NEPAL BLOG 3 – NEPAL 2023
In between Kathmandu and Pokahara, we took a little break and took in some cultural and heritage as we stopped in Chitwan National Forest. It is such a fun time for our students as we all get to ride and bathe the elephants, see Rhino’s in the wild as well as other animals and then we take in a cultural heritage show.
We then went to Pokahara, where we hit the ground running doing ministry. On Wednesday, we participated in what is usually the student’s favorite ministry all summer. We go to a special needs school where we do all of our performances for the students and then they do their performances that they have practiced for us. Then we set about the most fun task and that is making balloon animals and swords for them. They especially love the swords and having sword fights with our students! As we were leaving we went down to the place where the children had made cookies for us, which our students loved partaking of! This day is always so much fun to be able to love on children that are largely forgotten about here in Nepal. It also seems that Meile and Elijah S. were able to capture the hearts of a couple of the kids…but don’t worry, nobody will be bringing back any spouses.
On Thursday, we were able to visit a new orphanage that a man has been funding out of his own pocket. It was quite impressive with the quality of care he’s been able to provide for these kids. After doing our performances, we all went out and played basketball and soccer with them. I think we made some good friends.
On Friday, we went back to another favorite spot. Last year we were able to get into a very big school that helps and educates children of all ages come out of human trafficking. It’s like a rock concert when we go there. We are unable to share the gospel here, but Ben, Abagail, Kaitlyn, Lillyanne, Obbe, Eli and Elijah S do such a good job presenting the gospel through the drama they perform. They now invite us back every year!
We also did a church service at a new church this year. The students ran the youth program on their own this time. Josie, Ben, Lydia, Brianna and Jake took the reins and did an amazing job.
After several days of ministry, we took a day hike up to the Australian Base Camp to try and get a good look at the mountains, unfortunately it was too cloudy. We then hiked down to a small village of Dhampus, where we were able to see the famous Annapurna mountain range from the rooftops there. In my 5 trips here it never disappoints!
Now we are on to debrief.
