Treasures of Nepal

I know it has been just over a month since I left Nepal and arrived back ‘home’ in UK, but here I am in a Nepal state of mind.

It didn’t feel like five months in Kathmandu. It felt like a year or more. I am honoured that God honoured me in sending me there. I asked to become humble and serve, just like Jesus was and is if you think about it. For Jesus did not come to be served but to serve.

I was an ESL and French teacher in KISC (Kathmandu International School Centre). The majority of the student population or sons and daughters of missionaries in Nepal. It is also open to Nepalis who were also missionaries and those who could afford fees. Like I said in a previous post, this school is ultimately derived from God’s greatest gift, which is love. I know it was my first time as a missionary and I hadn’t had any experience in a Christian school, but I was and still am in awe of how education can come so easily with love. I wished that all schools in the world would be like this. Maybe there are some but I don’t know because I haven’t stepped into one until now. But if each teacher taught with love to every single student, with no condemnation, no judgement, no anger and any other horrible negativity, then each student will thrive in learning and be inspired.

I want to thank the school with all my heart. For their compassion, patience, joy (there were too many laughs, it was awesome), their reaching out and understanding. 1 John 4:18 says that, ‘there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.’

During my time also, I attended a sister church of that I was attending in Taipei. Every Nation Nepal is so driven to see God’s presence move in Nepal, it was and is contagious. I’m thankful that Every Nation has so many churches in the world that it was like moving from home to home. I love my spiritual family and EN Nepal enabled me to grow in areas I felt the Holy Spirit was calling me to do. I completed a couple of training courses the EN developed such as How to Make Disciples. It has given me a great stepping stone into the world and how to approach non believers not only with the Good News but with compassion and love. I was able to hang out with many Nepali young people, and see God’s presence just fill them from the top of their heads to the bottom of their toes. The fire of the Holy Spirit is within them and the church is growing. I can’t wait to come and visit them in the near future. God is faithful and loves us very much.

I’m truly touched by Nepal. It’s people, the missionaries, and it’s openness to the Gospel. It’s not surprising to hear that it is one or the fastest moving church in the world. I miss the mountains (I had 360 degree views of the Himalayas and hills from the roof of the guest house I stayed at). Mountains were a passion but they are even much so now. They are often in my mind, and they remind me of how great my God is. They are majestic and gracious. They are often silent killers too, and show off their power in drastic ways. It shows that God will move silently when you think He’s not there. But my days, He is there always (‘For I am with you always’) and He will move powerfully.

I want to say thank you to those who supported me financially and spiritually, or both. I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you greatly and cannot wait to see you again.

God lead me to Nepal. It wasn’t my desire (kind of), it was more His. I wanted to go to university beginning of September 2014. But God had other ideas and I know why. I realised that He wanted me to go to Nepal to not only to experience one of the poorest countries but also to gain experience in a school which followed the British school curriculum. God knew I wasn’t ready to go to school in 2014 but I had to go through the interview process anyway. So I failed in getting onto a SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) course and went to Nepal as God said. I obeyed and knew straight away it was the better decision.

I am now here in 2015, with a place on a PGCE course (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) for September at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. God is awesome. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Freely give as you have received. I can go on but I cannot express enough how much I am in love with my heavenly Father.

Lessons of love.

Wow, it’s been a long time since my last post. Many great things have happened over the past month or so. But one of the things that stands out the most is the trek.

Whilst trekking in the Himalayas (as you do) we met many locals. Living in the mountains and wilderness, you’d believe it to be difficult to survive with the lack of modern-day resources. However, the villagers had many wonderful techniques to counter this ‘problem’. To keep fires going we saw women collecting yak dung, and using their bare hands they’d make patties and dry them on the ground or on walls. YES! There were walls and walls covered in circular yak dung.

The drying of yak dung.

In order to feed their yaks and livestock, villagers would cut the grass and dry it in the sun. It was spread across any space they could find around their homes. Not only was their food for the animals, but the sun is able to dry flowers and bark for medicinal purposes.

Dried plants.

Fields and available soil are used for rice, vegetables and fruits. Talk about local produce! Everything we ate during our trek was locally produced, and made it even more delicious that we were supporting them with our finances.

Cabbages lazing in the sun.

Everyone in the villages lacked nothing. Many of them shared their resources and it seemed as though they were a family (probably still have disagreements) of love. It highlighted to me and reinforced my belief that I don’t need a whole lot of things to enjoy this prestigious gift of life.

One of my goals was to bless children with a notebook and pencil. I did just that.

abc to 123

It’s not for me to show you how awesome I am but how privileged I am to know the great I AM and share the love. I’ve a gruelling passion to see children not only receive an education but to know God. Blessing children with material goods is the first step though and I wished I had the time to stick around and hang out with the children and share a little of the Good News to them and their families. Anyhow, I came away delirious with joy and laughter as I walked down the route back to Lukla. How amazing it is to bless others. To see and feel the Holy Spirit inside you. The authority that God has given to you to go and help the poor. I love to see and hear how God’s glory is here on Earth. I love how God is using me not only in my work but everywhere I go. I want more.

Lessons of love learnt:

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matt. 10: 8

I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. Psalms 54: 6

Sharing in All Things. Acts 4: 32- 37

…but the righteous gives and does not spare. Proverbs 21: 26

A Witness with Purpose

I knew I was coming to Nepal to teach. Teaching was and is my first calling. I did however, have an urgency to reach out into the community as a volunteer, as well as teach. Over time I’ve learnt that things aren’t going to come when you want it to. I’ve been a little frustrated and impatient waiting and finding something I can get my teeth into. A lot of the NGOs run during the daytime and that clashes with my schedule at school. Band rehearsals were also run during the day and so I was finding it hard to understand why it was so hard to serve in the church too. I have to be honest I was asking God ‘Why aren’t you using me? I want to be used!’ I was actually forgetting why I was sent to Kathmandu, and my desire to serve in the community was overshadowing the fact that I WAS serving the community already!

Anyway, I’ve found an organisation that reach out to the slum community and work with street children. I’ll be starting in a couple of weeks time and I’m looking forward to that! It won’t be evangelising because it’s a little difficult to that here, and so Christians have to be sensitive to the culture. But what the group do is actually hang out with the children either playing some sport or teaching some English. I’m also thankful for opportunities to play the guitar during worship either in small group and church. After two months, it seems that it’s all coming together. Praise God that He is using me the way He wants me to be used for His kingdom and to prepare for His coming.

I just want to encourage and let you know fellow believers that we are all missioinaries. God does not create war, political corruption, genocide, rape and many more crimes around us in this dark, dark world. It is the devil, who forces us to look away from believing in the true and living God. He came to earth as Jesus, and therefore has felt and seen, is feeling and seeing the injustice that has happened and is happening on earth. God is waiting for us to be obedient and show good faith, to ask God how we can individually be used to see justice form and overcome darkness. To advance Christ’s Commission, is an all hands on deck situation. Our calling is not stopped at sharing the good news but also to help the poor and oppressed. If we can’t do this then where is God’s love within you? There is something each of us can do.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. (‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭23‬ NKJV)

Let us not give up and forget about justice, but be obedient, therefore be able to reap the harvest. But as I have learnt, we need to be patient and know that God is in control and leading us all into a specific purpose He has planned for us. He has a perfect plan; you have a purpose. Sometimes we pick and choose what we want to do but God has a particular job for you. Ask Him and He will make a way.

David Bosch: “We hope because of what we have already experienced. Christian hope is both possession and yearning, repose and activity, arrival and being on the way. Since God’s victory is certain, believers can work both patiently and enthusiastically, blending careful planning with urgent obedience, motivated by the patient impatience of the Christian hope.”

JC or buddha?

This is just a quick post about something I’ve been thinking about recently.

I’m living in a prominent Hindu believing nation. I see bumps in the middle of the pathway being worshipped (I’ll take a picture next time) with tikka and grains of rice, as if it were a god. I’ve visited temples that are dark, dark, spiritual places that I’ve not experienced before in my life. There are prayer wheels, offerings (mostly grains of rice), nasty smells and believers actually paying money to be prayed upon. Then there’s the statues of gods and pictures of gods.

To cut it short. Those ‘gods’ will not provide you with anything. It’s just emptiness. There’s no ‘filling’ of the soul. I feel sorry for these people because they don’t know Jesus. If I mention Jesus, they would think He’s just another god. NO! He’s the only living God!

Do you feel anything when looking at this statue? Take a minute or two.

How do you feel?
Know that Jesus loves you.

What does love mean? It’s shown in the last image.

To my fellow believers, here’s a refresher. What does Jesus mean to you? Also, God is wanting to use you to move amongst the nations, to ask people upon people to follow Him. Let’s get going!!

To those who do not believe yet: Jesus already died for all the ‘bad stuff’ you’ve done. That’s true love. Has anyone died for you? Will there be someone that will die for you? Ask Jesus into your heart (yes! all you need is to ask; so simple!) and the old will pass away; smooth as silk.

Comm+unity (see what I did there?)

Truly time goes by very quickly when you’re settled. The fear of moving to a new country is quickly swept away. I’m kept in His promise that He never leaves me and is with me wherever I go. He truly makes a way. I’m in awe of His faithfulness. I’m covered by His powerful and unconditional love 24/7.

As for God, His way is perfect;…For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on high places. (II Samuel 22: 31-34)

I’ve been here in Kathmandu for a month. What I’m really thankful for is the community (comm+unity), that is the school I teach in, KISC (Kathmandu International Study Centre). Ok, it’s the first Christian school I’ve taught in so I’ve got nothing to compare it to except for public schools that I’ve attended as a young girl. But wow I wish ALL schools in the world were like this one!

It’s a privilege to work with so many colleagues and students from around the world. We can all be ourselves and no-one judges you but love each other as God loves us. It’s awesome to see that teachers put the interests of others before theirs, whether it be colleagues, leaders or students. This is challenging me and my heart. Actually, I learnt something new the other week, which probably some of you knew already. (I learnt this from children!!) The word ‘joy’ can be an acronym for ‘Jesus, Others, Yourself’. The school has an atmosphere of celebrating each other rather than competing or comparing. It’s so cool to see the children (primary and secondary school students) be comfortable with who they are, and get on with what is planned ahead of them.

We pray all the time! What a powerful weapon we have. Students, staff and parents. Children as young as 5 years old, get up and pray in front of crowds. We pray before school starts and when it ends, we pray before lunch, we pray before meetings and after meetings, we pray for the school, the community, leaders, the nation etc. Pray here, pray there, pray everywhere. It’s awesome! The school is Christ centred in regards to its teaching and education. It follows and grows stronger through their core values (love, grace, community, justice and excellence). The school loves God very much and I’ve learnt so much already that it makes me praise God every day. He’s been faithful to me and His faithfulness is overflowing in the school. I feel my heart is full every time I leave school.

I’ve titled this ‘comm+unity’ because that’s what KISC is. If I was to split up the word community, I’d go for ‘communication’ and ‘unity’. Communication through pray, actions and voice. How are we going to succeed in completing the mission God has given to us? God has equipped us with these tools. Let’s use them to their full capacity! Without unity, we wouldn’t be able to complete the mission either. The mission that the world will know God and be one with God. To know that God loves all of us, and that He sent Jesus Christ to the cross, to die for us. How is the school going to achieve ‘excellence in education’ and leaving a legacy for generations to come, without unity? I think that the school is good at what it does because everyone is striving to be like Christ. The school fears God. The school humbles itself and is obedient towards their Heavenly Father. The school focuses on others rather than themselves. It bows down and exalts Jesus Christ. It’s an awesome school that honours God and brings His glory to the nation of Nepal. It’s a privilege to teach missionaries’ children as they bring God’s kingdom together.

But He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously — take God seriously (Micah 6:8 The Message)

I’m that small?

It’s morning in Kathmandu, Nepal. I’m currently sitting on one of the best balconies I’ve sat on in the world. The view from the guesthouse I’m staying at is incredible and can only wish my closer friends and my beloved family were here to enjoy it with me. In fact, every time I sit here whilst playing the guitar, reading Word or procrastinating, I see something new that I had not seen before. For example, I know I can see mountains upon mountains in the distance, with homes built on the bottom of the slope and mid-way. But actually if I gaze higher up, there are more houses. They are built so high, which makes me think, how on earth people live there or even manage to build something up there. Of course, people can and will, but what I’m trying to say is that I always see the foundation of an image and usually not notice the intricate detail or the bigger picture.

Good morning Kathmandu Valley

I have completed a week here and school started this week too. I’m here to teach ESL and French. This was my priority and main ministry whilst I am in Nepal. However, it was my desire to serve in the Nepalese community as well and offer the good news to those who have not come to know Him yet. So when I found out that I was unable to commit a full day to going out into the community, I was to say the least a little dumbfounded and disappointed.

In addition, it was my desire to join the worship team at my home away from home church of Every Nation Nepal. Unfortunately, because of my school schedule I am unable to attend worship practice, therefore cannot join the worship team on Saturdays (Saturday is the Nepalese Sabbath).

It may seem like I’m grumbling and complaining about how much bad luck I’ve had so far. But I am not. I am not. It’s actually leading into God’s story and a life lesson.

Sometimes, actually most of the time we get consumed with the world and our flesh desires. That is who we are naturally. Coming second, third or last is not easy to some, and we all try and strive to be first. Something in our souls there is a desire to lead and take control. Take control of others and take control of our lives.

However, I’ve learnt just how small and even nano-sized we are compared to God and His big story.  It’s been a wake up call and I think that it will be useful to some of you to know that God is in control. He is in control of EVERYTHING. For me, knowing that, lifts everything off my shoulders. I can give all my trust to God because He is great. How about you?

So when John the Baptist saw Jesus, he literally was thrown to the back and became insignificant. It must have been hard because you can read how many people he baptised. But listen, he didn’t mind that. He knew who He was. I AM. Jesus came. Jesus is God in the flesh. John in comparison to Jesus was a very small person. He played only a small part in God’s big plan.

It’s the same for us. We get caught up with self-sufficiency, feel defeated or demand more from God. But at the end of the day, we’re all missionaries playing a small part in God’s plan. So as I look over across the houses, across the trees and onto the mountains, I understand more and more how small I am and how great I AM is. My desires to be on the worship team and reach out to the community may not be what God desires. But that’s ok, and in His own time. Jesus is sufficient for me and I have trust in Him that He will lead me onto greater things. I’m committing to die (from my flesh) every day to become renewed in the spirit, in order for Him to take control and for me to enter into the matchless wonder of all that He is. What is more important than in waiting and walking with the Lord.

John 3: 30 NKJV He must increase, but I must decrease.

Barking mad dogs in the evening & Flapping coo-mania pigeons in the morning

As the title suggests I have arrived safely in a new land very much close to rural roots. I am actually pleased to call Lalitipur in the Katmandu Valley my home for the next 5 months or so. The culture shock has rapidly come and gone as I am used to different cultures by now. I actually don’t think I need to spell it out to you how different Nepal is to Taiwan or at least the capital, Taipei. I was actually telling some friends how much it reminds me of Penang, Malaysia, parts of Vietnam and Cambodia. This is a good thing because I thought I may have been eating lentils and rice for most of the stay, and truly going from one extreme to the other. Well no there some extreme differences but nothing that should bother a human being from living here, I believe.

I have to say there are no complaints whatsoever after having been here for what seems like forever, but actually it’s only been 4 days. 

A few things that I love about the Valley is it’s simplicity and rural lifestyle. It’s very slow here but at a comfortable pace. For example, I find myself saying, ‘I can’t believe it’s 7pm and I want to go to bed already or actually I have so much time to do more productive things.’

Even though I hate birds with a passion especially pigeons, I love to wake up (and quickly go back to sleep) at 5am to the sound of flapping wings, (flipping) pigeons cooing, and general birds tweeting. Seriously, my room has a balcony and lots of wedges where the pigeons sit and talk to each other at the top of their lungs. Like there isn’t anywhere else to sit and argue but my window ledge you horrible creatures!!!!

The first night here I thought I’d have trouble sleeping (well apparently I don’t have trouble sleeping anyhu FYI) because of the dogs barking enough to make themselves lose their voice (at least I’d hope would happen). But no, I fell fast asleep and since then if there’s silence during the night I even think to myself there’s something wrong because there’s no dog barking. I’ve quickly found out that all dogs here just sleep, eat and bark. 

So you have the slow paced life and the noises of the country (well pigeons and dogs but still…). What else do you need? Oh yes! A jaw-dropping, astonishing, beautiful, glorious and many other positive adjectives back drop. The Kathmandu Valley is a bowl and all around it are mountains upon mountains upon mountains. I think for most of the time I’ve been here I’ve just been looking up and around. Clouds resting on mountain tops, blue skies, voluminous clouds and sun beams shining down, sunsets that are truly ‘you have to be there’ to see and feel it. It’s made the transition somewhat easier and comforting to know that I am small and our creator is bigger and is in control of all things, including this wonderful nation.

Nepal’s people are incredibly polite and friendly. Just like the Taiwanese, they are willing to help you. It makes me warm and fuzzy. The young ones have fantastic English skills that could put any French person to shame, and even some of the elders too! I’ve been learning about their culture and customs, and truly respect their heritage (somewhat). It will take some time getting used to the hugging situation (because I love hugs- I especially believe in 20 second hugs for the soul) but I respect there distance. I’ve been walking around a lot (only because everything that I need is within walking distance) (and I’m also scurred about using taxis and any other mode of transport at the moment). Anyhu, I see families, children, old people, young couples etc in their homes, in their stores, with their food carts etc. When I see and walk pass them I don’t see or think of them financially poor. I have a compassion for their hearts and souls. Every time I make contact with an elder or a young person I smile and then I have the urge to tell them that Jesus loves them. I want to tell them that what they are lacking is not money or materialistic things. They are lacking in faith and knowing who Jesus Christ is. Once they have Jesus nothing is impossible. Hindus believe that Brahman created the universe. I look at these people and I’m like ‘nooooo’. What I’m trying to say is that I feel sad knowing that they are such kind human beings that don’t know Jesus yet. Actually this is another blog post I think because I’ve also been learning how to engage with the Nepalese and talking to them about the good news. There’s so many things to be careful with in order to avoid misunderstandings.

The food here caters for the adventurous, the fussy and the plain Joes. I love dhaal bhat (curry and rice), the national dish eaten twice a day by the majority of the population. I have to be honest it wasn’t what I expected, it is better. Then there’s momos, which are like Chinese dumplings. There are open momos too, which remind me a little of the dim sum dish siu mai. It’s currently monsoon season, so I’ve been avoiding salads BUT watermelons galore and coming up to the back end of mango season! It truly is like moving away and coming to home (Taiwan). I feel that Nepal has truly developed at it’s own pace but all in the right places, and of course there’s still much more for improvement. There’s western food, Japanese food and also fusion dishes. So really what was I fearing? Though whilst I’m here one of my prays is to eat for 3 (for God, for me, and for the people around me) and that means really to eat almost only natural foods. I’m working and praying on that.

I think for now the last thing to mention is the electricity situation. I love it! The system here in Nepal is called load shedding. The electricity is shared around the country and so therefore electricity can go out at any time. Some may complain but I don’t. I guess for me it’s like the added cherry on the cake to a simple life here in Nepal. There are inverters in the house for lights but electricity for nothing else.

As for God moments, I have been learning so much from people at school, church and friends here. I’ve not really been surrounded by so many God fearing people in my life before. It’s been overwhelming and there have been lots of ‘mind blown’ moments. I love it. There’s around 40 teachers and teaching assistants at Kathmandu International Study Centre (KISC) where I’m working at. There’s also friends of colleagues that I’ve met that are working for NGOs. Finally, there’s the congregation at EN Nepal. All of whom have encouraging stories to tell and testimonies to share. There’s loads to share with you from devotions too, including justice, humility, forgiveness, working together as the body of Christ, and rebellion versus submission.

But I think I’ll share with you about times where you’re facing giants in your life because I feel my spirit wants me to encourage those who are fighting a battle that they are blaming God for or who are in need of encouragement through testimony. I’ve been studying 1 Samuel 17 David and Goliath. I guess it’s timely because I’m coming out of a challenging time, where my heart seemed to be restless and wanting that stillness and peace that God is in control of all things. I want to encourage you that through life battles, God is always with you. He is the one who delivers you and we have the victory in Him. He loves YOU! I want to ask you do you believe that? I believe that! I really want you to believe in it too. I have drawn in closer to that Father embrace.

If we take the lesson of David and Goliath. David KNEW God as his deliverer. David KNEW God not just in his head but PERSONALLY. Do you seriously believe that you are making that time and are putting all your energy in having a personal relationship with God?

David fought Goliath in the Name of The Lord Almighty. The Israelite soldiers focused on the dangers of battle and also what rewards they would gain. However David fought for the HONOUR and GLORY of God’s name. You know what? You’re going to face persecution from humans and attacks from the devil. But in all these things you’re are going to defeat them with great joy because you know it’s going to be for God’s kingdom and to see His glory to be revealed.

David KNEW that the God of Israel would give him the victory. David KNEW the POWER of God. He KNEW this battle was the Lord’s, not his. Finally, he DECLARED his FAITH and GAVE the HONOUR to God. David was confident that no-one compared to God.

I want to leave you with that and hope that you can take something away from David’s relationship with God? How will you decide to face your battle.

“Here I am. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

The time has come to leave my home of Taipei and fly over to Katmandu.

I’m in a state of panic as I see all my possessions spread across the apartment. Thankfully, I’m organised and have set out suitcases and bags to contain certain goods. You’d thought getting rid of a gazillion things would minimise the amount of stuff to pack away. I’m so ready for the simple life in Nepal!

My gracious heavenly Father has set out before me an assignment of which I prayed for and He faithfully answered. Though I did pray for this and God answered, it was never easy to understand why and how. I love how these things have God wanting you to draw closer to Him. I’ve been on highs and lows over the past two weeks and do you know what? It’s normal but through the uneasiness and tears I’ve been discovering that I always come round to praising Him. Why would God send you into the wilderness? Because He loves you. He wants to change you. He wants to see you grow. How boring it is to be stale and plain. I totes want to mirror the image of Christ. I’m nowhere near it! So I want to become a humble and obedient servant. An outstanding servant that is pleasing to the Lord. To be used as He wants me to be used. To see more people accepting Christ into their lives. To love people as Jesus loved and loves me. I’m praying that the children and people in Nepal see Jesus in me. Therefore, whatever I was feeling or am feeling (state of tears nearly everyday) it comes back around to one thing. Love. God gave me this mission to Nepal because He loves me. I accepted and surrendered because I love God. He’s my everything.

If you have doubts or challenges fix your gaze upon Him. He will never leave you. He keeps you grounded and is an anchor for the soul. God has really opened His heart to me and I pray that I may never lose that sense of wonder and awe of His great work, unconditional love and sovereignty over my life. Pray for me!

What has been outstanding is the provision of community waiting for me in Nepal. I can’t wait to meet them! There’s people from Every Nation church, the school I’m going to be teaching at, and friends of friends out there already. I’m pumped!

Thank you for Taipei friends for sending me off in style. I couldn’t have asked for more or less. This is not goodbye but a see you soon, ok la?!

(Next post from Nepal)

I am Overwhelmed. You are Loved.

On Saturday July 12th, I held a fundraiser at Every Nation Taipei. I had never organised such an event but I managed to rally up friends and it was an overwhelming success and testimony to God’s faithfulness, provision and ultimately His love.

My work in Nepal will be voluntary, which meant I would need to provide for myself accommodation, food and other daily essentials. Living and working in Taipei has enabled me to save money and live comfortably, so I am able to pay for my trip to Nepal. I praise God for that and I’m always thankful for His generosity in giving me a wonderful experience in Taipei. Of course it was always in His plan.

I really want to give back to the Nepalese community too. I want to do as much outreach as possible especially to street children and communities in rural areas. Hence why I organised a fundraiser. The money raised will be used help propel God’s love amongst the nation of Nepal. I will be the hands and feet of Christ. I love you and thank you Father!

I’ve been very blessed with friends from all over the world of whom now reside in Taiwan. They individually possess a wonderful, creative gift from God. What great way to give them the opportunity to show off these gifts than to ask them to contribute to my ‘Love Nepal’ fundraiser. Of course they wouldn’t say ‘no’ (mwahaha). Anyway, all HANDMADE jewellery, greeting cards, and baked goodies were a massive hit.

I love puns.

Baking queens.

*sigh*

My beautiful sister whom I love dearly (another story) modelling a scrumptious red velvet cupcake made by J. Weurtz

I had a few students come and support me. They will get double blessings (and team points)!

Thank you Sophie for helping!

Live moosic.

Handmade by Hu and Holmes. Captured by J. Weurtz. Crafted by L. Avery.

NT$50?!

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

I had good expectations for the event but never does it turn out the way you’d expect it. It was way better than expected. With that event and various other donations, I’ve been able to raise over NT$50,000. That’s £975. That’s US$1,665. I cannot describe to you (without breaking down into tears or at least choking up) how overwhelmed I am. This is God’s glory shining before us. Let’s grab it with both hands, right here, right now.

Thank you to all those who were involved in the fundraiser. You know who you are.

Thank you for your donations. You know who you are.

I love you. Jesus loves you. In Him we are victorious.

I put the FUN into fundraising

I’ve always been very good at being clean, neat and organised. How can you function when everything’s all over the place and why go to a new country to sit at the beach all day, every day?

Anyhu, I’m currently preparing for my kindergarten students’ graduation and organising a fundraiser to raise money for the poor in Nepal. This, coupled with a few events on top, makes my life busy. But do you know what? It’s worth it! I’m driven to complete all things well. Not for my benefit really (except maybe my relationship with God), but to bring heaven down to earth. Every minor detail He takes notice of. Isn’t that cool?

I’m doing two graduation shows (I have two classes, which means 2×20 children). Each show is 12 minutes long. I don’t want to do a shabby show. In fact I want to go out with a ‘BANG’, and that means putting every effort into all the props, costumes, choreography, singing and speeches. I’m painting backgrounds that show off the artistic strength that God has blessed me with. I know that if I don’t do a good job, I’d be letting myself and God down. Why do anything that is half-hearted? He’s given you the authority and free will to use unique talents because He loves you and He hopes that you’d use them to love others. He will keep persuing you until you notice this because He is gracious and loving. Think of your strengths, work on them and try and not focus on your weaknesses.

I wanted to do a fundraiser because I want to do a lot of outreaching as possible whilst in Nepal. I’ve been very fortunate to be in contact with pastors and organisations who do community outreach in the city and in rural areas. I’d like to use the money to provide food, clothing or any other requirements for those who are in need. I can’t tell you how excited I am that I will be able to provide for children and families. I can’t wait to hear their stories and I can’t wait to see them smile (and I like hugs). I can’t wait to be the salt and light of the world to the Nepalese folk!!

I’ve never really organised and lead a public event before. But, to be honest with you, it’s not that hard with such an amazing bunch of friends, and friends of friends. I’ve actually found myself sitting back and relaxing as they take the lead. I see their creative juices flowing, and it gets me excited. I love that they get to show off their talents. Not only are my believer friends involved, but my non-believer friends too. It gives me great hope and faith in human beings, especially in the world we live in. I said that I’m excited about going to Nepal, but I’m just as excited about this one event too! God’s love is so great that it’s become so vivid in the run up to the fundraiser. For my non-believer friends, I’m not afraid to say this but you’ve got a little seed planted by God in your bodies!

It’s been a lot of fun working with the crew (Cat, Jo, Ping, Kelly, Marites, Romela, Norma, Bert, Lita, Courtney, Bethany, Weng). I’m thankful for clothes from Daniel, Renae, Aidan, Zoe and to those who are going to donate!

I continue to be amazed and I’m expectant.