How Sweet It Is.

So wouldn't you know it, but the time that I decide to write a post is the time that I am insanely busy and getting ready for the crazy week ahead. But, eh, I'll count this as my break for the day. I have so many thoughts and feelings and things to talk about, and it's all so amazingly wonderful. I am getting more and more excited as I am realizing that Nepal is a reality. It's happening. It's taking place. I am actually going to Nepal. Woah.

I wish we could be sitting in a coffee shop, sipping our drinks, and having this conversation face to face, so you could see what I'm feeling. Maybe that would help to explain some of my excitement. Because sometimes putting thoughts into words just isn't the same. But, until that time comes, I will try my best to share with you what has been happening in the world of Nepal planning.

Thanks to all of you wonderful people, I have $900 towards my trip. That means I am almost 1/3rd of the way funded. When I got the update in my email box, I was floored. You are all so generous and absolutely wonderful. I thank each and every one of you for the prayers and support that you have been sending my way. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for believing in me and believing in what God is and will be doing through our team. Know that as I type this now, I have a huge smile on my face. I am encouraged by you. :) Thank you.

Since my last post, we have had two training sessions. The first was an overnight weekend at Dawnette's church. We had a wonderful time of good, solid fellowship with one another and quiet time with the Lord. We also watched two documentaries about Nepal, which showed us what we will  see when we're over there. Someone even came in who has had a lot of experience with the country of Nepal to talk to us, answer questions, and share his experiences.

The most recent training session was yesterday. We learned about Hinduism and Buddhism, which are two prevalent religions in Nepal. The more we talked about this, the more I realized that what we are doing and what we will be seeing is going to happen. This is real. There are real people out there who are lost. They are searching for something--anything--to fill them. The word that kept popping up in my mind during training yesterday was the word fear. Fear. Fear. What an icky word. People all over the world are held in bondage by fear. Of the unknown. Of the future. Of public speaking. And we get to be a small part of their journey in letting go of the fear and embracing Jesus. I'm stoked man. Really stoked. Children. Lepers. Hindus. Buddhists. Lost. Afraid. Broken. Beautiful. Redeemed. All of them. People. And I get to meet them. :)