Last week in Kathmandu. It is coming to an end, and I am sad. It is hard knowing that some of the people I have met I won't be able to see again. I feel the weight of responsibility, to connect with these people, and continue to love and support them from the other side of the planet. Some friends are illiterate, and unable to email, and can't afford to call. Most of my good byes have been said. Most of the tears wiped and gifts exchanged. This year has gone so fast. but it is over and time to move on. Tapai ko nam ke ho = Aap ke naam kya hai Unable to get into China has changed my plans for the next three weeks. I will head to Pakistan, where some friends are working. I am excited to go and see them, and to see a new place. I am REALLY bummed that I can't go to China. I wanted to badly to go and see some friends there. There were some Nepalis in particular that I wanted to connect with. The Chinese Embassy has changed their rules for applying for visa, so I am unable to go this time. Pakistan will be an adventure! I know it will be so different and difficult for me. I am used to Nepali culture and can, for the most part, switch back and forth from American culture to Nepali. I am comfortable with my role as a single, white woman here. This will all change in Pak. I will be able to understand many things since Urdu and Nepali are similar, but won't be able to respond. Maybe that is for the best, since I probably shouldn't be talking anyway. I will have a pretty steep learning curve I am sure. Please keep me in prayer. I leave Nepal on 31 May and leave Pakistan on 22 June. thanks all!

The End Is Near...

So hard to believe that my "ministry" time in Nepal is drawing to a close. This is my last week of official ministry. The following weeks will be spent with friends and surrogate families. It will be a nice time to say good-bye to so many who have been such a blessing! My time in the village has been so great. I am sad to be leaving, and I know this weekend at church will be filled with lots and lots of tears. Knowing that leaving a place means maybe never seeing people again is hard. I don't know when I will see them again. So many foreigners come to Nepal, make great relationships and then forget about the people. I am committed to not be one of those people. I want to stay in contact with them as much as I can. I want to help them, encourage them and see them released into what God is doing in their country and their lives. NEXT steps... From here I head to Xining China, to visit friends and hang out. I am excited to see a new place, to reunite with old friends and meet some new ones. I have my tickets arranged to a near by city, but haven't gotten the ones to Xining yet. A friend there in China is arranging them for me. I also still need to apply for a visa. Keeping that in your prayers will be such an encouragement to me. Many of you know that the current situation in Tibet is tense. I am hoping that Tibet will reopen to foreigners and I can go to Lhasa while in China. I hope so. From China I will head to Pakistan. I am going to go up north to where some friends have been working for about 7 years. I have arranged my Pak visa, and tickets home from Pakistan. The edges of the puzzle are put together, but I have a few pieces in the middle that need placed. I am praying that either a team currently in country or some friends who are headed to Colorado will take one of my bags back with them. This would surely lighten my load, and allow me to bring a few more gifts for friends to China and Pak. Also, I need to arrange transportation to Pak from China. This is the last flight that needs arranging. Please be keeping these things lifted up in prayer. THANKS SO MUCHIE