a land of plenty.

Two weeks has come & gone quickly. Two weeks ago I began an adventure that had been in the works for about a year...
In a matter of two weeks, turns out you can also learn a lot about yourself when alone in a new place. Nepal is an beautiful country, with drastic landscapes, rich culture, extremely kind people & an incredible affinity for rice. What's also incredible is how many preconceived notions I had about this place. No global studies course could have prepared me for what this place really is. Yes, most statistics will show that Nepal ranks among the world's poorest countries. However, any Nepali you ask will tell you that the potential is great. As a landlocked country, they import most of their goods from India, but what statistics fail to mention is that Nepal has the potential to be hydro-powered & reaping benefits from it's rich land. After a couple days exploring Kathmandu it all made a little more sense. Down the same road, one man walks pushing his rickshaw, hoping that maybe he will find shelter for the night. Right behind him comes a brand new range rover, honking furiously for this man to get out of the way. If there is one thing my professors continually reiterated was that the gap between the rich & poor is growing at a pace no one could have ever projected. I see it, I really see it.

So here I am, you know, in the Kathmandu Valley... Spending my days with 30 kids who I am learning to love, quite a bit. I feel like I've taken on 30 little brothers & sisters. I'm learning to carry 3 to 4 kids on my back at a time & as it turns out, I'm quickly perfecting my basketball shot. These children want to know every detail to my life. If anyone were to ask at least half of them could tell you my birthday, the name of every family member, the geogrpahic location of santa barbara and about each friend there, all about Kevin & probably his family too, & can even repeat little things I say that I didn't even realize I said. Let's just say they listen intently.
I am thankful for quiet, because I will have you know that life here is a lot slower. My life in California is anything but slow. There has been an adjustment, yes. Learning to live slowly is not natural for me, but in the midst there is peace. So much peace. I am learning to sit in what the Lord promises in Psalm 100. To know more & more that it is He who made us & we are His. I am His. I pray that more & more I will be a daughter, friend, sister, girlfriend, younglife leader & nomad who lives in the light of truth & joy.

The last 2 days, I have woke to the glory of the Himalayas. They are big & mighty. I am thankful that God's glory is so evident here. I am thankful for my new 30 brothers & sisters.
I am thankful to be in a plentiful land.

I miss you all. I really really do.

peace, love & the Kathmandu Valley,
laur