Greetings from Nepal!

I am writing to you from an internet place in Thomel District, Kathmandu. Everything is well here. The travel here took two full days and we got in Kathmandu on Saturday.We had to sleep in the airport in Abu Dhabi but it was okay. Plus, it was super cool to be in another country!!! We have done so much already in the few shorts days we've been here. We have done a lot of walking around to the different shops and talking with street venders. Yesterday we went to someone's shop and he invited us in for chai and we talked about his belief in Krishna (a sect of Hinduism). Don't worry, I'm not going to convert. ;) We visited Pashupathima (Hindu temple) as well as the Monkey Temple (Buddist temple). They are very dark places to be.

We are staying in a very nice hotel that is only 6 months old. There are no cockroaches and no squatty-potties! The electricity goes out literally every day, if not twice a day because it is Nepal. :)

I have had so much curry in the past few days, it is unbelievable. I have not gotten sick either or had diarrhea, PTL! Our team is doing well and bonding together. We enjoy being with each other, so I pray that remains. :)

You would not believe the city blocks and streets here. There is traffic all the time, but only sometimes it is better than other times, but it is always busy. We are stared at all the time, and people are always approaching us to sell us something. It has become the norm for us here. Because we are staying in the "tourist" district, there are a few westerners here, but not many. They are here mainly for the hiking and to experience Mt. Everest.

Well, I must bid you farewell! Don't worry, I am well and soaking up everything. I will have many pictures and stories to share when I come back.

Namaste!
Jessica  

This Is The Stuff of Life.

"Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over the present darkness. against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication with all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." -Ephesians 6:10-20

This has been on my mind the last couple of days. Every time I put on my pack (as seen below), I am going to remember that I am putting on the armor of God. 

Embrace It. Whatever Comes, Embrace It.

I am curled up right now all cozy-like with my quilt wrapped snuggly around me keeping me warm. I have a cup of spicy tea steeping beside me, and occasionally I'll glance over and watch the tendrils of steam waft up to the ceiling. I'm also hacking up half a lung from this gosh darn cold I can't seem to shake, but that is beside the point. I'm really cozy right here. Really comfortable. If I wanted to, I could even extend this to say that my life in general is pretty comfortable too. I mean, sure I have an unknown future (who doesn't), but right now? Today? This week? I'm pretty comfortable where I am.

I have a feeling that in Nepal, I won't be very comfortable. There will be constant change. And constant new. And I'm really excited/terrified/nervous/anxious/joyful/scared for that impending occurrence.

I have forgotten what it is like to go into a place and be the minority. I have forgotten what it's like to for the abnormal to become an odd kind of normal. I have forgotten what it's like to have no other option but to trust God with every decision I make. I have forgotten.

During the school year, I am forced to plan out my life. And, frankly, it stinks. I've learned more about time management this year alone than I ever have before. I mean, it's a good thing to know but not a very fun thing to practice. After nine months of needing to have every day painstakingly planned out so everything can get done, it is hard to change mindsets to go from that to taking a step back from life, feeling free to do whatever, and having total flexibility in my life again. (I still have camp, but it's a different kind of schedule!) I miss the freedom, and I miss being able to live a non-stressful life. I think I am in store for learning a thing or two from the Nepalese culture. I think I will learn a lot about gratitude while in Nepal, and it is my hope and prayer that I will be able to take what I learn back with me here to America.

I am excited to embrace the unknown once again. :)

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"Be careful how you live; you will be the only Bible some people ever read." -William J. Toms