30th Sept.  Wild Ride

Last night, we all went into the tourist centre for a meal, as we had only arrived from out west and I wasn't all that keen to start cooking for everyone.  We headed off in three separate taxis, always completely clapped out Suzuki's.  I had three other ladies with me, and I sat in the front seat, being the only one who knew the way.  Boy!!!!!! What a ride.  The traffic was manic and so was the driver.  Eight lanes of traffic where there should be four; motor bikes, bicycles, trucks, taxis, tuk tuks, pedestrians, all seemingly oblivious of each other.  No need to be on the right side of the road.  The craziest taxi driver wins.  Two of the ladies were not impressed but Lyn and I loved every minute of it.  Down side streets, dodging potholes, animals.  30 minutes later, we arrived at our destination totally pumped.  I wanted to do it all again.  Ahh!!!!! Nepal.  I love it.

Robyn

30th Sept 2013

I have been in Nepal for 10 days now and the people and the things I've seen,heard, smelt and experienced I will never forget. For me the people have been the highlight. Whether it be the fun times of travelling on a pretty interesting bus trip (to say the least...) with both Aussie and Nepalese guys and girls or chatting with friends I've met for the first time and others I've known for some time as we walked the streets; I couldn't help,by God's grace, but be reminded of just how how precious the Jesus I know and His Gospel is to those who know it also, and with that, realising again that it must be shared! It has been a pleasure getting to know those I now call friends and brothers and sisters in Christ I can't wait to meet them all again (and others) real soon.  Kathryn :)     

Not for the weak stomach

One of the "joys" of traveling through Nepal is the unexpected sights and smells. Both senses copped a flogging in this case. I take my hat off to one of our Aussie gals who braved the experience.
Josh

A Wonderful Time in Nepal

Sunday 29 September- As my time draws to a close in Nepal, I am very thankful for the privilege of being here for the past two weeks. I came as the New Hope representative to open the Hope Community Centre at Chinnchiu which comprises a school, a hostel, a community hall and a medical centre which is yet to be completed due to lack of funds(donations are tax deductible).The community is an oasis of hope. There are currently 3 classes (nursery, 2 kinders)and eventually it will be up to Yr 10. The opening was a testimony to the Lord's goodness through the vision of Educate Nepal and the support of God's people. In the week prior to the opening on Friday Grahame taught 40 church leaders in the hall and I did a modified New Hope International Effective teaching and Learning Series with v15 potential teachers and and the 3 teachers from the school.We had lots of fun learning and gave them basic Biblical foundations for Christian Education. the time at the community centre was worth the hair-raising drive from the airport over 2 mountains to get there!!! we visited the nearby Jhuprakhola village where the Badhi girls who live in the hostels and attend the Christian Community School come from there. The destitution of their lives and the level of degradation is confronting and almost unable for me to describe. I visited the community school campuses in my first week here and the difference in the girls is indescribable. Since being rescued from such degradation and being sold for sex, their lives have been transformed by the joy of belonging to The Lord's community in the school and the hostel.God is doing amazing things through Christian education in this place. Lots more stories to tell when I have opportunity to put them in a report.

Helen Blanch (New Hope International- Education Director)

A bus, a family and 2 changed lives

Dinner, on the road at 11:30 last night. Fried fish and shrimp with chilli sauce. All just part of our 19 hr bus trip home. It was long and tiring, but the experiences had, relationships that were built, and seeing how the Nepali people care for each other (and us) with such a strong family love, etches a lifelong mark on your life that humbles you. I thank God I could come here again and be reminded of God's purpose for community and love for each other.
We were also able to bring back 2 girls that we were able to rescue from slavery.
It's hard to get your head around where they have just come from and what they have endured, but you know that their lives will be changed forever, although they won't be able to imagine to what extent, at this stage.
Josh

Saturday 28 Weary travellers.

We are in the little hotel in Birendernagar waiting for the bus to pick us up for church.  The "magnificent seven" left on the big bus to wend their way to  Kathmndu.  It took 22 hours last time due to delays in Kathmandu and then an accident somewhere on the way that held up traffic for one hour.  Three members are travelling to Nepalgunj today after church to fly to Kathmandu and the rest of us go tomorrow.  Yesterday was the opening of the school, and it was a great affair with a number of officials and the hall was packed.  We had the concert in the afternoon, so many people stayed all day.  The concert started half an hour early, as the place was jammed full with spill outside.  It was oppressively hot, and the generator kept failing so the fans weren't working, and the singers etc. had to hang around till someone got it going again.   But finally, everything was accomplished.  The room almost had enough electricity of its own without the generator.  We will be keen to be at church this morning to see if many of the locals turn up.  Raju preached at the end.  Don't know what he said, but there was a lot of nodding going on in the crowd.  As we left the hall, we were surrounded by most of the village, with the school kids who had a little bit of english wanting to talk.  Everyone wanted to have photo's with us.  We felt like "rock stars" for a day.  It's exhausting.  On the way back to the hotel, we called into Jhuprakhola (Garbage river) where many of our girls come from.  We walked down the precarious gravel track to the mud huts with grass roofs .  The abject poverty is unable to be explained.  We met an aunt and uncle of one of the ladies in the half-way house.  There were two handicapped children there and we know of others.  We would love to do something for these little ones but it is a huge task to set up another centre that requires such specialised people and accommodation.  Our "first timers" were a bit overwhelmed by what they saw.  It is difficult to deal with. The scenery is spectacular, with the mountains and beautiful river.  The contrast is unbelievable, between what God makes that is so glorious and what man causes amidst the beauty.  The great consolation is when we come to  Kathmandu and see our lovely little girls and women filled with hope and great expectations for the future.  Clean, safe, fed, educated, trained and daughters of the King.  That is worth a " Halleujah"

Wednesday- movement on the station

Today, 7 brave souls left for Surkhet on the bus for a 16 hour trip.  The rest of the " softies" leave at 6:15a.m. tomorrow to fly to Nepalgunj on the Indian border, and then a two and half hour trip on a bumpy road to join the others.  On Friday, we have the. "official" opening of the second school out there with all the "polies" and officials.  Then a big concert, including Josh and Aaron, and Raju will be speaking afterwards..  We are expecting about 1,000 people.  We had a lovely time with the girls and their hospitality training, with another two tradies joining us for afternoon tea at our little cafe, as the girls practiced their new found skills.  Cupcakes and Mars bar slice were on the menu, that the girls had made earlier in the afternoon.  They also had another health training class in the morning.  Josh downloaded a 14 minute animated video of conception to birth.  It was wonderful and the  girls were very taken with it.  The young couple who caretaker here joined them, and as she is expecting in a couple of months, they were also enthralled.  I have some photos on my I Pad but am having difficulty getting them on the blog.  Will put them on when someone from the younger generation can assist.

Robyn 

Health training in Nepal

My time in Nepal has so far been better than I could have expected. Being a registered nurse I came with the knowledge that I would help to teach in basic health care for the girls and women here. Our topics have included basic hygiene, first aid, pregnancy, child health, reproduction and sexual health. The first day went so well after a few minor issues. We were greeted with smiling faces and many hugs and kisses which I was not expecting. It was fun to teach the CPR and see the girls practicing on the CPR maniquin. The girls did well and our interpreter said that they were still talking about it when they were back at the hostel. The part that I was most afraid of was teaching on sexual health considering what these beautiful ones had already been through. But some girls got notebooks to take notes and they all seemed to receive the information well. Hopefully it clarified to them some basics about how our bodies work. I thanked God a lot once it was done.

The more time I spend with the girls the more I know their stories and it makes everything more real. Before I came I would look at the statistics of the amount of Nepalese girls that get trafficked. But knowing their stories it reminds me that these girls are not just statistics. Each one of these girls Jesus cares so much about and each of the girls yet to be rescued Jesus cares so much about. I'm happy to be part of an amazing organisation that is making a difference.

Crystal Hempsall :)

Communications again

Finally, we are joined to the world again.  We have had all sorts of drama with the Internet which has become the norm here.  It is so good to be able to write the blog again.  It is steamy and hot but it hasn't stopped the enthusiasm here for all that is happening.  Today, the girls were training in hospitality. Margaret had the little tables set up within beautiful white tablecloths, and flowers in vases, lovely sugar basins etc.  The girls were training to greet, escort the customer to the table and take orders and serve.  After a few practice runs, we were the customers, and the girls served us.  They had some surprise customers.  The two Internet guys were invited to have afternoon tea with the pikelets.  The girls were quite chuffed.  The amazing thing is to think of where these women were a year ago. They would never have imagined in their wildest dreams that they would have had this opportunity.  They have lovely uniforms and they are just spectacular.  I love them so much.  They also have been having basic health care classes.  They were learning CPR with a special dummy provided by  St.Johns  ambulance.  They have so much fun while they are learning.  I'm has been teaching bike mechanics.  He has been a real hit with the boys and he loved his time with them.  The teachers have been in school,
Gloria and I have begun photographing all the girls with some updates. Everyone has been doing their little bit towards daily life. Washing up, helping with food preparation, cleaning etc.  They are a good team.  

Bye
Robyn 

Friday 20 september, my first mission trip..

I arrived in Nepal for my first mission trip 4 days ago, I've traveled through asia before, so I had some idea of the scene I was in for. The crowds of people as you walk the streets, the brick jungle, the smells, the sounds, the state and chaos of the roads. These simple things we take for granted everyday.

The first of my experiences started with a tour of the markets, a tour of the big stupa and surrounding areas, this when it set in, the state at which these people live their everyday lives. This experience was followed by a night out to dinner with Mama Robyn where we managed to 6 people, not so comfortably, in a taxi barely fit for 4.

The following day we went to meet some of our gorgeous girls, for me this was a first. To see their beautiful smiling faces and the respect and love that they have considering their rough start to life is just amazing.

Today was a big day for me, as I'm here to train a group of boys on motorcycles service and repairs. When I left Brisbane, I still had no idea of what I was going to teach them or the treat I was in for, I tried my best to come up with a teaching plan, but like all plans in Nepal, they never go the way you intended them. All I could do was pray the God would be with me through this and trust it would work out fine.

After a shaky first few minutes of introducing the boys to some basic tools, they were pulling bits off the bike left right and centre and asking what each thing was, what it was used for and how it worked. The nerves were gone. For 3 hours it went like clock work and in everything that happened, I could see Gods hand at work. They boys interest and excitement to learn something new was a wonderful thing to experience.

This afternoon, I went back to finish what we didn't get through in the morning. The joy and excitement in their eyes as I came through the gate made me realise how blessed I am to have this opportunity.

The rain put and end to our afternoon of work. The boys insisted I come inside before I go as they had something for me. I was met with a group of 10 boys cheering and thanking me for the day and the opportunity I gave them. It brought tears to my eyes to think I could have such an impact on so many lives.

No words can describe this experience so far. This is just the beginning of something great.

Tim Alder :)

Friday, 20th, Day off today.

Friday's are our day off to take team members  to see a few things in Kathmandu, do a little shopping and check out  the tourist area.  Some of the ladies went to the material shop to buy beautiful fabrics to have made up in the traditional dress.  The cost of making up a long top and the baggy pants is only about  less than $5.00  We were hoping they would be ready for the official opening of the new school out in Surkhet, but no luck.  We now only have 3 more team members to arrive on Sunday.  Grahame and Helen are off to Surkhet tomorrow most of the rest of us fly up there on Thursday for the opening and the big concert.  The first timers are very excited about their new experiences.  Every moment is new and interesting.  Sometimes, upsetting and sad seeing the poverty and hopelessness.  We have had the opportunity to invite  a Hindu family to the big Christian concert in Kathmandu.  Tomorrow is church and then we will be taking out our sponsored children for a special lunch.

Robyn

WEDNESDAY 18th deep appreciation

Today, we began photographing our girls and getting updates on their progress.  These girls are so amazing.  They are so excited to be in school, and trying with every fibre of their beings, to do well and improve their futures.  They love being in sunday school and learning to be closer to God and eager to learn as much as they can from their Bibles.  They are so overwhelmed by being sponsored and recognise the huge difference it is making in their lives.  Some are so changed in the last 12 months, it is hard to recognise them.  We sat up on the flat roof with the kids and ate lunch with them,; rice, dahl and very hot potato and pumpkin dish.  The girls polished off large meals as usual.  Geoff took the new photos and Gloria was the scribe as I sat with the interpreter to talk to each one.  Brooke also helped in keeping track of a numbering system .  We have done 34 interviews so far; only 120 to go.  Whew!!!!!!  We have another 3 team members today, another six tomorrow arriving , another one on Friday another one the weekend the the last two on Monday.  It's all happening.

Robyn.

First Night In Nepal

The noise of beeping cars,bikes,smells and people talking doesn't seem to stop.
I am overwhelmed how the capital city of a country can be so deprived of just simple things.
However for many many people this is all they know and will ever know.
We have so much.
I am stilled in my spirit of how much I have.

Gloria

Reflections from a Kathmandu newby

 Arriving on a balmy afternoon in Kathmandu we began our time in Nepal sweating as we climbed onboard the taxi and trundled over the bumpy track to the Transform the Nations guest house at Bouhda, Naya Basti.

Driving in Nepal was one of the early eye openers as dozens of scooters, trucks, buses, tuk tuks and taxis whizzed past, stopped suddenly and merged mercilessly as we made our way through narrow streets. No obvious road rules apply, beeping horns warn of overtaking or approaching vehicles. Keeping left appears to be mostly optional as does service and repair work requiring more than race tape!

The bright colours chosen to paint the three and four story brick and concrete dwellings that are crammed in was another sensory overload along with the varying strength of pungent roadside cooking odours. Monkeys, cattle and traders line the road side all trying to make enough income for families living in this bustling city. Dozens of cables bound together strung from leaning poles stand just out of reach carrying the electricity to each shop, stall, business house and home. Not a place for a stoic work place health and safety officer.

Today we ventured through downtown Bouhda to the Miriam Baby Centre. Here we met the staff and had a lovely time with the toddlers that were rescued as babies from incredible situations that melt even the hardest heart. It is a pleasure to see and be a part the invaluable work of the Transform the Nations ministry as it makes life changing impact into the lives of those being helped. Later the girls, having finished school came and were thrilled to reconnect with Ma Ma Robyn and meet the rest of us. They sang and danced as a celebration of seeing Robyn again, these young ones appreciate already the change that Grahame and Robyn have brought them.

God is at work here in the midst of poverty, heartache and struggle and those that have joined Him in this place are seeing blessing and answer to prayer in ways that evidence His hand on the work.
Such valuable and meaningful work is not done by any one person nor by only those here and visiting Nepal. It requires the faithful fervent prayers of you the supporters standing along side and partnering in the work. So a massive thank you, keep up the good work.

The calendar is busy for the time ahead and we look forward to each day as it unfolds. Let the adventure continue.

Geoff, Gloria and Brooke.

Tuesday 17th

It certainly is amazing to be back in Nepal. All the incredible sights, sounds and smells have assaulted my senses. We spent the afternoon walking through the streets to Tusal to see the babies and the girls after they returned from school. I can't believe how much the babies have grown since I was here in January. We had a great time amusing them. Moses has become quite a character, walking around and hiding under the cots. Miriam is beautiful and the triplets are getting chubby. I can't wait to start the health program with the girls next week, the interaction will be great fun.
Lyn.

Sept.17. Steamy Kathmandu

It is  4.30 a.m. And it is warm already.  We are 7 in  number at present with new arrivals coming in dribs and drabs.  There is the unmelodious tone of a Buddhist horn somewhere in the distance.  Rooster is crowing and life is beginning to stir.  We had an excellent flight over, and Gloria had a great opportunity to share the gospel with an air hostess as we were descending into to Kathmandu.  We had our first night  out at the Bakery Cafe with out lovely mute waiters,  having fun playing charades to communicate.  They  have such a great sense of humour.  When we arrived, all our beautiful ladies from the half-way house and a few of our older girls were here with big smiles all over their faces, to greet us.  They looked so lovely .  They were all in their red uniforms that they wear when they are doing their vocational training.  They were doing tailoring and beauty.  It was great to get hugs and kisses.  I love them so much, and it was great to be with them again. Our first timers on the Kathmandu experience were in awe of the traffic with its death defying feats of bravery or stupidity, I'm not sure which.  We apparently have a new one day old baby in the Miriam centre  so we are keen to see our latest addition.  We also are looking forward to seeing our new hostel.  Since we were here last, a new building has been found and it is now full of girls.  Most of them we have not met yet.  This time, we upgrade all the girls photos and try to get a bit of an update on how they are going.  With 156 now in our care, it is a big task.  We have Tim here from Brisbane, and he is teaching motor bike maintenance.  So that's is a new aspect added to our training.  Today will be busy  with rearranging our guest house to accommodate our 22 team members and planning team members schedules, as we all begin our various responsibilities, which are many and varied.  Electricity looks like only about 4 hours a day off, but haven't got the schedule yet.

Robyn