Two weeks ago yesterday, I stepped onto Nepal dirt. Sometimes I struggle knowing whether I have a Chaco tan line or a Chaco dirt line on my feet (usually the second), but there is one thing I am certain of — God is here, there, and everywhere.
I see God in the Himalayan hills (the mountains are still in hiding among the clouds).
I see God in the glorious masterpiece of the sky every night as the sun sinks below the horizon.
I see God in the hearts of my teammates as they speak truth and wisdom into each other’s lives.
I see God in the city slums as children receive love through dance, play, stories, and prayer.
I see God in English class when our Nepali grandmothers share that they are worried about us since we are so far from our American homes.
I see God in the lives of our leaders as they challenge and encourage and tenderly care for us — even when the going gets bumpy.
I see God in the family-in-Christ dinner time on Friday evenings when we laugh together, talk together, eat together, and worship together.
These are the moments I see God gleaming at us on Earth, tapping me on the shoulder and saying, “Did you see that?!??”
But there are moments that I can almost hear the breaking of God’s heart, and I can see the sorrow in God’s face, too.
Yesterday, we went to a Hindu temple. It was beautiful with intricate, gold details lining the building, but the beauty didn’t compare to the heaviness I felt in my heart. People went to this temple to worship one of their thousands of gods. But before entering the temple to spread their color powder on the idol, they ring bells over and over and over again — hoping that their god will wake up. Then they would lay their Rupees on the ground which was the chosen priest’s income.
In this moment, my heart was heavy but ever so thankful that our God who watches over us will never slumber. He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121). Praise Jesus that He is always near, always present, always awake. He doesn’t need our money or our flawless self. Jesus just wants us — He wants you. He wants me. And that fact fills me with joy.
Jesus, thank you for knowing my darkness and loving me just the same. You are good, You are true, and You are our hope. You are the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
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Thank you everyone for your prayers and continued support!! My team and I are ever SO grateful! You are loved!
