Life is a Journey !!! "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,... Matthew 7:13

We are going to a water project and part way there we stopped to rest for a bit and guess what Janet found Kids and Oranges.  This is going to be one of those great trips

This woman decided to show off her wares she had a very funny personality.

 We went into the hills to take some hygiene kits to children in a school.  We also had what is a closing ceremony for a project that was just completed bringing water closer to the people and also into the school we visited.  They now don't have to walk so far to get their water.


We traveled for about two hours on this road before we began our hike into the village of Wamrang.  As you can see this is very special place, far in the background you can see the Himalayan mountains.  The road was very steep and rough.  We traveled about 25 kilometers and abut 1 1/2 hours.  This little bit of scenery is fairly calm because I could hold my camera steady and not be fearful of driving off the side of the road, to an untimely death 100 feet below.

Speaking of which, my untimely death,  I heard a siren and wondered what that could be. at that moment an ambulance came around the corner on the road.  Look closely the white vehicle coming toward us is an ambulance.  The light is flashing and the siren blaring, I'm not sure why, but it was.  We moved tot he left and he splashed by us.

A little further up the road we saw this house, which happened to be both a farm house and a shop, it was a wood shop inside.  We saw a few of these shops they were making furniture, cool.

We look down the hill and saw a farmer plowing his field.  I wanted to go down and see if he would let me help but we were running late and that idea was vetoed.  Maybe next time we go into the hills I can help.  My hope would be to drive the plow not pull it.

We came to a larger village as we drove which looked like one you wold see in the Kathmandu valley.  Amazing so high up and seemingly so far away.,  I guess it just a perspective.  The people sitting on the steps in front of the houses are just trying to get warm.  There are not stoves for heating in the houses, well, I guess there are no stoves at all in the houses, they are in the back or front of the houses.  The stoves are made of adobe and they cook on the top and there is an oven also.  The oven is for making Nan which is a little pita bread.  The oven is called a Nan Chulo, the nan is tasty.

These women are weaving plates from leaves.  The plates are used for eating, These are the precursor to paper plates.  And you thought we invented throw away stuff.  They then are eaten by the animals and become the fertilizer for the rice paddies.  

Along the road we saw this beautiful river, which we had to ford as we climbed higher up the mountain.  Can you imagine washing clothes in this river, it was freezing cold, there she was in the middle washing the clothes and not a shiver.  

These women were also washing their clothes but they had water piped into their village which was somewhat lower and on the main road.  The need for clean water is a very important thing for these villagers.  The amount of time they need to spend walking to get water and bringing it to their homes is incomprehensible by western standards.

We meet some of the most friendly people on our travels.  On the side of the road this little group of girls were out in the sun getting ready for the day.  They had just washed their hair and were grooming each other in preparation for their daily activities.  An important thing to remember is that their day begins when it starts to warm up usually around 9 or 10 am.  It's is cold in the hills.  The men are already in the fields working but the girls are doing the daily household chores.  You can see the girls are young and should be in school but they often don't go because they need to take care of their siblings, 

 did I tell you the mothers are in the field with the men. they spread the manure around in preparation for the plowing.  Do I need to tell you how they spread the manure?  Yup, they walk around the paddies and throw it where it is needed.

This picture was taken when we stopped to look at the mountains. These people thought we were nuts, but the sight was amazing.  When I saw them watching us I walked over to the young women,  as I was walking to her she started to back into the house, I called out to her in Nepali and asked her to come over and let me take her picture.  I think she was a little taken back with me attempting to speak to her and she came forward and let me take her picture. The first one was a typical Nepali picture, kind of stoic and no smile, I told her another one with a smile as you can clearly see, it sort of worked. 

 After that the man in the back came over and wanted his picture taken as well.  He was a very interesting person to meet, you can see his goats in back of him and he was proud of them, I know he really wondered what I was up coming to his house.  Young missionaries could really do a great work here, but first they need a stable government and people not to be afraid.  When the Maoist insurgency took place there was a lot of  bad things that happened to the villagers. He started to talk to me and that was my cue to leave because he was talking too fast for me to understand.  You can see the kind of man he is by the look on his face.

Onward and upward along the bumpy winding road we went and much to our chagrin a major problem lurking around the next bend.

A Broken down Truck.  

Now this is an interesting thought, how do you fix this truck?  The front axle was broken and also the back axle.  

When we 

spoke with those with the truck the front axle had been repaired but they hadn't brought the back axle up yet. This is the interesting part the axle was being brought up from Kathmandu. I'm not sure if it was being driven up or someone was carrying it up the trail.  This is another view as all of these people were trying to figure out what to do next.

Often we don't know why things happen, but this time there was answer around the corner.  Janet and I walked a bit up the road and found this beautiful sight.  Just think if we hadn't encountered the broken truck we would not have had this beautiful photo op.  A picture of the princess of the mountain.  

We back tracked and found this road that we were told would take us to where we could start the walk int the village.  Look closely and you can see the turnoff on the right side of the road.  That was a very interesting turn to say the least.

We finally got to where we thought we would start the walk in and we were lost.  The village we were in was the wrong place we were supposed to turn off the main road down the hill, Oh well.  Janet as usual made the best of it and started making friends.

These kids thought it was cool to have their picture taken with the white face.  Then more came for pictures.  Pretty soon the whole village was around Janet.  These children are taught manners from a  very young age, look at the little boy by Janet he is very respectfully saying Namaste, the formal greeting of Nepal.

I looked behind me and saw a great sight a young boy and his grandfather watching the schannigans and wanted to join but, the little one was very timid and stayed close to his grandfather.

.  I walked to the two of them and asked if I could take a photo of them and they thought that was a great idea so here they are, grandpa and grandson on top of the world. 

If you look closely you will not see shoes on either of them.  I am amazed that they can walk around not because of the uneven ground, but because it is so cold.  He is the cutest little ragamuffin I ever saw.

Off we go back around and down the hill a ways, to the trail.






As we walked we found this well and a woman was washing clothes look how high up on the mountain side.









As you look at this picture you can see how important  the sun is for these people living here.  The clothes on the fence and those that still need to be washed.  Washing is done by wetting the clothes and then scrubbing the clothes with a bar of soap and then scrubbing with a smooth rock.  And they have the cleanest clothes you have ever seen.

Walking down the trail it was time for a break, Janet talking to Bro. Panna and enjoying the view.  We thought that the ride was going to be the worst of it and then the hike began.  It was very steep and we had to cross some small stream along the way, but it was worth it on many levels.  First, I can say that I have hiked in the Himalayan mountains.  Second, I can say Janet and I have walked together near heaven.  Third, I have a greater respect for these hill people and what they do each and every day just to survive.  The little help we (LDSC) give them in bringing water closer to where they live is a tremendous blessing, I believe will be recognized by the people of the villages.

This is the reason we are here.  The man in the middle is the teacher and he is surrounded by the school kids, dirt and all.  We were presented with a special song and then a dance by some of the children telling us (LDSC) thank you, for our efforts.

I saw this little girl in the door way as the ceremony was going on.  She is the epitome of the school children in this village, raggedy clothes and all, she was however in school!

Then the well was blessed and we needed to get going because it was starting to get dark.  On the way out we met some of the school kids and their parents.

This little boy was showing me his bag and his father was telling me thank you for it.  The bag is a Hygiene Kits that member of our branch put together for us to take to them.

We saw these kids on the way out with their kits and had a great picture as they posed for us.

Look at the boy closest  at the bottom of the picture he has his Hygiene Bag with him.  They are on the way home along this trail.

We meet some more of the villagers as we were walking and I took a few pictures.  This is the boy that was dancing for us.  When I stopped and talked to them they just talked a lot, then I asked the sister if I could take their picture and she quickly covered her face.  There is still a lot of paranoia in the hills.

This woman was walking up the hill in front of us, look at her feet, no shoes.  She was just hauling up the hill carrying her bag.  She is a very beautiful woman.

When I saw these two they were working in their field.  I greeted them and walked to them and asked if I could take a picture of them.  When I asked, the woman in the front said yes, and the one in the back got behind her so I couldn't see her.  I got a little closer and told her to come out so I could take her picture also, reluctantly she did, Two of Gods beautiful daughters!

Little sister being carried by big sister, mother in the background carrying the fuel for cooking dinner.

And not to be out done Janet going up the hill!

Still walking and walking and walking!  You have to give her credit she is in front of the old women with no shoes and I'm not!

Now the best part of the journey, looking over the valley from high up on the hillside, look to the horizon and you see what a loving Heavenly Father has built for us.  This is one of the most memorable sights I have ever seen.  As I looked around this little village and the people working, kids running around, the cows mooing, did you see them in the barn, look to the bottom of the picture on the right side, and then the spectacular Himalayan in the background, what a sight!

If any of you want a mission, this is the life.  Every day a journey and every day an adventure.  Surrounded by people that have amazing talents and then there are the stories they can tell.   However, having someone that you love with you sharing those same experiences, possibly the most amazing part of this whole experience.




When we got back to Dolalghat, it was late but we decided to eat anyway.  This is a local dinner on the road side and the menu item for the evening was fish and lots of soda to wash it down.

 The fish are put into a large fry pan with boiling oil and cooked for a couple of minutes.  Eating these little critters was kind of difficult, because you eat the whole thing.  I guess I'm not accustomed to eating fish that way.  Once I tried one I found they were great tasting guts and all.


As I contemplate my life experiences and the season I am very aware of the blessings that I enjoy because of my Savior.  The opportunities that I have because, I can be forgiven and continue to go forward and live my life each day, hopefully better than the day before.  Isn't redemption a wonderful blessing to be aware of?  This time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Savior I am amazed as I meet and visit with brothers and sisters that have not had the opportunities I have, of knowing my Savior, as I have.
The blessing of the gospel are amazing!  Stay on the straight and narrow road and you will find happiness and joy beyond measure, that is my promise to you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Next Chapter:  Have I done any good in the world today?

As water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25

As Janet and I travel through the streets and alleys of Nepal I see many different wells, and realized better the scene of our Savior speaking to the Samaritan woman.  When  the day begins with bringing water to the family for washing and cooking what better place to have a frank conversation than a well.  The Kathmandu valley has many, many wells, where we often see women and children gathered to collect water or to bathe.


 On the way to church there is a holy well that is used for house water and washing clothes.  This woman was in the well which you can see to the left, dipping water with her buckets, behind her, when she had enough water she started her Saturday washing.  We asked to take her picture and she said it was OK.  Sometimes I find it hard to smile, but it wasn't hard for her with her hands in the cold water.

















Frequently as we are walking we will see these scenes with the women washing, if you look closely you will see that they are washing their clothes, just out side their front door.  They got water from this community well.












  I asked how long the well had been there and was told by Suman, It was there before his grandfather lived in the area.


As you can see water is so very important.  These next few pictures you can see the time it takes to do everyday household chores. washing clothes, washing dishes, etc.  I believe we take for granted the everyday things that make us more productive and a greater asset to our brothers and sisters.  This is nothing new for those of you that have lived in a third world country of any length of time.  My question to all of you is... What do you do with your time?  Are you trying to find a way to help those in need, the sick and the weary?  What is your plan to make a difference in the life of someone?    


As I look around I see many that have come to the well for some life sustaining substance, how many would respond as the women at the well if what we offered was hope, or the living water that makes us whole, and  the knowledge that our lives have worth and most importantly our sins are forgiven allowing us to return together and live for the eternities with our brothers and sisters. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jews" John 4:22.








As we trek through the hills it is the same, women at the well doing chores, some times alone and other times with the whole clan.




In this area the monsoons are long gone and so the water flows at a slower rate from the wells.  You can see it really is a gathering place, what an opportunity for a young missionary.  When you look at the picture you see many plastic and metal containers, each one will be filled for the families needs. Once those containers are filled they will carry them to their homes. Look at the scenery!  What do you see?  Hills all around them, the paths that will lead them home are steep and very difficult to navigate walking, now think of carrying the jugs and water vessels along those trails.

The picture below is Janet hiking one of the trails, this is a reasonably even and easy part of the trail.



 They walk it every day.  Some to go into the town for work, some to plow their fields, that is another story, some to shop and or course the water.  This is an amazing world and in it live amazing brothers and sisters.

The reason were were in this particular place is because of a project we were visiting in this area.  Since we were in the vicinity we decided to take a short hike to see the Annapurna Himal, at sunrise.  That is an amazing experience.  As the sun comes up the mountains begin to glow a beautiful fuchsia color.  I snapped a couple of pictures but it is difficult to see the magnificence of those mountains.



This picture is looking toward the north and the center right is the Machapunchare, in English it is Fishtail.  It is easy to see how it got it's name.  The mountain just juts up 6993 m.  It is interesting because it is considered a holy mountain, and therefore no one is allowed to climb it.







 There it is right behind us, we can now cross that off of the bucket list.  Been there done that!  You can see in the background the hills we climbed, far above the city of Pokhara.

Looking now to the northwest you can see the sun rising over Pokhara, it is a spectacular sight.  The valleys are very smoggy hence great colorful views from the hills







As were were about to begin our walk down from the lookout I saw this sight, the fog had come in over the lake which is Phewa Taal.


The picture below is Phewa Taal from our vantage point on a clear day.
I thought how  blessed we are to be able to see these glorious sights.  To me, however, to be able to experience this with Janet...She loved it, which made it even better.

Look closely and you will see on the top of the hill across the lake from Pokhara a small white dot, that is the world peace stupa which has been built by the Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji organization.  We decided to make it a whole day and drove over to the other side and climbed the hill to see the Stupa.
That was quite a climb, By this time we were counting the number of steps to the top.  There were plenty as you can see, just behind the woman carrying the doko (basket), but first our decent to Pokhara.



As we walked down from the top of the hill those mountains kept calling us, it was a very interesting walk.  When we think of our mountains and walking around them you don't very often find people living there, let alone farming and raising animals, and children.  This is a picture on the trail looking toward the Annapurna Himal through the court yard of some people living up in the hills.  The cool part is the clothes hanging on the fence to dry, it makes the scene very homey.





The fact that there are people living and working and raising families is a sure testament of the character and quality of the people of Nepal.  The picture on the right is a picture from the ridge line as we were walking down the trail.  It is amazing to me to see those mountains.  I must be an extraordinary sight for these people who step out and see Heavenly Father's handiwork every day.

On the way we found this house and decided to take a rest, but most important a photo opp, there she is the princess of the castle, waiting patiently.  

Still more wells and of course more jugs to carry.  

A little further we encountered this little shed and inside was a new born water buffalo calf.  You can't see the woman to the side but she had just cleaned the shed with her hands, I guess you've really got to love the little critter.

After the nice early morning climb as I mentioned earlier we decided to climb to the World Peace Stupa, Why, you might ask, answer, because it is there!  It is a beautiful sight and a very well kept place.

We couldn't walk to the temple without first taking off our shoes, they really want to keep the place clean and nice.  While we were standing on the terrace of the temple a plane flew by, you can see just how high this place is.  That is us looking at the Annapurna Himal from the terrace of the World Peace Stupa, Cool isn't it!  We walked around the grounds and what should we see,YUP,  a well.  This time with a view.  They do need to get water to the temple and this is how it is done.

We left the heights of Pokhara and went to the Lake.  This is Phewa Taal the famous lake of Nepal.  It is a very beautiful sight to see.

 These boats are used to ferry tourists across the lake to a stairway that you can also walk to the top of the mountain.  In August when we were here some of the nurses decided to go across and to the top.  They were not aware what monsoon season was.  When they got near  the top it started to rain, and rain it did.  By the time they returned they were soaked, That was not the worst of it, they worried that their boat would be swamped and sink before they got back across the lake.  That is a great story to tell the children.



That evening we went to get something to eat, and I had a surprise birthday cake.  Our partner and friend Rakesh went to a local bakery and had a cake made just for this special occasion.  Janet and I really enjoyed the surprise.  Good food and good company, it can't get any better.

We found this temple as we were driving back to the hotel and dinner, amazing the view of Machapunchare from the temple terrace.

Back to Kathmandu we find within the very heart of the city, wells.  These wells are in certain locations and serve the population of that area.

The area of this picture was first settled by the Newar Clan (cast)some say 30,00 years ago.  As the population increased and the people became more developed the Newar family ruled and developed into a very powerful people. This well is in what is known as Kathmandu Durbar Square which is like the old section of a city.  It was a kingdom before the unification of Nepal.  The present palaces and temple have undergone extensive renovations so nothing remains from the early 10th century kings, I guess just the spirit lives on.  When Kathmandu City became independent under king Ratna Malla from 1484 unto 1520 the palaces became the royal palaces for the Malla kings.  When Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded the Kathmandu valley in 1769, he also liked the Kathmandu Durbar Square for his palace.  You can see this is a very old and important part of Kathmandu City.  Yes, the well does still work and the people use it.

Just outside the Kathmandu city but still in the valley is a small village called Satungal, one of our home teaching families lives there and near her house is this well.  The girls and women are fetching water.









This well is off the side of the road as we drive to Satungal.










The well to the left is just up the road from our house on Bansbari.  There are wells every where, that sounds very interesting until you realize that in most of our homes there is a well and the water is controlled for heat and cold and the well goes right into the showers heads and sinks and tubs, we really have it good.




This picture is not to make an editorial statement, well maybe it is, What are we doing with the time we have.  We are blessed to live in a land that has been consecrated for the purposes of Heavenly Father, that being, the building of his kingdom on earth.  "Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring.  And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them..." 2 Nephi 1 :7.  We need to take a close look at how we serve Him.

One day in Bhaktapur another city in the Kathmandu valley we were walking and saw this picture, it is the major reason for this blog.

You may not see the rope the woman has in her hands pulling the water from the well to fill her water can, but it is there.  This is the arduous work they do every day, no wonder the woman at the well said to the savior "...Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." John 4:15.  What greater blessing can we give them than the water of life.  So... what are you doing?

Our little compound has water that comes to it in to a cistern  which is filled by city water.  Sometimes, for example right now,  city wells are very low, so they receive water us once a week and at a very slow rate, so we need to haul water into our compound.  This water is brought to us by truck which is very nice for us.  I'm not sure if I could haul enough water into our house to take care of our needs without spending the whole day each and every day.  But, that doesn't matter, Janet would be the one to haul it into our house anyway, that's the Nepali way.  It was delivered this night because they were very busy.  This load of water cost us 2000 rupees (about 22 dollars) to be brought in and pumped into our water vaults.




As you can see our lives are much easier than those around us.



When the water was being pumped in we had a very curious helper as usual making sure the men pumping were doing it right.

This is our Didi Rukmina watching that the pipe didn't leak too much on her new grass.  You gotta love her!

My prayer is that all of you will continue to serve one another and find those in need to uplift with your individual skills.

Next chapter "The straight and narrow path"