Gyalsang's Story

Below is the story of Gyalsang, who was the first believer in the Syabru area. His testimony is an incredible record of how God works in people's lives and how He answers prayer. We had the privilege to meet him and his family and stay in his lodge in Syabru.

Gyalsang with his family

Re-living the Memories

So we've all been back home for about three weeks now and have loved enjoying all the things we missed over in Nepal including hot showers, flush toilets and the glorious Australian countryside. You never know how much you love something until you don't have it anymore.

In the past few weeks we've been catching up with people and presenting a recap of our trip to our church. We've realised that there's just so many pictures and videos we want to share with all of you but our blog posts when we were in Nepal were a bit sparse because of time and internet issues. So here is just a few of our photos that we wanted to share with you about our time in Nepal.

Open sewage and waste, what an introduction to Nepal on the drive to our hotel

The view from our hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley

Boudhanath temple, Kathmandu

Tourists...

Ladies on a pilgramage from India, spinning the prayer wheels.

View of Kathmandu valley from Operation Mobilisation Headquarters. Go on short term mission with them and enjoy this view always!

The walk to Matra Guan. Our first taste of 'trekking'.

Walking along the sides of the terraces

These terraces grow wheat and rice (in season) and cover every inch of farming land up the sides of the mountains.

Wheatgrass anyone?

In Matra Guan. 16 foreigners and Nepalis crashed this family's home for three nights and they were so happy about it!

Throwing ourselves into Nepali customs. Or is this not a local custom?

Who cares about the view? There are clothes that need drying.

Prime real estate complete with mountain views

The local kids would just run down the mountain side to chase a ball or their dog. No fear.

Christine began the tradition of entertaining the kids every night. 

The boys slept in the family's kitchen. The hens and chicks also slept in here to keep them safe.

Boys and their cars...it's a universal love

Just chilling with the local kids staring at the mountains. As you do.

All of these terraces are cut into the mountainside by hand. These are the work of generations in families to cultivate the land.

Cliffside hay bale

On our way to Thansing with our packs on. This was when we were still happy walking down the mountain.

Our last glimpse of the mountains before we were in the valley

Crossing the river after doing ministry, dodging the locals carrying goat food. All in a day's work.

Into the valley of Thansing

Kimjeng wanted to try being a local. She failed.

The wood mill next to our lodge in Shanti Bazaar. We really enjoyed hearing the electric saw every morning.

Bruce (a teammate) and our Nepali brothers. Subba (centre) is the best cook you could ask for

On our way to Syabru, we stopped here to go the 'bathroom'.

Follow the light

Winding rivers, steep mountain sides and the precarious roads cut into them

Does our travel insurance cover white water rafting down this?

The road to China. Literally

Angdawar and his 13 year old faithful horse Baardil

Stepping out in faith

Three hour hike to Syabrubesi, it was steep all the way up.

Building a home, Nepali style. This was actually more advanced because they had machine hewn wooden frames and double walls of stone. Most houses in the villages are built with hand hewn logs (with an axe) and clay and stone. 

Never judge the hiking poles. They are a life saver.

'We've been climbing for four hours. It is so cold right now. Man, I'm tired. We have to eat ALL that food!?'

We climbed for another three hours after lunch. It was not a good day, but the scenery was beautiful.

A hot drink after a seven hour hike. It's the little things.

A stupa near Cholongpati. 

Our lodge in Cholongpati. Only the left lodge was open, Kimjeng and Kimghech's room was the second from right window.

Sunset over the mountains. Awe inspiring.

Damn, that snow is bright.

Mountain, mountain, clouds, mountain. Where are the yaks!?

'Shrines on the high places'

Taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth

Icy lake. One of many in the Langtang mountain area.

Tim, with his rastafarian beanie was the only one not racked with illness and made it to icy Gosainkunda

Gosainkunda sits at 14 366feet - or about 4300m

Such a white boy, couldn't do without his luxuries. In the background, there's a thermos filled with hot chocolate.

Desolate mountainside

The top of the Langtang mountain. There are three separate peaks.

Feels like I'm in Lord of the Rings

On the road again...(to Dunche)