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.