July 1, 2007

Jay Masihi!

This past Sunday we attended a Nepali service. I am pretty sure the only words I was able to understand were hajur (yes), Jay Masihi (PTL), dhannyabaad (thank you) and taapaai (you). We had to introduce ourselves in Nepali again in front of the entire congregation. I remembered my entire introduction this time. Afterwards, a lady came up to me and said "you speak very good Nepali." I said dhannyabaad (thank you) but was thinking, if she only knew that I only speak a little Nepali (Maaliali Nepali basa bolchu). They speak so fast in Nepali I cannot understand over half of what they say. I have come to learn two phrases quite well during my time here. They are pheri bhannus (please say again)and bistaarai bhannus (please say slowly).

Language lessons are going slow but well. We sort of have two teachers; one is Nepali and the other is a former J girl. Autumn (J girl) has showed us how to get around and where to get kurtas that are appropriate. She has been a huge blessing during our time here.

On Thursday of this week Autumn took us to two temples. On our way to the first temple it started raining (monsoon season is beginning). As we were getting out we could see this long line of people (most of them were beggars) standing under a narrow walk way leading to the temple. Once we made it to the temple we had to wait in line. It was full of people coming to worship one of their 300 million gods. It broke my heart to see them. They are searching for the truth but have not found it yet. I wanted to say I know the truth; please let me share it with you. As we were leaving the temple there were bells hanging above our heads. The worshippers ring these bells in order to get the gods attention. Kaila and I watched for a few moments and my heart sank. A man was holding his little boy up so he could ring the bells. The children here are trained from a very early age to live a life lacking hope and truth. Please p for the people here that their eyes may be opened to the truth.

I also have a few more p requests. (1)Our M. is going to have surgery to remove his gallbladder so please p for him. (2) For Kaila and me to build meaningful relationships with the people. (3) Language learning. (4) Safety and (5) that we will see Dad's vision for our time here and run after it.

Thank you for your love, support, p and encouragement.

Sarah