Mark and Julie - Adventures in Nepal

So, we are now half way through our trip. Actually, more than half way by now! Since our last post, we have had much time in Kathmandu. This has been a blessing for us to stay in Kathmandu for this last month. And both of us have kept bust doing things here and there. Much of our time was spent doing homework. Here is a picture of me at the computer...studying!

We are trying to keep up with school work while here. At times, it is frustrating. But we know that it wil "pay off" when we return. And because we have been at our house recently, we have been able to get to know some of the others who live in this guest house. Actually, we were able to eat a meal with many of them and plan to get together again soon! What a fun time!

In between times, we were able to share some about gardening for those leaders who are being trained at Kathmandu Friends Church. Mark's Mom told us about a garden named FAITH Garden. It is a crop rotation method so that crops (veggies) are available for most of the year. Good for families or those in need of some financial assistance. Many of the pastors were excited about the idea and have asked us to come to their village to teach their people. We will see if we can. However, we are excited that we were able to teach them, so that they might be able to teach. We pray the Lord uses it to strengthen the Nepali Church!

This is a picture of one of the "holy rivers" in Nepal. It was on the way to our talk. What a reminder that our God understands true holiness.

For the last eleven days we have had a visitor. Cassi came!! Cassandra Phillips has been my friend since I do not remember when. She has been working in Bangladesh about the same amount of time we have been in Nepal. All of us are working for EFM. It was a lovely visit right in the middle of both of our trips. She was only going to stay for seven days. However, those days were spoiled by a Maoist strike. They closed all the shops, schools and factories down. Therefore, we were stuck inside for those days. When the strike (bunda) lifted, she was able to stay and actually see Kathmandu!

Mark celebrated his 23rd birthday while she was here. Here he is with Debbie Adhikary and her son Deepak; opening up his Kukari knife from me.

More birthday fun. We were going to have more people over (John and Sangi Vanlal). However, the strike made that impossible. The Adhikary's are in walking distance. What a fun night!

Stuck inside all day!! Here we are in our apartment playing cards. These outfits are the "lounge" outfits women wear in Bangladesh and Nepal!

Maoist's blocking the road! They would not let any cars through! We went on a walk one day to check it all out!

Here we are when we finally got out! We went to Fire and Ice for pizza! Boys on one side, girls on the other!

Shopping in Thamel!

Eating Momos! Yum! Such a Nepali treat and so tasty! The are stuffed dumplings (meat and veggies) that are steamed. But the best part is the spicy sauce!

Overall, our time with Cassi was an encouragement on both ends, and was worth it! We had some great talks about our joys and struggles so far. And we were able to laugh a lot!

Those were some of the highlights from the last few weeks. We are planning another trip down south of Friday. Please be praying for us! It will be over 100 degrees there this time of year. We have many lessons to prepare. And Mark has been struggling with a cold the last few days. We are excited to see what the Lord has for us! We have about two months left in Nepal! Thank you for reading this and for your love and support. It has been an encouragement!

Julie