He died, so we can live

I have to be honest with you. 

I am Eve. 

A human who fell into deception. You see, the devils schemes are never clever. Yet, I did not see them coming. Not this time anyway. He told me lies about how God wanted me to have something. Why wouldn't God want me to have something? At first, friends, it didnt work. I rebuked the serpent and told him, "No, you see, Gods word says to not covet. It says to lean not on our own understanding and in ALL our ways, trust Him." But the deceiver never gave up. Alas, I took a bite of the fruit. Now, the fruit I took a bite of what coveting. Even when I tasted its sourness, there was nothing I could do because I had already eaten it. Thus, I felt cast out. Away from the garden and away from the presence of God. I began to feel like an onlooker when I saw people praising God within the garden of Gods perfect presence. 

The beautiful thing is, that right now I am writing from within the garden. As most of you know the beautiful story of Jesus, because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross my sins have been forgiven and I am now welcome back into His beautiful presence.

But it is important to not forget the important lesson learned here. The devil taunted me with a fruit that could have been easily matched up with scripture, but it was the way he lied about me deserving this certain thing. It is so similar to the way he tempted Jesus in the Bible, even using scripture. 

Ah, I am so full of joy that his evil schemes have been revealed, and I am now back in the presence of God!

I must admit, it has sure been awhile since I have written a blog. I actually have written quite a bit since my last blog; however, with internal conflicts I kept deciding last minute to not post them. I apologize for this, and hope you will find this long over due blog a joy to read.

Moment by moment, the world moves rapidly around me. Sometimes I feel like a push pin, placed on the earth into an intentional location. But that does not mean I automatically know and understand everything about my surroundings. I find every day a learning experience, even though it being 3 months since my arrival now, I still feel I learn something and experience something new every day. Even had to have my first doctor visit this past month, after having a high fever for a few days.

There is no doubt that the season I am currently in right now is a season of work and preparation. I have many opportunities to grow as a teacher and a missionary here in Nepal.

Currently, I teach 5 different classes at two different schools. 

Also, I started working with an organization to pilot a new program that will be designed to work with Nepali students after school hours, to teach them English with intensive instruction. Starting next week, we will begin the pre-assessments, then the hard work of creating lesson plans begins! 

Please pray for this program, as it is a pilot program and so we are completely dependent on God as to what exactly it should look like. 

One of the schools I teach at is an international school, where I am teaching ESL. My students are primarily Nepali and Korean, and they are teaching me as much as I am teaching them, I believe. They are so full of thought and are unbelievably innovative! Their language skills sometimes comes as a deterrent for expression, but they are amazing students that I feel so BLESSED to work with. 

One of my students learning basic CVC words.
He is looking for a letter to complete this word.

The other school I teach at, is the Nepali community school. I am teaching class 7 students and working hard at using their first language as a basis for their English development. The students are progressing, but my prayer is that they keep their motivation. The school they are at ends at class 7, and most of them don't plan on finding another school to go to next year. They plan on getting their first job. Please pray for the Lord to use me as an influence in their lives that they will be motivated to stay in school. 

Recently, I have found myself obsessing over understanding God and His will for our lives. In this longing and desire to understand Him and His will, He has brought me to a humble closure. 

It was something that Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me…” Matthew 16:24

I know the cross that He has chosen me to bear. I know the burden that I have for the marginalized Nepali people. But I found myself asking God how it all makes sense. 

I teach at a Nepali school, but I also teach at an international school where I work with non-marginalized Nepali kids as well as Korean children. How could that be a part of His plan? I found myself asking quite frequently. 

But never did I realize that part of this act of denying myself, is also an act of denying the right to know and understand everything. God knows. He knows my plan. He knows your plan. We should surrender and allow Him to take the lead. He is far more wise than any of us, anyway. 

God is working in me. He is training me and equipping me. I work hard and some days, I come home to find that I must fall down into the presence of God because it is there that I find my rest. 

Friends and family, 

Thank you so much for all your prayer. I believe God has been supplying me all my needs, and I thank you for praying to Him. Thank you for those who have supported this ministry God has me doing, teaching and working towards a bigger vision, financially.

I pray God will bless you for your obedience.

Now, here are some updated prayer requests:

-Please pray for Nepal. There is an election coming up. Please pray for the right person to come into the office. Right now there is a party running who would like to abolish Christianity in Nepal. This election really needs your prayer! The other problem is that many Nepali are afraid to vote because of what the rebels might do to them. Pray for boldness in this country. 

-Please pray for ALL my students. Pray for me as I teach them  and for them to continue to grow. As well as their hearts being open to God.

-Please pray for the EEP pilot program where we will be teaching English after school. Pray for wisdom and guidance for me and my partners.

-Please pray for the international school I am working at. They are accredited and there is an inspection coming up. Pray for no stress and peace for that. 

-Please pray for my Nepali family- extended and immediate. They have been such a blessing to me. I don't think words could ever describe it. I pray that God will show His favor to them always. 

-Lastly, please continue to pray for my Nepali language development. Pray for confidence. I am getting closer to being able to share the gospel in Nepali! But I need prayer to have that conversation afterward! :)

Please feel free to check out:

http://www.vineyardsa.org/index.html

Vineyard church is my sending mission, and I am honored to be a part of their community. If you live in the San Antonio area and are looking for a church. I strongly recommend this church. They are more than a church, they are a family who believes in every member growing into the person God meant them to be.

Also,
http://www.treeoflifechurch.org/main/ 

Tree of life has been 100% Supportive over the work God is doing.

If you ever feel led to donate please go to: 

www.gofundme.com/nepal 

OR for a tax free donation 

http://www.vineyardsa.org/Online-Giving.html