Also known as “The Goldilocks Zone” is that place between too little and too much that feels just right — sweet! But another meaning is just being in a place and time where sweet experiences abound. Like this week. Yes, there were the usual frustrations and disappointments, but we see those through and then taste the sweet.
We have started a countdown — 65 days and counting as I write this. We’re not getting trunky, just starting to panic a little wondering how we are going to get everything done we need to and want to before we leave!
On the humanitarian projects front, a major logjam broke this week: we finally got our second earthquake relief package approved and ready to roll. More blankets and some food can now be sent to more of the people suffering from the loss of their homes in Jajarkot District.
Many other developing projects are beginning to come together, and new project opportunities are starting to appear. We sincerely hope that we won’t leave too many loose ends for our replacements, the Nuffers!
Another routine but fun exercise. We have found a badminton court that lately has been open and inviting, so we can enjoy getting back into that routine.
Friday morning, Taunya went to Bhaktapur (site of our first tourist experience in Nepal back in May) with two friends from the embassy. It was a girls’ outing where they did a little sightseeing and observing of the craftspeople at work, and a bit of souvenir shopping!
Meanwhile, Rick rode Ring Road with Manoj. This major road goes all the way around the Kathmandu Metropolitan area. This is something I have wanted to do for some time. I took no pictures, but just marveled at how much one part of Kathmandu looks so much like any other part!
There’s more to say about yesterday, but speaking of what Kathmandu has to offer, today we took the opportunity to see the “Bhoudhanath Stupa” (another World Heritage Site) and afterwards eat at a restaurant Manoj had recommended. Sweet — beef burgers!
Church yesterday was sweet. Two young men received the Aaronic Priesthood and were ordained Deacons last week (Taunya mentioned and included a photo of one of them in her last post), and this week they got to pass the sacrament for the first time. It has been quite a while since there have been any new Priesthood holders in the branch, and it was a delight to see them in action. Then a recently-returned (this week!) missionary spoke — and what a wonderful example he set for these young men — and all of us.
Yesterday after church we held our first piano recital, with 8 participants: two adults, one young adult, two young women, one girl, and two young men (technically, one of them is still in primary — so not quite yet a young man!) As Taunya said while introducing the program, some of them have been working hard, while others have been hardly working! (She then quickly said “just kidding” about hardly working!) They did well, although the reality of performing in front of people (all supportive) meant nervousness was evident, and nobody played his or her piece with absolute perfection. But we were proud of them!
The refreshments afterwards were a big hit — homemade apple-carrot spice bread, chocolate chip cookies and “no-bake” cookies — so sweet!
Yesterday afternoon we also had the very sweet experience of talking again with Bishnu Adhikari (Meet the Mormons — The Humanitarian) who was in town visiting this week. Our visit lasted just over an hour, but what a treat it was to discuss with him our humanitarian work, the branch, the members, the Nepal government and other topics. He shared many valuable insights and gave us good advice, for which we are very grateful. Such a humble and goodhearted man.
Bishnu exemplifies and inspires us to take to heart Psalms 37:
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
As we just finished studying Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life, whose fruit is most desirable, sweet above all that is sweet, delicious and joyous, it seems fitting to end with a song that expresses some of our feelings about this wonderful work of love in which we’re engaged.
Speaking of Psalms, the actual title of the familiar Isaac Watts hymn is “A Psalm for the Lord’s Day”:
Sweet is the work, my God, my King,
to praise thy name, give thanks and sing,
to show thy love by morning light,
and talk of all thy truth at night.
Sweet is the day of sacred rest,
no mortal cares disturb my breast;
O may my heart in tune be found,
like David’s harp of solemn sound!
My heart shall triumph in the Lord,
and bless his works, and bless his word;
thy works of grace, how bright they shine,
how deep thy counsels, how divine!
And I shall share a glorious part,
when grace has well refined my heart,
and fresh supplies of joy are shed,
like holy oil, to cheer my head.
Then shall I see and hear and know
all I desired or wished below;
and every power find sweet employ
in that eternal world of joy.
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