"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13 ESV)
My post this week isn't going to be very long, or profound by any means. It's just going to be a glimpse into the life that I love living. I know that there are times coming when I won't appreciate these things, and I may actually come to despise some of them for a while. But for now, I like them. Even love some of them. And I want to take advantage of that!
I was skyping with my boyfriend the other day, and he was asking me questions that I thought were ridiculous, like what king of groceries do you buy? What is culturally appropriate for you to wear? And, my favorite, can you show my inside of your mug so I can see what your tea looks like?
A lot of my journey is going to be spiritual and emotional, but it's also going to be immensely physical. Literally as in I ride a bike everywhere (and I DETEST physical exercise), and not so literally as in the things I see.
So here is a randomly compiled list of things that make up my life, that you may or may not find interesting...
-If I want to buy a bag of M&M's, I have to pay $10.
-We have the option of an Western toilet or a squatty potty in our bathroom...just incase we want to practice!
-Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. Neither do bicyclists. Or motorbikes. Or cars. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there.
-A meal isn't complete to a Nepali if there isn't rice in it, no matter how much food they have eaten.
-Only married women wear red.
-We have THE MOST beautiful view of the Himalayas from our rooftop. But only if it's sunny, you're standing in the far left corner of our roof, and you tilt your head 15* to the left. Just kidding, but you do have to be in the left corner of our roof in the sun.
-We have to heat up water for about 30 minutes to take a warm shower.
-I have only fallen off my bike once...down a hill...in front of 10 or so Nepali men. They all looked amused, except one guy who was doubled over in laughter. You're welcome, sir. I'll be here all year.
-I egregiously over packed for my year here.
-I painted my room orange when I got here (it glows).
-Making coffee in our French Press is less about the precision, and more about the rush to get the finished product that my roommate and I live off of.
-You can buy knock-off North Face products here for FAR cheaper than you would hope to find them on clearance in the states.
-As a white person, I get stared at...a lot.
-Our house is made of concrete, making it an unearthly temperature that hovers near freezing all the time (at least it feels that way). There's no central heat or fireplace. We have A LOT of blankets.
-Nepalis drink tea with everything.
-Sari shopping is one of the most exciting experiences you could every have (as I discovered this last week with my roommate).
-There is a 54% unemployment rate in Nepal.
-I can buy garlic, two onions, four potatoes, a cucumber, and a lime for just over $1.
-Going out to eat is generally cheaper for two single girls than buying groceries and eating in.
-My scarf fetish has served me well in this cold weather.
-I have to hold my shower head in my hand in my hand to shower (but we have a bath tub, which is a rare commodity here, so it's a fair trade).
-We have "load shedding" which means the government thinks it's ok to turn off you power while you have dinner guests. Not ok, Nepal...not ok.
I hope that gives you a little glimpse into my life here! I love answering questions about being here, so feel free to shoot me an email of a Facebook message and ask away!
Also, I have an address that you can send letters and packages to! If you would like that, let me know I can send it your way.
This week a lot of things got underway for me. I spent some time down at our campus with the women working on making our Mercy Works bags and wallet. I have discovered a gift for wielding chalk and scissors. I also met with Sunu who works at our bakery, every Friday we are going to get together and practice her English. She's very bright! And it's a good lesson for me in Nepali, small talk, and my own language. I also began language learning this week. My teacher, Usha, is very encouraging, which will be necessary as I tackle this difficult language.
This Tuesday is election day, please keep praying! Our prayer this morning at international fellowship was that God would bring to power the politician who will begin to lead this country towards Christ and His glory. We want to keep our hearts and minds set on Him, and we want that for the people of Nepal as well.
Thank you for your prayers! God is giving me strength to face each new day, and each unique challenge. I'm excited to continue to share what He is doing with all of you.
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