shore. Everyone is expected to get in the water. Of course, it is inappropriate for ladies to reveal their legs, and most people don't own a swim suit anyways. The only option left is to get in with all of your clothes on (except for children: they can swim in their underwear). This made for some pretty funny pictures. We had fun splashing each other in the surf and building sand castles. Then we had snack time, where Ben and I were (as usual) showered with many snacks from the local vendor. I'm going to be sooo fat!

When we returned that night and washed up, the ladies decided that it was high time I started dressing right. In India, you show that you are a real woman by wearing a saree. For those unfamiliar, a saree is basically nine yards of fabric that is folded in a complicated pattern around your (belly-baring) blouse and underskirt. It is a right of passage for girls eighteen or nineteen to get their first saree. After about thirty minutes and three people helping, I finally achieved my saree perfection and ate dinner in style! I tried to return the saree, but they insisted that I keep it. It is a very special gift that I will treasure always. Hari's family was such a blessing to be with, and they are one family that I will truly miss as I continue my travels.

Hari's Family and Church

We are in a town near Gudiwada. I still can't pronounce, much less remember, the name. This is the home of Hari's family. They already have a full house without guests, so Hari has arranged for us to stay with their pastor's brother who’s house is connected to the church. Again we have been overwhelmed with hospitality. Everyone told us before we left for Nepal, that we would come back thinner, but when one eats a four course meal three times a day, everyday, with an afternoon snack thrown in, I think it's impossible to lose weight.

Today we toured the Bible school and orphanage in Gudiwada. Hari's pastor, Barnabas Sajja has been able to build the "Gospel Prayer Temple Ministries" very quickly. It only started 10 years ago and it already has a Bible School of 80 students, an orphanage of 40 boys, a school for slum children, craft schools, and a network of over 80 churches (100 pastors).
Amanda and I both were able to share at the all night prayer service the church had last night and to the Bible school students today. It's so strange because we don't have much formal Biblical training, but they want us to speak.

Today, however, I may have said something "inappropriate." After I spoke to the students, pastor Barnabas wouldn't let the teacher who had translated for us continue. Amanda had the pastor to censor her if need be. Though, Amanda would never say anything controversial in public.

This morning we had breakfast at Hari's house. We had a lot of fun with all of them and their dog, Mody.

I think all the attention is wearing us down. We are very grateful how Hari's pastor (and his wife) have fed us and taken care of us, but we wish we could spend more time with Hari's family. Both of us have a weird unsettling feeling about the pastor.

Please pray that we may have an abundance of grace.

Tomorrow morning we attend two church services. One is here in the town which name I can't pronounce, and the other in Gudiwada. I think we are speaking at both services (depending if I haven't offended too much).

The services will be over by 1pm. We are then promised a trip to the beach with Hari's family.
Sunday night we'll stay here awaking quite early on Monday to drive to Vijayawata and take the train to Hyderabad (and to the Chavalis). This is despite our secret desire to spend that last night in Vijayawata because the food there was so delicious.

We are in Vijayawata!

The past few days have been a whirlwind because we never know what's next. Our friend Hari, whose family we are with now, has managed to plan a whole week of our lives all the way from Mobile, and we don't have many details. People just tell us day to day where we will be sent and what we will be doing. Here is a rundown of the past few days:

Monday we bought train tickets for our future travels. We spent most of the day just resting.

Tuesday we took the Tourism Development Committee's local bus tour. We rushed through the main attractions of Hyderabad including Charminar, Golconda Fort, two museums, the Zoo Park (an excellent zoo!), and the main Hindu temple in the area. We had a nice time with our new friend Kay who will soon be in medicine school at Bangalore. We also had the most obnoxious tour guide who gave us special attention, much to our dismay.

Wednesday after much confusion and rearranging, we ended up at the home of Jacinthi's family. We rushed from the Chavali home to the Raju home, ate breakfast, and hurried to the church where a small gathering was waiting. We lead them in some songs, shared a little message, and prayed for people as they were leaving. We spent the rest of the day with the Raju family (Jacinthi's family) and were treated above and beyond what we deserve. The hospitality in India really has been overwhelming.

Thursday, Hari's cousin met us at the Rajus' and took the bus with us to Vijayawada, which is where we are now. We are staying with Hari's uncle, and most of his family is with us. They are such blessings from God, and we continue to be overwhelmed with lovingkindness. We are definitely well-fed! Today (Friday) we are moving to the town where Hari's parents live and Hari's church is, Gudivada. We will spend the next few days with his family and also helping with different ministeries of his church. Ben and I are very excited. Literally, we never know what's next. (Thanks, Hari!)

Also, anyone that knows me very well knows that I love pets. I am so happy to finally have one around! Hari's uncle has the cutest little puppy named Gritsy, and I love to play with him. Maybe we will be able to post some pictures soon.

Calcutta Details

Calcutta is a busy dirty town. It's the only city in the world where man-powered rickshaws are still in use. We thought it was horribly degrading so we never used one during our stay. Our purpose for visiting was to help Project Rescue. Before we left on the trip, we had heard about the organisation and how it helps women trapped in prostitution get out of the industry.

We only were able to connect with our contact person in Calcutta a few days before we arrived. Joni had been in a motorcycle incident requiring a hospital stay in Delhi and only two weeks before had come back to her home to recover.

The night of our arrival we hired a taxi to take us downtown (we shared it with two Israeli girls ) and found inexpensive but clean (with AC) lodging.

The next morning we called Joni. "I'll have my driver pick you up in 30 minutes" she said exuberantly. So began our tour of Project Rescue. A big Toyota "tropical blue" SUV pulled up next to the cafe where we were waiting. The driver and Joni's secretary were in it.

Our first stop was to pick up Joni who lived a bit outside of town where she had moved following asthma-like symptoms because of the high pollution levels within the city. Once in the car she started explaining more deeply about the organisation and her role in it.

Project Rescue was started several years ago by an Indian women who was concerned about the condition of prostitutes in the city. She wanted to do something to help, so through walks through the districts she began building relationships with the women and would pray with them. Eight years ago, Joni started working with the organization to facilitate networking with resources. Her main job now is looking over the children's home--our first stop.

19 friendly and cute girls came to greet us on the top floor of a three story apartment complex. The children's home acts as foster care for girls who's mothers are in the industry. The ladies want their daughters to have a future outside of the district and permit the children to live at the home. Many daughters of prostitutes fall into the same line of work as their mothers, and once in it's very hard to get out. So the children's home is there to provide a safe place outside of the district for the kids to grow and go to school and heal. Without exception, they come from abusive backgrounds. The same girls who ran up to us to give us welcome hugs with big smiles when they first arrived would have been hiding in the corner ashamed of their lives.

The girls all sang for us including dances and hand motions--most of which they had learned in VBS and Sunday School. I taught them how to sing "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." Then they taught us how to sing it in Bangal the language the kids all spoke.

Before we had to leave, they played games with us. Many were excited about meeting new people and many hugged us goodbye.

(for security reasons we couldn't take pictures.)

Our next stop was lunch at Grain of Salt, Joni's favorite restaurant. Amanda and I chuckled inside at how the Americans we visit like to take their visitors to such nice restaurants. Lunch was buffet style of Indian and continental food and it was wonderful. This was our first introduction to crispy baby corn which has become our new favorite dish. It's baby corn cooked like General Tzo's chicken. Very tasty. We also enjoyed the numerous sweets and safe home-made ice cream.

After lunch we visited Bubbly at the Vocational Training Center. Walking distance from the main red-light district in a rented room from an Anglican church, women in the industry have the opportunity to learn a trade when they are not working. By the time we got there (by design) the ladies had departed for their evening work, but we were able to meet young ladies who are not in the industry, but are labeled high risk. They live in the district and will likely turn to prostitution for work. They were at the center making Christmas Cards which the organization sells. These girls are then paid for their time. It's a way of keeping them occupied and in a good environment.

The ladies who come are taught tailoring and are also offered a stipend. Keep in your prayers one lady who has been coming who is a "mother" at a brothel. She has a lot of clout in her area, and if her life is changed, it could mean many more women being rescued.

While at the center Bubbly told us stories of women who have gone through the program and who are now actively helping other women to escape the industry.

That evening Amanda and I explored New Market a seemingly endless building of shops selling everything from cloth to jewelry to freshly butchered meat to vegetables and fruits. We then wandered our way through fields of soccer and cricket players and found the river Hoogly. Then we went back to Park Street for food (escaping the pouring rain).

The next morning we visited the Indian Museum a large collection of natural and Indian history artifacts including the bones of a giant Armadillo type extinct animal. We then went to see the Marble Palace a private mansion filled with collected western paintings and statues. If we had gotten the correct permissions it would have been free. But for a little tip... 600 rps later we emerged from the dusty and dark but interesting building.

We then visited the Mother House, burial place of Mother Teresa. The Sisters of Mercy were taking mass when we arrived and we sat in. Listening to their sung responses was a highlight. They have made a little room a Museum of sorts with quotes and her belongings and blood on display. On posters it told of her life.

At 5 pm the blue SUV picked us up again after a long conversation with a pseudo beggar women about how we should buy her child milk and how she wasn't a beggar. Joni took is to Evening Care Center (ECC) three rooms in a government community office on the edge of one of the main districts. From 5-8 every day Children from the community are invited to come and receive tutoring and help in school. The first year they had it, the children's pass rate in school increased from 30% to 90%. The time is significant because it is the busiest time of day in the district (men go by after work before going home). When school is in session 80 kids from all grades will pack into the small building to learn.

We were there for a few minutes. I introduced myself and Amanda and told them that I was very glad to meet me. They asked me through the interpreter why I came to see them. This question stumped me. The honest answer did not seem fitting, so I told them I had heard they were the nicest kids in Calcutta. I would later regret it, thinking of other things that were more true and believable.

On the way back from the ECC, I asked Joni how we could help them. "Pray," she said. It was amazing to me how she had devoted all that time to showing us around so that we could pray for them. I realize how big a need that is. They have had tremendous favor with the government, a secular but largely anti-christian government. They also have had a lot of favor in the community. Some owners in the industry are encouraging the ladies to send their kids to ECC or get extra training themselves.

One major request they had was for a building of their own within the district that they could run the ECC and vocational training. There is a building that was built two years ago that would be perfect. It's been vacant because the community has ruled that it cannot become a brothel, and no one else wants it. Pray for a building, that one or another one so that the outreach can increase. Also pray for Indian workers. Foreigner "whites" are suspect of having an agenda. Indian nationals have a lot more freedom to work with the people with-out red-flags. They especially need a solid child-psychologist to work with the children. Pray for that brothel mother who has been coming to vocational training, and pray for all the women with which the workers are in contact.

A Busy 3 Weeks in India

We go with Mr. Chavali today to the train station to reserve tickets for the rest of our trip. See if you can follow this schedule. On thursday, the 15th, we take a 5 hour train to Vijayawada where Hari's father or pastor will pick us up from the station and take us to his village. On friday night they have a special prayer service and on Sunday we will go to church service. The other time we will be able to see and help the Bible school, orphanage and other places. The church there has a guest house in which we will stay. Monday morning (19th) we take the train back to Hyderabad.

Two days later on the evening of the 21st (Wednesday) we will take an overnight train to Aurangabad from there we will visit the Ellora and Ajanta caves. We'll stay one night in Aurangabad and the next (the 23rd, Friday) we'll take another all night train back to Hyderabad.

We have a few days rest and the opportunity to visit Jacinthi's home church (June 25) before embarking for Delhi (Tuesday, June 27th). This train departs at 8 am and takes 24 hours. We will arrive the morning of the 28th. That leaves us 5 days to squeeze in visits to Agra (home of Taj Mahal) and Amritsar (Home of the Golden Temple). Then on July 2 we fly home.

Busy times!

On our way to Hyderabad

Calcutta was fun. It was really good to see what Project Rescue does. I may have the opportunity to help them with a website in the future which would be very cool. Amanda and I visited the Hoogly (the tributary of ganges) museums and walked a lot. Now we are on our way to the airport. It's been really busy here. Hopefully we'll write more maybe include some pictures.

Project Rescue

Today Ben and i got in touch with Joni, a missionary that works with Project Rescue. We went to the children's home (for daughters of prostitutes) and career training center (for high risk girls and ladies that want out of the sex trade). It was great to see how God is working in and through these ladies and their children. The children at the home were so precious. They entertained us with games, singing, and dancing. We also got to see a good bit of Cacutta on our way back and forth. Tomorrow we will do some sight seeing and continue to work with Joni.

In Calcutta!

We have arrived in Calcutta. The flight wasn't too bad. Though we read the ticket wrong and arrived at the airport 2 hours early (4 hours before the flight) . One of those hours, however, was spent going through endless security checkpoints, that included two x-ray machines for our bags, two hand searches of our bags, three hand searches of our bodies, and confiscation of my sewing kit and rope that Amanda was carrying. India Airlines, despite it's bad reputation, left on time and provided us with a big snack for the 1 hour journey. We were able to see some of the Himalayan peaks above the clouds which was fun.

After arrival while waiting at the pre-paid taxi booth, we met two girls from Israel who have been in India for three months. We ended up sharing a taxi with them to downtown. They then went on to find western food (Dominos) and we found a place to stay. A very decent room with airconditioning and hot water. Perhaps a bit expensive ($16) , but it's hot here, and it's been so long since we've taken a hot shower.

We received an email from our contact here in the city. And we'll call her tonight.

Saturday at 3pm we fly to Hyderabad by Sahara Air.

Disaster on Departure

Last night around 10:00 pm Sudip’s brother called and said that the wall behind the orphanage fell down. The orphanage is at the lowest point in the village, and the property directly beside the building is owned by a man who is quite careless with his construction; there is also a ten foot drop from his land to the orphanage property. So beside the building, the man built a wall to hold up the earth from collapsing on their building, but the wall was poorly constructed. Sudip has complained endlessly to the man, but he only provides excuses. It has been raining since the night before last, and the wall could not hold all of the earth heavy with the rain, so the wall fell down. The girls’ side of the building was damaged heavily, but no one was hurt. Sudip and Anne Lise took the girls to their apartment last night, and they are trying to find a place to rent for them today. This morning after packing, we played a game with the girls. No one is really sure what is going to happen with the orphanage building and where everyone will stay, so please pray that arrangements will be able to be made quickly so everyone will have a safe place to stay.

We are flying out today at 2pm and will reach Calcutta at 4pm. We will be in Hyderabad on Saturday afernoon.

I'm Feeling Better

I'm feeling much better. Amanda, being such a great girlfriend, took care of me during my illness, even walking 2km in the pouring rain and mud just to get me some yogurt. Thank you for all your prayers.

Turns out that one of the dishes we had for lunch yesterday typically is made with un-boiled tap-water. It is made from potatoes, cucumber, peas, yogurt, spices and water. I'll be on the look out for it next time! Amanda was spared becauses of her great detest for cucumber.

We are scheduled to fly for Calcutta at 2 pm tomorrow.

Ben is sick.

Please pray for Ben; he is very sick. We ate lunch yesterday with another family. It is customary to finish all of the food you are offered out of politeness. I tend to disregard this so I don't make myself sick. When I am full, I politely say so and then I rave about how good the food was. No one has seemed too upset at my routine yet, but they are probably just not saying so. Yesterday, I got full rather quickly, so Ben felt obligated to finish everything he was offered to make up for my bad manners. After lunch, we took a trip to the orphanage to see the children and the building progress one last time. We walked the whole way--about an hour walk, but a little more for us. The mother at the orphanage thought we would be hungry after walking so far, so she cooked for us. I finished mine without a problem, but Ben ate very slowly and looked slihtly green. On our way home, he decided he could not hold all of that food inside of him, so he deposited it into a bush (forcing it back out the way it came in). He continued to be sick the rest of the night; he vomited a few more times. I think he is really sick, but he still insists that it is because he ate too much. Please pray that he will recover today; I don't want to travel to Calcutta with a sick Ben.

Counting down the days...

Here is a summary of what’s been going on. We’re preparing to leave for India on Wednesday, so we don’t have much time for details.

On Tuesday night before we left, we had dinner with the Shresthas, Sangita’s family. They are so precious. The food was the best Nepali food we’ve had. Her mother was overjoyed to have us in her home. We returned Friday evening after our trip to the village to bid her farewell; she was leaving for Hong Kong the next day. We left promising to stay in her house when we return to Nepal.

On Friday, the Maoists (a communist terrorist group that controls much of Nepal outside of Kathmandu) had a rally in Kathmandu. We had brief encounters with them during our village trip: they like to demand money from travelers on popular roads out of Kathmandu. On our way to the Shresthas’ on Friday, though, we got caught in their procession back to their buses.

Saturday was our last day at church. We said our goodbyes, and Ben taught guitar for most of the afternoon. We ended the day by sharing a nice double-date with our hosts. We went to one of their favorite restaurants (where I had the best veggie burger ever), and they surprised us afterward with a treat of fresh-squeezed juice from a fruit stand.

Today, Sunday, was very busy. We visited Prakash’s family (we will return for lunch tomorrow) and Namuna’s father. We also ran into Sangita’s brother and uncle again, which was a nice surprise. They asked us to come for dinner tomorrow night, and I regret that we may not have time. They are much fun to be around.

Our trip in Nepal is coming to a close, and I wish I could stay longer. There are a few families that we could not get in touch with and many people I wish I could’ve gotten to know better. There is one thing I am very proud of though: I got a great deal on a pocket knife for Ben today because I bargained in Nepali.

Nepali Village Style Baptisms

Last Wednesday we took a trip to a small village in north Nepal. It took 7 hours to get there, The last three hours were on a mountain road that required the use of four-wheel drive on our host’s used SUV they were able to purchase the day before. Our way was often obstructed by groups of workers who were making the road passable even in monsoon season. The village we visited has a small church of thirty believers many of whom walk several hours to come to church service. It’s a church that Sudip supports, and they wanted him there as they baptized new members. So we all went to join in the celebration--the four of us plus a driver who is a member of the church here in Kathmandu.

The village is situated on the side of a mountain. It has seven shops and restaurants that surround the road as it winds through the mountains. Deep below the village the Tama Koshi River winds its way from the Mount Gaurishankar a 7134m high mountain. From where we stayed five minutes up a very steep trail from the road, when the clouds cleared you could see the snow-capped giant and other lesser peaks

We stayed in the house of the pastor and his wife. For a village house it was very nice, and quite clean. The five of us slept on the ground floor. The first night Amanda was kept awake by the sounds of mice chasing and squealing to each other above her bed. The second night Sudip was awakened by something crawling over his chest.’

Late in the evening after we arrived our hosts invited us to what Americans would call the third story. The ceilings are made slate or other stone, so having the fire close to the ceiling is a benefit. We were served a typical Nepali meal of Dahl Baat—lots of rice served with greens, a pickle sauce(it’s hard to explain), and a curry (potatoes that night). We were served the typical Nepali fashion. We as guests were served, and the rest of the family watched us. They would eat what was left after we had eaten. Our hostess was a very good cook.

The next day was the day of the baptisms, and to celebrate they killed and prepared a goat from their little herd. That took a few hours that morning. At which time Sudip enjoyed the pleasures of drinking with a leaf from a spring that came out of the side of the mountain.

Eight believers were baptized in a tributary river closer to the village. Sudip asked each one before he baptized them, “Are you willing to be persecuted for your faith.” The next morning one of the older men came to Sudip. His son, who was a Hindu, had been upset at the baptism. He said was going to kick is father out of the village. This is the type of sacrifice that Christians here make. Yet they give their hearts to Christ. After the baptisms as the believers sat in the small upper room of the church building singing songs and praying to God, we could feel their sincerity. Thy knew God in ways that westerners rarely taste. They were passionate about God and his Kingdom. The next morning we returned to the noise and business of Kathmandu.

The trip taught us many things. We learned of the need for physical and mental strength just to be with the villagers (the steep trails are tiring, and sleeping under a herd of mice is scary). We learned that Christianity is growing even in the villages.

North Nepal

I just wanted to let you all know that we are back from North Nepal. Sudip, Anne Lise, Amanda and I Wednesday morning drove 8 hours over mountain roads to reach a rather remote village to attend a baptism service. We stayed at the pastor’s home for two nights and ate much daal bhat. We had a wonderful and stretching experience. When we have a few minutes we will post a detailed account of the trip and include pictures!