Back in Kathmandu

Blessings to you all.
Hmm interesting I am working from a Nepali keyboard and it is making typing a tad interesting.  I am grateful that I can touch type.  My presentation went well and was well received.  Actually much better than I had anticipated.  I will be forwarded the outcome of it in a fortnight.  The good thing that came out were the amount of fantastic questions that were raised.  This always a good sign.

Today I went to assess a school where I will be comprising a report focusing on curriculum improvement.  I get around this congested city of Kathmandu by taxi or on the back of a motorbike.  At first I found it very nerve wracking but now I am used to it.  The motorbike is the best way to get through the congested traffic on all of the narrow streets.  Today I saw monkeys climbing over the electrical wiring to cross over the street.  I wish I could have stopped and taken a photo.  I had to explain to my interpreter that we do not have monkeys on our streets but that we can find them in our zoos.  He just laughed.

I went to join  a group of medical profession and some medical students who have gotten together wanting to set up an NGO and put in place programs to teach and improve sanitation to slum community on the outskirts of Kathmandu.  I thought straight away at some material I have brought along with me that focuses on Community Health and Education (CHE).  I will sift through some of the material this evening and see if there is something that can be of use to them.  They are an amazing bunch of Nepalese, around the age of 25, who are very keen to help their people.  We discussed starting of small, trialling or piloting what they want to do in a small area, iron out any problems before going all out.  This way, they will not be taking on too many projects and too large an area.  I see many doors opening, many opportunities for me to give my story and to talk about my God openly in a country that has been suppressed for many years.  I have made many Nepalie friends who gather their friends who are like-minded and want to make a difference and ask me to speak,  offer ideas, and facilitate their brain storming sessions to come up with a plan.  They had no idea that Nepal had a leprosy hospital or that leprosy was an issue in Nepal.  Yes leprosy is hidden in Nepal.  Out in the far western district of Nepal it is still very much an issue and people are outcasts.  The International Nepal Fellowship (INF) has set up this hospital in the Pokahara district. 

Tomorrow I head back to my homestay village at Sankhu for the day.  I will spend it with my homestay family.  I can't believe I have been in Nepal for nearly 3 weeks.  I love the people, even though I struggle with the language.  I have learnt to adapt by mimic and many hand display actions.  The Nepalise are just so friendly and hospitable and I am so thankful for the opportunities, the openness of the people, and their eagerness to show me their world.  I have had some trying times but I know that God is so much bigger and even though I may get frustrated at the injustice or in communicating, I see and know that God works here too.  I am reminded that I am His instrument...a tool for his purpose.   On that note I must love you all and say good night until next time.  God bless you all.  I can't thank you enough for all your prayers.