Happy Christmas!

Instead of Merry Christmas here, it's Happy Christmas. It sure has been a while since I've last posted, and I apologize. Things have just beens so busy! I don't know where to start... How about Christmas Caroling?! I experienced my first caroling adventure in India and it was great! Janna and I had no idea what to expect when we arrived at the meeting place. Come to find out, we were going to be the only girls present. Can you say AWKWARD!? It was too late to turn around and go home, so we decided to be troopers. After all, we knew a few people that were there so we made the best of it. And it turned out to be one of the best nights ever!

The first stop was an apartment complex. Everyone made their way up the stairs and entered the house singing a Hindi Christmas song. We were greeted with croissants, cookies, and an amazing vegetable soup. The soup was so good that me and Janna had seconds. Little did we know that the soup was only the beginning of the food to come. At the second house, we were once again greeted with a meal. We asked the Pastor why there was more food and he simply stated, " Well of course, there will be food at every house. This is only the second one of the night out of five we are supposed to visit." Janna and I looked at each other in terror.

By the end of the night we never wanted to eat again. When ended up learning that when a caroling group from church gets together, it is planned what houses they will visit and what food will be prepared for them. It's basically a progressive dinner. But don't be fooled, you can't just not eat at a house because then you are offending the person who prepared the meal. Not to mention, it's completely normal to stay out till at least 2am. The people who commit to this are truly dedicated. They all have day jobs and get off late at night, but still chose to spend the remainder of their night caroling. And it's not just caroling that they spend their time. The church takes full advantage of the Christmas season and uses it to spread the Gospel. Before caroling, street evangelism takes place. Pastor Vincent said, " This is the only time of the year that we can share the Gospel in the streets without any problems." Janna and I started to discuss how amazing it is to see the fire that these people have for the Lord and spreading the Good News. I have never heard anyone complain of being tired from the night before. They are dedicated to sharing their Jesus and more of us need to do the same. America needs to get with it and go out in the communities to preach God's Word. We live in a country that allows us to have freedom of religion yet not very many of us use that to our advantage. There are people living in countries that can be killed for spreading God's Word yet they still choose to do it.

Christmas Day was just as fun for us... Janna and I woke up early to make hot chocolate for the guards in our apartment complex as a Christmas treat. The hot chocolate was accompanied with oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. While handing out the goodies, we also handed out the gospel of John in Hindi. It was our way of spreading some Christmas cheer while evangelizing at the same time. When we came back inside, we made eggs and toast and opened up our stockings (a.k.a. Janna's socks) and our presents. We did this all while being dressed up. Janna put on her Snow White costume and I dressed up as Santa. Then the party began. If you haven't dressed up for Christmas, you really should. It just makes things that much more fun! Later that night we went to a friend's house for Christmas dinner and played some games, not to mention watched Home Alone :). Even though this was my first time away from home on Christmas, Janna made it feel like home to me. I can honestly say that my Christmas was amazing and I loved every minute of it. After all, it doesn't matter where you are or who your with on Christmas because it's about remembering Jesus. Nothing else really matters because Christmas wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for Jesus.

Oh and I forgot to tell you that Muan dressed up as Santa for the Burmese Refugee/ Slum School. The kids LOVED it! I've never seen happier kids. The night before, Janna and I wrapped at least 100 presents. It was a long night, but every minute of it was worth it when we seen the kid's faces. They even got hot chocolate and a Samosa(an Indian treat). It was so much fun and I'm beyond grateful that I could experience that. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be in India! I would have never thought that I would be here three months after graduating high school and experiencing what I'm experiencing. God is so good and he is teaching me sooooo much! Thank you all for your prayers and support! Miss and love you all! I'll be home before you know it, time is flying by!!

making progress...

God has been continuing to do a work in me, but it's been getting better as each day passes. I got a package from my mom today, and that made my day. There's nothing like having a piece of home when your half way across the world. haha

Janna and I are starting to plan a Christmas program for about 70 children and it's getting interesting. Before coming here, I rarely worked with kids. Being here, I can't be around them enough! Just yesterday, we went to Sangam Vihar and helped serve lunch to all the kids. I think Janna and I stressed the teachers out instead of trying to help take the load off. But we had fun, and so did the kids. Everyone eats such simple foods here. Rice and dal was what the kids had for lunch. In good ol' America, kids cry if they don't get their favorite chips with their meal.

Oh and I totally forgot..On Wednesday, I was asked to share for about 2 minutes. And so I did. I went to the front, stood in front of everyone and shared. It was my first "official" time sharing in church, and I didn't do all that bad. I introduced myself as MoMo because everyone seems to like that. Not because it's easy to remember, but because MoMo is a very common food in India and they think it's funny that people back home call me that as a nickname.

The week to come is going to get crazy with Christmas coming up and all the church programs that we've been invited to, but I'm excited to see what God has in store! NOt to mention, we are supposed to go Christmas decoration shopping in a few days and me and Janna are especially excited to make the apartment feel more like home :) When it's all done being decorated, I'll make sure to post pictures :)

Miss and love you all!

Oh Goodness...

God has definitely been doing a work inside of me, that's for sure. Before coming here, my prayer was that God would reveal to me what I need to change about myself. Well, He has showed me and now the hard part is accepting it and trying to become more like Him.

God has shown me that I'm selfish, prideful, envious, angry, unforgiving, and definitely sinful. Those aren't exactly the Fruit of the Spirit... I have a lot of work to do and I'm asking God for the courage and strength to face the things that I've been putting off. As Janna said, this is a good thing that I'm realizing all of this because that means that my relationship with God is growing and He is answering my prayer. She's right, and I'm happy that God is showing me these things... At the same time though, it's hard to face sin head on and admit that I'm not as godly as I thought.

Lord, help me to be more like you, and continue to have patience with me as I work through this mess. I love you and am trying to change. God create in me a pure heart...

On a lighter note, Thanksgiving was good. We traveled to a city called Jaipur which is three and a half hours away from Delhi. We stayed for there for three days and celebrated Thanksgiving with about six other families in one house. No one was related, but everyone got together as one big family. These were families living in India and who are unable to go back to the states for the holidays. Janna and I stayed with a couple who are newly married and already living overseas serving. We arrived to their house the evening before Thanksgiving, and this was the first time meeting them and they were more than welcoming. We helped peel apples for an apple pie and helped smash potatoes. This was my first Thanksgiving away from home and it was hard, but God put so many loving people in my life to make me feel at home. It was a great Thanksgiving, even if we had chicken instead of turkey because to buy a turkey here is around 200 U.S dollars.

I can't express how thankful I am for God bringing so many wonderful people in my life, in both India and Nepal. I can't imagine going back home and not seeing these people again. I know that I will definitely be back to visit. God, thank you for all of these people who are becoming like family. And thank you for continuing to do a work in me... As hard as it is, I thank you for loving me enough to reveal things in my life that need to be changed so that my relationship with you may blossom. Amen.

Smile :)

We have a lady who comes and cleans our house three times a week. Her name is Nita and she is the sweetest lady ever. Her husband Mylar takes care of the garden and he is a very nice man. They live in a "house" constructed of metal sheets, so it's not a house at all, but it's what they've been living for the past 5 moths. They had a house, but the landlord told them it needed to be torn down for construction that was going to be taking place and that it would only be for a month. Mylar and Nita have two children, a niece and Mylar's 70 year old mother living with them in their small living space. We had them over for some chi a couple of nights ago and that was quite an experience. I happened to get the seat next to the grandmother and she was talking to me in Nepali the whole night. She even sang me a song! All I could do was sit and smile and act like I knew exactly what she was talking about. It was a night I'll never forget.

Earlier that day, Janna, Siam, our friend Esther, and I all went to the grocery store to buy the family some groceries; they had to use their last pay check for Mylar's mother's medical bills. When we got home, we packed all the food in to two boxes and awaited their arrival. Right before they left, we told them we had a surprise for them and gave them the boxes filled with food. Mylar and Nita took it with such thankfulness and had two of the biggest smiles that I have ever seen. Mylar had tears in his eyes as he was saying thank you, and I was trying to hold back the tears that were coming to my eyes. Nita gave me a hug and said thank you over and over again. I could feel her love and appreciation. The love that was being shared didn't need words.

When I first got here, I was consumed with learning Nepali. I still want to learn, but I'm now focused on how I can show God's love to someone without speaking, fore actions speak louder than words. I'm no longer discouraged about not being fluent in Nepali, but encouraged in how I can show the love of God without using words. If anything, that is more of a challenge than learning another language, but I'm up for the challenge and excited to see how God will continue to use me.

The Zoo :)

So, we didn't go to visit the school after all. Somethinf came up and it was bad timing. We are planning it for next week. However, I did get to go to the zoo!

Siam and two of her friends took me to the zoo, and it was quite an experience. Right when we got there, a bird pooped on me. Yes, I got pooped on. And it wasn't like we were getting ready to leave; we just go there. Anyways, besides my warm welcome, we had a grand ol' time. We spent most of the day there taking pictures and walking around. We are planning to take another trip in about a week so that we can take some of the girls from the center. I was showing Sunita the pictures from the zoo and she expressed to Siam and I how much she wanted to go because she has never been to the zoo. In fact, she didn't even know that there was a zoo in Kathmandu! I'm looking forward to going with all the girls, hopefully we will all be able to ride an elephant!

I also learned how to make Buff MoMo and Veg MoMo. It took a while to get the technique down, but Janna and I are pretty much MoMo masters now. It's so funny to see the word MoMo all around town. I feel like I'm famous! haha. Now for more importat things...

The center is going well...It's been a little slow lately, but we are happy to go even if one girl comes in. Sunita has been the only consistent one so far, and we look forward to her coming in everyday. Sometimes we play ball, color, write, talk, and even exercise. Everyday is an open book and it's quite fun that way.

I finally bought a Nepali book so that I can learn the language, so pray that it will help. I have never wanted to learn a language as much as I want to learn Nepali. Not even Spanish. Although I do know a few key words in Spanish such as: taco, burrito, enchilada, and hola. If you know at least those, your pretty much set.

Back on topic... I'm going to miss these girls sooooooo much! I never thought that I would bond so closely with people who don't even speak the same language as me! The days are going by faster and faster and before I know it, it's going to be time to go home. I miss everyone from home, don't get me wrong. I just have no idea when will be the next time I will be able to see any of the wonderful people that I've met in India and Nepal. I'm beyond thankful to be here and cherishing every moment.

Happy Halloween :)

Well it is Halloween in Nepal, me and Janna are eating soup and watching movies. This is the life. It's getting colder in over here and I'm welcoming it with open arms! It is a nice change from the humidity of Delhi. During the week we are still going to the center and spending time with the girls, which is a blessing. I'm still working on my Nepali and hoping to better communicate with them.

Well, that's all that I can think of for now...Sorry it's so short. I'll have more next time because some time during the week we are going to go visit one of the kids programs, which I'm really excited to go do and I'll have lots more to share.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Talk to soon!!

I'm lovin it...

Hello from across the world ;)

First off, thank you for all of your prayers; Janna and I greatly appreciate them.

Now, time for all of the "juicy details" as Sam likes to call it... We are still in Nepal and everything is continuing to go good. Just a couple of nights ago we had over three girls from the center for pizza. They only stayed for a little while, but we are thankful that they came at all. I'm learning more and more Nepali as the days go by and still getting mistaken for being a local, which is fine by me. I now know how to say "Hello, how are you" along with a few other key phrases and words. Now more about the girls center...

Just this last Friday a "street walker" came in to the center with her two children. She is twenty-three, has a two year old son and a four month old baby girl. There is a husband, but he is hardly a husband. Her and her children are hardly at home and forced to live on the street because of his drinking problem and abuse towards them. It was heartbreaking to see this mother of two struggling to make it day by day on the streets because she was afraid to go home and face her husband in fear of his abuse. All I wanted to do is take them far away from this life-style, but all I can do is continue to show God's love through a smile or hug and include them in my prayers.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be here and just love on these precious people. It is difficult though because I wish I could just get everyone their own personal Wal-Mart so they would never have to hunger, be cold, or live on the streets ever again.

Just the other day Siam (the other girl we live with) and I were talking about how difficult it is to share the Gospel with any of these girls without them feeling like we are only here to convert them. At that time we were brought back to John 13:35 when Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." It was then that we realized that by simply showing God's love to them, we are sharing the Gospel. Siam also told me of a quote that she heard from church one Sunday that says, "Preach. If necessary, use words." How powerful those five words are. We are sharing the Gospel with people just by our daily lives. You don't have to share a scripture with someone before you show God's love. God has commanded us to love as He has loved us; with no questions or reservations. Love is an amazing gift and ability that God has lavished on us and we have every reason to share it with every person we come in contact with. Love knows no language.

In Nepal...

Well, we are no longer in India folks. We are in Nepal, and it's beautiful! No more humidity or heat; it's all cool weather and beautiful mountains surrounding us. Don't get me wrong, there is still pollution and you can't drive with the windows down unless you have something covering your nose to breath in. Other than that, everything is great! Janna and I have moved in with one of her friends, now my friend, Siam. Siam is twenty-two years old and has been in Nepal for about four months now. She is originally from Northern India and speaks a bit of Nepali, Hindi, and English. Three girls living on their own is quite an adventure. We cook dinner every night and eat around the table like a family. We had a Mexican night in which we all cooked a little something and I must say, my momma would be proud. We had beans, rice which I cooked, Janna made the chicken, and Siam made tortillas. When we don't have a whole lot of ingredients to choose from, that's where it really gets fun. Not too long ago, Janna made a soup that consisted of Ramen and spaghetti noodles, tomatoes, onion, and beef broth. Seriously though, that had to have been the best soup I have ever tasted. Oh and I can't forget about Chai tea! It is my favorite tea on earth and I am officially addicted. If any of you know Nessa at youth, you know how much she loves Starbucks. Chai tea is to me what Starbucks is to her. That should tell you how much I love it. Okay okay, enough about food..

We have been going to the girl's center three days a week and to the office two days a week. At the center, we work with girls who work at the "massage parlors" and some other girls who are on the street. At first, I was mostly coloring during the day because I didn't know how to communicate with them seeing as how I only speak English and a bit of Spanish and I haven't found very many people who speak either one. Go figure. That reminds me, when Joe came to India, he said, " Mo, think about it, you are probably the only Mexican in India!" And how true that seems to be for Nepal as well.

Back to the girls center..There is one girl by the name of Sunita who I have become very close with. She saw me coloring pictures of flowers, the sun, and butterflies with crayons (forgive me, I'm no Picasso) and asked if I could draw her a picture that she could keep. I was honored that she actually wanted me to color something for her to take home and hang in her bedroom. Sunita was brought in from her village when she was fourteen years old and is now eighteen, and has sadly gotten use to being a "massage girl". The girls who work in the parlors make good money, which makes it even harder when trying to convince them to leave. The street girls though are no easier because that is how they get by each day. Some with as many as three children trying to support and no husband.

Right now, all we can do is try and build relationships with these girls to earn their trust and hopefully get them to stop what they are doing. The building relationships has been going great; Sunita has been trying to teach me Nepali and I'm trying to teach her English. One funny thing that I must say, just about every person who I get introduced to thinks that I'm Nepali (they all look like me) which is good because I blend in a lot easier than in India.

During the day, it's not promised that any girls are going to show up at all, but we go anyways and pray that God would draw them to the center. When they are there, we try to make them have as much as possible. We dance(yes, dance), sing, play games, watch Nepali movies, or just sit with them to let them know that we care. It is very hard to share the Gospel with them because of the language barrier and because most of them come from a Hindu background. Siam has been doing an amazing job in talking with them as much as her Nepali allows her, and sharing God's love through the Nepali worship songs that we have been singing to them. Sunita especially loves it and is always eager to learn a new song. What's great is the songs are about God, yet they still seem to be receptive to them. Praise God! We are praying for a Nepali staff member to join us because these girls really need to hear the Word. We believe that the only way they will leave this industry is if they have a spiritual transformation because they may not like the work that they do, but their family is depending on them to get by. It also doesn't hep that most of them have never finished school, so this seems to be the only way to make money to support their families. Some send money back to their parents in the village, some are single mothers, and some are trying to juggle doing both.

Janna and will be in Nepal until next month, and then we return to Delhi. We hope to come back to Nepal in January. For the time being, we will continue to go to the center and work with these girls, which we enjoy doing. They have been a blessing to me in many different ways and I'm grateful for being in Nepal and having the opportunity to work with them. I look forward to becoming closer to them as time goes on. Thank you for all of your prayers. Blog you later!

Good ol' India

So far, India has been amazing! So sorry it has taken me forever to post a blog, we have just been crazy busy! A medical team came last week and everyday we were up at six getting ready to leave and not getting back home until late. Helping the team was one of the best experiences yet; even though all I did was write down the weight and temperature of the incoming patients. Just being able to get a smile and laugh from someone was a big deal to me.

The kids have especially touched my heart. I remember one day at one of the medical camp I waved to a boy who looked about seven standing in line and he smiled and ran over to me. He showed me his arm, which was full of scars and it looked like his arm had been broken a while back because a bone on his arm was bulging from his skin. He then started to tell me (in Hindi) what had happened. I pretended to understand every word of it, but when he stopped talking he looked up at me for some sort of response. My response was to call Janna over and see if she could make out what he was saying. So he told his story for a second time. Since he was talking so fast, she only got a few details. So then we called over a translator, and the boy told his story for a third time. I think by this time he regretted coming up to me at all. We ended up finding out that he did in fact break his arm while he was playing, but never went to the doctor to get it fixed, which is why his bone was sticking out. Unfortunately, there was nothing the doctors at the clinic could do for him because in order to have it fixed, he had to go to the hospital.

This story may not seem like anything special, but to me it is. I will never forget this boy. All i did was wave hello to him, and he ran over to me and started talking to me like we knew each other. Most of the kids here are shy when a stranger waves hello and they timidly turn the other way. But this little boy ran towards me. Even though I could not understand one word that he was saying, I still felt a connection with him. I think about him quite often throughout the day and wonder what he's doing. He was in dirty clothes, but had on the biggest smile. These kids break my heart; they are living in poverty day in and day out, but they still manage to smile. I feel like I have been the one getting blessed instead of me doing the blessing. They give me encouragement to smile when everything else tells me not to and to have a hope when the odds are against me.

I have absolutely LOVED my time in India and I'm excited to see what I can do to better serve. I'll admit, it does get a little lonely at times, but I just remind myself that this is where God wants me right now and by knowing this, I can't imagine being anywhere else than here. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support, I appreciate it very much.