Aid for Nepal - anyone going to Nepal?

If you know of anyone leaving from Canada going to Nepal. Please let me know. The Toronto Western Hospital and Peel Memorial Hospitals have equipment to be donated to Nepal. But it needs to be brought over by person.

 

The situation remains that if you send something via post. It will be opened and sold by customs in the black market. The way to bring this equipment over is in person. If you know of someone or are going yourself. Please get them to email me. I will give you contacts of doctors there who will be more than willing to share the situation there with you.

 

Please email me if you want more information on bringin equipment over. Currently, I'm contemplating setting up a medical elective to Nepal that will allow for more constant stream of equipment being brought over.

Re-entry update + invitation

Hello Praying Siblings,

Thank you for your continued support in prayer. I have since returned from Nepal and am still sorting through feelings being back in Canada. My experience re-entering the developed world has been most shocking of all and perhaps I've taken a really fatalistic and cynical view of things I see around me.

My first encounter would have been a night spent in the middle east. My anticipated stay in the airport terminal overnight turned out to be a excessively luxiourious stay in a beautiful hotel staffed by immigrants many of which would have to break from their families to come work here. This stay was complimented by several all you can eat meals all within the span of 9 hours. Which some of it was beyond what I could take in after living in a developing country for the last little while, I took full advantage of the pressurized running water and showered.

This last weekend, I had more time to consider the lavish ways of the west at an amusement park. Many Nepalese long to have another hour of sunlight so that they can work and hopefully glean just a bit more to prolong the imminent effects of malnutrition. And here we are finding ways to amuse (a-not; muse-think) ourselves waiting for hours to take a 5 minute ride locked down in a metal box that will run its course along an abdomenally unfavourable kinematic path planned by some engineer who's job it was to bring about the most terror possible. This area is staffed by 'the future of tomorrow' who are gaining invaluable experience of working in a reputable centre that promotes mindless activities to include on their resumes that will get them that dream job in the future. What is really being taught here?

indeed to some, the 'mind eraser' was the best ride of their lives. To compare and contrast this to the lifestyle of those living in a developing world is unfair, but you simply have to go and immerse yourself in the lives of our fellow human to understand life as they know it.

My hope is not to make you feel sorry for the lives that these people live, but merely to challenge you to consider another way of living (living as God desired). People in the developing world really know the cost of basic necessities like electricity, water, food. They work long and hard in very practical ways to ensure that these basic needs are obtained. ( e.g. waking up periodically throughout the night to check to see if there is water to be pumped into their reserve tank (that is if they are lucky enough to have one). Do we know the cost at which this comes? Do we know the cost of what it means to have life (to the full - John 10:10?)

Let us reconsider each breath that God has given - for this is what we will be held accountable for one day.

Although the tone of this update may be rough, I'm still trying to decipher what I'm to gather and share with those who have asked me to. Please pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit not my own thoughts that God might be glorified through the words and actions of a life redeemed by His Son guided by His Spirit for the Father's glory. soli Deo gloria.

eric.

ps: for those interested, Sunday, August 5, 2007. There will be lunch at my place at which time I also hope to informally share with you in much greater details of God's work in Nepal. Please RSVP to me via email.

1300---> whenever you decide to leave.

26.07.07 update from Canada

The return trip was definitely something.

I got on the plane next to an older Nepali woman. I wasn't sure what to call her as I'm only accustomed to women either around the same age or around my mother's age. So I defaulted to use 'didi' which means older sister. When asking how she was, she was the ONLY person who ever responded with a 'ramrosa' (very good). Most often, people say 'tik-cha' (OK) which is the most common thing to say to anything. Because I think it's culturally wrong to be angry or upset, people always say that they are fine. This is one thing that pissed me off SO much. I know realized why my mother was so indiginant when I used to start & conclude my journals with "Today was fine." It says nothing. Nevertheless, it was too bad our conversation was abruptly ended at my lack of Nepali and inability to converse with her.

Meal time came and I was suddenly put on the spot to translate fish and chicken. Chicken was no problem, but I was at a loss for fish. So I ordered the fish and showed her that and then asked 'kakra' (chicken) or this.. she choose this, not realizing it was fish which she didn't eat. No problems though, cause she gave it to her adopted 'babu' (little boy) for the trip ( i.e. me). Anyway, I quickly came to my senses and realized that she was Nepali and probably eats a Nepali diet. So I went thru all the things that a good Nepali should eat and sure enough, she was happy with carbs, but she didn't take any sugar. So I ended up writing on the placemat her food preferences so that she could keep it for the remainder of her journey to Los Angeles. She'll be staying there w/ family for 6 months. But seriously, if I hadn't been in Nepal, I would have found her and her eating habits to be quite strange. But coming from a place where you eat meat once a week, I can definitely understand why eating large amounts of meat in one shot simply don't sit well with them. I on the other hand joyfully devoured all the 'masu' (meat) she didn't want.

By the time I arrived in Qatar, I was ready to sleep the night in the airport. But the gentleman after the security check told me to line up somewhere else. After doing so, I soon realized that it was standard procedure for passengers with a layover longer than 8 hours to get a hotel room. No complaints there, just some disbelief. I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel room alone - always with family or some other people, it's just a waste. Since I had to wait for the shuttle, Qatar Airways (QA) decided to give me a free dinner voucher at the airport. So I enjoyed my second dinner (one fo the most tender lamb curries i've ever eaten in my life with some guy dressed in a suit and tie serving me fanta in a ghetto cup at the airport cafe.).

I was SO excited to have meat, but also somewhat guilty of the fact that I was enjoying so much when those in Nepal where I just came from live in such grave conditions. So, I decided not to participate in the third dinner offering from QA at the hotel (it was a buffet). The student side of me had actually kicked in as I was saving myself to consume some gourmet breakfast the next morning. If that wasn't a big enough contrast, the room that they gave me was hands down the nicest designed room I've been in. It had 3 different methods of wiping yourself down after dropping your offering to the porcelain god. Doha, Qatar was extremely nice, but very heartbreaking as well. It was a sad reminder of the unequal distribution of wealth in the world. Ke garne? (what to do?)

Both are ways of surviving. The typical Nepali does it minimally and the developed world person does it in comfort. But what does it really mean to live? During my time there, the pastor at Ganeshwor church spoke about the same thing over and over again - it was the theme of the church for the year. "We not only survive, but we live". Indeed, how often are we consumed with survival? We are concerned about the foods that we eat, so we learn about nutrient. We are concerned about ourselves and operating efficiently according to our skills and talents, so we take psychological tests, IQ tests, DNA sample tests. We are concerned about appeasing God, so we go to church, give tithes, etc. But to what extent shall we concern ourselves with these things. Physical, mental and spiritual things can keep us from the heavenly Father - who is only interested in our hearts before Him. (Psalm 51:16-17). I nevertheless, indulged in a long warm shower at high pressures to clean myself thoroughly. The way Nepali's live is hard and tough, it's very ruggid and will take a while before things change. In a place such as this with a whole lot of corruption it's really difficult even for those interested and capable in doing good to actually do anything.

But fear not, my friends, God will continue to convict the hearts of people. May we His children seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Let Him be made known that we might have strength to endure tomorrow. To Him be the glory as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever Amen.

13.07.07

Just returned from trip to the Tibetian boarder. The bus ride which took over 8hrs each way was an eventful experience Without fail.

I'll only highlight important details.

Had the weirdest feeling as I approached the Tibet(China) and Nepal boarder. I was all excited about being able to cross midway the Friendship Bridge and enter into my 'motherland'. However, this was not the case as Lonely Planet failed me this time. I'll get Ernest to send a picture of HSS/MD at their birthplace...

At the boarder there we decided to trek up to Liping Monastary. On the way up, we kept on seeing these porter people coming through a narrow trail, about 30 seconds apart. When we finally reached the monastary, we were greeted by non other than Tenzin. Well this guy had a different last name, but he shared a little about the Buddist culture and also pointed us to another monastary in the mountains that we could visit. He also explained to us that the path that the porter were taking was a 2hr hike into Tibet. There were a LOT of goods coming in from china. Anyway, that's quite crazy that porters would bring goods in on foot. I was really tempted to take the trip into Tibet. The prospect of being in China never appealed to me, but perhaps I remained content with being able to empasize with Moses' feelings outside the promised land. Except for me, I'm probably more like a lost prodigal son returning to what I believed is my motherland. (I'm not sure where I stand on this Tibet/China issue, I'm not informed enough)

The next day We trekked toward the Bakang monastary that took us up the moutain beyond the clouds to where the air was cool and fresh. We took a wrong turn but ended up at a Sherpa village where we were warmly greated by locals who shared a snack of sour milk tea and potatoes with us. photo attached. People are extremely hospitable. Night and day difference from the city. Water is also in abundance, but EXTREMELY cold. had the coldest shower of my life.

Anyways, back today. Think I may go to Lumbini next week depending on how work goes with this project that I've been working with CEN on and the potential hospital fund.

As time winds down, I realize that my time here is limited and I'm started to really miss the people in Canada. Peace of Christ with you all!

10.07.07

Again writing updates as webpages load.

I really know that i shouldn't be counting down, but perhaps the countdown is a bit of a wake up call to make the most of every opportunity as the NIV would put Eph 5:15-17. Will be in Kodari (boarder of Tibet for a couple days to reflect on last week of stay in Nepal. Thoughts of considering starting a fund here whereby poor patients can access this and receive essential surgeries.

Here's the plan revealed. I trust the surgeon who has been taking us around. Based on his work and his strong allegiance to communism, I trust that he will not be corrupt and 'steal' money. When he first returned from Belarus worked very long hours at Kanti - the government hospital. However, since people get paid a flat rate there and not per operation, many of the other staff were in disagreement. This is further motivated by the fact that if they work elsewhere they will receive higher pay. So the current situation has the operating theatre (OT) in operation from 1015-1400 for 4 days a week. We've ended as early as 1100 and ended as late at 1530. This is pretty shotty for a hospital who has been well funded by the Japanese (http://www.kantihospital.org.np/index.php). State of the art equipment that came in 1994 still stands unused. What happens is that when qualitfied Nepali people go to Japan for training, they get trained but don't return to serve at Kanti. It's quite sad here for our surgeon friend who returned to Nepal to serve the poor here. He also mentioned that working in Belarus wasn't all that fulfilling as foreigners are not respected as much as nationals.

After OT hours decreased, he started working at Gorkha Hospital which he has dreams to make into a Children's hospital, but shareholders are pushing for it to become a general hospital to be more profitable. Currently, it's underused. The idea and what the surgeon does is operates at prices slighty higher than at Kanti. Patient who usually come are poor and can't afford to pay in full, so many times he pays out of pocket for the operation that he does. It's quite frustrating for a qualified surgeon to be doing simple cases over and over again, but he's happy as long as he's working.

Patients travel from as far as 300km, on bus and foot to get to Kanti. Since the elective surgery wait time is 2 years. Many patients will forget to show up. Those that need to be operated on also need to wait - the way they seem to stall is by telling them to get a test done and bring results back the next day, or tellign them that the wait time in long. When patients return for their 6-7th time they are usually rewarded with an admit. But this usually doesn't occur unless they are in pretty bad shape. There are a ton of urinary tract infections here and abcesses. perhaps lack of hygiene?.. Regardless, it's heart breaking to see scrotums larger than a child's fist due to a hydrocele or hernia. Abcesses are also quite common in both genders also varying in size and placement from head to toe up to an adult sized fist in size.

The idea is to have a fund which patients to take from if they need assistance. Especially for those patients who travel for days to come and won't have money for a return trip to the hospital in 3 months for an essential surgery. Since OT hours at Kanti are limited, surgeries will take place at Gorkha (Children's) Hospital. This hospital is infinitely more sanitary than Kanti. It's much more of a hospital. One of the problems with this is that there's no contingency if anything happens to the surgeon. He's mentoring 2 medical officers but neither is interested in a surgical specialization. There are many others tho. Your input (constrictive and skeptical) would be greatly appreciated. Ideally, it'd be nice to be training up people with the quality work he does. Please reply asap as time here is limited.

http://www.visitnepal.com/nepal_information/ngo_in_nepal.php

in the race by the grace of God,
e.
Heb 12

09.07.07

Today began in the ER. I was doing night shift with another medical officer. There were a couple of patients who came in with falls and needed some stitches. It's really heartbreaking to see these kids hurt. One kid got 5 stitches to the head. He was so cute, but didn't cry at all. He clenched his fists and grunted, but didn't cry. It was nice to see a brave kid and also his father holding him in his arms during the suturing. His mother was also there. Family support here is really strong. It's a beautiful sight to see a father carrying his child. Perhaps the place isn't too beautiful to be, but it's a redeeming sight in this hospital.

We talked with Dr. Nepal til about 0300 then I reflected a bit til 0400 and slept til 0500 when Ernest and I decided to head home for some rest before surgery today. I arrived home at 0530 and the door was locked, so I slept on the roof for the next 1.5 hrs. This was the most relaxing rest I've ever had. The beautiful thing about this country is that every house hasa roof that people can hang out on.

Surgery was very interesting today and perhaps gives hope as a child with an imperforated anus with a anal urinary fistula was operated on. (Essentially the child does not have a fecal output port). Within 3 hours, the child was finished. There are some complications and time will tell, but it is nice to see hope for this child. Surgery is nice, but preventative medicine is much more beneficial - some of the cases we saw yesterday during OPD were seriously heartbreaking. The lack of education and hygiene here is a real killer.

Memorizing scripture is very key. Indeed scripture memory has been keeping my mind focused. Thanking God for His word!

ok it for now. Think I'll be going to the Tibetan boarder this Wednesday til likely Saturday. Please pray for continued sensitivity to the Spirit as I'm discerning what to do in response to all that I've seen. Please pray for wisdom and conviction.

Picutres

ernesto in flood after the noon rain

so i paid for a haircut at the radisson 190 Rs. it was the nicest place i've ever got a cut, but i didn't realize what it looked like until this picture. this is a thukpa. kinda like instant noodles.

03.07.07

More time at the hospital. The Bible continues to be a great encouragement to me. However, I believe that this morning’s reflection showed me that I need more time in the word with other people. The time with the SGP ppl was great, but far too little. My discussion with Kamal the money exchanger who is being witnessed to by JWs was also encouraging as we looked into Scripture together. Hopefully we’ll have more chances to do that.
We went to Tripushwor to buy medical equipment for the hospital with the surgeon today and none of these stores seem to stock anything. You ask someone, and then they send someone to get the goods. So we were sitting there for what seemed like an eternity (probably 20 minutes), but we were kept on being told it’d be a minute. The surgeon noticed my irritability and laughed at me. He likes to ask “so why you come to Nepal?” a lot. Anyways, I was happy when we walked out of the store only paying 4500 when the bill said 4675. I think the surgeon was ready to walk out paying only 4000. (This is a new was of forcefully bargaining. Only drop what you’re willing and walk out.)

Prayer items:

1. relationship with host family, bridging the cultural gap and mutually blessing each other.
2. relationship with surgeon: the bulk of the day seems to be spent with him. He’s really keen on getting a small group of dedicated doctors to practice good medicine. Already, he’s established another hospital, but he’s thinking of downsizing to a smaller more manageable lot. But that requires finding a plot of land that’s in a good location and developing it. The current hospital (Gorkha Hospital) is situated in a congested part of the city most conducive to ambulance ambulation. As well, the lot is a bit too big. I’m convicted to take action, but ‘what to do’ is still in the air. Please pray for discernment. I will also share more with you about the medical situation here when I return. But this guy is very serious about doing quality work. The sisters and patients at the hospital and outside the hospital genuinely respect him and not just because of his rank – the caste system is pervasive in this country. They respect him because he genuinely cares about his patient and the patient care providers doing quality work. One of the sisters in the burn ward say he’s the only doctor who actually touches the patients. During rounds he usually changes dressing for those who he is around for. As well, he’s also taken a lot of time out to help us buy the right equipment for the hospital. This is huge, especially in a hospital that most of the staff don’t really seem interested in. It’s a government hospital so treatment is for the poor. Since the poor don’t have high expectations the quality of care is low. As well, doctors don’t seem interested in maintaining equipment here as they many seem to come for the experience – they get to see a lot here, not contributing (This is from my personal observations) more later…
3. how to process all that I’ve been seeing and experiencing
4. spiritual walk – Matthew 5 is good. And psalms continue to be huge encouragement putting the thoughts in my mind and mediations of heart to words.
5. what to do with remaining time. I think next week, I’ll be bck in the villages visiting people from a village church network; the following week, Ernest and I are planning a trip to the Tibetian boarder and then more time in Bhaktapur considering Nepal.
6. perhaps also trying to realize how to be light as per Matthew 5:16.
   
   Ok it for now. I guess that was a long list.

02.06.07

Didn’t end up goignto church, but had a very good discussion with a young man who works here in Kathmandu. Educated in a Christian school, he is familiar with it and wants to dedicate his life to Jehovah. He’s being witnessed to by a JW, but can’t make any decisions due to the Hindu family background. People hold very strongly to tradition and Hindu culture. Some of the practices seem absurd, but are still carried out (essentially similar to Old Testament practices, but for different purposes. We spoke Jesus and wine. Please continue to pray for Kamal’s growth and reading the Scripture. Currently, he’s only got the New World Tranlsation of the Bible.

The rest of Saturday was spent in Bhaktapur with Ernest. Beautiful place and going with someone more culturally appreciative allowed me to have a new look at what I thought wasn’t too special of a city. Reading thru the lonely planet guide also helped in appreciation the town and people.

This week has been another 2 crazy days at the hospital. We had an unfortunate case of a child with Hirschsprung disease pass away. The doctor was blamed for killing the child, when they had tried their hardest to help this child. The doctors here are quite immune to these words of discouragement. They sayit’s due to lack of education. Parents even after instructed on proper patient care will commonly do things that accelerate the disease process thinking that they are doing the best for their child.

The surgeon that we’re shadowing has dreams of opening a smaller pediatric hospital, the estimated cost to get this off the ground would be 10 million rupees (~$170,000 CAD). This would cover property. The bank will then be able to provide a 110% loan at a 7% interest rate. The goal of this hospital would be to serve the people who need surgery but can not necessarily afford it. Patients who can pay will also be accepted. Currently, many of the patients that come to Kanti Children's Hospital (the only government children's hospital) come from the villages ( i.e. they will travel for days sometimes by bus and foot). Because this is the only pediatric hospital available to them, the standard of care is quite low. In my time here, I have seen some sloppy work, but also some very good work. this surgeon does exceptionally good work, but is hindered by the lack of resources here (ie. equipment that has broken or is in need of replacement parts.) The idea of constructing a similar hospital that provides quality patient care at a slightly inflated cost would create some competition and hopefully encourage the government to pour more resources into the hospital. But this also comes with a whole other problem with administration corruption. This I have also witnessed not only at this hospital but another highway hospital that I stayed at last week. I’m currently debating whether or not this is the best option for the people here, or whether efforts should be spent reviving a perfectly good hospital. ‘What to do?’ Ke garne!

The problem is, with corrupt administration it’s difficult to do anything, there comes and time when you just have to start from scratch. (I’m guessing, but need to know what to do.). One thing I know for sure is that I’ll probably have to do something. The situation here is ridiculous, but perhaps one might say the same about North America. Here you have education deficient people, in NA we have education obsessed people. Neither realizes the need to address the needs of people who need it most. People here, want to help, but end up making matters worse with their limited knowledge, people in NA don’t care. Stereotyping big time here, but show me your faith by actions as James 2 would say.

Psalms continue to be huge encouragement. Ps 43, 48. Hope!

28.06.07

Maleku: Highway Community Hospital

This place is really soemthing. There's 1 qualified doctor and one paramedic who ends up doing most of the work and a couple of sisters (nurses), then cleaning staff, x-ray operator and other helpers dispensing pharmaceuticals and registering patients. But this place is seriously in utter chaos whenever a case comes in. Everyone crowds into the emergency room (ER) whenever anything happens. During that afternoon/evening we saw a driver of a small car who got hit by a truck, a school girl hit by a taxi and another group of 3 girls hit by a motorcycle. The type of treatment they get here is brutal too, there's no such thing as space for the patient. There's either a crowd of people hovering around them or no one there. Halfway through suturing the first patient they ran out of small sutures and had to use large sutures on several facial lacerations. Then when the little girl came in, they also had to use the large sutures. This hospital is well funded by the Italians who came and set it up, but poor (or dare I say corrupt) administration. The management rep was super kind to us on arrival and then this morning sat down very officially, then pulled out a sheet of paper with 3 pionts written in Nepali. Then proceeded with his speech. (translated to us by the doctor)

1. how would you like to support us?
2. for how long?
3. what do you want from us?
[applause here]

This was the shortest most selfish speech I've ever been given. He followed up our stunned looks with "this hospital provides services to the community free of charge and to accident victims." Thanks we read that on the sign, but too bad, you don't have the essential supplies. They must have the money, but poor management makes this a nightmare for the hospital workers. These people are all really nice and good people, but the administration is seriously abusing them. They are underpaid, overworked and unappreciated. Our stay there was extremely good. The Nepali people are so hospitable. It was so sad to leave them. Anywyas, hope to email the organization that started up this hospital and hope they'll knock some sense into this money hungry adminstration. All the staff at the hospital came to the end of the road to see us off. They helped us flag down another crazy bus and bargain a good price - all the while they were trying to convince us to stay for just one more day. Our contributions were nill, but perhaps people just need people to hear them out. You can pray for people working for the well-being of our fellow human in crude conditions. How are you to witness to these people?

listenign to horrible attempt at red hot chilly peppers (Mike you would NOT be impressed) in a mosquito infested cafe.

must go now. please pray for continual sensitivity to God during this time of often not knowing what to do/say.

27.06.07

Hope you're enjoying day 2 of being 22 Muily.

So we get on bus at the bus park in Kathmandu and journey to Gorkha. A couple kilometers into the trip, the bus fills to maximum seat capacity, but that doesn't hinder the bus from filling with more people - it's in the business of brewing the most foul smelling odour of human waste from both ends of the body. The steel seat frame look like something they pulled from a plane crash and loosely bolted to the ground. A vertical support pole was loosely held in place to the roof with 1 bolt which jingled to each and every bump for the first 15 minutes of the ride - afterwhich it succumbed to gravity and left the pole to choose its victim. It was a good thing, someone was using it as a secondary support and prevented it from knocking someone out. The bus boy came a while later to replace the bolt with his fingers. The brakes also squealed without mercy to the ears as the bus jolted to a stop. Shouldn't complain cause this bus actually stopped - very improtant when you're going on winding mountainous roads at break-neck (literally) speeds. So is my experience with the local bus.

After the food break, I decided to ride on top of the bus. There were only 2 of us. It turned out to be the much better choice as the bus was soon packed with too many people. personal space is a rare commodity on the local buses. I've witnessed people puke and spit, and heard stories of people getting pissed on. Then evn the roof got crowded with a gentleman carrying a load of last plastic barrels. Additional company on the roof consisted of the stray electrical cables that hung a bit low, so it was a bit of a game to not get clothlined (it wasn't like dodging bullets, but it was fun enough)

Then we finally got to Gorkha and the fun began. After hiking 1500 steps, we came to the Shah temple of the king (who now longer has power) and whom Hindus beleive to be the reincarnation of the Vishnu god. the view was beautiful, but somewhat stunned at what sacrifices would have looked like, there was a chopping block somewhat fresh from a recent animal sacrifice there... Hindu culture very hard to appreciate, it's rather messy. And they really hold cows in high regard. Their dung and milk is considered holy.

Sandip, Sujan, Suda and Nigani left us after that to return home. Females must be home by 1830 or else there is big trouble. For males there is no restriction - another e.g. of how this is a male dominated society here. majority of ppl on streets men.

We finally go and get some food afterward. we find a decent restuarant and have our fill of momo's (siew luung baow), omelet and daihee(yogurt). We return to a guest house afterward to take cold baths and talk a bit more before returning to the same restuarant for some dinner. It's during dinner that a drunk man comes to us and starts shouting things like 'you're human! i love humans!' I think he was trying to make us feel welcome as foreigners there. it was entertainment for the other people in the restuarant. i was tring hard not to breakout into a fit of laugter. long story short, we got out of there just in time to get home before the monsoon rains came down.

26.06.07

met up with the 2nd in command at the traffic police office again today and gave him a presentation on study that i did when i first arrived. he also shared that ktm has emmission testing, but ppl use different fuel when they come in so it always passes. but hen they get back ont ehr oad they use bad stuff that is from the pumps and spot checks fail at rate of over 80%.. ke garne...

Dilemmas:So I ran into my friend at the money exchange yesterday and kind of promised him I'd meet with him Saturday morning at 0900. He's been witnessed to by some JWs. I'm not sure what to think, but that this kid who has been schooled in a Christian school has been turned aside by this teaching. what to do? skip church to talk with him?

As well, I taught sunday school last week. it was interesting, really rudimentary - read out of this book that essentially does a word search on a topic and reads a random selection of verses from there. there's no method to the teaching here. i scraped it and did a parable. not sure what to do this week, b/c not sure if will get there in time..

Going to Gorkha tomorrow - home of the Gorkha warriors and the famous Gorkha knife.

Ernest and i will be ditching the bus at Maleku to stay for 2 days at the Highway Community Hospital - a hospital set up by some italians after a photographer died there. it services a 70km radius. it's a nice, but quite place, but i imagine they see a lot of really bad traumas when it rains.

Today was crazy too. photo guy took so long that i just got fed up and left to go to hospital. then the tempo didn't stop cause it was too full. i got so sick of the retarded (literally retarded traffic) that i ran to the hosptial and beat the next tempo up. so felt pretty good. anyway, did round with our favourite Dr. Shakya and learned more about the ridiculousness at kanti.

In the burn ward, we dug up an autoclave machine that was donated a hile ago but never used, because ppl didn't know how to plug it in. there was a different plug, so we went a bought a plug for 40Rs and plugged it in. now we'll have distilled water and an autoclave for the burn unit in addtiion to the topical lidocaine spray that Ernest insisted that we get. I can see that the physicians feel much better about changing dressings and the kids are also much better - not literally screaming their heads off. there was this one kid today who kept on pointing at various viles of stuff in the dressing room and saying not to use that, that, that that, at the top of his lungs. after the lidocaine kicked in, he was quite calm and your could tell that the healthcare workers were enjoying their work so much more.

we also bargained for a fridge and got one for 9500Rs. took a cab and got it back to the hosptial where they can now store medication at proper temperatures. They had diazepam hanging out on a normal shelf - the package clearly says cool dry place - not to store at temperatures above 25C. Needless, to say they were really happy.

anyay, off to meet the SGP grp for the last time, gotta go. Peace be with you all. please continue to pray that- i keep focused on JC - Author perfector of faith and Hope.- that be evident in relating w/ host family issues- also to be continual encoruagement to ppl around me. Ernesto (as much as he's an encouragement to me) and Dr. Shakya, our tavaresh. hehehe. funny guy..

WATER! in abundance! now that it's in abundance, causes of cholera will also come in. but no more limited showers or not washing cloths for long time! it's weird how things flip so fast. but monsoon also means a lot of rain at times when you dont want it. more on this later...

adios! miss you all! thanks for the emails and replies!!!

25.06.07

More madness today. Went to meet the SGP grp at the restuarant and went thru a lecture on knowing God's will. Then went back to the hospital where our ''Tavaresh" (Russian for comrad) was hard at work with a polypectomy, 2 hydrocoele and 2 appendectomies. I only made it to observe the appendectomies and almost passed out cause I didn't get a chance to really eat since last night.

Continuing to learn a lot at the hospital. we're off to study to make this short. Tomorrow I'll be giving a talk to the traffic police and meeting the SGP grp for dinner afterward.

oh yes, also found out yesterday from the sister (nurse) that I was in the paper a week ago during my talk to the student volunteers to do lung function testing. Anyway, they quoted me saying the most absurd stuff that makes no sense at all. This country of corruption has started to personally tick me off. Perhaps this fatalistic view of things is rubbing off on me. 'ke garne' (what to do) is a phrase we often now speak in response to the tragic situation. People seriously just don't know better. As our tavaresh would say, education is the key. It's quite sad the situation here. We were showed another fully functional washroom that was used as storage today. This is really sad as just outside (within 10 metres) people defecate on the bench in the waiting area.

Anyway, if anyone knows of any place wishing to donate functional medical equipment. Please email me. We're hoping to set up a non-corrupt group of medical workers here to receive this equipment and put it to much needed use.

Update

Hello.

Events durig the last little while. My answer to pray came as Jason arranged for me to travel with a group of young Singaporean professionals. The most encouraging thing was the fellowship. I realized that I really miss being able to be understood, sing praises in a language that I comprehend and pray together with siblings. (I hope I'm not being too self-centred with 'my' worship). Anyway, the random discussions that Moreover, it was a good break to be able to travel out to see the Annapurna mountains. Despite the cloud cover, we were still able to catch a glimpse of the fishtail peak (Annapurna I) early one morning and in the afternoon of another. It was a great change to be able to meet village people. I was seriously starting to get really intolerant of the ridiculous amount of unjustified horn usage within the city.

It was nice not to see any type of motorized vehicle, but also painful to see a 52year old man carrying 50kg of aluminum roofing for on a 2 day hike. He starts at 0700 each morning and goes til about 1300. This is usually when the rains start to come down.

Got my first leech bite as well. They actually don't hurt at all. The only reason why I noticed was because my toe was wallowing around in a pool of blood. Other little accidents included slipping on the rocks. But it was a small price to pay to get away and see a more representative perspective of Nepal. ~80% of the Nepali people live in villages away from the city centres.

Just got back from another dinner with an uncle here who has essentially extended a helping hand in every way since my arrival.

The week prior I did another presentation at ENPHO to a group of undergrad students with the Clean Air Network Nepal division of Clean Energy Nepal. They have been trained to do pulmonary function testing on class 8 students. The idea of this study is to gauge the effect of air pollution in student who live in areas where the air pollution levels are tracked. Testing has been goign on during this last week. I'll probably meet with them sometime this week to debrief. As well, maybe sharing results with traffic police this week. But we'll see...

Last week, I was also fortunate enough to shadow a pediatric surgeon at Kanti and also at the Gorkha Hospital - a much cleaner and less chaotic hospital. I'm still digesting a lot of what I've been exposed to in the hospital. But perhaps it's something I will have to get used to - the hospital is a place of sick people. Nevertheless, some of the treatment methods are quite brutal. It's hard to sit there and not cringe when the wrong equipment is being used, or when you are exposed to the ironic realities of organizations. It seriously is a tragedy. They have had some of the most high tech equipment donated by the Japanese in 1994, but it hasn't been used. It sits in a fancy display case because no one knows how to use it. As the Nepali's would say: "ke garne" (what to do). It's a fatalistic statement that states the frustration in situations that just shouldn't exist, but do.

I didn’t realize this, but my time here is running short. With a little over a month to go, I’ll be visiting some other missionaries in Nepal in the following week and may go to the villages once again with a church group. There may be other opportunities to begin a lung function study comparing people using eco-stoves vs. those with an indoor wood-stove, but we still gotta see about that.

Oh on the way back, we stopped in Maleku, where I went last week with Ernest, Sandip and friends (Sujan, Puja, Bimal, Indra and another really quiet girl). Anyway, we had met a doctor there. She’s the only live in doctor in this hospital that was set up in memory of an Italian photographer that died in a vehicle accident. It’s the only hospital in a 70km radius and has to service all the accidents of insane drivers going break-neck speeds around blind curves. Anyway, I felt like the prodigal son as I ran to the hospital during our 25 minute lunch stop-over. Before I even got the hospital door, the doctor and the assistant had come out to greet me. I overpaid for lichee nuts, but they were more encouraged by being able to see someone who will listen to their situation. Hopefully Ernest and I will be able to spend a couple days there. They have quarters for people to live in at the hospital too. But this clinic is pretty nice, it’s clean and decently stocked.

Anyway it for now. Gotta get going before host family worries. Will update more later.

Peace be with you all!

08.06.07

so I had my third bout of diarrhea yesterday after eating some vegetable momo's outside of the main tourist area. It's amazing how you can see what 'seems' to be a run down area, just get worse as you move out from that area. As you move toward the Vishnumati River from Thamel, it just gets worse and worse - from the condition of the people to the dogs on the street, 100m makes a difference.

We also visited a doctor friend who works at Kanti at his other job. He was the on duty ER doc that night. It was quite calm until a gang fight victim came in. The details I will leave out, but as Ernest would say, "I'm not sure whether to cry or laugh - this is seriously a tragic comedy."

Psalms have been continually an encouragement in the desolate state of this place. My lungs continue to feel like garbage as I breathe the narcoleptic concoction vehicular exhuast and street dust.

- everyone seems to be getting sick at the hospital which is not surprising with outstanding infection control measures. For you RTs, pseudomona comes with every bubbler...
- I also feel exceptionally clean having showered! for 2 days in a row. Been crashing at Ernest's place, but I think my cold has gotten a bit better, so I'll be back at my host family's place. I seriously hope they don't feel like they are doing an inadequate job because they have been by far the MOST hospitable people I've ever met.
- of the people that have come to know the Lord that I've met here, it's a tough switch. Hinduism is rooted deeply in Nepali culture. And to make that change is breeding ground for friction in the family. Although no physical persecution takes place, it is difficult for those individuals and families that have come to know Christ as Lord.
- oh notes from contemplation times during church service: like most asian community events, it never starts promptly. It is very energetic, and the vast majority of people females. 65-75%. Men are definitely dominant in this place and they do most of the work. Women are usually housewives taking care of the home. e.g. my house mother doesn't get out much, so when Saturday rolls around, it's a real treat to go to church. There are other short trips she takes during the week, but for the most part, the home is run by the women.

Thanks all for your comments on blog. As much as I don't like reading them myself, I thank you for the encouraging words and notes of what people back at home are doing.

ok it for now. hope you'll all well!

06.06.07

Same thing today. Done at the hospital, so Ernesto and I are back wandering around town. I think I'll have to call the police from last week to share the results with them. Our day usually ends before 1400. OK. this internet cafe is too loud with gamers. At first, I thought someone was pist off and yelling, then turned around and realized they were gaming.. Interesting the effects of gaming or competition.

oh yes. woke up this morning with crazy sore throat. i think caught something fr. hospital. i wouldn't be surprised with the lack of infection control. Was taking to a super-helpful med-school student from New Zealand who explained a lot to us during rounds, since it was all in Nepali. Heard a Pansystolic murmur for the first time among many other things. It's good that it's only half a day caue there's too much to intake. Dilian was warning us about trying to intake too much. As well, major difference b/w here and developed country would be # of infection cases. Just way too many, but perhaps a result of the lack of hygiene. I was trying to figure out how many water-bourne diseases i was exposed to last night as i waded thru the flooded streets on the way home yesterday. oh well, life goes on... Heb 13:8 is encouragement. but perhaps hope of heaven should be better.

05.06.07

OK. finally getting bck now. it's been an insane weekend and perhaps even crazier in terms of digesting experiences.

Kanti Children's Hospital is severely understaffed and ill-equipped. But with what they have they run a pretty good place. Today was interesting starting with the doctors report at 0930. A review of the last 24hrs happens at 0930 each morning. Doctors present new cases and consultants and other doctors give input. It is quite sad when mortalities are shared. Anyway, we followed a consultant for rounds in Nepali/English. Then shadowed a willing Dr. BP as he did a bone marrow extraction. It's seriously painful to see how doctors work in these conditions. Words can't do it justice.

I did a short presentation at the professional development seminar that they have Tuesdays on the handheld spirometry unit. In a hospital where blood pressure cuffs and pulse-oximeters are scarce, it was a real treat to see a spirometer. We were able to use it on an asthma patient in the PICU when the other peak flow metre did not work. Sad to report, but digital monitors do have their advantage in being able to record peak flows lower than 1L/s. Not sure how accurate they are.

More on the history and situation at Kanti here: http://www.kantihospital.org.np/

04.06.07

Update from Kanti Children's Hospital. I just finished the orientation with the good Bishop today. It was a really long into session, but extremely informative and at the time I seriously couldn't figure out why this guy was going on for so long. But as soon as we began walking through the wards, I came to understand the frustrations of this man who was trying to raise funds for aiding the children. Isaiah 1:16-17

It was a very sobering experience walking through the halls of a destitute hospital - one that reeked of stale urine, was grossly understaffed and ill-equipped to provide fundamental care. e.g. patients in the cardiology ward don't have monitors; in fact, the only EKG is out of commission with a unknown timeline to get fixed. This is no tiny hospital either. It's got almost 300 beds. over 200 of which provide services to the public free for charge. Over 65% of admitted patients come from the village sometimes walking for days. With over 40% of the popluation of Nepal between 14 years.

ok, pictures to perhaps explin what i've been up to:

1. patan hospital outside. i get a drink b/c it's cheap. i laugh because there's a label that says 1 glass guava 3 glass water = 4 glass guava. i nearly died alughing at that label and in my infinite wisdom drank this juice thinking it was the contents label and that some crazy company was trying to ingeniusly market 100% guava juice. this drink produced some cough reflex and when my host/friends arrived and were offered the drink, they laughed hysterically at me because I was spp'd to dilute it by 3 parts. who was I spp'd to know if you sell this on the street w/ other juices (blow to my ego)


2. at bkstr

3. monastary... more on this later

4. rainwater collection in a random home on really steep road on route to cmonastary in the middle of nowhere.

5. Mrs. Izadi: nothing to fear! Ernesto is eating very well - perhaps a bit too well! (Lots of momo's: Buffalo, Mutton, chicken and pork) Canadian buddy, who convinced me to come inthe first place is staying at a very nice guest house very close by. This restaurant came at the recommendation of director of ENPHO. It's staffed by extremely competent, yet deaf and dumb waiters. Great food although pricey, but supports a chain of restaurants doing good work and training up marginalized members of society.
6. book store buddy. who offered me tea the next time i went in. work at Kanti may only be a couple hours each day cause there is really nothing that can be done for the patients with limited equipment and expertise. so i may end of having more to time do work with traffic police and advocacy work for pollution awareness.

03.06.07

we met w/ Bishop Joshi @ Kanti and will visit again for the grand tour and to see what we'll be doing at Kanti tomrrow. I'll also be visiting a doctor at Patan to drop off the supplies that Ernest brought over.

Just finished a presentation here at ENPHO. Lots of people came fr the office. (even tho it's a holiday) and some other guests came from other organizations. i'll be talking wtih a guy from Clean Air Nepal and an associate prof in environmental health. we'll hopefully be going sit in on a lecture in 2wks when vacation over..

anyway, Psalms are extremely encouraging. msg on sat. was based on theme for this yr. 'not just surviving, but living...' it's a good theme and he was really encouraging the chruch to live by the Spirit. - which i believe is the only way to live (as per John 10:10 definition)

other encouragement among madness of living with excessively hospitable ppl.
- note from parents
- ernest
- meaningful wk @ enpho and gettign to know the ppl there & thru there

30.05.07

Another very interesting day – and it’s not even done yet! Started off this morning when was awoken in the night. Not sure I’m sleeping too well these days. Last night just passed out. Awoke with upset stomach, but too tired to move and kind of cold from the draft. But most disturbing of all was random itches that I’d believe to be ants crawling up my pants, arms, etc. I think these are psychological cause I something get the weird sensation during the day. Anyway, to add on top of that I felt like I was getting attacked by a crazy mosquito. They fly really loudly during the middle of the night – especially when they buzz right by your ear over and over and over again. It can be quite annoying and just downright depressing.

Perhaps this was brought on by stuff yesterday. My host has planning out fun excursions for me, but I seriously can’t go out that often, I feel as if I’m to be productive with the skills that God has given me. I had the chance to go to the Koteshwor Traffic Police office to do spirometry on traffic police there. Then the Inspector there referred me to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division. Contacts really do make a huge difference. I’ll share about this later…

So went hiking again yesterday but was most uneventful cause I was tired and not really in a photo mood as the rest of the gang was. Regardless, you do what you have to do… At night got to visit my bookstore buddy again. I went with Sujan so had to be quick, but the guy gave me a 10% discount without even asking. Then he even offered me tea. I did spirometry on him too. It was good to speak again with him. I just read in the religions book that there is no evangelism allowed in Nepal. But no restriction on sharing hope I have in JC! It’s a bit out of the way, but I hope to visit Zahed at least once every 2 weeks. Trying to get him to quit smoking too! Come to think of it, I think I’m being quite demanding but seriously, it’s like we’re known each other for a years now. Very open and encouraging talking with him, but yesterday’s conversation felt rushed so perhaps that discouraged me in a way words can’t express.

As well, no matter how much I write or how many pictures I take, it still doesn’t do being here justice. There’s simply no way to share the experience of tasting diesel exhaust, while smelling the rotting sewage of half burned bodies in the holy river, feeling your nostrils expand as your nose collects more particulate matter throughout the day, etc.

But this morning I woke up refreshed by Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Enough said.

Perhaps when you see such stark differences, you wonder sometimes where God is. And this came as a reminder that God is who He is regardless of the perceived parameters of the situation.

More encouragement came as I received a call from Bishop Joshi of Kanti Children’s Hospital. I will meet him Sunday, June 3, 2007. I hope to be traveling with Ernest the first week of June then move to volunteering at KCH in June and a bit of July. Hopefully do a 1 week course on Bhuddism at Kopan Monastary and visit an orphanage before my time in Nepal expires. I think the worst is to come as I now realize the poor conditions of the roads due to the monsoon. You think winter roads are bad, monsoon roads are treacherous especially with vehicles with brakes that normally don’t function optimally. Oh. I think I was involved in my first motorbike accident last week. We slammed into a car cause the brakes gave out – then proceeded to pass the car with the driver giving us a dirty look. Interesting how things work here…

There’s a strike on Friday. Apparently its in the paper – things you miss when you’re illiterate. What to do now… I was hoping to compile my final presentation Friday cause I’m out of valley tomorrow. Going to Maleku with host kid and some friends.

Jumping all over the place. So visits to the police station are the weirdest things ever. It’s like they need to psycho-analyze you before you’re allowed to see the big chiefs. Yesterday, I asked to see my contact G.B. Shah. I then sat around the lobby for about 15 minutes before a kid with a squeegee came in and motioned for me to follow him. I walked up one flight of stairs and my man G.B. Shah was there to greet me with the biggest smile on his face. I met him on the street yesterday turns out he’s the big boss. Today, I ask for P. Malla. I again go to a place where a bunch of other people are just hanging out, I sit for 2 minutes then we walk to meet the man. There’s gotta be something else going on that I’m not aware of. Anyways, I felt kind of bad after all these ppl were saluting him and I still had my backwards cap on. So I took it off to notice that I also had my shirt untucked – it was hot… oh well, he was a really nice man. And everyone here gives you their home and mobile number. Very personal ppl, perhaps that explains the physical affirmation. Ok heading out now..

29.05.07

I woke up early because I forgot to check email to confirm meeting place with Bhushan before he left for a town south of the valley area. I showered at 0630 and think I’m become very water and time efficient – either that or the cold water was a stark contrast that prompted me to move a bit faster. Didn’t get a response, so I guess it’s a no go.

Walked to work today. Took a couple detours to satisfy my exploratory taste. Journeyed into a deadend that seemed like it took forever to get out of. My theory now is that you wait for at least 3 cars before heading down a street.

Man exhausted now. It is kicking in.. and feet smell bad cause of sandals, think I’ll have to purchase another pair here. Lunch was interesting too. Don’t think I can stomach the stuff here. I tried last week twice and it was ok but not really good with the bitter tasting items. So today I thought I’d see if there was something different served. Boy was I wrong, the exact same thing. I’m not even sure that it’s cooked everyday. It just might be reheated until it’s all consumed. There’s very crunchy chick peas, vegetable mix and potato mix. And you also get an omelet that the cook makes for you. I guess you can’t complain for 30Rs. That’s about 50 cents. And you get all the roti or bhat (rice) that you want.

I’ll eat what my host mom has also prepared for me. It’s usually something sweet and with the favourite ingredient – CHO. Hahaha. So I was thinking this morning that if I didn’t get to travel today then there’s gotta be something else interesting; here I am eating a tuna sandwich… I’m not a tuna person at all… God’s idea of an interesting experience is one that makes sure that I’m relying on him.. oh yes, lunch was minimal today cause I had an spicy instant noodle package with parsley another anti-favourite that I picked out. Maybe I’ll try some street food on the way home. Hopefully it gets retained in the stomach. Hehehe.

Okay. 5 minutes later, I find out my net connection has been cut. I think they do load sharing for their limited connection here as well. Oh well, live and learn…

Anyway, back to a lung function presentation. Hopefully have this finished by today.

27.05.07

I had to walk to Patan to see an uncle and his wife.. really good people. got to walk back home with one of their employees. It was great to share testimonies. He said he was really encouraged to talk with someone - I'm not sure who was more encouraged. His family came to know Christ after he was miraculously healed of a paralyzed leg at 8. We ended up stopping for a coke along the 2hr hike home. there was a strike today so not cars on the road which was a HUGE blessing! could finally breathe and take my time walking slowly. I don't know who was more encouraged, him or I? But does that matter, but that God is praised and glorified?

then by God's planning. i met Babukazi whom I haven't seen since the village trip. He told warned me that if i wandered too far in the direction i was going that there was no sideroad to take me home and that it'd be a long walk. He offered to come back on his bike and drive me home, but i decided to walk. I think his mom was with him. Today was most encouraging. I feel much encouragement speaking to other Christians.

In Thamel I exchanged for some more Rupees, it's really bad now @ 63Rs to the dollar. The guy gave me a better deal then even rounded up. He them commented on my bic pen and how great it was, he asked for it. I told him sure after I got his name. People here are more than willing to give yuo their name, cell, email without prompting. also met some other store owner and hopefully will be seeing his factory sometime in the following week when he goes out there.

(Above) Delivry room where over 100 birthday happen annually. This wa taken at Primary Health care and resrrouce centre where the 2 boxes of medical suppleis were greatly received. (PHCRC)

(Above) Dilli was the brother whom I met yesterday, very encouraging talk on the 1.5 hr walk home. there was a strike yesterday complete w/ tire burnings and little kids participating in making sure that not one w/ cars went thru unless they were UN or ambulance or press.

(Above) On village visit

(Above) Picnic in Nepal.

26.05.07

Construction is a heartfelt profession. I love the work that they do and believe that it is essential.

This morning all was relatively quiet. I was going to indulge and crack open another note of encouragement when a call from Sujan came. He said to come immediately. So I ran over. It was nothing he just hadn’t seen me in a while and just wanted to hang out. So we did. We had tea at his place and just sat in his living room. People here are extremely friendly and do a whole lot of just hanging out. Perhaps a bit too much for my liking, sometimes it just seems as if it’s just passing time. Anyway, it was good to share with him about Canadian geography and a bit more about life. I had to leave for church so I left at 0855 to get back home and ready myself for church. Walked to church, was shorter than anticipated. Abinas, host kid, is very energetic so made him do some running in the less polluted areas of town – so that we don’t hyperventilate vehicular exhaust. You must understand that cars will go anywhere. Sidewalks do not exist – only torn up asphalt. I’m not sure how these vehicles survive. Roads here make Spadina a couple years back look like a walk in the clouds. Bikes (motorbikes) will go anywhere as well, just tuck in the mirrors.

Anyway got to church and sat with some other foreigners. Ed and Nicki from the UK and Seth from Minnesota – who came with YWAM in December, but decided to stay til now. He’ll be headed toward the Everest Base with a medical mission team next week. Essentially if you’re willing, people will accept any help they can get.

I see great potential for this country, with the recent changes in government the people here all seem optimistic for a better Nepal.

An elder spoke today. Talked about the authority of JC given to the church and it’s charge to exercise it. I bought a shirt in funding raising support for the new church building which was to be complete for the August 4 celebration of the 50th anniversary. The shirt says: “Not just living but alive!” I’ve come to really appreciate how members at BCBC poured sweat and blood into the building of the church.

After speaking with an older fellow at the church, I asked him to translate for me as I asked the construction worker if I could try carrying a load of bricks. He replied, ‘un-cha’ – the Nepali way of saying OK with the slight nod of the head that I always associate with no. So I gave it a shot. There’s a band that goes to the top of the head and then your load rests on your back. This creates a huge moment force about your cervical vertebrae which is unhealthy just at rest. Once moving depending how well stable your gait is, this may create extra undesired forces. The walk up the narrow ramp left little room for error, next you had to maneuver around a narrow (~1-1.5ft) path to your destination. A slight imbalance to the left or right would send you tumbling a good 3-4 feet with a load essentially around your neck. My load was 20 bricks. I thankfully made it to my destination about 20 metres away but not without a couple of fearful thoughts. But perhaps the greatest achievement was being able to identify with the worker. I didn’t get his name because my translator had left. So I thanked him and returned his gear to him. I really wanted to say more, but perhaps this wasn’t the time. The worker promptly went back to work.

I then had the most encouraging talk with Ashish. A young man of 17 years who turned from a life of drugs and smokes every since coming to the valley. His testimony was most encouraging to here. Despite my enthusiasm for hearing a great testimony and hearing of real struggles of a young man from a Hindu family living as a follower, my heart was still wanting to reach out to the construction workers. Finally as we had cold drinks across from church I could no longer take it. I believe that the 6L of cool liquid on the hot day went a long way in sharing the gospel. It is my hope and dream that this church building project will be a lifechanging project for each of these construction workers. I wasn’t able to converse with these people, but I (as a representative of the collective efforts of the church) certainly do hope to be a blinding light to them. Still need to find some way of sharing this with the church.

From a brief previous discussion with Ashish’s sociology teacher, these construction workers make ~100Rs daily. They work 7 days a week – yes even Saturday which is the national holiday. At cheapest rate, a 250mL coke costs 15Rs, a plate of 10 dumplings will cost 20Rs (mind you the filling is minced everything including bones.), rent is commonly 1500Rs/room/month I’ve learned that when eating buff (Buffalo) meat, you learn that there’s a threshold to the efforts of your chewing. There’s a point when you just have to give up and swallow it. Anyways point is, I’m really hoping that this will be an outlet of God’s love. May God continue to work through the physical construction of a worship centre building!

The remainder of the day was spent more time loitering with others. Apparently, you only write exams once a year here. School classes finish quite early because teachers rush through course material in case of a bandh (strike). These happen quite often (~3x a week) but have been on the decrease.. oh here’s a pic

Spent more time with host kid’s friends… nice to see other people’s homes. One friend who we visited today lives in a traditional Nepali home – one that’s been around for a long time. Many of the houses in Kathmandu were built wherever there was land. That is why roads are so random, there was no city planning and no anticipation for growth. Another reason why so much pollution.

25.05.07

So I prayed for more quality quiet time this morning. I tried to get some quiet time at the home by taking a half day off. It was somewhat unproductive as I began reading ‘Can man live without God?’. Kind of a silly question you if you ask me, to be reading this in a very god conscious country. But perhaps the question is valid as it is talking about God not just a god or des gods. Thinking of giving this to my new bookstore pal I made the other day.

Afternoon was spent on the streets trying to get people who have been on the streets of Chabhill for more than 10 years. The idea is to be able to say that Kathmandu air quality is bad and shown in spirometry. So the sample group are non-smoking males 35-45 that have been shop/street vendors for at least 10 years. We took a break and my host went to a Christian bookstore where I met a fellow Baptist brother named Timothy. I have to go back and visit him cause our visit was interrupted. The testing expedition was soon stopped when a tire-demonstration by the teachers commenced. I was hoping to stay, but my host urged me to move on in the unlikely chance that I’d be hit with tear gas from the army of police waiting around for the signal.

Oh yeah, Chabhill is one of two major entrance/exit points into the Kathmandu valley region. The pollution there has been noticeably high for a long time.

So much for quiet time. I ended up dropping 425Rs to get a pair of replacement pants as my other pants have seemed to outlived their life. While I don’t think anyone in the population would care, I don’t think mooning everyone I walk by is very nice.

Finally got my quiet time in the church while my host practiced. Wrote a short psalm which is what I’ve been considering since struggling with this morning’s psalm reading.

Lord God of all creation
All creation is Yours.
May Your presence in all things
Be acknowledged by Your creation
Your body sings praise to You
In every tongue.
Let praise be raised before you
In every tongue,
In every land
May Your whole body
Shout praise to You in unison

Short and general, but perhaps words have much deeper meaning with experiences that push your experiential appreciation of the definition of your vocabulary.

Also took a shower again today. I’ve knocked water usage to 3L, but the rinse is weak. A bit of soap won’t hurt though. I don’t think people will notice. Once I go out on the street, I’ll be once again covered in particulate matter – there’s just so much dust floating around.

And ants, you can pray that ants stay out of my bed. And also… from earlier today:

Been thinking, it’s almost been 2 weeks in Nepal. While physically here, there are still moments when my heart aches to be at home. There have been frustrations one after another with the latest being a conflicting email from my contact at Kanti Children’s Hospital. But I know like everything else here, it’ll work itself out. Sometimes it’s just so frustration when you’re trying to help but you get slammed for it. I realize that this is what the people at ENPHO face and perhaps this has made them even more bold which is what I love so much about the people there. They have hope and fire to persevere because they are sure of what they hold to. May I also have faith and persevere in the race that has been marked out for me. I love and miss all you family in Canada. Really excited to know that mon companero - the man that persuaded me to broaden my horizons - comes next week! Can’t wait to see you Ernesto!

For confidence for both our loved ones, the people in Nepal are extremely friendly – perhaps too much at times. Their kindness can be somewhat invasive on need for personal space and solitude.

More messed up stuff would be construction workers. Hard hats and steel toed boots? I think not, sandals and a backwards cap if you’re lucky. Petrol lines: taxis line up overnight block traffic.

07.05.21

Sujan came over to save my dignity by giving me a lesson on preparing to meet Nepali people and the need to wear shoes and an ironed shirt. Sujan has been a real blessing saving my butt more than once by explaining Nepali culture to me. The first time was when we ate a meal together he noticed that I was eating very slowly and kind of funny. He proceeded to explain what I was doing wrong and coached me into using my thumb to push the food into my mouth. Needless to say, my eating exponentially increased after that. I no longer had to discretely suck all the food into my mouth.
So Sandip graciously ironed my shirt before heading out. I met Bhushan at 1045. He's a really nice guy. And also extremely busy. Everything at the Environment and Public Health Organization is pretty laxed - but they do pretty good work.

Everything is so efficient in a country with no rules. No ethical boundaries to jump through, no bureaucracy, no nothing. So efficient. Today I was oriented, scanned a couple documents, wrote a proposal, showed someone - got their input and convinced them to help out, then got to do some water testing - this may or may not have been a good thing. Some of the water samples reeked. At first I thought it was because I farted, but when the extremely potent smell lingered, I knew I had met my rival. I soon learned that some of the samples were from the Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers - a place where Hindu's burned the dead and disposed of remains into the river. In order to even test the sample, it had to be diluted to 1:100.

Tomorrow, I'll be going to 6 sites throughout the Kathmandu Valley to collect data on air quality at these locations. I've had the opportunity to meet a couple people at the office already. They are all extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. Please pray that I might be a positive influence on the people here. Most of them don't wear 'tika'. No deep conversations so far, but I Thessalonians 4.

I really enjoy working and had a load of fun in the lab testing water samples today. They developed a lot of waste water treatment systems - Including a bio-sands Arsenic treatment solution that doesn't use electricity. It's a continuous flow solution that utilizes gravity - try looking it up online "Environment and Public Health Organization" (ENPHO). Piyush is also a rival to 'pristine' but at a fraction of the cost. The way they do things here are pretty in your face. They work hard to get results then they take advantage of every opportunity to share this knowledge with the public to try to get them to rally against bus drivers (to lower their emissions) or the government or whoever who is damaging the environment. There is a lot to be learned from this bold attitude. Perhaps I need to develop a greater fervency for the study of Scripture and to make finding known to the world at every opportunity - even to a point of creating own outlets.. actually not creating rather discerning outlet's God has planned.

Ride home was interesting, took the safa (clean in Nepali) tempo. It's a 3-wheeled device barely seats 10 ppl with heads bowed. There are 2 bench seats facing one another paralell to the road. It's rather claustrophobic, but only 8Rs. I was lucky and had only 10 ppl aboard, it was already a bit too cozy for me, but I'm getting used to smelling ppl. Makes me feel less bad about farting.

Changed safa tempo's at RNAC (Royal Nepali Airlines Company (?)) Although, it's no longer royal. I think it's just Nepali airlines.

Anyway, it's really bad here. The streets are full of pollution and it's a really broken city. It seriously pains me to walk through the streets here to see such 'wrongness'. This is partly the reason why I'm so glad to be working for an organization that advocates the preservation of God's creation. I hope to share this with more co-workers.

OH yes, and the ENPHO building produces no waste water. They recycle it ALL (grey and black). Anyway, it for now. Long day tomorrow. Oh yes. Nirita, the lady showing me stuff in the lab and who will be leading the testing at the 6 sites tomorrow was explaining why people are so tired in Kathmandu. There's a lot of NO(sub x) nitrous, nitrogen dioxide, etc. in the air, especially through one intersection that I have frequently walked through. In NA, NO is as an inhaled anesthetic - put two together and that's why I'm tired after walking in the streets. That's also why 8+ hours of sleep doesn't seem to cut it for me.

Prayer items:
1. Physical: I'm eating a lot of CHO and I think my stomach's starting to rebel against the mass quantity of it. Nepali's eat A LOT! They eat plates of rice + CHO. I've limited myself to half a plate.
2. Spiritual: continued quite time in the mornings. It's been difficult to get quiet times here with city streets and very open home atmosphere. But it's been a blessing too. You've probably thinking of saying to me - stop insulting JC. That's what He came for community.

So yes, you can pray that I learn what it means to live in community - likes and dislikes all the same. Reading out of psalms but I think I need to read more. This is a very Hindu dominant country. From the names of people to their dress and traditions it's all Hindu it's a part of being Nepali. There's a celebration of rice for 5-month old girls and 6-month old boys. It's supposed to be the time when they are said to start eating solid foods.

07.05.20

pray for patience and sensitivity to the spirit.
- greatly encouraged today on my walk as God reminded me that He works in His time. I met a member of the church on the way home and got to know some of the neighbors.
- everyone really friendly here.
- will also be meting the guy from ENPHO (environment and public health organization) tomorrow. hopefully all things goes well and i can start there tomorrow. the situation here is really painful. it hurts to walk down any street, to see the 'wrongness' hurts so much.

reflectional thought for the day: perhaps can also stick this on blog

regarding photo: cows are holy in this still very Hindu dominant country. This fellow has made his way to a soccer field where kids are playing. No big deal though because animals, vehicles and people all share the same roads and parks. You might be able to see a kid in the background. But notice that there is a rope that is attached to his front leg. This makes it a pain to walk and rather difficult to lift his head. Reflection: do we as Christians have a silly rope tied to us that prevents us from looking forward and keeping our eye focused on God? All it takes is a simple lift of the leg to do free us from it, but are we aware and willing? I need help in seeing things from the perspective of locals here, I've noticed that I bring a lot of unjustified background expectations such as how mission work should go. just got back from village church, so more reflections on the day trek to the church

other photo: what if JC was here? Hindu temple...

07.05.19

Sometime before 0600, the rooster kept crowing again and again. It was a repeated snooze at random intervals - each effectively fulfilling it's purpose.

Anyway finally got up and had our milk tea. Here you either have milk tea or sweet milk tea and usually that's breakfast. Surprisingly, I've gotten used to that rather quicking - this is big change from my usual hearty breakfast. And we were off once again. The water filtration system was put in place once again. This time I ran ahead and filled water to optimize on time. If anyone knows how to loiter or rest, it's the Nepalis. There's never any rushing. Everything is the same. I still feel bad for sometimes making people wait, but it's hardly ever a problem for anyone - I think they are used to it, with the insane amount of things that could go wrong usually always happening.

Anyway, get to the church and fed once again. Service was rather informal in a rectangular room lined with straw mats and supported by bamboo. An aluminium covered laid atop and soil and cow dung were used along the lower half of this 6.5feet high structure. It was very simple, but also very hot. t were enthusiastic about the music, but not so sure how the sermon went. Some people slept, others daydreamed, I'm not sure how many people caught the entire things. Forgive my frankness here, but I think the deacon was all over the place with his message - perhaps it's cause I'm working under my normal skpetical attitude, but I'm really not so sure how we were a blessing to these pepole. I think in order to make this journey more productive, we should spend more time with the people in the church.

Learning of the day: I think I was overwhelmed by all the talking the deacon guy did yesterday. I couldn't understanding, but I guess there's a time to talk and another time not to. During the trek, he didn't say too much - although he did share about how he came to the place he's in now. I actually find him quite interesting - the people here are definitely passionate and driven to share what they know. The skeptical side of me seems to question how intellectual their faith is. That being said the people they reach out to are very simple people and people are coming to the Lord in great numbers. The Lord will work in His way in His time. I'm only to be obedient.

07.05.18

Woke up at 0400 to walk to our meeting place. Got stopped by the police on the way. There's a curfew here that has to be observed. So they become suspicious when 2 boys leave home at 0415 to go to somewhere where the name is unknown. It's a little village in a big country. Anyway, I explained the whole water purification system I had brought and it sufficiently pleased him. He also liked my name or maybe just the fact that I was from Canada. Miss you people at back in temporary (in view of eternity) home.

A bus ride and micro ride (minivan crammed with many people) leave us in a town where controlled arms are strictly prohibited. It's a small village where the road ends that leads to a different raodway that's only open during not monsoon season. We decide to walk since we'll be needing to walk to Babokazi's place. He lives in the middle of what they call a hill - mind you they are Himalayan natives. Seven hours later, we're greated with more curd. I don't really know how they consume this sour vicous liquid. It's supposed to be sweet, but I'm not feeling it. Anyway, there's a meal of fried bread which is fantastic and something my stomach handles quite well. I learn more about farming by observation and learn that hens and pigs eat anything and everything. It's nice having them around. The dog and mountain goats run stray around the home as well. there's buffalo that's tied up.

I'm extremely encouraged by the father here and the family he has established. He's proud of his 15 month boy and has 2 lovely girls (10 and 12 years) that he's also pleased with. They are well trained by their mother whom he loves dearly. I think he went to go pick flowers for her after dinner - I still don't believe in flowers (Perhaps I need to be educated on the meaning of them) Anyways, I will try to keep this short, but I'm extremely impressed with this family. The father is definitely the head - perhaps it comes with the culture. He has power and authority. He speaks and things get done, if not there is sharp discipline right away. He has force, but isn't afraid to use it. He's used his strength as the more powerful one to ensure a safe and loving household. These are seen in the way he farms and deals with the people in his family and guests. He's one of the 2 men in charge of the church a 1.5h walk away, for non-locals it will take 2-2.5h (times quoted for a good day)

After the meal, we end up gathering together for a time of music worship and edification from the deacon travelling with us. He preaches a message - which I thought was long, but perhaps I didn't understand and was tired. @ 2230, we wash our hands again for a second dinner. I really can't eat at this point cause I'm somewhat tired and was getting ready to sleep. Oh I'm also sunbruned. Anyway, it's a LOT of CHO. I eat a bit, but I'm not sure if they're making fun of me cause I don't seem to eat. (I didn't eat much at lunch for fear of diarrhea showing it's ugly face again during a hike in the rain.)

OH YES! The crux of the day. I had some time to reflect before the first meal about what it means to be poor in spirit. I've concluded that one need not be physically poor to be poor in spirit. However, with wealth and self-dependance as a starting point or as a goal, it becomes more difficult. North Americans would label Babukazi's family as poor. They live in a house without proper windows or ventilation. Their child does not use diapers. In fact, he didn't even have pants when I first met Babu (which means little boy). He was playing among the animals and as the animals poo as required, he would poo as required. But in actually, these people know what they are doing. They know how to love and care for their kids and their neighbours. These people need to walk a good 50 metres down to a watersource and back uphill to their home with buckets full. They also need to hike 1hr to the nearest roadway - during monsoon, I'm not sure what they do since this roadway will be flooded. They wake sometimes beofre 0600 (cause that's when I awoke) to carry out the daily tasks of raising animals. This will required walking 20minutes down to the valley to gather food for the goats/buffalo. You get the picture, these people have to work hard to survive. But this does not make them poor in spirit. Poor in spirit is the way that they choose to see the life that God has given them. They realize that they need God - as self-suffient as they seem to be. They could very well suvive on their own in their sustainable environment. There is no need for hydro, electricity or additional foods which they eat. They are poor in spirit because they are broken before God and have made it a point to ensure that they are aware of that at each moment of life that He grants.

Banepa
Dulikhel
Nepal-Achulu (Babukazi's Uncle's place)
Jhangal theli (church)

07.15.17

Dulikhel with Sandip, Sujan and Rami.

07.05.16

There are seriously too many things to see. On bike it's impossible to see it all. I had a chance to finally go to the Canadian embassy today. Apparently, I've past it every since day, including the very first day I landed. They essentially took a sheet I filled out with emergency contact information. I didn't even talk to someone, perhaps someone will call. Other embassy's looked more protected and inportant - at least that's what it seemed like from the outside.
So walking afforded me to see a lot more detail in the shops that I would normally whiz on by. Still I have limited with time. I muttered enough Nepali to find Kanti Children's Hospital and made it there just in time to take a picture then run home so that I wouldn't be late for church gathering. Silly me forgot that Nepal is in Asia and the time concept or lack-thereof-exsist in this cutlure too...

As I'm sitting here, I discover a hole in my pants. I think it's from sitting on the bike for so long. hmm. I'm guessing this might be a sign to pick up a pair of really cheap pants - hopefully made in Nepal to support local economy. I've become quite proficient at sitting balancing on a bike. All it requires is not moving. I can now sleep whilst holding on.