Getting MORE rural?!

October 3 

     Morning came and I (Megs) still felt weak and trembly, but was determined not to miss out on this adventure.  As I said, I'm stubborn like that.  Danel (pronounced "Daniel"), the  twenty nine year old pastor of the village church, showed up at our hotel as promised to guide us to his village in the Surkhet District.  Together we trekked 1.5 hours into the mountains; this journey normally takes Danel half an hour! Thanks to God, Danel's patience, and Sherpa Nate who carried all our stuff, we made it. 

The view of Danel's village as we approached 

from the hills

                                Rice terraces

              Danel's sister hard at work

     Danel and Anita (his wife) Basyal's village is picturesque.  Lush mountains are decorated with vibrant green rice terraces, and sprinkled with homes made of mud and wood.  Mangoes, bananas, and oranges grow wildly, and are as fresh as one can get them. Pigs and their rambunctious piglets, chickens, goats, and cows are dotted throughout the fields.

   Danel and Anita Basyal. Anita is always singing,

and always smiling

          Villagers in the fields

Megs trying to master the "staircase"

between the two levels of Danel &

Anita's home

     Perhaps not surprisingly, I briefly ruined this scene by promptly "hoofing my cookies" outside Danel and Anita's home upon arrival.  You could say I was a "hot mess."  Apparently  shoving one's face with a bowl of dal IMMEDIATELY after emptying one's stomach is protocol. Remember what I said about resistance being futile? The good news is is that this was the start of my recovery.  While I rested for the remainder of the day, Nate and Janaac taught on various subjects at the village's tiny mud and brick church building (which can be seen from Danel and Anita's house). The name if the church is "Kalpani Bethani Anughra Church." Nate spoke about unity and discipleship.

      Kalpani Bethani Anaghra church building

      The ipad is a hit at any church meeting ;)

     In keeping with our experiences so far, we were greeted and hosted with heartwarming kindness and hospitality. We were both presented with bouquets of fresh flowers and basil, and village residents would pass by Danel and Anita's home to greet us.  

Fresh flowers and basil to greet

us

     At dinner time, Danel and Anita killed and cooked a chicken for us, which was a huge honor.  With no running water or power available, preparing dinner in these parts (or any activities of daily living for that matter) is never "quick and easy." Danel made multiple trips back and forth to the village well (125 metres from his house) to collect massive containers of water for cooking, which he carried on his shoulder.

The "cooking house" where Anita

prepares meals. This structure is a small,

mud building that is separate from the main

house

     All the while, Danel and Anita expressed their excitement and gratitude that we were visiting them. It feels as though there are no words to adequately convey the beautiful hearts that these people have. It is a privilege to know them, to be with them.  We are blessed!