Reunion.

The team. Minus Pastor Jack. Sarai. Scott. And our Nepali/MC friends. ;)

Last Saturday my Nepal team and i met up in Seoul to reconnect after our trip! It was a great night. We met at my favorite Nepali restaurant, Durga (Jonggak Station. Exit 4). Near City Hall area, a short jog to Insa-dong and about two minutes from Cheonggyechong river. Really a great location for a great night! I was reminded upon exiting the subway that this was where i ventured on my first adventure in Korea. It seemed so long ago. But, I guess it kind of was... 9 months? Dang. That's a long time.

Anyway, back to our night.

We had a great time talking, reminiscing and enjoying some great food. Hard to believe we've been back for over a month! Man, time flies! I am once again convinced that the work of God is full of joy! What did he say... "I came that you may have life and have it abundantly!"? Whoot to that for sure! Fellowship with the Church about things that matter for his Kingdom... that makes for a good dinner party!

The food wasn't too bad either!

It was such a lovely night!

Please Pray!!

Friends i met in Nepal, who are working for MountainChild, are with this little girl and her mom! They wrote a blog about her surgery and experience in Kathmandu, Nepal. This was the little girls first time in Kathamandu. Her mothers second. Their first ride in a car... and well, no one speaks their language. Except the 12 year old brother!

Please continue to pray for her and her family! God is good! And a trusted Healer... he is able to do big things!

Scott and Sarai: Surgery In Nepal

The Realities are Harsh.

Please pray for this little girl.

Tsering Sangmo is a beautiful little girl from Nupri. Her brother is at the MountainChild Ranch in Kathmandu. A few months ago the staff became aware that she had contracted a small eye infection. One treatable with simple eye drops. With no immediate medical attention available and the ill treatment of a local witch doctor, the infection got worse and the treatments of this local doctor--hot water- have left her face mared.

After hearing about the worsened condition of this little girl, the MC staff instructed that the little girl be brought down from the village. It took a few weeks to reach the Ranch.

Here she sits in Kathmandu. She is undergoing surgery in Nepal today. Please pray for her! Pray for guided hands and a quick healing!

5 Core Issues in the Himalayas.

1. Health Care.

2. Education

3. Sex Trafficking

3. Child Labor

4. Environment

The realities are at times harsh... but God is still good! His provisions through MC are allowing this little girl to receive treatment. And by his grace, she will grow up knowing that he is the great Healer!

Visit MountainChild.org for more information!

"We're on a Bridge!"

We climbed down one mountain. To cross a river and make our way up the next. It was BEAUTIFUL. And the bridge was pretty dang awesome too!

One way down. And well... one -reasonable- way across a river. We checked out the construction date and decided it was safe. : )

Awesome. Here we go!

Too awesome to not shoot a short video.

Forgive the horrendous face. Day 3 of no shower.

Lyrics for Thought:

"Standing on a bridge, watch the water passing under.

It must've been much harder when there was no bridge just water!" -DMB

First Thoughts

We arrived in Kathmandu Sunday afternoon and two things immediately caught my attention. First, i felt as if i had landed in a city halted in mid-development. This was evident upon arriving at the airport. We landed and walked across the tarmac into an airport which both smelt and resembled the interior of an attic. Cobwebs and all. The airport attendants hand wrote and processed all of our customs and visa forms. Forming a line which would take hours to process. That says something. I think that says a lot of about the development of the country.

The Kathmandu Airport

After customs and baggage claims, we joined the Nepali MountainChild staff, loaded into vans, and headed across the city. What a city! Cars. Motorcycles. People. Monkeys. Music. Colors. Honking. Stares. It was borderline sensory overload. And again, in the midst of the slight chaos, the lacking development really caught me off guard. I have never traveled to a developing nation, and well, it was unlike anything i've ever seen. Dilapidated buildings. Trash strewn streets. Frantic power lines. Shoeless kids playing in dirty places. Grazing animals-- in the middle of the city! Foreign temples and monuments covered in people. Yet, in the middle of it all, a veiled beauty i can't really put my finger on. The people their lives in the midst of this all, was beautiful.

The streets of Kathmandu.

The building of Kathmandu.

So while Nepal is underdeveloped in so many ways, it is rich! There's something so beautiful in the culture, history and beauty of it all!

One of the major questions i left Nepal with was this:

Do i see the poverty in Nepal "bad" because it is poorer and more underdeveloped than everything i know or have seen, or do i find it "bad" because essentially the lack of development (medical, educational, and environmental) is detrimental to the life of those living in it?

Do Nepali people want to develop their country? Do they desire to have it look and function like more advanced countries? Are they happy with how things are?

I am confident that there are essential needs that need to be met in Nepal that are inhibited in part due to underdevelopment. It is unacceptable that 1/2 the children in Nepal will die, primarily in lack of clean water, before the age of 8. That us unacceptable for any country. The sex and forced labor trade is also unacceptable. So is the lack of medical aid and proper education.

The hard part is addressing these needs, encouraging localized stability, without imposing modernation. There's something beautiful in the tradition and simplicity i saw!

I'm Back!

God is good. I'm alive. Nepal was awesome. I'll be up and writing again soon!

God's beauty seeps from the mountains!

The food was delicious.

We met many WONDERFUL people.

" No one thinks of the pen when looking at a piece of art. i am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a LOVE letter to the world."

-Mother Teresa

To The Roof.

Well... today is here! I'm headed to the airport in a little over an hour... and im SUPER EXCITED! The bags are packed with the essentials. Sleeping bag. Goodies for the kiddos. Chapstick. Baby Wipes. Pancho. And well... my Rainbows made the list. They may need a ceremonial retirement after this trip. However, their life would be far more loved if they trod through Nepal. : )

Anyway, this is my last post for a while.

But, don't forget about me. I'll be back to blogging shortly... with plenty of pictures, stories and videos to make up for my absence!

Please pray for our team!

- For safe and timely travels.

- For awesome opportunities to love people in really tangible ways!

- That we would see God in BIG BIG BIG ways... and be transformed!

- That the Kingdom of God would come to Nepal as it is in Heaven.... in POWERFUL ways!

I'm expectant. And well... folks need to hear some good news!

To the roof we go... Carrying Hope to the children in the Himalayas.

MountainChild.org

Talk to you soon!!

-s

3 Days!

Three days. Nepal. And well... im excited!! (if you haven't noticed yet!)

Why?

Visit MountainChild.org

WHOOOOHOOOOOOOO..... tis the universal face of excitement and peace.

4 Days Till We Leave.

This is the general plan. Arrive in Kathmandu and spend some time at the RANCH with the kids and staff. We'll then bus to a city called Besehara, where out team will break up. Two ladies will stay back and work with the youth in Besesahara, then two trekking teams will head out. We'll trek for 4 days with hopes to deliver medical aid to the villages along the way, do some water research, and love on the folks we meet along the way! I am equipped with bubbles, stickers and on the hunt for a frisbee to bring some love to the kiddos! We will trek to Pokhara where we'll meet up with the other teams and do a Sports Day with the kids we meet there. From there we'll all bus back to Kathmandu and fly home!

The packing update: I now have a water purification water bottle a sleeping bag and backpack thanks to generous friends. There are two piles of clothes laid out... which will get smaller as i continue to look at them. Today i bought some new socks. Tomorrow i will swallow my pride and purchase anti-diarrhea pills (critical for trekking). I am hoping the translation is not too humiliating. "Poor foreigner!" they'll think. wa wa wa.

Let the count down begin! More to come.

Why Nepal?

Visit MountainChild.org for more information.

One Week from Today.

It is Saturday night, and I find myself sitting in Cafe London at the bottom of an Americano. It's been a while since i've been here, im not sure why! This place is awesome... i'll work on that.

Anyway, I've chosen to spend the night in (sort of) to prepare for Nepal. It is funny how the week you specifically need space to pray and prepare... your week fills up! Every logistical errand for the trip takes much longer than planned, and you start to get sick! Haha... funny how that happens. But not coincidence.

I think I wrote in previous posts that I am expecting big things on this trip. I'm not really sure what that means just yet, but I trust that God is going to do awesome things! And well, i feel inadequate and underprepared. Both thoughts of which are not from the heart of Jesus. Something is working here- and i'm fighting that b. : )

I've been wrestling these thought all week, but was awesomely encouraged in a card i opened yesterday from a dear, friend i like to call Dawnie. One that was post marked long before i planned to visit Nepal, but one most perfectly timed! It was filled with a homework assignment to read 2 Corinthians 3, 4, write out my thoughts, and tell people about it! While i plan to share those thoughts with real folks... why not share it with those who are following my blog too?

These verses talk about many things, but parts that stick out specifically tonight are in the confidence i have been given from Jesus to be a minister of his Good News. That I am, in myself, insufficient. Horribly inadequate and lacking. BUT, i have been made competent. A competence which comes from the Spirit of God himself dwelling in me. A confidence that marks itself in a radiant light. A light which shines brightly because i have seen Jesus and he has made and is continuously making me glorious. So, while my vessel is weak, the glory of knowing just how awesome Jesus is and what he has planned for those who love him shines through! What i have to proclaim to this world is only the goodness of Jesus-- and just how grand of a God i serve.

So... that is what i will do! Nepal- you are surrounded by some of the most majestic, powerful, and awesome scenery in the world. The God that i serve created all of that! And well, he loves you! And he has good news for you! This broken world around you- yea, he's coming to make it new! Hold on to your hats or your sandals, or i guess whatever it is your must hold onto ... big things are yet to come!

To The Roof: Nepalese Customs

Read an awesome article on Nepalese Customs. I think you should read it too!
Visit the blog at MountainChild.org

MountainChild Visits Pentaport Rock Festival 2010

Saturday, a group of MountainChild fans, myself included, traveled to Pentaport Rock Festival 2010 in Incheon. A short-ish trek took us to the middle of a huge field- obviously staged for a massive event. For one of the first times in Korea, this festival hoped to marry the love of rock music and a heart for social justice. This invitation for MountainChild to join the festivities was a big deal, and a rather foreign concept to most Korean concert-goers. We staged our booth, and set out to talk to folks about MountainChild with high hopes to spark an interest in things greater than rock music. (If one can actually aspire to such in the fanatics at a rock festival.)

I'm stoked to report, against several factors, that it was a huge success!

Small Stage.

Main Stage.

The two stages at the festival were separated by a rather long walk. The staggered band schedule provided plenty of transitions between shows and we found ourselves located perfectly. Right in the middle of the mass exodus. Over the weekend, the team talked to over 250 people who were interested in MountainChild (or the free ipod). But regardless, we made connections with over 250 people, most of who bought arm bands to fund clean water projects, some of which took more specific information on getting involved with MountainChild, all of from whom we got follow up information. It was awesome!

Humid. But SO awesome! I do believe the hours of 2-4pm were possibly the most humid and hottest hours I've experienced in Korea yet. But, we made it though and soon thanked the good Lord for a setting sun.

All said and done, Pentaport was fantastic! But, more than that, i am thankful for the sweet taste i got of MountainChild! I have yet to visit Nepal, and still have so much to learn, but i am falling in love with that place and the folks who are working full time to bring life to the people there! May Jesus come to that place now as a picture of the hope of what it will one day be. Beautiful. Saved. Redeemed.

New friends. Zeke. JiYun, YoungMin(back), and Peter

Can i get a whoot for MountainChild? That's what i thought!

Visit for yourself.

To the Roof

I am preparing for my trip to Nepal. As i do, i hope you'll follow! In the next few months, i'll be posting some information, pictures and fun Nepalese things... so ya'll come back now, and enjoy!

My trip to Nepal will be only a week but i don't doubt it will be life changing. I have much to learn and these people have much to teach me! I'm hopeful they will be touched by the love of Jesus and i trust that his Gospel can bring life to these people. Physically and spiritually! What a mission to be apart of!

First, a bit of information for you! Some essential Nepalese phrases. Enjoy!

greetings.
[namaste]
A greeting and farewell paired with hands palm to palm in front of you. Used only once a day. Just like my "anyanghasaeyo"teamed up with a bow, in Korea.

[tik chha]
A less formal greeting, "how are you?" "how is your day". Also serves as a response- a general "so-so"as my students tend to say to avoid a more complicated answer.

[diddi, dai, bai, bahini]
Family is important in Nepal. People are addressed in affectionate familial names. Just like in Korea. In Korean "oppa" means older brother. Most girlfriends refer to their boyfriends as that. "Onie" is older sister. I refer to the sweet ladies who i see often in restaurants or who are helping me as "onie". In Nepal "diddi" is older brother. "Dai" is older sister. "Bai" is younger brother, and "bahini" is younger sister.

my essentials.
[piro?]
"Spicy?" In a land know for it's curry and spicy dishes, this will be critical. I am sure their dishes of minimum heat may max out my taste buds. So if they describe it as spicy, even for the natives, i shall steer clear! My body will thank me.

[ramro!]
One of the first few words i learned in Korean were "delicious" and "beautiful". When i was eating or looking at something awesome, i wanted to be able to compliment the cook or the artist! Even if i couldn't have a conversation, i wanted to tell them what i thought! "Ramro" works just the same. It's just a nice, general word for everything delicious, fantastic, beautiful and good! I like words like that! Ekdahm ramro! (very good!)

There you have it!

Greetings!

This week marks a few big days! As of yesterday, I am one day closer to being finished with one year than having started it! That's right folks, I've hit my six month mark and, like always, it's still a little unbelievable. This week also marks the start of my 23 year of life! :) Can I get a "whoot" to that? It's been awesome! And from the look of things, I think it's only going to continue in crazy awesomeness! God is good, and he brings life and fullness to his children- and that, my friends, is truly awesome! Happy day to that for sure!

So, an update for me followers. Again, i shall break it down for you!

work.
Work is good! My middle schools have just returned from studying for their big tests (our SAT equivalents) so we are getting back in the groove of normal class. Motivating them past cucumber like brain activity is my newest challenge. It makes sense though. Students study, literally, all day the few weeks leading up to their test. Cramming crazy amounts of material for every subject in to their heads to spit out into a test. For my middle school students, these are very important tests. They will say which high school they'll go to. That high school will weigh heavily in which university they will get into. It's very important. When they're finished with these tests (which they have every 3 months or so), they're fried and want nothing to do with any sort of studying-- especially English. I have led many incognito English lessons lately.

It was this month that I began to realize that I'm making some sweet relationships with some of my students. Noah. Adam. Julie. Grace. Annie. Sonic. There are a few who have become dear to my heart-- ones who just make me smile! They make going to work a joy! And a riot!

life.
I am going to Nepal! Late this September, I'll be joining a team and making my way to the "Roof of the World". I'm SO excited! A little over a year ago, after attending a few events, the Lord opened my eyes to the real issues of sex trafficking, and it's global presence-- even in my California neighborhoods. It was then a seed of compassion and hatred for what is happening to women and children was planted. Unsure of how to immediately get involved, with many questions and still much to learn, I began to pray that the Lord would show me how he'd have me be involved. This is my opportunity! Sex trafficking in Nepal is pervasive. The organization I'm traveling with, Mountain Child, was conceived in Nepal. While trekking through the Himalayas, a group of Christian men stumbled upon a group of sex traffickers and a host of children. The children were being transported-- to be sold. These Christian brothers had to do something. Mountain Child was born. I am not entirely sure what the Lord is going to do while I'm there, but I do not doubt for a moment that he has big things waiting. Check out the organization.. support them if you'd like.

crazy korea moments.
This past weekend was Amy's birthday. Let me take a moment to explain one of the craziest things i've ever seen. We went to a club. Cocoon. I am not a "clubber", nor really enjoy the clubbing scene, but I do like to dance! We paid our money, and descended down into the pit of a place that would fail all fire codes to the nth degree. It was literally as if I were descending into a steam room, packed should to shoulder with men and women-- all of who were drenched with the sweat of a night of dancing. Or just standing. There was really too little room to even dance. Actually, rather Cocoon like. Swaddled in a sack of sweat drenched people and a awful addition of the fog machine (who invented that thing and thought it would be awesome?). Though I'm a bad judge of numbers, I can safely say there were at least 1000 people in this club. It was intense. And i wish with everything in my i had my camera to document-- but sadly, no such luck. We danced for a while, and departed. We emerged into the "fresh" air... in an unimpressive display of sweat and nastiness. One thing i can say: Been there. Done that.


big things coming.
The last weekend of July, we have a few days of vacation. A few friends and I are making our way to Busan! Beach. Book. Relaxation. Awesome.

I've begun thinking about what is next for me. And while I still have a lot of time, I am praying for what the next season holds for me. Join me? I could use all the wisdom I can get! Six months is kind of a long time, but no so much when I think job placement, living situation, and good things like that! But, like he has done in my life unwaveringly... God provides! Always. We'll see what is next on the life adventure. Though I am 1000% sure that includes home for a while... I've got some people I need to hug and a few summer BBQs, coffee dates, football games, Sunday get togethers, sushi dates, high school baseball games, and auntie play dates to attend to. That should keep my busy for a while!

There you have it! God is good! Life is full and I am well!

Love and miss you all!
sarah, sarie, pottsie, potts, capa

I like Rooftops.

I am not used to living in the city. Though I appreciate the hustle and bustle of a city, my little soul just needs some open space! I spend a lot of time looking for ways to "get out" of the noise (and i mean literal noise) that i find myself in, even in the grocery store. Wait a minute...ESPECIALLY in the grocery store! Don't get me started on that.
Parks have become my good friends. And even though Korea has yet to discover the value of picnic tables and benches with backs, for the most part i can get some quiet! Especially in the afternoon, when most folks have caved up in their apartments. I think it's safe to say there's an unhealthy fear of sunshine in this place! Just as i'm going out to get some sun, the people are packing up for the day- perfect!

I also like rooftops. Necessary to get above the craziness that is life in Korea sometimes. They are pretty hard to find, but OH! so coveted! The roof at my work has become my little oasis. It is nothing special- just a dirty wall i can sit on and eat my dinner, but it does the trick. There just something kind of urban-chicin' awesome about sitting on a roof. And a smiting joy of escape that comes over me as i sip my Coke Zero (no Diet Coke in Korea) and look down at the madness below. I'm always on the hunt for the an awesome rooftop treasure! I'm just a fan!

Anyway, on to the real purpose of this post. Fancy me for a bit longer about rooftops!

This September I will be traveling to the "Roof of the World" to work with an awesome organization called MountainChild. MC carries hope to the children living in the Himalayas! Who doesn't want to be apart of that? Half of the kids growing up in the Himalayas will die before their 8th birthday- due to a multitude of factors. MC runs the RANCH in Kathmandu, Nepal which houses, raises, and loves children who've escaped the harshest of lives. These children are showered in love, educated with purpose, and raised up to return to their people and end the cycle of suffering. I could be spending my week working at this RANCH doing whatever needs to be done to make that happen!

MC also treks to reach the ethnically Tibetan, who live in the mountains above Kathmandu. Many of who don't have the proper medical attention and supplies to treat critical injuries and illness common on the mountain. This team will be delivering aid in several ways. Medical supplies and basic medical attention will be hiked in. A lot of the medical issues found are rooted in the lack of clean drinking water, this team will address this issue in a water treatment facility. Something foundational to improving the health and living conditions of these people. But above medical supplies and clean water, these folks need Jesus. We've got him in surplus and plan to deliver some of his love and grace to the folks up there too. I could be spending my week on the mountain rocking a backpack.

There you have it! Pray for me. Pray for my team! Visit the MountainChild website and support them. God is doing big things! And it's beyond awesome i get to join in!

More to come!