Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Pictures

...is this what you want?
Here are a few: http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab343/Team_Nepal_2010/


Hope you enjoy :)

Teach Me Mercy

And here it is, the last day of June 2010.
(The date may say the 29th, U.S. vs. Nepal time zones = big difference)

Just two more night at our Ganesh Himal hotel. Emotions are running a bit high, exhaustion is becoming overwhelming, and time is quickly vanishing. The last few days have been filled with the same ministries we have been involved with since our return from Pokhara, but just a little bit more packed... did I say a little bit? I meant jam packed. Everyone wants to do everything, we still have many tasks to complete (finished the translating yesterday!), and I am here writing this blog to you. Its a necessary outlet, right? :)

As I have mentioned previously, many of my team members believe they will return to Nepal. I'm excited to see how that all lays out, but only time will reveal those events. Many conversations have to do with the love we have discovered for the people we are both serving and serving alongside. An abundance of tears is sure to come in the next few weeks as their hearts will break from being separated from their passions and from one another. And where does that place me as a leader? A rather difficult situation. I am relieved that they will be a phone call away, some a half hour drive, but I will still be responsible for them to an extent. They are now my babies, I am already having separation anxiety, and I don't want them to walk any lonely roads by themselves. God give me wisdom, love, strength, the right words to say, or silent understanding.

It is raining lightly. Perhaps Kathmandu is sad to see us go. I just can't stop wondering who will return, when, for how long, and what they will be doing. Guess praying is all I can do for now.

My thoughts, oddly, have been all about doing a YWAM DTS (Youth With a Mission Discipleship Training School). Two days ago I was growing frustrated with the fact that I hadn't taken time out earlier, while after high school or during college to do a DTS. Fortunately, the Lord quickly calmed me saying that I was exactly where I was suppose to be and had walked the correct path placed before me. But, why has this desire sprung up in me so quickly and now. In times past, I thought that it would be cool to do.. one day... I even put it on a time line of my life in a Consumer Behavior course I took last summer at APU. But now, I'm done with college, I'm starting a real-life job in just a few weeks. When in the world will I have the chance to take 6 months + off to do a DTS?! I don't know. I do not know. I have no idea. But, why has this been placed inside me with a this silly giddy hope? Any ideas? Please!

Another rant for your entertainment, joy :)

Today will consist of many different things. But, tonight! We are having a party at Shushmas (one of our wonderful translators) and she is making us Dal Bot (I haven't a clue what I am going to do without it in the states, I crave it always, and have it typically every other day) and lots of wonderful people are coming. It should be a delight.

Thanks for your interest and your prayers.
I hope you understand that they truly do change the world.

All my love,
Corinne

p.s. Title 'Teach Me Mercy' has to do with recent scripture readings. I love the book of James. I read 1st Peter and many others as well & a theme that I have been stuck on is mercy. We will be given mercy to the extent that we have given it to others. I cannot recall a personal example as to how I have shown mercy. I do not think I understand what exactly it is. The clique answer = not getting something that you rightly deserve. But, how does this play out in day-to-day living? How can I act in such a way? Part of my asks God to give me opportunities, but then does that somehow translate into: "Have someone wrong me so that I can practice mercy." Why in the world would I make such a request?
I don't know once again. And now I will laugh at my ignorance. O, Lord I teach me wisdom and the opportunity to learn the true meaning of mercy. (other then clearly the mercy He has given each of us through His death & resurrection & therefore, salvation & eternity with Him forever!)

K, k, truly I am done!

Friday, June 25, 2010

He is Truth


Morning = early

Pashtupati = cutting fingernails & toenails of all the elderly. I wasn’t expecting it, would I have been notified ahead of time I would have been weary. Don’t want to hurt them, want to make sure everything is smooth so it doesn’t cause a cut, many have missing limbs, most are incredibly senile and yelling all the time. Prior to the challenge I would have thought I would be a bit terrified, but I loved it. I want to go back every day & trim their nails. Many would kiss my hands & bow. They treated me like the Messiah. It was incredible to catch a glimpse of what Jesus may have felt during times in His ministry.

Maiti Nepal = incredibly quick. Learned some, but not much more then their news clips, articles, website, films, etc. have already explained to us. They didn’t want us to take up too much of their time, but were hospitable enough to share with us a presentation and answer a short Q&A time. It was just a little off. I don’t mean to accuse them of anything. They shouldn’t have anything to hide when their intentions and actions are good.

Street Kids = My team has fallen in love with these boys. Boys addicted to the streets. Boys that know how to play on emotion, morph into what they know will make you melt, they lie, cheat, steal, anything to get what they need or want. They know the part to play. Boys that have the opportunity to change it all, but refuse due to addiction. My team has fallen for them. It could be dangerous it could be what Jesus would do.

Dance Bar = 5 of my babies are out their right now doing their thing. I am praying for them, the girls they are ministering to, and the men would are simply looking for a good time, but desperately needing Jesus. 

Thursday, June 24, 2010

And He is Love


I pulled up an online radio station a few days ago while working on translating. The last time I heard the song that came on was when my Christian Missions in the 21st Century class (changed my life) visited the Dream Center in LA and went to Church of Angeles (or something like that). Concert status, but I cannot believe that was the song that came up. “Everybody dance, everybody move, we can make a change from New York to LA LA LA LA.” Repeat it! “We all need love, a different kind of love, one that only comes from above.”

Anyways, that may have been an odd rant, BUT I LOVE IT.

It is Friday morning before breakfast – I continue to wake up between 6-7am. I enjoy it; alone time is a necessity for me.

Life has been good. I am feeling much better, probably about 80% currently, but without difficult pains and the constant need to be asleep in bed. J The team continues to be little busy bees out here changing the world for Jesus. They are unbelievable, never ceasing, but persistently giving forth their all to accomplish much for the kingdom. They are impacting lives every day. It is difficult for me to watch them doubt themselves, their usefulness, or their ability to move mountains and shake up this country a bit.

One of the greatest truths that God has taught me on this trip is His ability to use me here and now, in the moment. Everyone always asks, “Are you ready?” when faced with something new. The world always tells me, “No, you should have done so much more to prepare, prayed more, read your Bible more, you are never quite there, you will never be completely ready for this moment.” But, these are straight up words from hell. There is a reason for everything under the sun and I am good enough. I am ready for the plans set before me today, for the opportunities and challenges that arise. If I weren’t then God wouldn’t give them to me. I don’t need to be more than what I am. I am designed for these moments; that is why I am here in my shoes. Praise the Lord O, My soul. Praise the Lord.

Another observation: the need for business minds in ministry. The majority of organizations we visit are desperate for someone to organize their business: create inventory systems, accounting spreadsheets, design websites, create marketing plans, eye-catching advertisements, drafting grants, and everything else that we learn in our business classes. Though I would say when it comes to accounting I am an average new college graduate, the basic knowledge and skills that I have can help these organizations (who are saving women from sex-trafficking, keeping kids from living on the streets, providing jobs for the down & out) become more efficient and effective, increasing their ministry opportunities.

Today we are going to Pashtupati, where the sisters are for sure going to drain every ounce of energy from each one of us. We will have enough time to shower & eat before heading to Maiti Nepal (the largest organization that is saving girls in Nepal). They are outstanding & the news clips we have seen about them & from them are remarkable. I believe we are going to a dance bar tonight. It is going to ultimately be a very long day.

Tomorrow we are going to church (hours & hours of church, but o so good). In the afternoon we are putting on a sports camp for the children from all of the homes we have been visiting. The evening is to consist of visits to children’s homes & a sleep over with some girls from the dance bars we have been ministering at.

We fly to Singapore a week from today. Just 10 more nights out of the country & then I will be asleep in my own bed. So nuts.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Saturday, June 19, 2010

God is Good & God is Faithful


I have come to find that the only time I have to blog is when I am ill. Prayers for my health are very much appreciated J

Today is Saturday, 19th of June. I am sitting in the garden at Hotel Ganesh Himal in Kathmandu. The rest of my team is somewhere between church, lunch, and visiting children’s homes. Justin may actually be teaching English right now. It appears a week and a half has passed since my last writing. But, here we go!

Pokhara was a great change of pace from the craziness we had been experiencing. It is a city on a lake, very touristy, but due to it being off-season the streets were rather empty (loved it). Tiny Hands has two children’s homes located in Pokhara. They are probably some of our favorites. But, to be fair, we spent several days at each, more so then we have with the others located in Kathmandu. We spent our mornings digging trenches at the sight of the Dream Center, Tiny Hands’ latest and largest project. The Dream Center will be a small community of sorts designed for children saved out of horrendous situations. Homes, a school, church, and a school for foreigners to come to study the injustices of the world are some of the structures that will be built on the land. Digging trenches is HARD, but we were able to see immediate results. Not just planting of seeds or watering them, but actually seeing something come from our labor is refreshing and inspiring even the more.

Some fun facts of our adventures (memories to last) include my room (shared with Tay & Ang) being pretty much infested with cockroaches. So gross, Angela would scream and cry and sing about killing them while jumping from bed to bed. Hilarious. Renting motorscooters and exploring the city. Ang nearly killed Chris, but we all made it out alive with…. just a .. few scratches J

But the greatest news of all: My team has been given the opportunity to sponsor our very own children’s home. We must find 10 individuals to commit to donating $50 a month. This will enable us to change the lives of 10 kids. The more sponsors we find the larger the home (more children) can be or if we come across more then enough a second home can come into reality. I have already committed to be a sponsor and I am ecstatic. When we visit homes the children are eager and delighted to share with us pictures of their sponsors and gifts they have received from them. During our time in Pokhara we interviewed prospective parents, visited possible schools, talked through ideas of what we should name the home (ex. Holy Home, Paradise Home, One Way, Living Home, Salvation Home, Morning Star are names of some of the current homes), and we actually met children on the waiting list. These babies are living in prison with their mothers. PRISON! No child should be in prison ever. One of the mothers has HIV and all of the fathers have either passed away or abandoned them. My heart breaks for these Nepali children. How could I not jump at the opportunity to rescue any one of them. Let me know if you have any questions or are possibly interested in being apart of such amazing God work J I would be overjoyed to talk with you when I get back to the States.

We arrived back in Kathmandu on the 15th in order to prepare for our visit from Chiraphone, the Queen of OWM/Focus International at APU Many of us were relieved to be "home", which is crazy to think as we didn't have the same sentiment before we left. For our final weeks here we have broken up into teams to tackle as much as we can. We have teams for street children, trafficking, children's homes, one-on-one projects, sports ministry, teaching English, etc. There is a long list of things to get done and it is fantastic to check them off one-by-one and know that we have made a difference. So far I have worked with translating testimonies, many are of girls prevented from crossing the border of India into a life of the sex-trade. Its unbelievable, maybe I can post some for you to read, but I must get permission first. I will also be going over the business processes at Tiny Hands and making recommendations! Super exciting to see God use my college degree in His ministry over seas. But, I knew when I declared it as my major God could use it anytime anywhere for His glory. 

To be honest I was a bit nervous of having CK (Chiraphone) visit simply because she sees truth (sometimes what we cannot see ourselves) and she is very honest about it because it is the Lord's work we are here to accomplish. Ultimately, every moment was a blessing and I wish she could have stayed longer. May God continue to bless her work as she travels to Bhutan and back to Laos. 

Callee's birthday was Thursday and today is Kyle's. My babies (team members) are getting older and I am happy to celebrate life with them. So good.

Sincerely yours! Blessings & Peace - Miss Corinne

p.s. gmail is alive & kicking

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Nepal: Kathmandu & Chitwan


:) Love you! Thank you for all the prayers

3 June: I felt horribly under the weather. I stayed at the hotel to rest while the others became testers for young women learning beauty parlor practices. Turns out they got free head and hand massages. Jealous! I had wanted to go, but slept until 4pm…. All day pretty much. Guess I needed it. That night we did a dance club outreach. Check out the team blog for details. It did break my heart that many of the women felt it was their only option (we were able to chat with them when it wasn’t their turn on stage), but I was preparing for the worst and was relieved to find that they were dressed (many had like tube-tank dresses that ended high on the thigh) and not the dirty dancers you find at clubs in America or even high school dances… or the streets of Amsterdam (what I was expecting). I guess it could very well have been scandalous here in Nepal where modesty is very important. Showing the backs of women’s knees is similar to the equivalent of exposing the breasts. Idk, a little outrageous, but just different culture norms. Pray for those trapped in jobs, especially jobs that abuse the individual.

4 June: We visited the Nepalese Home. An NGO that is similar, but larger and more advanced than Tiny Hands. I was very impressed. The homes were very nice and they showed us all their self-sustaining jobs and ideas. Many NGOs here currently depend on foreigner money/ overseas donation. They make carpets, beaded jewelry, and are starting a hot dog vendor business. I think that Nepalese Home is doing a great job rescuing children and preparing them/equipping them for a very bright future. I loved it.

5 June: PRINCESS HOME J We went to a Nepali Church. It was a 4 hour service I think- all in Nepali. Worship was amazing though I didn’t know the words. We were dancing about, shouting, sweating, laughing, praying for each other, and everything great. I prayed for a young girl, maybe 12 who was to my right and she knew it and she loved it & me. I love praying for these beautiful children. The girl introduced me to her family after the service and walked with me (and my team) part of the way to our next stop, the pastor’s home. Ron Jeet (Probably completely spelled wrong, but that’s how I would say it out loud) is both the pastor and the father of the Princess Home. He is AMAZING and his testimony is one in a million if not more. God showed him hell to get him saved! He spoke so much truth that I hung on his every word. He opened up his home to us and showed us multiple children’s homes that he is in charge of. He fed us both lunch and dinner, DeLICious. Mhmm. Lol, and showed us his daughters (I mean to include all the girls he takes care of) jewelry store. Definitely bought a few pieces J How could I not? Lol. Anyways, I would love to spend more time with him and his giant family. So wise and hospitable.

6 June: Sunday!! We went to a padeshi church (foreigners). It was a stark contrast to the Nepali church we had visited the day before. Very mild. Prior to going I was so excited, overjoyed. Worshipping my God, the Father of the universe in my own language with people who may actually understand me as a person?! What could be better, nothing, right? I had expectations, I went in as a consumer, and my hopes were… well… dashed. My heart and soul wanted to cry out, but felt oppressed. It was a church full of people that love God and have given up everything to be missionaries here in Nepal. There’s no question that Jesus is the center of their lives. It just wasn’t what I was hoping for or needed. I need my church from home please. But, still at least a month away. After church we went to lunch as Higher Ground which is all good! Yummy and to help young women and men without jobs skills or an education learn the ends and outs of a restaurant business. The rest of the day was free for the most part. I wandered Thamel with Stephen and Angela, had an iced coffee!!! And tried to just take it easy, however, just walking the streets takes a toll on you, especially when you have Angela with you. She looks Nepali and all the boys love her…. Way the heck too much, lol, but seriously. At the end of the day I didn’t feel rejuvenated, rather exhausted, but I was so excited to get out of the valley the following day! Chitwan here I come & then Pokhara.

7 June: Chitwan = the weather of purgatory? The worst temperature/humidity that I would never wish on anyone. Though sweat is a constant (especially while sleeping) it is quiet and beautiful. I feel that I have fallen into a book series I read when I was younger with a setting of an Indian plantation. The bus ride was 5-6ish hours. I slept mostly and admired the view. People had shared horror stories about the drive. I was thinking everyone would be puking their guts out the window due to the curves and road conditions. I was perfectly content. Praise the Lord. Though the hotel is pleasant and fans are nice (though the electricity is turned off most always) I would never recommend you visit the city of Chitwan. We visited Tiny Hand’s first children home. The kids were great, but we were all so tired, especially after play and before dinner, during dinner, and the ride back to the hotel. Sleeping here is so difficult for me because the temp/hum. The fan… not on… what?! Idk, why you would turn off the electricity when people are paying to stay at your hotel. Anyways, I’m looking forward to traveling to Pokhara in a couple days!

June 8: Adventure day! The morning was spent a) in a boat (like a canoe from Pocahontas) searching for crocodiles, b) in the forest seeing monkeys & deers & buffalo (which are everywhere in Nepal), peacocks & the sort. c) at an elephant breeding resort. They had twins!!! So cute, and d) finally BATHING with ELEPHANTS. So much fun. So much fun. So much fun. We climbed up in groups of three (I was with Angela and Callee) and the elephant (with a guide yelling at it) would go into the river, spray water on us, roll over so we would fall in, and let us jump off its head, lol. It was like a water jungle gym. I loved it. The team loved it. I’m so glad we were able to do this together.  


Sincerely yours, 
Corinne

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Written on the 3rd of June

I'm feeling very much under the weather, so I am home at the hotel for the morning while the rest of my team is off on grand adventures (getting their hair cut, eyebrows, facials, etc. done by women who have started working in the beauty trade industry to get out of the sex trade industry. I really really wanted to go.) Only positive: Time to blog

Decided to do highlights :) (These are tidbits, leaving out a lot, sorry!)

29 May: Church was so different, but so great.
We visited a children's home which had 40 kids. 40! The father's name is Bishnu & he is AMAZING. He is nearly blind and joked about still riding his motorcycle super fast. The game I was taken to at the beginning of play involved throwing chickens in the air. I had never done this before, it was quite alarming at first, but hilarious. After a time of playing several games with the young ones I made sure to spend time with the older girls (who are highschoolish age) and they love all the attention though they try to act whateverish at first. They called me sister to get my attention and held my hand wherever we went. I loved wandering around, taking pictures, and being clung to, truly. I think it is of the upmost importance that I focus on the older girls at whatever homes we visit. That night we played mafia at Johns, I won as the mafia, but walked away with an upset tummy & headache from lying. I don't want to be the bad guy again, lol. Rode on the back of a motorcyle today. If my mother reads this you should skip the next sentence :) On motorcyles only the driver wears a helmet & the roads are horrid, it is crazy dangerous in my opinion.

30 May: Breakfast at Northfields, our usual, with one of our contacts who shared stories that would blow anyones mind. I feel that my faith lacks so drastically when these tales are told. I pray for an expansion of faith every day. "Faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains." What is the size of my faith? Why do I feel so incredibly small and incapable when this is God's promise? In the afternoon we went to my favorite home so far. Motorcycle ride again, saw my life flash before my eyes too many times, but this expands my prayer life, lol. The home was way out away from much of the city noise. The children were beautiful and the family was humble to the greatest extent possible. I loved everything. "Can I move in please?!" Sidenote: Before this trip I didn't know how many kids I wanted if any, now I want to fill my house with bunkbeds and kids. lol, this may change, but it is so wonderful to see here and now. && they called me dede (big sister is Nepali <3)

31 May: Pashtupati = Mother Teresa's home for the elderly = Incredibly devoted nuns/sisters ordering us about doing hard hard work all for Jesus. I cleaned beds, swept, moped, fed people that were SUPER old. I felt like the hands and feet of my Lord and it felt amazing. I was dripping in sweat, dripping, like hot yoga style, lol. The moping is INTENSE. You haven't moped until you have moped for a sister of a Mother Teresa's home. Truth. I was exhausted by the end of the shift. We got there around 8am and I thought it was probably 4pm when we finally were given juice as our thankyou. It was like 11:30, WHAT?! That was only 3&1/2 hours and I am ready for a full night of sleep please. Feeding the oldest individual there, a woman of 97 was something that changed my life. Definitely was frightened at first. I'm sorta scared of elderly. But, I just went for it and I will remember those moments for the rest of my life. I wish there had been a picture take. God will show me one later I'm sure :)

1 June: We worked at Pashtupati. I did much of the same, but helped bathe the women instead of feed them. I was frightened, but once again my world was shaken a bit. Hands and feet baby! It was so good. In the afternoon we went to a prayer time where many representatives come from different organizations to pray for their shared cause of fighting the trafficking of women and children. I loved hearing about the different organizations and what God is doing in their midst. Weak networking is probably what hinders the most growth in stopping this injustice. The traffickers have an incredibly strong network, those fighting them need to have a stronger one. Many organizations stick to themselves and their area, but to see some come together as a unified body was awesome. This is a prayer request: The good guys band together, recognize they are fighting the same fight, and can use each others strengths to cover any weaknesses. And beat the bad guys. God is on their side without a doubt.

2 June: Pashtupati day 3. We finished sanding and painting all of the beds blue. Finally. We then met with an organization that benefits women working in massage parlors, dance bars, and cabins (all which sell sex) through education, medical, counseling, and teaching other trades for them to go into. They seemed to be a newer organization with room for a lot of growth. They were not Christian, but very excited to have us visit. They asked us to volunteer if we have any time later on in our stay. I asked a woman what we would be doing and it sounds like they just want to pick our brain for advice and ideas. They asked if we would put together a report of all of our findings during our time in Nepal. I had never thought of this before, but it could truly make a different. We could send it to all the organizations we visited, the government, other governments (India where girls are trafficked to), and countless others. I pray that fruit will come from such efforts. At this organization a representative from the U.S. Embassy joined us. He was American, his mother-in-law actually went to APU, coincidence :) He specializes in the political & economical areas of Nepal. He was a great addition to our meeting. He wants us to meet the Ambassador. We are to call him a week before our departure to set something up and they want a copy of our essay if we put one together. SO COOL.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Ok, update that isn't too updated :)

Kathmandu has been so crazy. I have learned so much already and have definitely broadened my horizons. Learning more about the sex industry has been devastating, but now this knowledge is my responsibility to do something about it. Children sleeping on the street, beggars everywhere, the elderly dieing right before my eyes, and the diseased treated as less than dirt is all around me. It is unfathomable. God is good all the time, right? But how can this all be going on. This country is so focused on Buddha and every other god in the world, every god but the true God. The little hope they have is all based upon these religions that are nothing more than idols and high places that the Bible warns against. I have met amazing people working here all for the Kingdom. They blow my mind. They have given up all that is America or Europe or home, and come to one of the poorest places in the world where there is nothing fulfilling to do but serve God's people. Its all about Him and not about them, that is for sure.

We have been working with children and the elderly for the most part. Its hard work, really hard, but it is so worth it. I fall asleep feeling like a follower of Jesus, the true Jesus who served everyone around Him. The one who calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, love the fatherless, the widows, etc. I feel that I am doing exactly what He would be doing if He were here and its unbelievable.

That was my quick overview of my feelings. Read more if you want to hear more day-by-day :)

Friday, 28 May:
We traveled by bus to this ancient city of Bhaktapur (touristy). The bus ride was drastically bumpy... and an hour long. I have slight remaining marks of the bruises I received to my knees. There were shooting pains through my tummy, normal? I don't think so. Anyways, CRAZY adventure. We wandered around. I had children, beautiful children begging me for 5 rupees (1 dollar = 75 rupees) or a biscuit, which lasts in their bellies perhaps a couple hours? There were men behind several of them directing them. Sick to my stomach ready to punch? Yes. Christ like? No. But, we aren't to give them anything. Then I struggle with what Jesus would do. Then I struggle with what I actually do. I was reprimanded for being nice & asking their names, I guess I'm suppose to forcefully say no and turn my back ignoring them? What?! This is not okay to me. Prior to this I had turned down women asking me to buy milk for their skinny babies. Tears in my eyes walking away with Mr Chandler praying & singing Jesus songs to me. Back to it. We had a wonderful and cheap lunch (we maybe are spending 60 dollars a day for our entire team to eat) (and everything tastes GOOD) and continued to walk about. We had to depart in order to visit Children's Homes. My favorite. The group split into 2 & we went to different homes filled with children that were saved while at risk before actually being trafficked. The homes are set up with a Christian Nepalese mother and father (who are some of the greatest people God has every created) who pretty much adopt these kids (ages 3ish+). They are a family and the kids live with them until they find real jobs or get married or decide to move into their own home (not typical in any family in Nepal). The number of children in homes range from 6-40.40! Yes, you read that right. It is the happiest most joy filled moments we spend at these homes. The smile on just one child (thinking of one in particular) is enough to say the trip was fully worth it.

Saturday, 29 (I'll Write later)

News I have heard:
Death of Mr Coleman
Celine is prego with twins
Bangladesh has banded Facebook

LOVE OUT LOUD. Your prayers are changing my trip, changing the organizations I am working with, changing the lives of girls (trafficking), and ultimately changing Nepal.

God is good, Amen!