Saturday, 26 November 2011

Day nine

Today's bible reading

Matthew 7:24-27

24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

The girls morning started a lot earlier than ours, as we were both awoken by another of Andy's lame earthquakes. Then we worshipped in Pastor Raju's church, It was a very charismatic experience. Even though we couldn't understand about 98% of the service it was easy to stay engaged. The amount of energy Raju put into his service makes our pastors look lazy, Haha and at one stage putting Andy's monkey impression to shame.

After experiencing the energetic and absolutely AWESOME service, we went to the new Badi girls hostel which is now open because of the $13,500 raised by Livingstone Christian college students. In our opinion this was one of the main highlights of the day. The girls were just ecstatic for us to be there, as we got to look at their rooms and the amazing hostel Raju has rented for them. We were able to get lots of photo's with them and we had the ability of just meeting some of our own sponsor girls. We said our goodbyes and headed off to a shopping centre in hopes of getting the girls some jackets and clothes. We also had a bit of shopping time and I got some supra's, sorry Sean :P we then decided to visit thammel again for 30min of shopping, which was very interesting as we were in small groups and lots of us got lost in the maze of shops, with only minutes before we had to be back at the bus, only to realize that after half an hour of waiting for Andy at the bus, that we should call Raju to pick him up so we could go for dinner, then half an hour later Andy finally showed up at the restaurant starving for food. As we are writing this we are on the way to the Badi girls hostel that we visited earlier, to hand out the clothing that we had bought earlier whilst listening to the musical stylings of Felicity, Zara, Bec and Emmy, now we all know why they aren't on the radio..

Anywho, we are all sad to leave Nepal tomorrow but also glad to leave as we all want our longer showers!!! We are all worried about the bag limit since all of our shopping sprees, has even limited the room on the bus. But that shouldn't be an issue... We have made lifelong friends (Daniel and I) with a lot of the local church members including: Rusik, Rosna and the school teachers. This experience has changed our lives forever and we will cherish this time as a team always.

Billy and I would like to thank Rasik for his help, kindness and welcoming arms (hope to see you in Brisbane soon brother :P), pastor Raju for his ever present assistance and passion for god (you are changing lives here) and last but not least we would like to thank all of the teachers, Mama Jenni, Pappa Andrew, sister Felicity, Sister Zara, brother Matthew and sister bec for their amazing tolerance of us and for arranging this amazing trip. God bless everyone we have encountered this trip, and also everyone that we haven't, for it is the mystery of what we can teach them and what they can teach us that will keep the fire of motion work alive within us... God bless everyone at home until we see you on Monday.

- lots of love Daniel & Billy.

Friday, 25 November 2011

Day Eight

Today's bible readings.

Matthew 6:25-34

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Today we enjoyed our last day at school. We were very excited and very sad at the same time. Driving there, animal noises were supplied by Andy. We wrapped up our last lessons for the kids. Matt and Bec zinced the kids up with gold and green zinc and introduced them to Vegemite and fairy bread. They enjoyed every bite. Lessons went fast and memories were made.

There was a concert at the end of the school day. The badi girls started it off with a dance that was beautiful and filled with love. They were smiling the whole time. Then three boys did a dance that rocked the dance floor and got everyone clapping. Another dance from the badi girls again and then some of the female teachers took the dance floor.

Centre stage was then taken by our classes. Each class had learnt a song with actions. We started with the lower kindy singing "FatherAbraham" then went upper kindy who sang "twinkle twinkle little star" grade one sang "the rainbow song", grade two "be happy" grade three "rock sword and shield" grade four "on that very first Christmas" and then grade five sang "the wise man built his house on the rock" The kids singing and actions were so beautiful to see, the smiles on their faces were priceless. Of course no concert can be held without Andrew's rendition of "cherry cola chuppa chup" The concert ended but that didn't stop the dancing.We said our very last goodbyes when the bus came for us. Last photos were being taken and hugs were being given in every direction. Love is in the air.

We went back to the hostel to relieve our bladders and to relax for a little bit. We were going to be street feeding tonight but plans changed and we are now sitting in the 'Dreams Garden' , a beautiful garden and fountain setting and home of the best steak in Nepal.

Two more sleeps till we fly back. Which means longer showers.

Tess and Phoebe

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Day seven

Day 7

Today's bible reading:

15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."



Today was a relaxing and enjoying experience for the team.

Our journey began at the Hindu temple this morning. It was the end of prayer so there were people everywhere. We walked in single file and were pushed by thousands of Hindu people from every angle. At one stage there was also a cow in the mix as well as motor bikes and a car or two. Brie's personal bubble was well and truly broken! The temple was a really interesting experience, seeing how Nepali people worship their gods was a challenging experience and a reminder of the huge need in this country. We were lucky enough to witness a cremation- which was a little confronting and from a distance we were also able to see a cow's urine being used for all sorts of 'holy purposes' (drinking, flicking on people present, etc).

After the temple we went to the monkey temple. This was a lot of fun, seeing the boys tempting the monkeys with bananas in order to feed them on their shoulders (sorry parents). Oohing at the baby monkeys and laughing at the funny situations was great for the team. Unfortunately, Zara (after being dared by Felicity to lick money last night) was sitting extremely crook in the bus.... She was the fourth to vomit this trip.

Zara, Bec and Felicity broke out in a rendition of "what about me?" in the middle of Kathmandu, it was so beautiful that people were stopping to look at the performance. Andy also pretended to be a mannequin outside one of the street shops which also drew a lot of attention our way.

After a western lunch (thank you Lord) we went into Thammel to shop shop shop! It was an exciting experience, one that will see our bags getting closer to that 20kg max.

Pizza hut for dinner (so some team members have had pizza 5 nights running) with matt dancing as entertainment to the team, and home finally, where there is currently no power- head torches are being used!

Only four more sleeps now!

Felicity

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Day six

Day 6

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Well, what can we say. Today we became missionaries.

This morning we were woken up at 6am by brother Andrew jumping on our beds. We needed to be bus ready by 7 am for our trip to Tharping. Unfortunately our plans changed and we found ourselves Traveling 3 hours drive outside Kathmandu to visit a village where pastor Raju has a new church.

The trip was just wonderful and it was very interesting to see the Nepal countryside. We travelled in a bus that reminded me of the bus from MASH.

Our bus couldn't make it up to the church fellowship and so we had to get out and walk. We were told that it was about 3 kilometers, but they failed to tell us that the walk was almost straight up a mountainside. After about 50 meters our Nepalese friends stopped and had a big discussion about whether Brie was going to be able to make it. She insisted that she could and with the amazing help of Andrew and others she did. It was a very very difficult walk eventually Andrew put Brie on his back and piggy backed her. Others fell by the wayside too. There were many who said "I can't do this" and Chelsea actually vomited from the sheer physical exhaustion of the walk. We had to stop quite a few times to rest but eventually we made it to the top.

At the top we were welcomed into a home for home fellowship and once again we worshipped with the Nepali people. We don't understand anything that is being said but we know that God is truly there in their worship. After worship we sang a song and Andrew shared a message to the people telling them that we all love the same God and in God's eyes we are all brothers and sisters.

Then we were proudly served a traditional Nepali lunch. This would have been an massive effort for these mountain people to feed and serve 17 extra people. To say that eating the lunch was a challenge for us is an understatement. But in our training for this trip we were taught about how much of an insult it is to our hosts if we don't eat what is served to us. We have also been drilled on not drinking the water and being really careful what we eat ie no fruit that is unpeeled etc.

So here we were in this new church fellowship trying not to insult our hosts but trying to show some self preservation for our health. We were served chai tea first which was made from boiled water so we knew that would be fine and it tasted amazing. (remembering too that there were no American toilets on this mountainside so none of the girls wanted to drink too much). Then we were served rice with curried chicken and a watery soup too. It was really tasty but having seen many many unrefrigerated raw chickens on the side of the road for the past few days sort of made us struggle a little. We thought we had done really well until our hosts bought us out cups full of buffalo yoghurt. Andrew turned green at the chunks in the drink and upon tasting we realized it tasted like the rotten milk in our chaplains fridge at school. It smelled like it too. So then our next plan was how do we dispose of what's in our cups without insulting our hosts. They were so proud to be feeding us and we were so scared to drink the drink.

Someone came up with a plan to give our drinks to the kids who had been patiently sitting watching us eat our lunch and so Matt gave his drink first, but our host thought he missed out and so gave him another one. Poor Matt.

After that we then scooted down the mountainside - a lot easier than our climb up - but still a little scary. We found our bus and hopped on hoping to get some sleep on the way home. Instead after about half an hour we then stopped and visited another home fellowship/church and it was in a building up a set of ladder like stairs. It felt like we were in the upper room in Bible times. Again our host shared God's word with the group that were gathered there. They provided us with bottles of soft drink each which was very refreshing and we were happy to drink thinking that we were getting close to getting home to the hostel and the toilets. Rule number 1 in Nepal Never ever assume that you are doing things as per the schedule.

We then were on the bus for another 2 hours when we then picked up Pastor Raju. Then we got caught in heaps of traffic and then we stopped and picked up the teachers from the school. By this stage we were busting to go to the toilet. Remember we had been out since 7 am and it was now 6 pm. Unfortunately by this stage Matthew had a terrible headache and he had been trying to sleep but he awoke feeling very unwell. Fortunately bec was watching and had a sick bag at the ready. Poor Matthew threw up all his lunch.

We were unable to go back to the hostel so finally at about 7 pm we got to the bakery cafe and were able to use the bathroom. Yay!!!!!!! Then it was onto the pizza place for dinner with the staff from the school. A great time was had by all at the dinner (except poor Matthew) and friendships with the staff are now cemented. Email addresses have been exchanged and hopefully many years of corresponding and encouraging will take place.

Home finally at 8.30 and there are now many tired team members who are all trying to have showers to clean off some of the blood sweat and tears shed today.

We were very blessed to have shared in the ministry today on top of a mountain deep in the countryside of Nepal.

Who knows where God will send us tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for our whole team they are very tired.

Love

Jenni


PS. At this stage we've changed our plans again and we will be doing some touristy things ie monkey temple and shopping in thammel. We will go back to the school on Friday where I'm sure there will be lots of tears when saying goodbye.

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Day 5

Today's bible reading:

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.


Today was our second day in the school and buzz going there was so different from yesterday. Much more confident were our team and very excited to see their little new found friends from yesterday.

Instead of my blogging today I've asked each team member to share with you their favorite part of today.

My favorite part of the day was singing with our team and the new piano and guitar which will be donated to the high school opening next year.
Zara

My favorite part of today was blowing bubbles and skipping with the kids after school finished. - Brie.

My favorite part of the day was playing with the kids and washing my hair- Tessa

My favourite part of the day was laughing in the hostel room with the girls. Also spelling favourite right in the blog- Flic

My favourite part of the day was seeing the smiles on the faces of these precious badi girls and boys. Also having a good laugh with emmy and Jayde :) - dayna

Today it was amazing to see the gorgeous girls and boys at the school. Also being able to have an amazing time with them. And having a really fun time with dayna attacking Jayde (: - Emmy

Today was a really fun and amazing day with the kids playing in the playground and skipping with the girls and boys and teaching them about Australia and what we have in our country. :) Phoebe

Well..my favourite part of today was watching our class sing to us while the teacher wasn't there and attempting to understand what they were saying! And blowing bubbles for the kids...while seeing mr hellinga and Daniel pour the bubbles into their mouth and blow it...soo gross haha...but so cute seeing there faces while it was happening. Jayde

Hello :) have to say, the best part of my day was spending time with all the kids. They are such amazing children. Not a worry in the world, always have a smile on their face and love seeing you. Must admit, being called sister Olivia is pretty awesome :) anyway, love ya mum, dad and maddy.. kissy kissy ;) Olivia x

My favourite part of the day was in the afternoon when we were playing with the kids outside blowing bubbles. "sister, sister. My turn." they would call out as they took turns in blowing bubbles. It was so cute. I have to also mention the ride to dinner when talking about the favourite part of my day. While everyone else was stuck on the bus I was having a joyride on the back of the motorcycle. P.s. mum and dad hope you know I am getting a motorbike. :) Bec

The best part of my day was walking into the classroom to see the beautiful children's smiles. It is amazing how happy and well mannered they are. It was nice of the children to sing us some songs and teach us how to dance. The afternoon was also a great part of the day as we sat around the living room jamming. This whole experience has been just amazing! - Chelsea


This trip has been an amazing eye opener and experience. Everything has
Pretty much been thrown in our faces and it's hard to realize we're actually here, it's been a mission to even take it all in at once. Even though the trip has been great I'd have to say my favourite part of the trip would have to be teaching the kids, realizing how much we actually have, they are wonderful children and they have told us they'd like to move to Australia with us :) and also was so great to talk to the most special people back at home. - lex.

Another great day in Nepal. Will never tire of going into the school and putting a smile on the faces of the children. It is a huge blessing to be welcomed into the school and be around the students and staff. Even more so to see our kids have a great time, using the gifts and talents God has given them and seeing their lives change on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. I am still amazed at the way Nepalese people go about their lives. Very humble circumstances but very satisfied and joyous in the Lord. A huge challenge to our Western way of thinking and doing life. Paul's words come to mind: "I have learnt to be content in all circumstances." Despite all our exciting and challenging experiences, I am missing home and can't wait to see my beautiful wife and give her a massive hug. See you all in 6 sleeps. Bring on tomorrow!! Matt

This trip has not been at all what I have expected... It has been so much more. I never realized how much joy can truly be felt by one child whilst being surrounded by the chaos and illness in this country, and today and yesterday we have been surrounded by around one hundred kids who are so happy about everything. The class that I help with is so amazing, 12 girls and 1 boy, it is mind blowing to see the work that they do in class in Nepalese and in English. We were told that there would be tears when we leave the school for the last time on thursday, and I was adamant that they wouldn't come from me, but just seeing the kids get on the bus this afternoon to go back to the badi girls hostel (whilst I gave them hi-fives) brought tears to my eyes. The kids give me hope and have taught me that, no matter what you have, where your from, what you do, or what color your skin is, that as long as you are happy and have god in your life, just a smile can change a life and a heart. -Billy


Second time here, and the feelings I had on my first trip are similar. I see people living simple lives in a city that is chaotic with activity. We have once again been embraced with representatives from pastor Raju's church. A highlight last night was being part of a local cell group. 17 people jammed in a room 3m x 3m where a family of 4 live. Their opening prayer was loud and powerful with the native phrase of "dunnnabar" mentioned many times. The word "dunnnabar" means thank you. It appears the Nepalese people have much to thank God for. A very humbling experience. God bless. Andy

My favourite part of today was when I was teaching the kids a new song and I asked them if they would sing to me a song tbat they alreafy knew They sang a song with so much love to their Jesus and it was so melodic that I actually cried. Jenni

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts.,,,,,, tomorrow we head off at 7 am to Tharping on a sightseeing trip.

Jenni

Monday, 21 November 2011

Day Four.

Today's Bible Reading

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Today was our first full day in Kathmandu. Preparation started early in the day as everyone was feeling very nervous about what lay ahead.

The trip to the school was very rough as the school is out of town and the roads were full of huge potholes.

On our arrival at the school we were greeted by Lalima, the principal, and she is very young and very beautiful. The setting of the school reminds us of Livingstone as we look out on a farm. The classrooms are so small about the size of a standard bedroom. The children are simply delightful and respond well to the activities that our team have planned.

After a nervous first session we all settled into a second session and then spent time outside playing volleyball, soccer and skipping - much to the delight of both students and us. So many photographs have been taken of those amazing smiles.

In one of the sessions we taught the song "Be Happy" and the words in that are so true - when you've got not a lot Be Happy.... And they are happy.

After that we had planned to go home and veg out for a while but Pastor Raju had other plans. We were taken to his church and treated with chai tea and an American toilet (yay). Then we split into 3 groups and went to share in Home Fellowship. It was an experience that we'll never forget. Praise and worship certainly takes on a different meaning for these Christians. We were so blessed to be invited into these homes. After that we had dinner at the Bakery Cafe. The kids had burgers and pizza and the 8 adults were treated to a family pack of momos which were made out of buffalo and chicken. Yum yum.

We are now processing the events of the day while we get ready to go to bed. A thought that is very inviting after such a huge day.

Much to Andrews delight most of the Nepalese are calling Jenni "Mumma Jenni", while he and the others are given the title of brother or sister. It's an age thing he tells us. Bec got to ride on the back of a motorbike tonight. She is very proud of herself and is still smiling. (it's quite an achievement to be the passenger on one of these bikes).

We are hearing of many people praying for us and we are very grateful for your prayers. This trip will change lives and those lives are ours.

If you haven't had a phone call from your kids, it's because we don't stop from morning to night. Everyone is safe and doing well. Hopefully, we'll get a chance soon to ring you.

Sunday, 20 November 2011

Day Three.

Today's bible reading:

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.


This morning we woke early to have our last buffet breakfast and we then packed our bags and headed to Bangkok airport for our flight to kathmandu. After arriving at the airport Jayde felt unwell and looked very green. We were able to get her a wheelchair and she was wheeled around the airport in style. However we then managed to lose a group (you'll need to guess which one) and after much walking, praying and looking finally managed to regroup just before boarding.

Both our flights have been excellent. During the flight Dayna said. "Mrs Keith is that Mt Everest?". To which Mrs Keith replied "no Dayna that's just the clouds. ". Moment later we heard the captain say "if you look out your window you will see Mt Everest". Well done Dayna. Not so good Mrs Keith. The mountains are amazing,

After arriving at the airport we were greeted by Pastor Raju and a few members of his church. They greeted us with beautiful fresh flower leis and we felt like royalty. Even though we were warned it was still very. confronting having people ask for money or try to take our suitcase trolleys from us. We finally made it onto the yellow school bus and then they loaded all the suitcases onto the bus and off we went.

Unbelievable, kaos, sensory overload, where do I look, car, bikes, horns, crazy motor bikes, overwhelming , monkeys, skinny dogs, cows in the street, people staring at us in our yellow school bus, noise, horns, horns, rubbish, dirt......... These are some of the things that greeted us on our drive to the hostel. At one stage, while we still were driving someone hopped on our bus with 2 big bags and then jumped off again. This was the delivery of our team jackets. After driving through this very busy and noisy town we came to a "palace" our hostel. It is the most beautiful building and we are on the second floor.

After choosing rooms, it was on the road again to Tammel where we walked and walked and walked to go to the leather shop to order leather jackets. The owner didn't want to make us jackets instead he insisted that we buy off the shelf. 4 team members bought a jacket each at $70 - a bargain.

Walking through Tammel was unbelievable we had to walk the team with one of Raju's people in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back of our whole team. We were constantly accosted by hawkers trying to sell us violins, beads, gold decorations, fireworks. It was so much fun (for some of us) and it was terrifying for others. A HUGE culture shock.

We then went to the pizza shop which was like an oasis in the desert. The shop was so so different to what we had been in. Quiet, clean, European.....

After dinner we did our grocery shopping in a huge supermarket. It was lovely and clean. The only trouble was that we had to cross the road -twice. Scary is an understatement terrifying is closer to the real feelings we had. Weaving in between trucks bikes and push bikes is a real education.

We finally fell into bed after a debrief with a whole new world having just been opened to us. Tomorrow is a whole new day.