Back from Trek II

What an experience! I don't even know where to begin. After we dropped off Gary, Tommy, and Shane, we drove another half hour to a town to meet 3 nationals. We waited at the cab/bus stop for awhile before we finally went and looked for them in the town. We finally met up and spend time with the greetings. We were told we would go on a 1/2 hike up the mountain to a school to speak. 1/2 hour is Napalee for 1 hour 50 minutes! We hiked and hiked and hiked wondering if we would ever get there. We finally arrived, met with the principal and got permission to speak. I spoke to 8th graders and Wally shared with 10th graders. We were asked to sing first, so we sang songs before sharing with the students. We shared the Gospel openly and asked if anyone had questions. Wally's group asked how one becomes a Christian. It was pretty cool to have such an open door to share. Following that experience, we climbed back down the mountain to the town and checked into a "hotel". This was one of those $3 a night joints that makes our local place look like a palace. This hotel came complete with squat toilets.

We rested well and met with the locals the next morning for prayer, singing and Bible stories before our "5 hr" trek. We were told it would take 5 hrs of hiking to reach the village. Because of the distance, the size of our packs and my gimp heel, we hired a jeep to take us for the ride of our lives! We rode for 2 1/2 hrs through rivers, accross wooden bridges, over rocks, and through mud. When we arrived at the village, we were told it would be another hour to the village that we were trekking to. 1 hr is Nepalee for 3 hrs. Everywhere we stopped we asked how much further and they said 1 hr. It was very discouraging trekking like this. We arrived safely and walked through the village handing out tracts and toys to the kids. Wally was attacked by all of the children wanting toys. We went back to the home where we were staying and had dinner and prepared for showing the "Jesus" film. We had a good crowd show up for the movie but we had many electrical difficulties. We finally got everything going and the Americans turned in for the night.

We woke up this morning at 5:30 and prepared to head back to Pokhara. It was another long journey. The jeep ride was just as much of an experience as the first ride and the taxi back to Pokhara was a 1970 something runnaway Toyota Corolla with balk tires. The driver was taking the corners in the mountains so fast he was litterally fishtailing the car around the corners. Wally and Nate about took out a concrete barrier. It was good to get back to the hotel, relax, shower and get ready for dinner with some locals.

We are about to pack for the journey home. We meet for breakfast in the morning, hop on a plane to Kathmandu and spend the night there. We will fly out Friday morning for Muscat Oman, and then on to London. We will try to stay in touch over the next couple of days.

God has worked on all of us in amazing ways on this trip. It has been so encouraging seeing the locals openly presenting the plan of salvation to all they come in contact with... we have a lot to learn! We are called to boldly share our faith with a lost and dying world!

Please continue to pray for us... we're not home yet!
Danny

Pictures from Trek II

This is above Ghorepani at 3000 meters. Notice the clouds all around us.















The trail in the lower elevations by the river.














Waterfalls everywhere.

Trek II

First of all for those of you who have a hang up with spelling and grammer mistakes, you are going to have to forgive me up front. This is unspell/grammer checked and uneditied. You get what you get.
Danny, Wally, Gary, Shane and I woke up early Monday morning to catch our 6am minibus that would take up to the beginning of our second trek. We rode for an hour through the mountains west of Pokhara where the bus dropped Shane, Gary, Onmol (our interpretor) and Bim (our guide) off at Bire thanti.
We put on our gear and walked through town and over a swing bridge and down to the river bed we would follow for a ways. We stopped for lunch. I ate noodles and our guides ate … what else ? Daalbhat.
The Nepales eat Daalbhat twice a day. At 10 or 11 am and in the evening. Not much variety in their diet. Andrea likes to ask me what I want for dinner. If we were from Nepal she could ask but the answer would always be the same – Daalbatt
After lunch we started to climb. Steps – millons of steps made from stone and placed in the side of the mountain. I should have added the stairstepper to my workout before I came over here.
This trail is part of the Annapurna Circuit so it is more widely traveled by those from the west and there are much more places that cater to our tastes. That was not the case on our first trek. Signs everywhere read ‘hot shower’ and the sold mineral water everywhere. The higher we climbed the more expensive the water got.
We walked up until we got to Uleri. At Uleri there is a church and we met the pastor’s wife. They run a ‘hotel’. We gave her some bibles and had some encouraging conversation. She encouraged us as much as we encouraged her.
It is funny to see how the people half way up the mountain try to discourage you as to how far you have left to climb. That way you will say ‘forget this, I’m stopping here.’
Uleri is about the half way point. Our climb began in Bire thanti at about 1500 meters elevation. Uleri is at 2073 meters and our destination in Ghore pani is at 2855 meters. At Uleri they made sure that we knew we had only climbed 500 meters and had 800 more to go before we would be able to rest.
The steps become more of a mental battle than a physical battle. It really help to make my mind go other places. Andrea made a CD for me of songs of encouragement and it helped me to sing them in my head so I wouldn't think of the pain in my legs. It was also helpful to pray. Which is why we are here. Nepal gives a whole new meaning to prayer walking.
Along the way wherever we could we passed out flyers telling people of a Christian radio show on Pokhara FM. And a tract of the four spiritual laws translated into Nepalie.
After Uleri the scenery was incredible. We started to climb through the trees. The steps were mixed with switchbacks which made the climbing bearable.
Our group arrived at Ghore pani after about 9 hours of hiking with an hour lunch break and thirty minute stop in Uleri. We were at 2855 meters and I had a hard time catching my breath. My legs were sore but okay. Nothing a good night’s sleep wouldn’t remedy.
The next morning we woke up and ate noodles and ‘pancakes’ and started hiking at 8am. We climbed another 150 meters to the top of the mountain at 3000 meters. We took a picture at the top with the buddist prayer flags and picked the leeches off of our shoes.
We headed down and at 2600 meters we talked to a lady about our faith and found her to be very supersticious. We left there and hiked down hill some more and followed a stream for about half an hour. The streams and rivers here flow down the mountain and have some beautiful waterfalls. I hope my pictures turn out. The whole morning we were hiking in the clouds and everything was foggy.
After a half and hour we started back up again. There is something psycological that happens to you when you think it is all down hill from here and then have to start climbing up again.
We climbed back up to 2600 meters to a little villiage house and a man and his little boy were in front of their house staring at something. It was monkeys. There were gray monkeys with a black face between two to three feet tall in the trees. I counted 5 but there were probably more. We snapped some pictures but I don’t think they will turn out because the monkeys were too far away.
We gave the man a flyer and tract and headed down again. Leeches were everywhere and we had to pick them from our shoes so they wouldn’t attach themselves to our feet every 15 minutes or so.
We stopped for lunch Tadapani for about an hour and a half. After being soaked in sweat from hiking when we stopped it was very cold. We sat by the fire they used to cook with to warm up. It was funny to see Gary trying to dry out his shirt and watching steam float from it.
We reached our destination of Gandrung at about 3pm. The hike back to Bire thanti was either three or four hours. That’s another thing about being here. The locals have a very loose concept of time. You ask a person how far it is to the next town and they tell you 3 hours. You ask another person and they say 2 hours. You ask the next person and they say 4. You just never know.
Knowing that it was only four hours at the most back to Bire thanti we decided to make a full day of it and hike back and get a taxi back to Pokhara. As we walked we gave people tracts and flyers until we ran out.
Right before we got into Bire thanti Shane, Onmol and I were a little ahead of the group and a leopard ran across the trail. Monkeys and leeches and leopards oh my …
We got to the bride that crosses the river and a young guy approached us. ‘Excuse me sirs but you must pay the tax.’
He was a maoist. He and his maoist buddies we hanging out at the bridge making ‘tourist ‘ pay a 1000 rupee tax each for being in their territory. Basically we were funding their activities in Nepal. We complained and negotiated until they let Gary, Shane and I pay 2000 rupees together instead of 1000 each. Shane was not a happy camper. If we wouldn’t have been so tired I think he would have pulled out his sleeping bag and stayed there until they let him go.
We made it to Bire thanti in 11 hours of hiking and then had an hour taxi ride with five people and backpacks cramed into a small taxi back to Pokhara. My feet were tired but it was worth it. We saw some beautiful scenery. We accomplished and saw things very few people do. We shared our faith. This has been a great trip.

Tommy

Game night

Danny-look at this awful hand!!!! Graham & Season kicked our butts last night. I couldn't buy a face card.




For those ignorant few-this is our favorite game, Joker Marbles.






Since I couldn't get it together for marbles, I redeemed myself at Crib. I am red, Graham is green, and Jayme is blue. I told Graham that I maintained the Crocker tradition of winning-actually kicking Graham's butt. Come home! This is way more fun with you!

Missing Him

I know- its not about me but I just got back from church and it's not the same. I miss him. I love that we so intimately share ministry together. It is so much of who we are. I also love knowing that we can "do church" without him here but I really like it better when we don't have to. Danny said this in an email,

"Please tell the church family that I miss them. It is not the same worshipping with other's. My church family is very dear to me and I cherish the time we get to spend each week. I pray that Lanie is doing well. "
Lanie is a friend that is on staff at Ranch Community Fellowship

Thanks Lanie for being with us while Danny is gone!

Danny loves being here and doing what we're doing, but he's growing in ways God could only accomplish if he went to Nepal.

Well, I 'm off to the pool party & pot luck that our church is having. Happy Memorial Day!

Kingergarten Graduation

Thursday, May 25th was Micah's Kindergarten graduation. It took me awhile to post about it because I was having Blogger trouble. I wanted to be sure to post some pics so Danny could see. Micah was awarded the Christian Character Award for "Enthusiasm"...how appropriate.




This is Micah with his fellow graduates



















Micah receiving his diploma from the principal

























A proud mama with her Micah man























Nanny & G-Dad came to help Micah celebrate his special day.










It is such a blessing to be able to communicate with each other even though we are so far away. It doesn't make up for personal contact but we will take what we can get!! Mom and Dad took Micah out for a special graduation lunch-Burger King. That's where he wanted to go and we never eat there so it was a great treat.

You were missed Danny! WE love you!

Finally Got Some Pics!

I finally had a chance to update some pics…
For those that think we’re living in luxury, here is a pic of our sleeping accommodations the 1st two nights on the trek.

We spent much of our time prayer walking through the village and handing out tracts. We also went an prayed over the village. The village in the background was day 3 hike that took 4-5 hrs.

We had an opportunity to go above the village to an open range where a man and his sons were watching their goats. These were some of the views:

While hiking, we had an opportunity to share with an evangecube with these school boys.

Our second day we hiked over to the next village:


Praying over village as we left on last day.

Muscle Weary

Well we made our first 5 day trek. It was great to get back in town and get a shower and relax at the hotel for a bit. In summary, tons of rock steps, leaches, water buffalo soup, water buffalo milk, more steps, prayer walking in villages, tons of children, more rock steps, sore muscles, LOTS of water, little rain, more steps, handing out flyers about a radio program in the villages, more steps, lintel soup, rice, tea, noodles, more steps!
This was the hardest thing I have had to do in my life. Yes, God is stretching me. I am so far out of my comfort zone! This was an incredible few days with some awesome guys. Tommy gets the endurance award. Preparing for marathons has definitely prepared him for this trip. Our youngest pair of legs, Shane, was always right in Tommy's footsteps. Wally and I usually were bringing up the rear with Gary hanging back for encouragement. Did I mention steps? We took a jeep as far as the road would take us (approx. 1 hr.) and hiked through a river bed for 2.5 hours. We were already tired from hiking in the hot sun in the afternoon. We found out that we were still 4 hrs. from the 1st village. The next 4 hrs was spent mostly in the rain climbing stone steps. Over the past 5 days we have climbed a total of over 8000 feet to an altitude of just under 2500 meters. I have never climed so many steps in my life. We also proved that what goes up must come down. The hike on the 3rd day was also difficult going down to the river and back up the hill across the valley. Today we came down from that village and met a jeep to bring us back to town. We are plum exhausted!
It was awesome to meet the gurung people. They are very hospitible. We were always greeted with a HOT cup of tea and a seat wherever we went. We had the opportunity to pray and share with a paralyzed man and a physically disabled child. Very humbling to see the conditions these people live in- its not the burbs!
God has taught me that even though I was working out, I was not ready for this trip. He has been getting all over me about not being prepared if He were to call me something specific. My lifestyle is going to have to change when I get home.
Also a quick prayer request. Many of you know that I lost hearing in my good ear (I was already 1/2 deaf in my bad ear). I am only able to hear 20-30% of the conversations. This has been quite discouraging because so many of the relationships are on a verbal level. I don't know what God is teaching me. This part of the trip has been very lonely. I have missed jokes, conversation, and even God movements because I just can't hear them. Chin is up, but could use some prayers.
Danny

Great Day!

Today started off at breakfast (from last post), but I wanted to include the picture to prove how beautiful it is here.

We also had the opportunity to teach at a local chrch to other blvrs today. Tommy taught on storytelling and captivated the group. It was cool to see them completely engaged. The picture is the only picture so far of our entire group and one of the elders from a local church. By his hairstyle we're thinkin tele evangelist... what do you think?





Micah, I miss you so much and can't wait to come home and get some of those kisses and hugs only you can give!!! I loved the picture of you, Christian and Hannah. It made my day!

We are hitting the trail in the morning and won't be back until Saturday sometime. We love to read your replies to our blogs... helps us not miss home quite so much!

Danny

God is our security

Trusting in God's promises

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

Psalm 138:2 NLT

God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.

unknown

THANK YOU, FATHER, for backing your promises by all the honor of your name. It is a mighty and powerful and trustworthy name! I give thanks to you for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Help me to move forward under your direction in the light of your unfailing and precious promise, knowing that you love the men in Nepal and are caring for them more than I can imagine.Amen

The joy of technology

This is a part of the email I got from Danny tonight. Danny was also able to call which was a huge blessing. It was a short call but good. Danny is so excited it makes it impossible for me not to feel the same. On a side note the kids got to run the bases at Minute Maid park today-we emailed Danny a pic so he could be a part of our ballgame. He loved it!









"We are going to teach 3 sessions to local blivrs(believers). We will be teaching from 10-4. We leave in the morning for a 4-5 day trek. Me, Wally, and the Guppys will be going one direction and Shane, Gary and Tommy will be going the other. They will have a 5 day strenuous trek. Ours will not be as strenuous, but not easy. We are going to some villages to show the Jsus(Jesus) film. One of the villages has no electricity so we have to carry a generator- fun! A jeep will take us as far as possible and drop us off for the remaining trek. We will be traveling with 2 nationals, and 1 interpreter/national. It is absolutely gorgeous here. The mountains are beautiful and we had our first peak at Anapurna this morning at breakfast. It was definitely a sight to see."

They are not sure if their emails are monitored so they are careful how they say things. The missionary there told Danny a couple of weeks ago that they were seeing hearts made ready to receive the Gospel in ways they never had before. God is so amazing how He orchestrates things-working all together for the good of those that love Him.

Dinner in Nepal

Dinner last night was to say the least, very interesting. We had dinner at the Sprinkle's with the entire family. The children informed us that the floor was cleaned before we arrived so we would have a clean place to sit while eating. Barbie brought each of us a plate of lintels, vegetables, and rice. She kind of smiled as we looked around for the fork- well no fork! Kids, we always taught you not to eat with your hands, but not in Pokhara! Eating rice and vegetables was fun. As westerners, we were definitely out of our element. It was a great experience and I am sure it won't be the last. This morning we ate breakfast overlooking the lake. This patio was straight out of a post card. We had traditional western breakfast with eggs, toast.... The view across the lake was breathtaking and peaceful. Women were preparing the boats for the day, water buffalo roamed by in the water, children playing in the water, bathing and fishing. The clouds rolled back to reveal our first peak at the snow capped Anapurnas. What a way to start the day! We were all excited to find this internet cafe to exchange money, check email, and phone our families. We are missing the conveniences of modern technology, but it is great to be able to stay in touch and update those back home. We miss everyone!
Danny

Finally Made It!

We made it to Pokhara today around 3:15 pm (4am Central). What a ride across the mountains in the van! We crammed 8 of us in the van with all our luggage. We met Nate at the airport yesterday and went to the hotel in Kathmandu. We also met Tracie and Lucinda Guppy (Todd Guppy's brother) who arrive just before us. They are here for a 2 yr appointment with IMB. (Small World)
I am missing the opportunity to wrshp with my home chrch today. (Lannie, they are in your hands, love on them) I have enjoyed traveling with 4 other guys but they are no substitute for the 4 I left back home. I miss you all! Keep prying for us in this journey. We will have orientation Monday and then we will leave on a 2 or 3 day trek.
When in Pokhara, we should have access to internet periodically. Miss everyone!
Danny

Sweeping Change

Nepalis dance and celebrate at Ratna Park in Kathmandu May 19, 2006. Nepal's parliament on Thursday approved a sweeping plan to curtail the powers of the king and take away his control over the army, a historic move for a country that has traditionally considered him to be a god.


What an exciting time for the people of Nepal.

London

We've made it to London (about 1 1/2 hours late). I am visiting friends here and the other four guys are being tourist. We leave tonight at around 10 pm London time to Baharan and then on to Kathmandu. We'll try to keep you up-to-date when we can.

Pray for us ...

Tommy

Does anyone really know what time it is?

If you are as confused as I am about what time it is you can click here to find out.

So Far so Good....

Danny said he would call or email at each leg of the journey to let me know he's ok. The last time I heard from him was when they were in Chicago. Shane almost missed the flight since his was late arriving. Hopefully his luggage made it on the plane to London with them. I am still up thinking maybe I would hear from them before I go to bed , but no word yet and my big eyes are drooping! Well, pray for the men that are going: Danny Crocker, Tommy Stunz, Wally Williford, Gary Grooms, & Shane Mikeska and for the wives that aren't sleeping. Sofa, here I come! Oh Yeah...




















Happy Birthday, Tommy!!!

The People

The Nepalese people form a wide mix of ethnic
groups with diverse historical and cultural heritage

Faces...how amazingingly beautiful they are. This is what I have been looking at and praying for as the men prepare to go on this trip. They leave tomorrow. I am in agreement with Andrea, the wives stay home to face the last week of school and all the craziness that entails. Prayer is definitely apropriate. (So are hot meals...hint hint.)

The Adventure Begins...

Pokhara is 203km north-west of
Kathmandu and lies on the banks
of Lake Phewa Tal, the second
largest in Nepal. It is peaceful and
beautiful and its surroundings are
popular for trekking and rafting.

This will be the home base for the treks that Danny, Tommy, Wally, Gary, & Shane will be taking.

The Way to Nepal

Watch for news to some soon!