journey to nepal

I moved AND I am moving!

2007-06-06T15:02:00.001-05:00

Okay, most of you already know that I am back in the states and safely at home with AC and hot showers. Since I have moved back home to NWA, I find it confusing to still post from my "journey to nepal" blog, unless I decide to head back. I will no longer post from this blog. Read between the lines, "the party is moving to my NEW blog". Join the fun and head on over to my new website.

j hayes

GO HERE: http://www.jmhayes.blogspot.com

Proberbs 4:18

2007-04-25T01:40:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 4:18

“But the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.”

(At some point in my time in Kathmandu, I memorized this Scripture. It was a verse written at the bottom of a page of my journal. The more that I have studied this passage, the more I have become joyful in the hope of Christ’s return.)

Living in a busy, fast paced society tends to act as an agent that takes our focus and attention away from the only thing worthy of all of it; Jesus Christ. For that reason, I chose to memorize this verse and I continue to find it very rewarding whenever the Spirit refreshes my mind with its message.

The “just”, or those who have a relationship with the only LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, will one day stand before God with all creation and give an account for their lives. Those who have placed their faith in Christ, the elect, will be justified in that they will receive eternal life with Christ—what we know as justification by faith—and they will be pronounced “not guilty” due solely to Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. God, in His perfect holiness gives us a gift that we do not deserve. And the dying to self that is mentioned in Luke 9:23 is an appropriate response that we live in thanks to our King.

Here on earth we can not comprehend the fullness of His Glory. We see glimpses of it through sunsets and mountains, the image of lifestyle worship lived out, and unconditional Love. But, the fullness of God’s Glory has not been revealed to us…yet. For our fallen, sinful bodies and minds can not handle the fullness of God.

So, our (the just) “path” is like a light that shines brighter and brighter as Jesus’ return draws near, when the True Light of the world will be revealed in His Fullness. One day we will live in the presence of a Holy God and that Perfect Day will be better than anything imaginable on earth.

As I was on a crowded bus headed towards the center of town, the Spirit in his greatness dropped this verse in my mind. It was a little past 7 am, and due to a late night, I was tired. But, then came these words, “but the path of the just is like the shining light that shineth more and more unto the Perfect Day.” And that promise began to sink in. One Day I will completely see the GLORY of the LORD and I will be captivated by it.

That is something to hope in; to live my life for!

Journey to the Top of the World!!!

2007-03-14T01:04:00.000-05:00

This is seriously where we are heading off to. This picture is taken from Kala Patthar. That is exactly where we are headed. We leave on March 16th and should get back around April 1. I will post pictures and stories about our trip when we get back.

This will be such a neat time to minister to the villagers whose places we will be sleeping in. Plus, it will give me a great opportunity to practice my Nepali language, as most of the villagers speak little to no English at all.

Keep us in your prayers!

The Story of Warrior!

2007-03-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

Please take the time now to prepare your minds and hearts for God's message. ONLY proceed when you have spent significant time in prayer and meditation.

...(are you ready)...

....(are you sure?)...

.....(here we go)....

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Once upon a time there was a warrior who lived in a land far, far away. His name was…Warrior. Things were awesome! He was fighting and defeating the evil forces that plagued the land. No one could stop him. He donned the needed attire taken from the Great Book. He had the Belt of Truth, the Helmet of Salvation, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Sword of the Spirit, and the Breastplate of Righteousness (back then they made do with the plaid garments they could find). He was missing one thing though—the Shield of Faith.

At this point, no one could stop him. He was undefeatable!

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The Enemy of the evil side, the “powers of the dark world”, “schemed” to take Warrior out of this world. Enemy came at him from every angle and sought to attack him at his weakest point. And, it seemed to be working. Warrior could not stand against Enemy’s attacks. He had to do something, and quick!

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Meet Father. Father was rad and rockin. He was where it was at! Everyone, including Enemy, feared Father. He was glorious!

Warrior knew that he could not defeat Enemy without Father’s help. So he offered up a gift and request up to him. He pleaded for help against his adversary.

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Father assured him that He would always be with him. It was a fellowship that could not be broken. They took off on their journey to pursue victory against Enemy and his evil powers.

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Father bestowed upon him his special powers (and a foot that went almost a little too close) and Warrior was successful. At last, Warrior snuck up on Enemy and used his power to defeat the ultimate Enemy! Enemy was never heard of again for all of eternity. And, Father and Warrior headed off to their distant land, Eden.

THE END!!!

Did you find yourself on "theWall"?

2007-03-14T00:04:00.000-05:00

I have started quite the collection of pictures by hanging them on my wall. I call it “iWall”. I think I am up to about 50-60 or so. Did you find yourself up there? If not, then send me a picture of you or you and your family and I will get you up?

By the way, I promise that I will not post any phone numbers with the pictures! Oh, and another thing…No, I am not starting a nepali international dating service. Some would venture to guess by the sheer number of comments that I have gotten from my nepali brothers here over “certain individuals’ pictures” that I am in fact trying to find significant others for my American friends. I refute that belief.

Wha-Laa!

2007-03-08T12:51:00.000-06:00

This would be the before picture of what used to be the library/storage room!

And, "wha laa"! The finished, new and improved study room. We finished it 3 days ago and the kids have been in there nonstop from the time we first showed them.

The kids enjoying games and books!

Santi, enjoying a Classic Disney movie book, "Toy Story 2". The Disney Movie Books have been a GI-NORMOUS (Anita Schwartzman, 2006) hit among the kids. We bought a couple of illustrated books that feature Tarzan, Toy Story 2, Bambi, and Lilo and Stitch among others.

Jordan and I first had the idea to create a "study room" out of the old storage room last fall. But, with Christmas, the coat drive, and several other things, we really had to put this project on the back burner. We started last week! We pulled out all the furniture and junk, painted the whole room (with the help of 2 nepali kids), shopped for some furniture, and bought some great books. It was a fun time to be able to do something so great for the kids. One of our friends here in Kathmandu, Susan (an interior design major) helped us pick out fabric for the curtains and the couch, and she did a fantastic job at that. Good Job, Susan!

The whole room cost a total of somewhere around $600. That included paint, a table and chairs, a couch that seats 6-7, a coffee table, a couple of shelves, a small computer desk and chair, and about 20 books to help educate the kids and help them practice their english (science books, disney books, childrens bible, fictional stories, etc.). Their "old" library already had a large number of books, but when we sorted through them we realized that most of them were either 10 yr. old textbooks, books in other languages, or very odd scientific nepali books that counter the Christian faith. Most of these books had been given from European donors. We were excited to get the children books that would help them in their studies as well as entertaining ones.
The first night we opened the Study Room there must have been 25 children all sitting around reading, playing games, drawing, or doing homework. It was really neat to see the kids excited about their new room. It is a comfy environment that gives them a place to go after school or dinner and read a book/ study/ do homework. We also set up all the crafts so that the kids can color, draw, paint, or just get creative as they please.

Before, the storage room stayed locked up all day and the kids had no access to any of the books or crafts unless we opened the room. Now they can come and go as they please, which they really like, especially since they can get bored around the orphanage sometimes.

SO, a BIG THANKS, again from the kids and Jason and Jordan from CWC!!! We could not have done it without your financial support. Know that your contributions made a HUGE impact across the Pacific. (Plus, Jordan and I now have a comfy room to sit in with a good book. We definitely are enjoying the fruit of our labor there)

February--the month of true love--blah, blah blah

2007-02-28T23:27:00.000-06:00

Valentines Day is a special time for those in loving relationships to buy cheap chocolate, a cheezy card from Wal-Mart, and overpriced roses for that special someone. Or you could go the other route and spend $350 on dinner at a fancy-shmancy restaurante to let them know how you really feel about them. If option A mostly resembled February 14 for you, well then, there's always next year.

Take my predicament into consideration. I live in Nepal, have no spouse or significant other (no, this is not an self promoting ad calling all single women), and I am surrounded by 22 girls in ages ranging from 7-20, most of whom are in the "I have a junior high crush on older guys" stage. So, you might be asking what ideas we concocted in order to let our 22 "special someones" know that we care about them as sisters in Christ.

Jordan and I could not let the American holiday pass without doing something nice for the girls. Plus, they had never celebrated before and we saw it as an opportunity to encourage them in their faith. So, on a bitterly cold, rainy day we made the trip to town to select all the "special ingrediants" that would make for a fun night with the girls.

It was actually a really neat time. When it comes to intentionality in the orphanage, the guys are the ones who get most of the time and attention from us. I mean, it is just hard to relate with the girls, as one can imagine, being a guy, and it can be just weird. But, we have remained open to encouraging them when we can as well and have made the most of the opportunities that we get.

Valentines Day was great! We bought a rose for each girl, as well as cake and drinks. As we presented them with the flowers and desserts we each explained how God views women, that they are created in His image and He loves them all. Sometimes, in this Hindu society, women are seen as less than men in status. Some of those same beliefs have bled into the walls of CWC, where the guys sometimes think they are superior as well. Taking a few minutes to share Gods TRUE message with our "didis" (sisters) was very beneficial (We have also talked with the guys in a recent Bible Study about their view of their sisters, which was a great time as well). After encouraging the girls over Black Forest Cake and Pepsi--and believe me, you can basically say anything to a girl while she is eating Chocolate cake--we decided to pop in the 1990's Disney hit "The Lion King". The girls loved it! They REALLY enjoyed the night devoted to just them, excluding all the guys from enjoying their fun

....THEN.......

I was standing in my room when Sabina (16 yr. old) came in with two of her friends. "Sabina wants to tell you something," Laxmi, her friend stated happily. This was the jaw dropping, heart racing part of the night for me. Sabina hesitantly walked in the door and stared at the floor as she mustered the courage to tell me her secret (my mind was saying "dont do it. Dont do it"). "Jason, brother, I...I...I LOVE you!

...And there it was...on the floor like a fish out of water...

I had no idea how to respond or what to say. I was totally shocked, even though I somewhat figured it was coming in the 10 minute saga leading up to that point where she paced outside my room and her friends coached her from inside. So, I explained that there was a small, minor age difference (almost a decade). What do 16 year olds know about love?...or me for example? It was weird! Three to four days went by before she would even look at me again. But, I guess there isn't much that I can do about that, except tell you all so you can laugh for me.

Hope your Valentines Day was sappy and...I dunno

I'm out...

Let's all join the Mennonites!

2007-02-13T21:50:00.000-06:00

I have been reading a book lately called “Joy Unspeakable” by Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones. I have listened to some John Piper sermons this year in which he highlights great theologians—some from of old and some from of recent. Jonathon Edwards, Martin Luther, Martin Lloyd Jones, John Bunyan, and Calvin to name a few. For some reason I really like books right now that build up my theological thoughts and help me to understand God more. I love Piper! Jordan can attest to this.

So I bought some here for a few bucks and have begun reading. Among them was the one I already mentioned, “Joy Unspeakable”. The book is about the baptism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now, I know what you all are thinking, “Great, Jason has dove off into the deep end and is going to come back speaking in tongues and suggesting that we all join him in raising our hands and shouting to the Holy Heavens.” You don’t have to worry. I read with a skeptic’s mind and an open heart.

I began the book about 2 weeks ago and have read 5 chapters and really enjoy the read. I am not sure what to think about what the author says. I have followed along through scripture as he has referenced it and I have had some great conversations with friends here as I listen to their thoughts. But, I have come to no conclusion yet. I will not brief you upon the contents of the book, although it is somewhat from a charismatic standpoint, but I want to touch on a thought that has sprouted.

It would be wrong for me to quit reading because I might not see eye to eye with Jones, much like it would be wrong of me to just believe without searching Scripture and spending personal research time devoted to understanding and testing his point. But, I find myself wanting to write the guy off simply because what he teaches is slightly different than what I have heard. And really, I have not given any significant study time to be able to back up my side with any crediting evidence. I only know what I know because others believe it to be true and I just believe as they do.

As I pondered and prayed about the things that “Joy Unspeakable” suggests, I have sometimes wondered whether I really need to devote so much time and study to something that might not really matter. I guess I cannot say that it is not important, for the things of the Bible are valuable or they would not be in there, but we all know that there are more important things to apply to our lives and sometimes we can get trapped in the “petty” things.

It is easy to draw distinctions with different beliefs. “Well, the Baptists believe this, and the Presbyterians believe that. The Lutherans are different than me in this, and Pentecostals differ in this way.” In our society it is easy to draw lines and label groups of people. We are good at creating divisions and are sometimes unwilling to be united. I am one who mentally makes divisions all the time. “I am not them, they are different than me. I believe what I do, and they believe what they do.”

As a result, as I read thus said book, I quickly began to try and figure out the group of people who could be associated with the thoughts of the author. I have realized that I am less susceptible to receive the thoughts that are preached if I can associate them with a “certain group.” “Well, I don’t want to be labeled as one of them, do I?”

Sidenote (I hope I don’t lose you): Jordan and I have become close friends with a few Mennonite people from our church. We consider them some of our closest friends here. And we have had great discussions about their beliefs, values, and thoughts. They are not very different from mine. I mean, they hold to the gospel message and live for Christ daily. They only have a few minor detailed differences, and that is nothing for me to let get in the way. They are more conservative and have chosen to live without many of the things we have chosen to live with on a daily basis. They do without most name brand clothes, tvs and electronic gadgets, and many other common luxuries that we would consider part of our everyday lives. Their community is one that promotes purity in all forms. Oh, do we have something to learn from them!

So tell me, what should our life look like? We should strive towards purity and holiness, right? And this would suggest a call to live more like the Mennonites, right? I am not suggesting that everyone sell their tvs and move into huts so that they can become more holy and pure. But, many times we (myself included) live life like the world and allow things to hinder us. (My point is coming soon)

For example, lets stick with the TV idea since it is all fresh on our minds and it is the one that makes since for me. We all love TV and the shows that entertain us (trust me, I had a hard enough time missing college football this year and my current show LOST). But, what is tv nowadays: trash, sex, violence, bad language, and sacrilegious beliefs played out in everyday life of popular tv episodes. I don’t have to convince you on this one. Watch Friends for 3 minutes and you can count on hands and toes the amount of times sex is said or alluded to. But, yet we still watch.

And, if we follow the Mennonite point of view, we should consider living life without this hindrance if it is indeed a hindrance (notice my emphasis). I say this to encourage us to have a “maximized” attitude to our lives in Christ. This means that we “throw off” every thing that keeps us from knowing and bringing Glory to God. Yet, we settle for the “minimalists” view, which poses the question, “How much can I get away with and still be a decent Christian?” This question might be best illustrated by a small child testing his/her parents’ boundaries, a love struck teenager who has found his/her “perfect match” and wants to know the right physical boundaries, or a grown adult who has life “figured out” and just wants to “look good” among other fellow Christians. We have been asking the wrong question. We should ask ourselves how we can best glorify God.

God, examine my life right now and tell me the things that are hindering me from knowing you and bringing you Glory.

On the Mennonite example, I have wondered whether I will get a tv when I return home. I have basically gone 5 months now with hardly any tv watchage (my word). And, I have come to enjoy the fact that I can live without one. Does this mean that I am a Mennonite…or…that I just happen to agree with them on this. Maybe God is convicting me about how I waste my time with such useless, empty stuff? I don’t need to be labeled “Mennonite”, but I need to remember that I am not that different.

I am realizing that some of my thoughts, desires, and pursuits are not far removed from the Mennonites, and nor should I try to separate myself from them. Who knows what God wants to teach us through the Spirit? Are we closed off to certain beliefs because we don’t want to be labeled with a particular group?

I say all this to explain how I came about recognizing in Nepal my similarities with the Mennonites in this one particular idea. At first thought, I was usually quick to distinguish myself from the group, but as I entertained the idea, I soon realized that I cling to some of the same values that they do, thus making me somewhat like them.

So, back to my main thoughts on divisions from before…

We (again, myself included) are quick to say “that’s not me. I don’t believe what they do. I am not Mennonite, Amish, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of Christ, or Baptist.” But, are we really open to what the Spirit might teach us. It is easy for us to just have someone else tell us what to think rather than to devote ourselves to personal study (via the Word and prayer with the Spirit). And we never actually search for ourselves, nor do we ask the Spirit. And maybe, if we did search the Spirit, we would find that our beliefs, values, and thoughts might be more closely aligned to that of the Mennonites, or any other groups’ thoughts and convictions for that matter.

Most great theologians from several years ago can be categorized and separated into different denominations. However, they all have one thing in common; they more than likely sought God over hours of Bible reading, meditation, prayer in the Spirit, and other extended times of study and spiritual disciplines. And we recognize them as great men led by the Spirit and who honored God with their lives, not men who were told what to believe.

Yes, I might finish “Joy Unspeakable” and find out that the theological standpoint that Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones takes on the particular issue that I am reading about is in disagreement with what I know to be true…or…I might come to agree with him. Who knows? But, I must remain open to the Spirit. I remain in danger if I do not.

(I hope this appears more than a jargled mess of words)

“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in Spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
-Philippians 2:1-4

PS>>> I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS. LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF THIS MAKES SENSE AND YOU HAVE AN OPINION.

***Notice***
I highly recommend “The Religious Affections” written by Jonathon Edwards. If you do check it out, you might want to find a copy that has the revised English. This has proven to be a great source to read and see into the thoughts of one of the early reformers of the church.

“I am now Jason Hayes, the siksak” (eh um…nepali for teacher)

2007-02-13T21:38:00.000-06:00

As I wrote last week about resolving to be more involved “outside” the orphanage, I felt as if God was asking me to do one thing specifically.

On Sunday, February 6, 2007 Jordan and I met with a group of friends at Nathan’s flat. We had planned to watch the Superbowl early the next morning (5:30am to be exact…and I must add that we were able to project the screen onto the wall…who knew I would be watching the Superbowl on a 50 inch screen in Nepal….but that’s another story). On Sunday night, as the group mentioned prayer requests, Nathan brought up the need for an English Teacher at his Bible College. The job would be strictly volunteer work and would only last until the end of May. He or she would teach two days a week for an hour each. The focus: to build confidence in Nepalis to allow them to engage more in conversation with others.

Like I said, God had placed this opportunity on my heart. I told Nathan that he could count on me. I leaped out over the ledge and am trusting Christ.

I start today (Tuesday: in less than 3 hours)! I will be teaching a class of 15 college-aged adults. The age group is one that I am a little unfamiliar with, and have little experience, as all of my previous experiences have involved an elementary age group. Nonetheless, I want to teach math when I return and view this as an opportunity to gain wisdom in a field that I have little experience (The planning and implementation of teaching skills are a requisite for what I will need to know in the future). Furthermore, and more importantly, I will be developing relationships with students who desire to know Christ. This is the future of Nepal. These students attend the Bible College with hopes of becoming pastors and leaders among their people. Even though I am not teaching them the Word, per se—they have other classes with other teachers educating them—God has given me an opportunity to help them learn a language that, in return, will give them many opportunities in the future as well.

Please pray that I, like Solomon, will have wisdom from God to discern how to engage these Nepali students most effectively.

Maybe I should just write and take a vow of silence!

2007-02-12T04:17:00.000-06:00

...First of all, before I receive several comments supporting that I remain silent for the rest of my life, allow me to explain my thoughts...

I have come to realize from my time in Nepal that I, in fact, am better at communicating things through a letter, an email, or a blog than I would be if I were talking face to face with someone. I do not consider myself gifted in the relational side of life. And, I know some that can agree with me on this one. But, being away from home has allowed me to be more intentional with the things that I say. It has forced me to think before I write (or speak) and give careful consideration to my words. It has even helped me to be intentional. And, for me, this is good! I think most will agree that I sometimes say things I should not or dont say things that I should.

In relating with family and friends I have been more open about what is going on, both inside my heart and with things around me. Some were concerned that I would not be able to talk to them and see them as much as if I had stayed around NWA. And well, they are correct that they dont see me, but I would have to argue that my communication with them has been more open and freely given. In return, I have received emails and comments from them as well detailing what their life is like. The conversations that I have had with others back home, via email, have been encouraging and confirming. Though our normal everyday conversations that I am used to in the states are refreshing, I have sensed a deeper connection, and more now so than ever. Of course, I don't get to talk to my family and friends as much as I would if I were home, but the times I do get to hear from them (usually once every week or two) are more purposeful. I feel like I know more about some now than I have for a while. I think we can all agree that we as a culture are good at the "small talk", with the exception of one, Shawn Schwartzman--the man with a thousand questions.

I second Jordan's comment about the communication that we are used to.

-"Hey, how are you?"
-"Good. How are you?"
-"Good."
-"Well, good to see you."
-"Yeah, you too."

However, I realize that I am one who uses this form of "communication" the most. I am a fan of the "small talk" conversations. And, although I usually stumble over my words to keep a conversation going (Whats your name, where are you from, what do you like? You know the usual), I love authenticity. I enjoy being able to see where people's hearts are, especially those I know and care about. It is rewarding and uniting!

I hope that this that I have learned will follow with me in May as I return home.

...Or maybe I will take a vow of silence and only write to express my thoughts and communicate things.

posting blogs should not take this long....

2007-01-17T01:18:00.000-06:00

BLOG
January 17, 2007

To answer many of the questions regarding my disappearance for the good part of two months, I will simply state that “no, I was not made into a three course meal by a komodo dragon (sorry Hunter Goff for the disappointment), I did not take all my incoming support and head for the summit of Mt. Everest on a whim (sorry Eric D.), and furthermore, I did not die due to spontaneous combustion.” On the other hand, the latter is a peculiar thing that I might further devote more time to in personal study...

…Just kidding! I am, in fact, still here. I have just chosen to remain hidden halfway across the world behind a few brief emails. It’s complicated, I know! But, at your mercy, let me try to explain. I am not sure on the exact date, but recently (within the last month, I think) an earthquake ripped through the country we know as Taiwan. Due to the shifting of oceanic plates (I think), a lot of the internet communication devices were damaged, leaving much of Asia (yes, Nepal) without a decent working internet service, and for a few days, no internet service at all. For the good portion of two weeks I was able to send out only a few emails as long as they weren’t too big and had basically no pictures attached. I had planned to update thus blog with pictures and stories, but, due to my recent frustrations, could not at all. I had hoped that I could devote 3-4 blog updates to the bombardment of photos that I had taken and have wanted to share with you. I tried for 3 weeks with many complications and failures. So, rather than correspond with several non related updates, I will just make this one extra long and add a few photos for your enjoyment.

…and yes, I know that some of this will be repetitive to things you have already read or heard about, but you can skip over that much if you like…

Overall, Christmas was a new experience for Jordan and I both. Jordan’s includes countless, consecutive days of December alone in his room with his friend, Pilo. Thankfully, his run in with the bacterial infection subsided the week and a half surrounding the Christmas holiday. However, with his pilo frustrations and my days busy being a dad for the kids and picking out their Christmas gifts, we both look back and remember Christmas 2006 as one we will never forget. It was the first time that either of us were not expecting gifts under the tree. Even though our families did think of us by depositing money into our accounts (which we stated was the best option for Christmas gifts, opposed to the drawn out, costly alternative to shipping them), our Day was still different.

Usually, on Christmas Day, at home with two younger siblings (Krystal 22, Kirby 10), I am the first one up. I’m the kid, and I rush to wake all the remaining sleepers (that’s everyone else) so that we can see what Santa brought. It’s true; just ask Mom. I have never figured out why I had so much trouble waking a younger brother who is 15 years younger than me and used to be in the prime of the Santa Claus days. This year, it is like I graduated from 5 yr. old boy to 25 yr. old parent in the blinking of an eye, as my focus was not on what I would be getting, but what I would be giving. Now, at risk that you might think that I am good, I want you to know that I still struggled being content with Christmas as it was. But, looking back, it was what I needed—a holiday without many of the distractions.

In the days approaching Christmas, the kids here were not anxious because of the gifts that they might be receiving, but truly joyful because of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was truly humbling for me.

Long before Christmas, Jordan and I were kicking around the idea of getting the children a puppy that they could play with and that would also grow up to be a good guard dog (don’t worry, we are not endangered here). Renee, our Australian volunteer, suggested the idea completely oblivious to ours. Three days after Christmas, and after consulting with Rina concerning our idea and whether it would be a good gift, we set out to find a puppy. We found Max, a 6 week old German Shepherd, in town at a local vet. He was a feisty little guy from the start. Sidenote: Rina and Santosh (her husband) were actually supposed to be getting a German Shepherd puppy from Santosh’s parents’ dogs soon after they had puppies. But for some reason, they never did. So, we found Max to be a good fit and replacement. The kids love him and play with him often, when he isn’t busy relieving himself on either Jordan’s or my own sleeping bag.

Our idea has proven challenging as we have had to educate the children how to care for a dog properly. Most of the dogs here are nasty, dying street dogs and are not really taken care of by society, but rather, they roam the streets drinking nasty mud water and hoping for one piece of meat. Have you ever seen a group of street dogs gang up on a fellow dog with the intentions of killing it and feasting on it? I can confidently say that I have. “Man’s best friend” in America becomes “Man’s daily annoyance” in Nepal. But, there are a few trusting families here who love dogs and have proven worthy of taking care of them. You don’t have to worry about Max. He is not a street dog and the kids have already shown signs of love and acceptance towards him. Way to go, Max!

…Now that you have lost your appetite for any food, due to the “cannibal dogs”, I find it in yours and my best interests to move on…

Jordan and I were blessed to have an opportunity to a free, home cooked meal with a couple from our church. Amidst our enjoyment of beef stew and during our conversation, they suggested that we spend a few days outside the Kathmandu Valley. We had never been outside of the valley in our almost 4 months of being here. On a whim, we decided to do just that.

Chitwan National Park is about 4.5 hours away if you choose to make the trip on a fast moving Microbus (basically a van, commonly used for transportation) which we did. I questioned whether I would get sick the whole way there, as we weaved in and out of and around slower moving, bigger buses that did not have the luxury (sarcasm) of our speed. Usually, I don’t get sick while traveling, but considering that we were descending rapidly while carving out a pattern that wrapped around a huge mountain, my stomach opted to disagree.
We found out that one of our Nepali friends, Biphan, from church, was from Chitwan and was headed that way. So we decided to go with him.

DAY 1 (Thursday):
Stayed with Biphan at his house with his family in Chitwan. Enjoyed the traditional nepali food. Tested our intelligence and speed, as the three of us watched the National Geographic Game Show (Jordan won). In the morning, took a walk with Biphan around his town (strangely enough, reminded us of West Texas, but held our interest a little more) and had a great conversation with him, while we met most of his relatives that lived in the area. Left for our “resort” at the Chitwan National Park.*

*Sidenote: For $50 (which covered ALL EXPENSES) we received 5 days at a resort on the lake in a nice room, 3 meals a day, a bus ride back to Kathmandu, and an itinerary full of activities.

Day 2 (Friday):
Took a day long jungle hike with a guide. Came within 20 ft. of a rhino. Saw a crocodile, wild boar, barking deer, monkeys, several varieties of birds, peacocks, and possibly heard a tiger growl in the distance (verdict is still out). However, failed to see a sloth bear (you heard me right, a sloth bear), a tiger, and Jordan…after the mysterious tiger growl in the woods.

Day 3 (Saturday):
Took a bike ride to the elephant breeding center (come on, it was included in the itinerary). Had lunch. Then, took a 2 hour tour of another jungle while riding on an elephant.

Day 4 (Sunday):
Skipped the bike ride to 20,000 lakes in order to have the day for rest. Relaxed at an umbrella covered table near the river, while enjoying the sand and the hot sun (it was nearly 80 degrees in January). Walked around the resort town and paid too much money to use the internet. Ouch!!! Lastly, enjoyed a culture dance at the local theater.

Day 5 (Monday):
Attempted to leave, headed for Kathmandu, but was delayed and sat in the bus for two hours with every other vehicle on the road during an extensive strike. Finally, we were on our way and got home.

…For $50, that my friends, is how you do a vacation…which brings me back to the thought I usually have with vacations…
…they are such a great time, but I am always ready to get back.

And, here I am a week later, sitting in my room in beautiful CWC.
(to be continued…)

Christmas!

2007-01-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas was one we will not forget! Both Jordan and I were almost completely removed from the hustle and bustle of post Thanksgiving/pre Christmas time shopping and it was great. We spent the two weeks leading up to Christmas explaining advent and teaching the kids traditional Christmas carols. It was a great time. On Christmas Day we all packed into the kids' church bus and spent the day at a Nepali Christmas service.

Many of you sponsored a child/children as an "angel tree" idea that we had for Christmas (actually, the whole angel tree idea wasn't mine, but borrowed from every mall in america...for those of you who were wondering). So we asked you to give $25 per child. Many of you gave! I am posting the pictures (finally, whoooo) of the things that we purchased for the kids from you. All the girls received an outfit (a sweater and jeans) with a pair of shoes. Most of the guys received either a pair of tennis shoes and a watch, or a futbol jersey and a watch. A couple of guys specifically asked for Bibles, and we were more than excited to get them.
It was a hard thing, when we think about it, to spend a Christmas giving gifts, especially to a culture that doesnt associate the holiday with gifts, but celebrates the true meaning. So, while shopping for the kids, we wanted to make sure that the gifts we got them were not just toys (which are still fun) but something useful that would provide as a functional need as well. Thanks for your gifts and prayers!

Coats and Gloves!

2007-01-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

Finally! I found a place in Nepal fast enough to put large pictures on the blog. Sorry that it has taken so long, but I hope you all see how greatly appreciated your gift to our kids here were. With the beginning of December came the bitterly cold weather. And trust me, with no heating in the orphanage IT GETS COLD at night and in the early mornings until the sun comes up! Many people contributed to make a gift like this for each child possible. Family, friends, friends of family, our church body, and many others came together and donated their resources to make this happen. I think you will see from the pictures how excited the kids are. Enjoy!!!

The battle within!

2006-12-14T01:11:00.000-06:00

I have been here almost three months to the day.

I have sensed my heart slowly growing numb and unfortunately I have begun to look through the distorted lens that are only concerned about myself and myself alone. It has been a disturbing fact that I guess I have neglected to pay attention to only because I would rather not deal with it. I guess I have seen pride creeping up on me, and yet it seems impossible to beat. Many times I see others' pride as nasty and my own as a minor inconvenience, but nothing major. Or, I find me often saying to myself, "wow, that was a humble thing you just did. Good Job!" And once again pride attacks! It is a bitter reality that God has convicted me on time and time again. I am a prideful person! And sometimes the thought that I should consider others' needs does not even hit me. Out of a book that I read, "Authentic Christianity" by Ray Stroud, he says that true humility does not recognize itself. I had to think about it for a sec..."of course it does right?" I mean, it has to at least know. As I pondered on that thought for a minute, I realized that the humility I have hidden behind is not a true humility; it is false. I mask false humility well.

Last week Jordan also lovingly rebuked me about my lack of contentment. This battle is older than my time in Nepal. It started long before. I am an impatient person! I hate to wait! I hate to sit still! I cant stand to have nothing to do! So, as you might have guessed, my time in Nepal has been a learning experience. Much of our time here is so different than our time in America. We have large portions of our day to do as we please. When the kids go to school at 9 am we are free until 4pm when they return. Wanting some structure, I started going to town to check emails, eat different foods for variety, and just to run errands. I have noticed that I have started to expect a certain "schedule" to happen everyday. And if things change then I am not flexible enough to make the shift. It is this "expectancy" that has gotten me into trouble. With Christmas around the corner, I have been making an increasing amount of trips back and forth to town a week. It wears me out! But, I write my own schedule here. Therefore, I control what I do and don't do. I am realizing that I need more down time. I need more time to just sit and enjoy His presence. I need more time to grab a good book and read. I need to be still so that God can speak to me. Sadly enough, I have closed myself off a little bit and started to expect things to happen in a certain way. I have replaced being in Christ, to doing.
I hate being closed off and unavailable for God to work in me. One value that I cling to is to be honest about myself with God and others. So, when confronted about my discontentment, I quickly turned to God in prayer. It was a sweet time. When you feel like you are in the lowest of trenches and you are looking up to the mountains, where you want to be, yet realize you are completely reliant on God for, it is Beautiful! I dislike the process that brings me to these lowly places. But, I love what happens when your sin is before you and a loving God pulls you from it. It is humbling!!!
So, at certain times I notice my heart grows impatient and I am unwilling to wait. It is then, with my struggle fresh in mind, that God asks me to be content. It doesn't matter what I am doing or where I am. It does not matter who I am with or who I am without. Yet, I live as if life was based on every whimsical detail. I live for the temporary and far too often I don't put my HOPE in Christ himself and his return! I put too much value in the things of this world! So, God is teaching me to make the most of what time I have here; to not look at each day as one day less until I return home, but one less opportunity I have to share Christ through my life with a lost people group.
Please, please, please pray for me! I know that in and of myself no lasting change can happen.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

2006-11-30T00:09:00.000-06:00

Friends and Family:
I would like to say thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial and moral support through generous hearts, and the extended ways in which you have shown love to me as a brother in Christ. I mean that! God did not intend for us to live life alone, and I experience the fellowship and love of Christ through believers everyday be it through an email, a package, a card, a phone call, a blog comment, and/or a prayer. I hope you know that your generosity has helped in fighting the battle of isolation. I continue to look forward to hear how God is working in the lives of those I love. Thanks!
Jordan and I were walking back to the bus stop one day last week. The thought hit us hard; Thanksgiving was a few days away and for us it was going to be just another day. We noticed that the air that surrounded us acquired a crispness to it. And I instantly remembered our Arkansas fall seasons when the leaves begin to change colors and fall, when strolling around the square with your family was so important and fun, and when the time of the year changed from whatever it was to the joyous season of Christ, Christmas trees, Hot Chocolate, and good ole family fellowship.
Well, Thanksgiving was different for us. I wish I could have been home surrounded by the people that I love. I missed the steaming turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin pie. But, unexpectantly, we received a Thanksgiving meal that we will remember for a while. It was our typical weekly routine. We decided to make the trip up to our local café to check email and get a bite to eat. They were having a Thanksgiving special just for Americans. I could not believe my eyes. For $4 (285 rupees) we enjoyed a fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, a roll, green beans w/ carrots and broccoli, rice, and lastly pumpkin soup. It was delicious! So, you don’t have to wonder anymore. We were treated, and rather well at that! However, I do wish that I could have seen you all.
This next month will not get any easier. Much like others, this is my favorite time of year. I love the feeling, the anticipation, and I love more than any earthly thing piling in the car with my family and heading to Nana and Papa’s where the rest of my family is waiting with puzzles, pretzels, egg nog, football games, soccer in the backyard, the “nut game”, the Christmas Nativity scene, and just the laughter and good times that we have. I am a family guy! Yes, this time will be hard. To my family, I am there in Spirit! (Ben, John, Alex, Austin, Nikki, Christian, Caroline, and Hunter: I will miss playing with you all in Ft. Smith) I know what I am and will be missing out on! But, don’t forget, that I have a family here as well, and the orphanage does celebrate Christmas much like we do back home. We have already drug out the Christmas tree, it is just waiting to be put up. Soon we will buy Santa Claus Christmas hats for all the kids. And we have already begun to teach them some traditional Christmas songs. My laptop dances to the melodies of Russell Dorch’s instrumental Christmas CD (if you don’t have it, get it) and a few other collected Christmas songs. Though the smell surrounding Nepal is not of fresh pine trees or baked Christmas cookies and chocolates, but rather the exhaust coming from a million motorbikes, know that we are taken care of. This year, we will celebrate a Nepali Christmas. And, it will be glorious!
I have received many emails from you all and I want to thank you for your consideration. My birthday was good. It started off rough and ended better. I went into town to do the weekly email and news check up. I talked to a few people and found out that a friend is not doing well at all. I will not mention any names, but please pray for this person. My heart is heavily weighted and there is nothing that I can do. Nothing! I hate that feeling! What was supposed to be a great day was significantly less. Someone that I care about deeply is struggling. And I am in Nepal almost completely removed from the whole situation and there is nothing that I can do. Prayer is the only answer!!!
It seems as if God has made that thought the underwritten theme on my heart lately. No matter what things I try to say or do to convince others, moreover control them in my own conniving way, I cannot change their heart. I taught the kids about Jacob tonight. We have been studying his life for the last 2-3 nights, but tonight I taught the kids about Jacob’s manipulating manner. If you are unfamiliar, Jacob deceived his elder brother, his father, and his uncle to control his life and get exactly what he wanted. After realizing that a charging, angry brother is approaching because of Jacob’s manipulation and how it has affected his life, he lifts up a prayer to God that is far from authentic and in an essence looks to control God’s actions as well. A man in the night wrestles with Jacob, wounding him at the hip. It is then that Jacob realized that he had wrestled with God. And, God was more powerful than Jacob. It was then that he was dependent on God, not to manipulate things the way that he wanted, but to provide him the courage and strength and honesty to meet Esau, his brother. He then realized that God is bigger than what he had initially thought. God changed Esau’s heart and made the reunion between the two sweet. God is not someone who can be tamed. And you can see this in his comment to Esau where he says that seeing his face is like seeing the face of God. (I mostly borrowed the thought from “Your God is too Safe” by Mark Buchannan. Get the book, great read) And, once again, the thought returns, “I am Jacob”. I like to think that I have control of myself and others. I like to think that God needs me to convince others about their sinfulness and need for a Savior. But, in reality, God doesn’t need me. He loves it when I pray for others, but he doesn’t need me at all! So, I am left where I began, that prayer is the only thing that I can offer for the unbelieving Nepali, my friend back home, or anyone else that I shall come across in the future, not my convincing words. And, I urge you also to join me in praying for him.
The day did get better though. Rina had prepared a nice meal! Chicken, veggies, and croissant rolls hit the spot. I bought a chocolate cake, enough for the kids to each get a piece, we blew up some balloons, and we played games for an hour. The kids had a blast! And, so did I. It was a great way to end a day that started off in the dumps.
Well, I better retire for the day. I need to hit the sack, but I will write sooner next time.
So to amuse your curious minds, I am leaving you with the Top Ten ways to know you are in a different country. Enjoy!!!

Top ten ways you know you are living in another country:

10: doing your laundry includes standing in a bucket while you mash your clothes with hot water under your feet.
9: you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and when you return to climb into your nice warm bed you decide to slip on your fleece that is hanging on your bed post, also where a dozen cockroaches are scurrying and have made their beds. (true story, Jordan is my witness)
8: doing the dishes means running some water over your plate to make sure that all the visible food is gone. (to all the mom’s out there: I know, I know)
7: driving is limitless. Imagine: no center lines, no real lanes, no traffic police, and thousands of nepalis who are in a hurry to get somewhere and armed with a horn. (however, in their defense, I have yet to see an accident)
6: a Coca Cola Classic can be as cheap as 15 cents. Does the Coca Cola bottling company know that they are basically giving them away here?
5: a trip to town means that I am going to be laughed at on the way to the bus stop, on the bus on the way to town, and as I walk around town fulfilling my errands and chores. (I know: it must be so amusing to see a very tall white guy try and get on a cramped bus that is shorter than him)
4: the question, “whats for dinner?” is irrelevant here…
3: getting in the shower is like playing the “who used up all the hot water?” game. Oh, I have a better game. Try this one, “Who hasn’t taken a shower in 4 days?”
2: walking down the street holding a 18 year old nepali’s hand (no not a girls) is not gay or wrong, its just different. (it is actually quite common for men of all ages to hold their friend’s hand while they walk the street. God is working on me and I am trying to be okay with this. I have almost gotten used to it)
1: a trip to the Immigration office to renew your visas looks more like 5 people standing around with nothing better to do, while one person tries to fulfill all the requests of the 16 demanding foreigners who are patiently waiting around the room. Meanwhile, Immigration officers #2-6 eat donuts and drink tea while admiring each others’ attire. Then they daringly try to tell Officer #1, the one who IS actually doing something, how he/she should do his job, all without moving more than the eight inches that are required to get their snacks into their mouths. So you are told to apply for the visa and come back two hours later, which is a trip in itself. So you do, and what do you get, more of what was mentioned; except this time you get to pay $30 (2150 rupees) and wait just a little bit longer. (It is so thrilling, we asked if we could come back on the 13th of each month, and they kindly accepted)

SO there you have it folks!

Devotional Time...

2006-11-27T00:57:00.000-06:00

Here I am explaining the hand motions to the song "brother, friend" which has become one of their favorites.

Jordan taught this night about the tower of babel out of Genesis. The kids have really enjoyed the time in the Word.

You can see the kids are having a blast with this song. Here they are trying to spell J-E-S-U-S

It raining blankets and sheets!!!

2006-11-27T00:46:00.000-06:00

Here is the bed stuff that was purchased for the kids to stay warm at night (blankets, pillows, and sheets)

Oh brother, looking so nice!

And, myself, as the children scurry around and sort through the bedding materials.

Lights, Camera, Action: Picture BLITZ (I guess this means I got a camera, huh?)

2006-10-30T00:16:00.000-06:00

GO HOGS GO!!! EAT UP THE GAMECOCKS!!!

Look who I found strolling around the Kathmandu Valley! I instantly felt a soul-to-soul connection!

...and going...

2006-10-29T23:57:00.000-06:00

Okay...this is Nabin. I posted this to show some of you that he is a happy fellow. Some had commented on how sad he looked in the recent pic of him awhile back.

For those of you that are unsure, this is daal bhat takari. Rice, topped with a lentil soup, a side of greens, which I really like (very unusual for me; yes mom, i am eating my veggies) and a potato and cauliflower side (strangely enough, i like this too).

Jordan and I took the older guys out to eat one night. They had never been to a place this nice. We let them get whatever they wanted, which was odd to them. Most of us, including myself, got pizzas and then finished it off with desert. Jordan is mad here because they didn't have macaroni and cheese on the menu. Pull it together, buddy!

And, alas, Rajesh. Here is another pic of a guy you have been praying for (just to give you some faces with the names we have mentioned). He went to town, ordering Fish, Pizza, and his first experience with a milkshake.

...and going...

2006-10-29T23:43:00.000-06:00

This is the cafe that was introduced to us via church staff. It is a Christian cafe and reminiscent (sp?) of home.

We ate banana pancakes and eggs. Did not think we would find these here. Coffee too, mmmm!

And Rosan, studying in his room. The nepali kids are really smart. One 10 year old, Moses, has been studying Computer Programs in one of his classes.

Here are the kids being there crazy 'selves.

...and going...

2006-10-29T23:37:00.000-06:00

Okay...I got a little camera selfish here

This is Santosh (pronounced Santos), Rina's Husband...He is such an awesome guy!

This is one of the guys you have been praying for, Brarendra.

Here is another guy you have heard about, Sijon (pronounce Season)

Derek Webb, "A New Law"

2006-10-29T22:13:00.000-06:00

Humbling and convicting, this song is:

“A New Law”
Derek Webb (formerly Caedman’s Call)

Don’t teach me about
politics and government;
Just tell me who to vote for.
Don’t teach me about
truth and beauty;
Just label my music.
Don’t teach me how
to live like a free man;
Just give me a new law.

I don’t want to know
if the answers aren’t easy.
So, just bring it down
from the mountain to me.
I want a new law.

Don’t teach me about
moderation and liberty;
I prefer a shot of grape juice.
Don’t teach me about
loving my enemies.
Don’t teach me how
to listen to the spirit;
Just give me a new law.

I don’t want to know
if the answers aren’t easy.
So, just bring it down
from the mountain to me.
I want a new law.

Cause, whats the use in trading
a law you can never keep
for one you can that can never get you anything.

Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.

"The Nepal Street Journal"

2006-10-23T01:06:00.000-05:00

October 23, 2006

SPORTS:
“That’s another Arkansas Razorback…FIRST DOWN!”
Ok. Ok… Tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor?

>Pre-departure to Nepal: USC 50, Arkansas 14 (0-1)
Arkansas 20, Utah State 0 (1-1)

>Since arriving in Nepal: Arkansas 21, Vanderbilt 19 (2-1)
Arkansas 24, #23 Alabama 23 (3-1)
Arkansas 27, #2 Auburn 10 (4-1)
#17 Arkansas 63, Missouri State 7 (5-1)
#15 Arkansas 38, Ole Miss 3 (6-1)

Clearly, we are off to the best start in Razorback football history since the time that Clint Stoerner decided to hand the Volunteers the biggest game of the year by using the football to catch his balance after a bad snap, and thus, blowing a 14-3 lead (Tennessee would go on to win the National Championship that year; Arkansas was 8-0 going in to the game and would finish 9-2). Maybe, just maybe, we can do a little better against Tennessee!

I have had to keep telling myself, “God’s timing is perfect. God’s timing is perfect.”

I AM MISSING ONE OF THE BIGGEST SEASONS OF RAZORBACK FOOTBALL! …and God waited until we left to make it interesting…Life is rough! I am, thus, that much closer to experiencing true suffering like Paul mentioned in his letters.
Trent: He has answered your prayers, indeed!

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Letter from the Editor:
Some of my readers have been following along with my Journey to Nepal, while simultaneously teasing their “itching ears” with the “thoughtless ramblings” of my blog counterpart, The Bear…
(also see: http://thoughtlessramblings.blogspot.com; Krystal Hayes©)

…Now, I confess that I, like most of you, as I sip on my morning fresh Café Latte, eagerly await the newest edition of “The Bear: Lost in Translation...or “The Bear gets diarrahea 14 times in a 3 hour span”…or, my personal favorite, “iPod Dancin’ in downtown Kathmandu to the tune of Michael Jackson’s ‘Black or White’.” And, I do this all while giggling like a little school boy. But, I must interject here. As of recently, my eyes have seen some outlandish comments that must remain hidden behind truth no longer. So, as I bring my rival back down to the planet that he was birthed from (at least, I think), I would like to expose these toxic and hyper exaggerated statements. First things first…

1) If you want to know the real “scaredy cat”: mention to Jordan as he is slipping in to his sheets about Crab Spiders. He will get skirmish like a pack of wild mice.
2) When electricity failed us again, I took the opportunity to scare Jordan himself as he climbed the stairs blindly. He never saw it coming!
3) “Next Time: Jason fights in a gladiator ring to save the life of an Indian princess!” This was posted at the end of a blog to excite you about a future post. I have yet to see the article, or the event as it happened in real life, to be honest.
4) Cost of a Subway Sandwich in a Delhi airport: $350…???...a bit too high buddy.

Oh, Jordan…how I love your ways!

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PHILANTHROPY COLUMN:
I would like to personally thank everybody that has contributed in some form or fashion for the kids at the Children’s Welfare Center. CWC (that’s us) is only supported by a few private contributors around the world. They receive no financial help from the government or any agencies at all. For this reason, they have been really tight in spending their money. Most of the kids’ basic needs are covered first. Then, if there is money remaining the kids get to do something fun. On our way over we brought with us several coloring books, art supplies, and games that were provided from generous givers like yourself. Thanks…thanks…thanks!!! And from the kids: THANKS! Whether you have given in monthly support to me or directly to the orphanage, your gift is making a positive impact here across the globe in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Three weeks ago, we toured a local orphanage nearby. There, God gave us a lot of great ideas to help the kids here in the orphanage. They had a room designated each for TV, games, studying, reading, music lovers, and origami crafters. Okay, I made the last one up! Here, at CWC, we only really have a common room with a TV, where everyone hangs around. Aside from the kids’ bedrooms, there are a few “storage” rooms. We might just have to transform into our alter egos from Extreme Home Makeover. I’ll let you decide which person qualifies as Ty Pennington.
Jordan and I want the kids here to have a study/ reading room where they can go for some peace and quiet. Our plans include buying a table or two, a few comfy chairs, and an assortment of educational books for the children’s enjoyment. We also have hopes of remodeling another room into a game/ sports room. This room will be equipped with bowling, darts, crafts, legos, and other fun kids stuff. Right now we are financially pinned on the project discussed later, but can’t wait to start this one.
On Thursday, Jordan and I bought some kids’ games and puzzles. Our 4 week long search finally came to an end. We purchased a plastic bowling set, a bucket of legos, batman puzzle, magnetic dart set (I was afraid that if I got the real sharp dart set, that I might “accidentally” misguide one into the back of one of my close American friends…I won’t mention any names), and a SpiroGraph among a few other fun things. Remember the SpiroGraph, friends? I had one when I was a kid. The nostalgia was so great, I almost cried when I saw it in the store.
On Friday, Rina, Jordan, and I rode into town together to price blankets, bed sheets, and pillows for each child. When asked what the kids needed most and first of all, Rina mentioned these. Hopefully, next week, after the deshai festival, we will be able to get a cheaper price. Right now, we are looking at a complete, adequate bed set for all 52 kids for about $400. Not too bad at all. Just so you know…the kids each have a pillow and a small blanket, so they are not without, but they desperately need to be replaced, and especially before the winter weather hits. It excites me to be able to see the kids helped out in this way! Thanks, to YOU!
Everything mentioned we would not have been able to do without your help. You can know that your sacrificial giving is a blessing to children here at CWC.

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OBITUARIES:
The 5th generation iPod, birthed by Apple Inc, passed away last Monday at 8:45 AM after a traumatic fall. Survivors include Jordan Greenwald, aka The Bear. Funeral services have already taken place (note: see http://thebearinnepal.blogspot.com). iPod, We will miss your oh so sweet music.

Update: We have trusted in Christ’s resurrection power and we saw the fullness of that power raise iPod from the dead and bring it completely back to life. All functions have been fully restored. Thank you for your prayers and support.

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CLASSIFIED ADS:
FOR SALE: 1998 Toyota 4Runner. 160,000 miles. Good cond. Leather, sunroof, pw/pl, tinted windows, towing package, 4x4, Cd, air/ heat work GREAT. Needs new tires and brakes. For further questions, please email: jboxhayes@gmail.com. Asking $7,999.

HELP WANTED: part-time volunteers to aid in children’s orphanage and a chance to see long lost friends…OR…just board a plane and come visit us next week. We will never forget it!!!

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:
Over the past two weeks I have been following a few older guys from CWC to their school at 8:00am to join them in a game of 5 on 5 basketball against their fellow Nepali students. It’s always fun, as I never miss a chance to shoot hoops. Furthermore, God has given me a few friendships with other “outsiders” (those not residing at CWC) and I am anxious to see how He will use me in the future. This type of relational ministry breaks the mold for me. Being a person with little relational skills, I frequently struggle when it comes to making new friends. On the other hand, it is amazing how natural and easy it is when you are doing something that you love and just pulling guys in to join you.

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RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY:
Yesterday was HUGE!!!
We have finally been set free from isolation…well…somewhat. Yesterday Rina dropped us off at an international church here in Kathmandu. Our search for a church body with a service in English is FINALLY over! It was so refreshing to walk into a service with a body of believers. All first time attendees were asked to share where they were from. In a room of 300 people over 30 stood up. China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Britain, Australia, US, Thailand, Africa—the room was filled with such diversity! A traveling speaker brought in from India gave a humbling message on being Christ’s ambassadors in a dark world. It wasn’t sugar coated, but straight from the Word, and the Word only. The worship was moving; we recognized all the songs! Afterward, on American man, Fred (45-50 yr. old), asked us if we wanted to go to lunch with him and his wife and other American church goers. Without hesitation, we quickly accepted the invitation. You will not believe the place they took us.
We ended up walking down the street from the church, up some stairs, and into a CHRISTIAN CAFÉ. For our new church friends, the café to them was like what Acambaro is to Fellowship—the after church lunch hangout. We met up with a dozen other Americans (who all attend the church) and were able to share a Café Mocha and a Breakfast burrito (for real) with them. We instantly felt welcome. One lady has been here 10 years working in children homes and was able to give us great advice. Fred and his wife, Cindy, have been here 5. They showed us a great place to buy Bibles and great Christian books. We are meeting Fred at 9:30 on Thursday morning to sit in on a men’s time in the Word. I am so ready for this!!!
The café, known as their usual hangout had games, books, great food, and will be getting wireless internet next month. I have been looking for a place to be able to sit and read during the day. I am VERY, VERY excited! We will be back!
Praise God for such a great day! All of a sudden we have several friends in the LORD that we can share life and experiences and struggles with. Thanks for praying!

Will you wait for Him?

2006-10-18T23:48:00.001-05:00

What to tell you? What to say? It seems like the last week has been uneventful. If you are looking for excitement and a story to scare the moms with, then you need to check out Jordan’s blog. He had a pretty odd day two days ago. I don’t want to steal his thunder. Plus, the story is better told from his perspective…

Day by day the kids are beginning to return to the orphanage. I am excited to see some of the familiar faces that left us for their families a week into our stay and at the beginning of the Nepali festival.

Oooohhhh, I almost forgot about the festival. Rina and her husband, Santosh, took us to the Royal Palace on Saturday. As part of the deshai festival, they had a concert featuring several bands and musicians. They took Jordan and me to the nice part of town. We had not been there yet. We had lunch at a restaurant that reminded me of a 50s diner. Ok you all, we had pizza and a chicken burger. Lunch was topped off with hot fudge and caramel sundaes!!! It was truly delightful (said in my best British accent). Afterward, we listened to the Nepali musicians. Most of them were okay, with the exception of the last band we listened to. They basically covered every 90’s grunge band in America. It was awesome!!! Brarendra, one of the older boys here, went with us. It was good, quality time with just him. He is becoming one of my favorites around here (you didn’t hear it from me). He is a very smart 19 yr. old. Consider him the go-to guy around the orphanage. I really like his personality—a very calm, collected man. He gives careful consideration to the words he uses. He doesn’t talk much, and when he does you can tell he has thought about what he’s going to say. He spends a lot of time in our room and we have had some good times. All of the kids here respect and listen to him. He is a leader!

Yesterday, Rina invited Jordan and I to attend dinner with them at their friend’s house. They brought out Nepali foods of all kinds. We had spicy black-eyed peas, chips, black beans, fish, chicken, and some unknown Nepali fruit that tastes like a sweet tart. We filled up on all the great tasting foods. “Seconds anyone? You bet!” Afterwards, around 8:30-9:00pm-ish, we were all watching TV and just visiting. I was fighting falling asleep! Mommy (Rina’s mom; everybody calls her this) was already asleep. Jordan and I wondered why we hadn’t left yet. It was getting late. And then…oh yes…an hour later…the actual dinner. Who knew? They brought out rice with soup and more spicy black-eyed peas. We had no idea there was another course to the meal, as we had filled up with what we thought to be dinner. I, being the growing skinny boy, enjoyed another chance at a meal. Jordan, on the other hand, was struggling. I think the aquarium nearby might have gained some unwanted weight from Jordan’s leftover soup. Well, not really, but he almost did. I had to intervene! That’s what brothers do!

On the way back, closing in on 10:00pm now, we all crammed into the orphanage jeep and headed back. Santosh unexpectedly pulls the car to the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and shuts off the engine. “What is going on,” I asked in a very patient voice. Supposedly, a cat crossed the street ahead of us back on the road somewhere, and it is Nepali bad luck. He informed us that we were supposed to wait until somebody passed us either from the front or back to reverse the bad luck. I checked the road ahead and the rear view mirror—nothing. Not a car in sight. I wondered how long we would wait and even suggested that I could get out of the car and "pass by.” Eventually, we were up and going again.

-----------------

You must know that the kids here are truly amazing. I wish I could bring all of them home to America. It will be hard leaving them come next June when we depart from Nepal. At the moment, as I sit here updating you about the week, they sit parched around my computer demanding I show them a game or a movie. Don’t worry, its not you, they just want to see something a little more entertaining than a word document.

I hope each of you know the eternal investment you have made in the lives of these Nepali children by simply asking the Father on their behalf. They will forever be changed!

I must say that God has been opening my eyes in respect to the life of a missionary. As I have looked at Paul’s life and the very first Biblical missionaries, I am realizing how much they suffered. I think about all the differences we have had to deal with, and they are nothing compared to the life Paul lived—Shipwrecked, without family and friends, hungry, several times 40 lashes minus 1, stoned, beaten, and verbally mocked and abused. And, yet Paul received all with joy and hope in Christ and His Resurrection.

Oh, that I would learn from the life Paul lived, and live more fully for HIM!!!

It has been an AWESOME adventure and I have noticed such a change in my heart since being here. Sometimes we have to lock our door in the morning to get alone time, but the time is so sweet. I spent some time on "our little mountain" that is a short hike away (in which it overlooks all of Kathmandu). I began to notice how often I ask God to meet with me and am only willing to wait sometimes a few minutes to actually sense his presence. I am realizing that waiting on the presence of the LORD is a patient process. How can I, a mere human, demand that a wild, mighty, powerful, UNTAMEABLE God show up on my time. Most of the time He wants me to wait for HIM, to test my heart.

I would like to leave you with a journal entry recorded yesterday on Wednesday, October 18, 2006:

“The LORD is never late; we are impatient.” --Unkown

A thought grazes my mind and my heart, and I am left in humility. The God of this universe met me in a place where I have longed to find Him...my heart. And it is not something that I demanded, willed, or even controlled. It was freely given at the right time—a joy unspeakable. On several occasions—I would even go as far as saying, “almost every time I sit or kneel before the LORD in eager expectation”—I have [pleaded with] the LORD, God to be in my presence. I have even used Jesus’ words, “Ask…and it will be given to you,” as leverage, [except, I am too impatient to wait on Him]. And, even then, sometimes my requests have been left unfulfilled. As I sat in prayer three days ago, I quickly became dissatisfied and frustrated [after a few minutes]. Every morning I ask the LORD to reveal His presence to me. In a way, I pridefully demand it. And…[because of my impatience]…I don’t see or feel Him. In the midst of prayer, I began to pour out the frustrations of my heart, and they turned to humble requests—an invitation to the Living God—to see Him. As God revealed to me His splendor and majesty, I quickly grasped and felt the heart’s message behind John 3:30, “He must become greater and I must become less.”
I live in a world, a place, where my desires, pleasures, demands, delights, and my cravings are met the instant my heart first beckons them. If I want something, I buy it. If I am hungry, I eat. I don’t wait long for anything, and I am fully catered to. And, for some strange reason, I believe, and was convinced, that the same theory holds true within the spiritual realm. “God, make yourself known to me, right now. I ask for it. I want it. I demand it!”
…Why?...
Does God work in my timing or His? I serve a god that cannot be controlled. His timing is perfect. Because my God loves me and died for me, and because He says so in His Word, I know He will reveal Himself to me [at his choosing], and I know that He will answer my prayers. But, one thing I must remember, in His timing and for His glory. Not mine!

“God is NEVER late; I am impatient.”

Pics, Pics, everyone loves pics (no not guitar pics or hair pics)

2006-10-09T02:05:00.001-05:00

Banana anyone???...He will even deliver!

"the Wall...or a wall"

2006-10-08T22:23:00.000-05:00

October 8, 2006…

Namaste, mero nam Jason ho. Hulak ghar kaha cha? Masaga euta guitar ra das rupiya cha! (Hello, my name is Jason. Where is the post office? I have a guitar and ten rupees!)
…And that is the extent of my Nepali language. Actually, I have been studying 4-5 times a week and I am starting to pick it up a little. Rina is starting to talk to us more in Nepali, and less in English, which has helped (not that we understand it either, but she teaches us as we go). I am building my confidence to speak to people in the city.

Key Phrase that we use frequently: Mito Cha!...which means…uuuumm, this is good! Regardless of what we think about dinner, we just smile and repeat this phrase.

…I think the weeks get a little harder and harder. The kids have been here in the orphanage all day for the last two weeks. Most of the kids (with the exception of the older ones) will also be out of school for the next two weeks. With the September Nepali festivals, the kids are out of school for a whole month.
There is not a lot to do here in the orphanage, and, as a result, we really have had to be creative with our time. Lots of reading…LOTS!!!
With the kids here all day, I have started to get slightly frustrated as there is never a time that I can just be by myself. I would say that is the one disadvantage of living “in” the orphanage. When a child comes in our room, it is hard to tell them that I need “alone time.” And, as A.D.D.ish that I am, I need to be alone in a room that I can read in, pray out loud, think, and listen for His voice just to be able to focus. So that is a challenge! I spend each day with Him, but, as I mentioned, it is a challenge to stay focused. Today, I hiked up to a nearby mountain. It was only about a 20 minute walk to the top, which overlooks all of Kathmandu. It was neat to be able to take some time and pray with hardly any distractions—just me, God, and the chirping birds. It was very calm and peaceful, and much needed!

I have been reading from John Piper’s “When I Don’t Desire God: How to fight for joy.” I also have John Piper’s podcast, Desiring God Radio, and he devotes 10, twenty-five minute sections with a biblical approach to “why we don’t desire God some times.” If you have not got either of these tools, you need to check them out. They are great for your journey with God. In both, I have learned how to fight for joy even when I just don’t sense that He is near.

David says, in Psalm 43, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”

Even when David is down, He knows that God is going to reveal himself. As you see, he gives his soul a little pep talk. “Don’t be down, soul. Come on, hope in God.” He doesn’t give up and give in to Satan, but he trusts that though He doesn’t sense God now, he will. He is fighting for his joy in God.
…Many times I become frustrated because I don’t “feel” (a soft word that I am starting to hate using in my description of my spiritual life) God’s presence. But, my approach should be like David’s, not allowing myself to dwell on the current state, but to hope in God—to wait for Him. Satan’s attacks haven’t made it any easier though…

…I knew with the decision to move overseas that Satan was going to attack me somehow. I didn’t know where it would come from. Before I left—the night before—the sunroof in my car that I am trying to sell, shattered. Six hundred and fifty dollars out the window; no pun intended!!! However, I did have a generous giver who picked up the whole bill. Praise God! On the third day that I was here I had $60 stolen out of my room. The suspect: A 5 yr. old little boy who roams in and out of our room at 5:30 in the morning while we sleep. He is quite known to pick up things that he likes and put them in his pocket. Other things from other volunteers have disappeared including a cell phone, money, and an alarm clock—and all from the young and brilliant boy. Last week, my camera disappeared. You know, the one that I was using to post those really nice pictures of the children and country of Nepal onto my blog. Well, I managed to get a few photos for posting in the future from another volunteer, but I still have no camera. There have been other incidents where things in my room are moved, and for me it is quite frustrating. But, I am learning to let go of the tight grip that I have on things that I possess. Here I am with all my gadgets and stuff, and I get uptight when I am missing something of mine. In the meantime, the Nepali children have nothing and are always content. Man, I have a lot to learn. All of these attacks have been against my “material” possessions. I have struggled to give up control in this area. It has been hard, but good.

So, there you are, sitting there wondering if this story gets any better. Good news…It might!

Through the really hard times, God has been working. As you might have guessed, the children here have been really open to us. They are eager to play at all times of the day. As mentioned before, God has placed a few older guys on my heart. We have been having fun with these guys and just learning about their life. Recently, Jordan and I have had great conversations with a man named Rajesh (pronounced Ra-jees). He is very smart in his studies of science, and as a result, he wants proof that the Bible is true, that God created the universe, and that God and Jesus exist. He is unsure if he should follow science, Christianity, or Hinduism. It was easy to become frustrated after our conversation, but God has brought me back to the truth that no matter what I say or do, I am not the one who can change his heart. It is Him, the God of this universe! Because of God’s power and sovereignty, and my inadequacy, I am encouraged more to fall on my knees and pray for Rajesh’s salvation. It is somewhat freeing, but I soon realize that I have no control over his heart, and I don’t like that. I want to somehow believe that I can “win Rajesh to the LORD” by my persuasive and highly convincing words. But, I MUST give up control. It brings me back to the Campus Crusade for Christ definition of evangelism: presenting the message of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leaving the results up to God.

Jordan and I have been talking about starting a Bible study with the 5-6 older guys that live here. You can pray for these guys, as well as Jordan and I as we seek direction. Please Pray for Nabin (Na-been), Rajesh (Ra-jees), Umesh (oo-mess), Brarendra, and Cesan (see-zon).

The spiritual climate of the orphanage is somewhat unknown. In my impression, the kids are exposed to the Bible via church and the orphanage, but I am not sure that they have trusted Christ with their life and made Him their Savior. With the Hindu culture and customs, many Nepalis who call themselves Christians still believe in some of the Hindu gods and follow Hindu tradition. I don’t think they believe John 14:6, which says that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.” One man here confessed that Christianity makes him feel comfortable, and it gives him a good feeling when he prays, yet everyone should be able to worship whatever/whomever they want. He also holds to the worship of Hindu gods. Absolute truth…GONE!!! So we are caught somewhere in between wanting to present the truth that Jesus is the only way, and not wanting to be “those guys that came to tell us what is wrong about our religious culture.” I want every child to at least hear and know that Jesus Christ is the only way. Pray that hearts will be open.

So that about wraps up today’s topic “the Wall.”
I love the emails that you send. They keep me connected to the world I used to know. Keep ‘em comin’!

Miss you all more than you know!
Jason

PS> I am still waiting on the Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal. Has anyone sent that yet?

2006-10-04T23:45:00.000-05:00

Seriously, this is the view from our back yard

Ping pong anybody???

ahhhh, my bed!

well...this is it...this is our home. Well, do you like it?

and, the children all ready to go to school.

And yet again, more pics!!!

2006-09-28T02:31:00.000-05:00

"Nepal...actually...is all around"

2006-09-28T01:43:00.000-05:00

September 27, 2006

I’ll take the Quarter Pounder with cheese extra value meal, ketchup only, and a Dr. Pepper with extra ice. Figure out the cost to FedEx that to Kathmandu, keep it fresh, and actually ship it on over, and I guarantee I will buy you a Ribeye from the restaurant of your choice upon my return home. Oooh, Ribeye…I could go for one of those as well!
To be quite honest, I really thought that there would be a few American restaurants that I could retreat to for an occasional meal as my taste buds beckoned. You know Pizza Hut, Subway, Mcdonald’s, or Taco Bell. Ok, I might be stretching it just a little with the last two, but something to take this rice taste out of my mouth for one meal. I am planning a two week diet upon my arrival in the states that includes dining at all the great fast food chains. You might argue there aren’t any. Right now, I beg to differ!...

…On a more serious note, this week has definitely been a more challenging than the last as I am growing accustomed to the culture of this country and realizing that home is right here for the next 8 months. A lot of times it is fun, sometimes its very interesting learning the differences, many times hard, but, in all times it is good.

5:30a.m.- the sun rises, the children are waking/ running up and down the halls yelling and laughing, and I am sound asleep in my bed, visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. Actually, I think our version goes something like, “visions of crab spiders tormenting our every sleeping moment. (Allow me to explain a little later)
6:00a.m. - alarm goes off…without thought, I immediately hit the snooze button. “Just give me 15 more minutes of sleep.”
7:15a.m. - I finally muster up the motivation to get out of bed. Actually, one of the girls knocks on my door to inform me that breakfast is ready, to which at that point, “I AM UP!” I can’t miss tea and sopapillas in the morning! I think…scratch that…know that breakfast has become my favorite meal. Basically a homemade tortilla rolled up with honey on the inside. I could do this every morning!
9:00a.m. - we walk the younger kids to their bus stop not even a quarter of a mile from the orphanage. (The older kids—6th grade and up—walk up a steep hill every morning and then another half mile to get to their school)
9:15a.m. to 4:15p.m. - Jordan and I try to seem like we have things to do. Some days we go in to town, which is about a 20 minute bus ride. Some days we stay at the orphanage and read/ watch movies/ hang around. But we are slowly finding things to do.
4:15p.m. - the kiddos return from school ready to play, to which I become like a rag doll to a dog, used at its expense.
7:00p.m. - everybody meets in the tv room for music, prayer, and study of the Word. Jordan and I have been taking the kids through Luke and following some key events of Jesus’ ministry. It is a tough task as we have a 5 yr. old and a 20 yr. old in the same room. We have been talking about how we can restructure the time to cater to the different age groups. But for right now, this will have to do.
8:00p.m.- Dinner time on the roof (Literally). “Jordan, I wonder what we are having for dinner?” said the Jason. “I’ll take ‘Pass me another bowl of rice please, for $400,’” respondeth the Jordan.
9:00p.m.- head to my room for reading, typing blogs, and just catching up with Jordan.
Approximately 10:11p.m. – Lights out!

There you have it! That’s our schedule in a nutshell.
One Exception: in September Nepal has several festivals, to which most of the children migrate to their homes in their villages. Quite confusing, actually, because most of the kids here have at least one parent. Some have two. (And you ask, “Then why are they in an orphanage?” Being that 40% of the people here live at or below the poverty line, most of the parents do not have an adequate enough income to support a family. Therefore, they send their kids to orphanages like CWC, where they know that the kids’ basic needs are being met.) So, right now 85% of the kids are gone to their homes with their families to celebrate the festivals. They won’t return for 2-4 weeks based on how far away they live. So the days have been out of whack since the beginning of the week, when the children first started leaving. We have about half a dozen left here, and they will stay throughout the festivities.

Yesterday we (Matt, a British volunteer; Hilda, a German Volunteer; and Jordan and I) took them to a Nepali film in the city. They had a great time! It was very hard for Jordan and I to sit still for 2 ½ hours without understanding one word spoken.

***Sidenote: I might get totally random here for a few minutes. Several thought are bombarding my mind at once!***

Traffic here is a crazy and chaotic, yet, functional system. No lanes at all…you drive on the left side of the road…and when you want to pass, you simply honk your horn and then pass. There is a lot of horn honking here. It was weird at first. In America you only honk if you are angry or if you see somebody you know. Jordan and I would always look up at cars honking as they passed us thinking we might know them, as we are used to in America.

Lunch and dinner here is the main course of rice with a few side dishes of vegetables, spicy sauces, and meat that go mixed in with the rice. At first I did not care for the meals. Now, I am getting used to them and I am even so hungry at times that I look forward to them. So, its not too bad! I haven’t gone without eating at all! One day last week, we went to Thamel, the tourist part of Kathmandu (one hour bus ride from the orphanage), and we had Chinese food for lunch. We were in Heaven! Coca Cola, $0.33; Egg rolls, $1; Sweet and Sour Chicken, $1.50; Dining at a Chinese restaurant in Nepal and experiencing the once lost taste of something familiar, Priceless…
… We shall return!!!

The kids here have so little compared to what we are used to, yet they are so content with what they do have; never asking for more, unless it is candy (they call chocolate) and in my room. Every once in a while the kids will see us in our rooms on our laptops or with our electronic gadgets, and they are so fascinated. We already went through our entire picture libraries on our computers, explaining who each person is and how we know them. They really enjoyed that! And, they are always asking to see more Solomon photos, which, sadly enough, I only have 2-3 of. Fortunately, the Schwartzman’s sent a photo album of the last year and a half with Solomon, and Rina was able to show that to the kids. They studied each picture intently. You could tell they were interested! Thanks, Anita!!! Great Idea!

Oh yes, almost forgot about the crab spiders…There are spiders here that are huge. I am not kidding when I say that with legs and body they can measure up to the diameter of a tennis ball. We found one in our room the 2nd night we were here. We were just getting ready to go to bed and saw one on the wall. You can imagine what affect that had on me for the rest of the night. I had horrible nightmares. I would wake up every two hours and check the wall to make sure there were none. In one dream, I was pinned down on the floor of our room. There was a hole in the wall where several of these crab spiders were coming out of. Each one had crablike pinchers attached to their bodies (Thus, the name, Crab Spider). And they were headed towards me. Jordan just sat there and watched as I got attacked by these monsters. Well, actually, I awoke shortly before.

Life here has been crazy, but good. Spiritually speaking, the children here know a little about Christ. They go to church every week and worship Him. But, they are like babes in their faith. I am reminded of the verses in Hebrews… “you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s Word…You need milk, not solid food!...Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
The kids and even a lot of the young adults are very, very young in their beliefs and faith. I have asked questions that I would consider to have been very basic and they were slightly confused. Some might be due to the language barrier, as they speak broken English, and I speak no Nepali. But, I wonder sometimes how much they know and believe, and where we can start to build upon. That’s why we started studying Luke. We wanted the kids to hear about the life of Christ. So please pray that God will reveal to us and give us wisdom concerning specifically how we are to reach them and meet them where they are at. And please pray that these kids, whether young or old, would be open to a relationship with our Father, for those that aren’t there yet. And pray that the children would be FAT (faithful, available, and teachable). Also pray that Jordan and I would find a church that we can plug into. We did go to the Nepali church the kids attend, but we cannot understand any of it.
We have given the items that you all donated. Thanks a bunch for the generous gifts. They were really needed and appreciated here.

Well, this blog is 3 pages long and I think successfully qualifies as a “marathon blog” so I better go. Miss you all, sincerely!!!

Eat a Hamburger for me,
Jason

More Pics!!!

2006-09-23T06:27:00.000-05:00

Change of Pace

2006-09-21T01:28:00.000-05:00

Namaste, from Nepal! I am not sure exactly where to start or what to tell you, since there has been a COMLETE change of pace. EVERYTHING is different. And, what did we learn before we left? "Its not wrong, its just different."
First things first...
Our flight was not too bad, except that for a tall man like myself my legs quickly began to hurt. We sat on our first flight for 8 hours, then had 45 minutes in Germany to get to our next flight, then a 7 hour flight to India. I was ready to stretch. We then had a 13 hour layover in New Dehli, India. As we arrived in the India airport, we had no idea what to do/ where to go, and hardly anyone spoke our language. We were told ahead of time that we should check our bags through customs. However, the airport employees told us that there was no need to check our bags, that they would be on our next flight. We were confused, and surely did not want to lose our bags before we began a nine month journey. SO, we prayed!!! After 13 long hours in the India airport, and believe me the word "long" does not come close to describing the time, 2 women came and found us to hand us our boarding passes. (yes this is how they do things there) It was very unorganized! But, "its not wrong, its just different!" We definitely felt evil trying to complicate things and make us frustrated! Between the cat wondering around the airport, the frequent power outages, the lack of anything entertaining besides a few shops, the lack of food, the language barrier, and the extra money we paid for an extra bag each, we were ready to head to Kathmandu.

Jordan in the India Airport
"Sleep, must get sleep"

So, into Kathmandu we came...The scenery was amazing, just as I had expected! Mountains everywhere and villages spread out around the country! It is so different than America, as you would suspect. All the buildings in the city are tightly sqeezed together. Two to three story shops lined in a row just a few feet off the road. It is very dirty and I understand why people suffer from common diseases that we have cures and medicine for. The food is sold from on top of blankets that lie on the ground. Aside from the differences, or maybe because of the differences, I find the city very unique.

We are staying in a 3 story building, just 4-5 miles outside of Kathmandu, Nepal in the country. It is so quiet and peaceful here and the people live simple lives. It makes me think that this is the way that God intended for us to live our lives.

It has been an adjustment for me as I am used to the busyness that America demands. Jordan and I have frequently wondered where all these hours in the day are coming from. The days seem much longer here as there is no "agenda", just hanging with the kids. For the first 3-4 days we found ourselves struggling with jet lag and we would take naps around 3 pm. And, when I say "we nap at 3 pm" I mean that we actually had to go to bed at 3 and we slept through the whole night. It was a hard adjustment. But, good news, we have gotten past the jet lag stage.

It has been quite a task to learn the children's names. Much like you might have guessed, the names are not like our American names. The ones I have learned so far: Nabin, Shanti, Suman, Kuman, Umesh, and Ghalsang. I have made it a goal to learn one new name a day. Also, with the language, one new word/ phrase a day.

One boy in particular, Nabin, God has placed on my
heart. He is sometimes quiet and unpredictable, but he is interesting. I have been asking what God wants me to do with Nabin. You can pray that God would give me direction. Also pray for a 20 yr. old boy, Umesh. Same story as Nabin. God has these guys on my heart!

Nabin
in our room...

All the kids here have heard the Gospel. They attend church in the city (spoken in Nepali). It is exciting to be able to come along side them.

I could say a whole lot more, but I am paying right now for using the internet. Thanks for your prayers!!!

It has been a lot more difficult to communicate as we are trying to figure things out. I will write more when I figure out the best way possible. I will update you in a few days or a week, depending!

Please pray that God would show us how we are to be used here. We have been hanging with the kids after their school lets out and every night we have a Bible Study/ Worship (music) time. They really seem to enjoy it. Pray that God would give us vision.

Miss you all!!!
I will include a few more pics at the bottom...
Bye for now,
jason

New feature added!!!

2006-08-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

Check this out! If you would like to be sent an email of my blog updates everytime I post a blog then you can put your email address in the box on the right and you will automatically be set up to receive updates!

Thanks again!!!
I will miss you all!!! Well, most of you!
Jason

Less than a month to go...(23 days to be EXACT)

2006-08-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

I have to post a tribute to Boston as she is away and staying with her sister Soooie at Ray and Katie's house while I will be away. Can you guess which one she is in the first pic? Yep, you guessed it, the beefy one up front (notice the 2 inches of saliva hanging from her mouth). She definitely will lose a little extra poundage as Ray and Katie have an acre for the dogs to run around on. And, boy do they play well together. You can tell they are related and love to be around each other!

Lately it has been a weird and busy week. We had to be out of our house August 15th, and amongst everything else that has been going on my weeks aren't slowing down at all. At Fellowship Bible Church we, the 4th/5th grade ministry staff, is preparing for an exciting week at Dry Gulch, OK for Camp 45. It will be a BLAST and ALWAYS is! This last Saturday was my last Saturday at Fellowship Saturday Night with the 4th/5th graders and it was sad to say goodbye to some of the kids that I had come to know. Thank you to all the leaders that serve in the SNiK 45 ministry (Saturday Night Kids) with Passion!

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me"- Matthew 18:5

I am posting a list of the orphanage's needs. If you would like to donate some of the items on the list then let me know. You can also check out the updated website of the orphanage under my links section.
The LIST:
1. Clothes-
2. Bed Sheets-
3. Children's Games- (puzzles, board games, etc.)
4. Children's Books
5. Small Bibles

*****I have emailed RINA and she will let me know the specifics on the Gender/Age/Size details for the clothes*****

Some people have been asking who I am going with to Nepal. Allow me to introduce Jordan, the die-hard Cubs fan. Ohhhh Jordan, maybe next year. Thanks for your prayers! 23 Days!!!

2006-07-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

Hi! I am Jason Hayes and this is my dog, Boston! Welcome to my official blog! I will use this as a daily/weekly/monthly journal to help collect my thoughts and let you know the things that are going on as my journey in life continues in Nepal. I am very excited to see how the LORD is going to work in my life in that place! Thank you for your prayers and support! You truly are a significant member on a team that is impacting Kathmandu, Nepal.