August 8, 2007

Jay Maishi.

(Nepalese do not smile for pics)

Kaila left for KTM on Tuesday last week and made it safely back to the States this past Saturday. She has been released from the hospital, but has to go back this week for more testing. Please continue to keep her in your p.

I have found life in South Asia to be quite interesting. Here are a few fun facts: (1) if you hear a dying goose sound, it's the garbage man…you better hurry. (2) Mashed potatoes can be used as sticky tack. (3) If you hear a man yelling the same word over and over with a slight Indian accent he is probably collecting metal, glass bottles, or paper. (4) When throwing out food scraps from the rooftop always check to see if anyone is below you. (5) There is no need for an alarm clock because the four roosters next door will promptly wake you up around 4 am if you are lucky. (6) When crossing the road if you do not look at the oncoming traffic the right of way is yours.

This past week I had my first language test. I think it went well especially since I have only had about five days worth of real class time. Anjita is my new language teacher. She is a wonderful teacher and person, but does not know Dad. She has heard about Dad many times before, but still does not see the truth so please p. for her to know Dad. Also, I was able to share about Dad with my neighbor (Dambhar) who lives below me. I am going to start helping him and his sister with their English on Fridays by teaching and discussing stories about Dad. Please p. that will go well and for them to come to know Dad.

On Sunday we went to the Gurung fellowship again. We had about fifty people crammed into a small room this time. The message was challenging the people to reach out and EV their own people. They have already adopted three villages to EV. I am so excited for them. The ladies there loved my Gurung skirt. They would come up to me, touch my skirt, smile, and start rattling off in Nepali. It was great. Afterwards, one of the ladies offered to take us shopping for a whole Gurung dress. Mrs. M and I followed her to her house, picked up her daughter who speaks more English and headed to the market. In the fabric shop everyone was watching us get fitted for our Gurung dresses. The dresses consist of a skirt (with lots of excess fabric b/c it is folded to stay in place), blouse, shaw, scarf, petticoat, a large square piece of fabric (that goes under the belt) and a fabric belt that wraps around your waist about seven times. I think the fabric alone has to weigh about ten pounds. Afterwards, we took them to get momos and something to drink. Then the daughter had to leave for class. So Bhatmya (the mom) took us to the tailor. The tailor had a difficult time measuring us because we are so tall and broad shouldered. She told us our outfits should be ready on Wednesday. I am excited to see how they turn out.

I am also helping out with ESL during the week which has allowed me to start building relationships with the three girls in the class (girl's names: Asha, Ishu, and Ali). None of them know Dad. In class we use Dad's stories to teach them. They are all learning about Dad and asking great questions. Please p. for understanding, truth to be seen and for them to have a personal relationship with Dad.

Today was my birthday. When I woke up this morning Ishu (a girl from English class) had text messaged Mrs. M's phone to wish me a happy birthday. Then Asha called to tell me happy birthday. They are such sweet girls. The headmaster had asked for the students to be taught how to order things at a restaurant, act at a party, talk on the phone and a few other things. Mrs. M thought we should celebrate my birthday in class to show them what an American birthday party was like. I made up invitations on some flowery blank cards and handed them out the class period before. They were so fascinated by them, especially the guys. One guy who never speaks in class said, "oh how beautiful." In class and on the invitations I asked for no gifts please. They did not understand at first, but after a little explaining they were okay with it. Mrs. M. and I arrived early to class to set up and decorate the room. We made a chocolate cake and brought chips, olives and salsa for them to try. When they made it to class, they were not sure what to do or how to act which was sort of funny. We explained everything to them and then they wanted to sing happy birthday to me. They all have beautiful voices and did very well singing in English. I tried to blow out the candles, but Mrs. M had put a few trick candles on the cake so I turned on the fan to help me out. After blowing out the candles Ishu and Asha came up to me and handed me some flowers. Ali handed me a bag which I did not open until I got home (b/c of Nepali culture). I really appreciated the gifts, but I felt bad that they got me something. Pobin (another guy in the class) felt bad that the guys did not do anything so he serenaded the class. On they way out, I handed them some American candy and thanked them again for coming. It was fun time and we took a lot of pictures.

Thanks for the words of encouragement and p.

-Sarah

P.S. I have tagged a few more photos to my facebook account. Enjoy!