| As we mentioned in our September
letter, the Desain holiday season is over and we are entering the
Tihar season. We will take the holiday season to take a break from
daily language studies and travel to mountain and lake region for
a few days. As we observe the activities during the festivals, we
feel as though the Nepali folks believe their Gods have limited
blessings to give and they must act promptly and properly to get
their share of the blessings. Worse yet, if they do not get the
blessings, they may face wrath of the gods. Many have told us that
they do not believe in the rituals, but they dare not take the risk
of receiving punishments for not following rituals. They readily
admit that at the root of their religious and cultural activities
lies the fear of uncontrollable and negative forces. Undoubtedly,
this is an over simplification. Nonetheless, we are grateful for
our God with abounding love and justice. How great is thy faithfulness!
Another benefit (?) of living in Nepal at this time is the ability
to view world events from more than one perspective. Nepal is
not immune to violence. In fact we get our share of daily bombing,
although they do not kill as many people as the more publicized
events. President Bush's position on Iraq comes up often in discussions
with Nepalese and friends from other countries. They find it difficult
to accept the logic and morality of attacking Iraq in order to
protect the innocent lives in the United States and its allies.
Can one justifiably risk innocent lives in one country in order
to protect in another? Would ordinary people in America sustain
their support of attack if they were able to get to know the ordinary
people of Iraq and the region? We feel at times very hypocritical:
our church sends missionaries to serve the people all around the
world, yet our country is ready to justify killing others "in
proactive self-defense." These days our daily prayers are
longer as we seek God's forgiveness, love, and wisdom for all.
Three days ago we were invited to a Nepali church. This village
church is located on top of a hill a few miles outside of Kathmandu.
Most of the elderly members of this village could not come to
the main church in town (Baktapur) on Saturdays. Each Tuesday,
the pastor and some members of the church go up the hill for worship
service. It was only two kilometers, but straight up the hill.
After an hour and a half of hard climbing, we arrived at the church.
The church was founded by the family of a leprosy patient who
was cured at a mission hospital. We met the old lady with missing
digits, but a glowing happy face giving thanks and witnessing
to others. It certainly was a service many Presbyterians would
find un-orderly and un-dignified in form. Although we understood
only a few words, we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst
us. We could not help but to wish those of us who continue in
Book of Order battles could worship together in this church with
these illiterate Nepali Christians. Simon was especially grateful
for the healthy heart that handled the three-hour walk to experience
this Christian community.
Our computer system had a terrible virus attack and we had to
reformat the hard disk. We managed to reconstruct most of the
email addresses, but not the mailing addresses. Would you be kind
enough to drop us a line with your mailing address and the phone
numbers?
Please continue to pray for us that we remain spiritually and
physically healthy as we enter the last third of the language
study. We are also beginning to discuss the details of our assignments
beginning next January after the language study. Now is the time
to learn and listen and we are trying to be patient and open.
We will talk to you again at Thanksgiving.
Grace and peace.
Haejung & Simon
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