Please see my new blog at
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
55- Nepal 4- Chilis, Bamboo, and Full on Concert
(continued…) Okay, so the end of the last entry may have been a bit exaggerated suspense for the sake of the writing, nonetheless, the next few days WERE- STINKING AWESOME!
The next morning I woke up around 6:30 I think. I went to the roof for a bit which was gorgeous with the morning mist resting on the huge green hills. I spent a little time with God then went downstairs to be quite surprised.
All of the kids were sitting on the mat and doing homework. They were each working on an assignment of some sort or reading… at seven in the morning! I sat on the couch and didn’t really say anything just smiled. One at a time they came to me, hugged me, and said “Good morning brother.” (I forgot to mention the night before they all hugged me good night, and told me to have good dream.”)
Then a few of them, one a time, came to me to read to me. They would read different stories, or sections of scripture. I loved it. I miss it.
Breakfast was usually pretty good. Potatoes cooked differently, maybe a banana, hard-boiled egg, As we were eating and enjoying each others company, we heard a sound in the other room. The kids were singing! They continued to sing with the accompaniment of a hand drum and tambourine. After we finished eating, we quickly went in to join them. After a bit more singing, they all went around speaking one at a time in Nepali. After they finished, they then asked us if we had any prayer needs. We shared ours. Then they began to pray. They all prayed at the same time and with much passion. Some raised their voices, some furrowed their brow in focus, and most certainly their voices were carefully listened to by the Father.
After prayer they all got up and lined themselves up in a little formation. They burst into a song. I loved it! Then they did another, and another… and another. They ended up singing close to 40 songs. As much as I loved them all- I was like “Wow. They’re still going!” One nearly made me cry. It talked about overcoming. W-O-W-O!
After music, Mark, Brother Nepal, and I continued to attempt to make some contact through emails and such to keep trying to get the equipment. No luck. A bit later, I joined Bill and Timothy in weeding out the future playground spot. It was quite muddy. Our team also smoothed out the dirt edges and started planning out a retaining wall.
I loved playing with the kids so much. We played soccer, basketball, swung on the old swing set and just whatever. Their energy, joy and spirit is quite contagious. I felt like they made me a better person. Basketball was complete chaos. Pass it once in a while, dribbling optional. More like a light rugby. So much fun! Chaos and I did have fun dunking it on the short goal! haha
The previous day Ruth would take Lori to go smell something nice and then she would lead her to the duck pen where it smelled gross. Then she tried to trick Lori into a eating a chili which she did and ended up being quite hot. So now its my turn. They actually tried some and spit them out. To give them a good time I took a bite of what I found out later was pretty big one. I only bit into half of it and at first yelled just for drama but quickly my mouth filled with fire. It was seriously extremely hot. My taste buds over the last year seemed to have been able to stand more hot things, but this was a lot. I went to my room found a Cliff bar and after some water and like 20 minutes it finally started to calm down. Quite hot… but totally worth it.
Later that afternoon our order of bamboo came in and so we unloaded it all and dragged it down the hill and quickly found a little shortcut where we slid it down a section of the hill. It was hard work but honestly sliding that bamboo down that hill was pretty fun!
I think this night was when we had these fajita type things. Spicy meat in a tortilla thing with some sauce. “Mmmm Mrs. M- this is delicious!” In Nepalese I would say something like –“khaanaa Dherai mitho chha” which translates like- this food is delicious!
After dinner we sang a bit more with them, I got my guitar out and played for them as they sang their songs. I played my song “Abba” for them, which was cool to me singing about the Father to a group of orphans. Not sad, just cool. I love Jesus. Those kids are beautiful.
Before bed, I talked with Jen and Lori for a bit. Got laughing a while too. Ha. Good times! Our quote book was filling up pretty quick.
Sorry I don’t have anything suspenseful to end with except that the next day was extremely eventful and memorable.
More to come…
The next morning I woke up around 6:30 I think. I went to the roof for a bit which was gorgeous with the morning mist resting on the huge green hills. I spent a little time with God then went downstairs to be quite surprised.
All of the kids were sitting on the mat and doing homework. They were each working on an assignment of some sort or reading… at seven in the morning! I sat on the couch and didn’t really say anything just smiled. One at a time they came to me, hugged me, and said “Good morning brother.” (I forgot to mention the night before they all hugged me good night, and told me to have good dream.”)
Then a few of them, one a time, came to me to read to me. They would read different stories, or sections of scripture. I loved it. I miss it.
Breakfast was usually pretty good. Potatoes cooked differently, maybe a banana, hard-boiled egg, As we were eating and enjoying each others company, we heard a sound in the other room. The kids were singing! They continued to sing with the accompaniment of a hand drum and tambourine. After we finished eating, we quickly went in to join them. After a bit more singing, they all went around speaking one at a time in Nepali. After they finished, they then asked us if we had any prayer needs. We shared ours. Then they began to pray. They all prayed at the same time and with much passion. Some raised their voices, some furrowed their brow in focus, and most certainly their voices were carefully listened to by the Father.
After prayer they all got up and lined themselves up in a little formation. They burst into a song. I loved it! Then they did another, and another… and another. They ended up singing close to 40 songs. As much as I loved them all- I was like “Wow. They’re still going!” One nearly made me cry. It talked about overcoming. W-O-W-O!
After music, Mark, Brother Nepal, and I continued to attempt to make some contact through emails and such to keep trying to get the equipment. No luck. A bit later, I joined Bill and Timothy in weeding out the future playground spot. It was quite muddy. Our team also smoothed out the dirt edges and started planning out a retaining wall.
I loved playing with the kids so much. We played soccer, basketball, swung on the old swing set and just whatever. Their energy, joy and spirit is quite contagious. I felt like they made me a better person. Basketball was complete chaos. Pass it once in a while, dribbling optional. More like a light rugby. So much fun! Chaos and I did have fun dunking it on the short goal! haha
The previous day Ruth would take Lori to go smell something nice and then she would lead her to the duck pen where it smelled gross. Then she tried to trick Lori into a eating a chili which she did and ended up being quite hot. So now its my turn. They actually tried some and spit them out. To give them a good time I took a bite of what I found out later was pretty big one. I only bit into half of it and at first yelled just for drama but quickly my mouth filled with fire. It was seriously extremely hot. My taste buds over the last year seemed to have been able to stand more hot things, but this was a lot. I went to my room found a Cliff bar and after some water and like 20 minutes it finally started to calm down. Quite hot… but totally worth it.
Later that afternoon our order of bamboo came in and so we unloaded it all and dragged it down the hill and quickly found a little shortcut where we slid it down a section of the hill. It was hard work but honestly sliding that bamboo down that hill was pretty fun!
I think this night was when we had these fajita type things. Spicy meat in a tortilla thing with some sauce. “Mmmm Mrs. M- this is delicious!” In Nepalese I would say something like –“khaanaa Dherai mitho chha” which translates like- this food is delicious!
After dinner we sang a bit more with them, I got my guitar out and played for them as they sang their songs. I played my song “Abba” for them, which was cool to me singing about the Father to a group of orphans. Not sad, just cool. I love Jesus. Those kids are beautiful.
Before bed, I talked with Jen and Lori for a bit. Got laughing a while too. Ha. Good times! Our quote book was filling up pretty quick.
Sorry I don’t have anything suspenseful to end with except that the next day was extremely eventful and memorable.
More to come…
Sunday, October 25, 2009
54- Nepal Trip 3- The First night
(continued...)
We put all of our luggage on the porch and as we all stood outside the children then started filing out of the orphanage in single file singing a song for us and gave each of us a bouquet of flowers. My heart melted as I ran to my backpack to grab my camera. They each gave us a hug and I got my very own bouquet. I had never been so happy to get flowers. In those few minutes outside of an orphanage in the Kathmandu valley, a bunch of kids stole my heart and never gave it back. We proceeded to go inside to their main classroom area where they sat single file on some mats. Then each of them introduced themselves and said their name, grade, and age and something like “I am glad to meet you.” Their English was quite good. As each one introduced themselves, I was just overcome with excitement and love towards them. Then we introduced ourselves. I told them I was 24, played guitar and was very happy to be there. I was more than happy to be there.
We eventually lugged all of our junk up to the fifth floor, where we had a surprisingly nice living arrangements. The guys had 2 rooms with a bathroom, as did the girls. Only 2 beds on the guys side and 2 on the girls, but with sleeping bags and mattresses it all worked out. We had a short team meeting, but I was anxious to get back to the kids. We soon went back down where I got to know Daniel, David, and Philip as well as many other amazing people. It took a bit to learn all the names. Jen was a bit quicker than myself, but I got them soon enough. Eliza, Mary, Ruth, Hannah, Angel, Christina, Rebekah, Puja, Noah, Samson, Philip, Daniel, David, Abraham, Samson, Timothy, James, John, Mahyma, Mamata, Emmanuel, Ezekiel, and other house parents and helpers were the beautiful people that blessed my life.
The olders one soon got home from school and met us with hugs as well. Soon we made our way outside where I ended up in a 2 on 2 football (soccer) match where the goal was instead a small wood post on the concrete to knock over. It was quite fun, but my out-of-shapeness also made itself apparent. Way worth it though! After that we washed our feet in a beautiful little stream. Then armed with hand sanitizer, I headed to dinner.
I don’t quite remember what we had for dinner that night, but all in all the meals were quite good. We ate by ourselves before the kids came in to eat. Nepal and Soppana would sit there and we would make conversation. It was a bit awkward as I would just rather everyone eat at the same time, but I suppose that styles of service is apart of their culture. We drank TONS of bottled water. I handled that water- it didn’t stand a chance…
After dinner, the kids then ate and then we got to hang out with them some more. In America, kids will usually bring you a book and make you read it to them. Here, the kids would bring us books and read it to us. It was quite fun! Their English was terrific. I would think it would be like, let me read this short paragraph… Ha! Sometimes it would be short, other times it would be quite long stories or passages of Scripture. I didn’t care. As long as I was with the kids, I was cool.
After a while the young ones went to bed while the older ones stayed up a bit longer to work on their homework. Their discipline was provoking.
I eventually made it to bed. The bed was quite hard but I had never seen such a beautiful place in my life- literally. I was excited to be there and looking forward to the days ahead. I had no idea what I was in for.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
53- Nepal Trip 2- Getting to the Orphanage
(continued...)
We were planning a building a playground that had been donated and already shipped. We found out that the company who was holding it was asking $15,000 USD to release it. Otherwise it the political process to release it would take too long and we would be gone. We were disappointed and quite upset. We had paid a shipping company to take care of this and I guess their international partner was not being so cooperative with us. We were just going to do our best and see what happens.
That night we went out to see the town a bit. Visited several shops and also took an unexpected adventure through the city. We were wanting to go see this monkey place but we didn’t quite know where we were going and spent much longer walking through an unfamiliar city than we preferred. Thank the Lord we made it back to the hotel!
The next morning we spent some time in prayer and worship on the roof of the hotel. We encouraged each other, sang over the city, praised God, and received strength from the Spirit. It was a very encouraging time. At one point we were praying over Duane and lifting him up and out of nowhere this dog came up on the roof and went straight to Duane. He seemed tame and healthy. It was crazy because we were just asking God to bless Duane and it was almost like that dog going to Him was a sign of God’s attention to him. Just kinda cool.
At noon, we loaded up our luggage inside and on top of a van and made our way towards the orphanage. Again, people, motorcycles, and buses filled the streets. I was a bit more familiar with the chaos of traffic this time around but still mesmerized to see the crazy close calls and the closeness of the next driver. Although it was sure fun to offer a smile in slow traffic and have people respond likewise.
After about an hour or crawling out of the city and into the valley we stopped on a empty road and were told this is it. I didn’t see anything. After a bit of unloading I realized we were to walk down a rocky hill to the orphanage. Vans couldn’t make it down. It took us quite a while to unload and drag our stuff down the hill but it was way worth it. It started to rain a bit but with what happened next I was unconcerned.
We were planning a building a playground that had been donated and already shipped. We found out that the company who was holding it was asking $15,000 USD to release it. Otherwise it the political process to release it would take too long and we would be gone. We were disappointed and quite upset. We had paid a shipping company to take care of this and I guess their international partner was not being so cooperative with us. We were just going to do our best and see what happens.
That night we went out to see the town a bit. Visited several shops and also took an unexpected adventure through the city. We were wanting to go see this monkey place but we didn’t quite know where we were going and spent much longer walking through an unfamiliar city than we preferred. Thank the Lord we made it back to the hotel!
The next morning we spent some time in prayer and worship on the roof of the hotel. We encouraged each other, sang over the city, praised God, and received strength from the Spirit. It was a very encouraging time. At one point we were praying over Duane and lifting him up and out of nowhere this dog came up on the roof and went straight to Duane. He seemed tame and healthy. It was crazy because we were just asking God to bless Duane and it was almost like that dog going to Him was a sign of God’s attention to him. Just kinda cool.
At noon, we loaded up our luggage inside and on top of a van and made our way towards the orphanage. Again, people, motorcycles, and buses filled the streets. I was a bit more familiar with the chaos of traffic this time around but still mesmerized to see the crazy close calls and the closeness of the next driver. Although it was sure fun to offer a smile in slow traffic and have people respond likewise.
After about an hour or crawling out of the city and into the valley we stopped on a empty road and were told this is it. I didn’t see anything. After a bit of unloading I realized we were to walk down a rocky hill to the orphanage. Vans couldn’t make it down. It took us quite a while to unload and drag our stuff down the hill but it was way worth it. It started to rain a bit but with what happened next I was unconcerned.
Friday, October 23, 2009
52- Nepal Trip 1: First few days
We left Kansas City early Friday morning. Our team consisted of seven: Mark White- Team Leader, Bill Helbling, Dale Williamson, Duane Smith, Lori Brown, Jennifer Collier, and myself- Bryce Anderson. I sat with Lori every flight. J Shes pretty neat. We flew to Denver then to Los Angeles. We then geared up for the long flight. Sent my last few texts took my last few breaths of US air, and headed for the plane. By the grace of God I was able to check my guitar in at the gate or take it on most of the flights! The plane was quite fat. It held ten seats across with two aisles and went back some 66 rows. I sat with Lori again and was quite thankful to have a window seat.
It took around 10 hours to get to Tokyo where we had a layover then on to Singapore which was another 5 or so hours. I don’t remember. Basically I feel like I step out of time, don’t know when I should be sleeping or not and even if I did I can’t always manage to do so. Meals, movies, and conversations helped to pass the time.
We stayed in a hotel for several hours at the terminal in Singapore and finally made it to Kathmandu the next day.
Flying into Nepal was pretty awesome- as in literally, I was full of awe. We saw the Himalayas, of which I was told one was Mount Everest but couldn’t quite tell which one it was (yes I know it was the tallest). Also as we were flying down into Kathmandu, the valley was beautiful was sparse buildings along side beautiful rolling farm-patched hills and country side.
The airport was quite small. We all boarded a bus and drove about 5 seconds to the building, I think it would have been quicker to walk, but hey- I am not in charge. Haha
We met with Brother Nepal and were constantly being asked for tips for guys wanting to talk our luggage for us.
The van ride to the hotel was overwhelming. I was culturally slapped in the face.
The poverty was extreme. Trash lined the streets, along with beggars and everyone trying to sell their products in little stores. Dogs lifelessly slept or hobbled down the road. The driving was chaotically controlled with traffic pulsating inches away and drivers methodically shimmying past other motorcycles or buses. Their crazed driving was normal and was never upsetting. Americans take it personally when someone violates a rule or expectation. Nepalese take it as it comes and just keep going. My nostrils filled with the mixture of rotting trash and automotive fumes, causing all senses to be challenged.
We arrived at the hotel to meet again more men wanting tips to help move luggage. We settled in our rooms and then upon further conversation with Brother Nepal and Kishor, the two house dads at the orphanage, found out some very disappointing news.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
51- Nepal is upon us
Well I have to be at the church in 5 hours to then head to the airport to then make my way across the earth to a little orphanage to love on some kids that God knows intimately.
Sounds exciting
Please pray for our team! Pray for safe travel, health, smooth work on the playground, boldness in the gospel wherever we are, and the love of Christ to shine in our faces.
Jesus gets all the glory, cuz He is the only one that deserves it anyway.
Blessings to you
Namaste.
13ryce
Sounds exciting
Please pray for our team! Pray for safe travel, health, smooth work on the playground, boldness in the gospel wherever we are, and the love of Christ to shine in our faces.
Jesus gets all the glory, cuz He is the only one that deserves it anyway.
Blessings to you
Namaste.
13ryce
Saturday, October 3, 2009
50- October 3, 2009- Last few days in Ohio
So this last week all of our shows have been outside. So we have been praying for the weather to cooperate. Tuesday was pretty chilly- I suppose thats what you get doing a show outside in Chillicothe. It went real well though. People flooded the stage at the altar call and a lot of great ministry happened. 
Wednesday, I hung with Island Breeze and played their show with them that night. It wasnt chilly, it was downright cold. My guitar felt wet as I condensation was building and stuff. I had an absolute BLAST though. I think I had more fun that the oven in Zanesville, probably because I knew the music a bit better and could watch the dancers a bit more. So much fun!!!
At one point Rudy was talking about how we were designed to be a was giving examples of how things are supposed to be. He mentioned first "If a star was taken out of the sky it would die..." Later we found out that a HUGE shooting star flew across the sky at that point. Like so long that it was distracting... Pretty awesome! Again, many came forward and responded to the gospel.
Thursday, I hung with Island Breeze all day. Performed at 2 nursing homes and an elementary school... It was alot of fun. This was the first time I had seen their school stuff. They danced sang and painted the kids faces... It was alot of fun. I will post videos on that soon...
We got back too late for the GX show but God once again held off the rain for the show "(it rained all day the next day.) The stadium was packed out and people filled the isles to respond to the gospel. GOD IS SOO AWESOME!!!
Yesterday I had to say goodbye to Island Breeze. Not cool. They became like family. Over a few short weeks I grew to love those people...
I also got to hang with some GX guys yesterday which was cool... Did some bowling and ate some pizza. At the bowling ally we did the arcade games a bit. I won 100 bonus tickets on a game. I was gonna give them to a little girl there and when I asked she said no. She had 1,000 bonus tickets coming out at that point. I asked her like 2 more times, even her mom was asking. She didnt want my lousy tickets... Wow- got rejected by a 7 year old... :)
Ha
good times and great oldies
Seeyall soon
Bryce
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
