One of my favorite times is just after a storm. I love to see the clouds start to break and the winds die down. The rainbows that follow are a reminder of our Creators promise. The past few days have been like a calm after the storm. Let me explain.
The week prior to our trip to Pokhara was a turbulent week. There were 2 earthquakes in Kathmandu and 6 in the Pokhara area. This is a bad place for earthquakes. Its not a question of "if" but a question of "when." On average Nepal has had a earthquake that was an 8+ every 70 years. To put that in perspective, the one if Iraq was a 6. There are several smaller ones throughout the year and people just learn to live with them. The problem is that when the big 8+ comes there will be alot of people hurt because the buildings are just not built to handle such a catastrophe. This month marks the 70th year since our last big 8+ earthquake.
The political parties were also becoming more and more agitated and there were many political demonstrations in Kathmandu. The demonstrations led to riots and the streets were lined with burned out police vehicles and tires. Strikes were called and it was hard to tell if you would be able to travel anywhere or not. Kody's school was cancelled when one of the parties demanded that all schools be cancelled or face the consequences.
The storm only got worse when we went to Pokhara and there were ambushes on military convoys and a local bank robbed. To make matters worse Luke became terribly ill and we were faced with the possibility of placing him in a hospital.
The hospitals here are not like the ones in the west. There are huge crowds of people lining up to get in the hospital and the level of care and hygeine is much different that what many of us are used to. This just added to our level of stress and we asked for prayer.
Soon after we posted our need for prayer for Luke things started to change. He began eating and driking again and the vomiting stopped. He started running a high fever and you continued praying. Now his fever is gone and he is starting to feel so much better. Our God is a God who heals and we are so thankful for your prayers.
The agitated political parties have continued protesting but they have calmed down some in the past few days. The fighting continues but there is hope for a peaceful future.
It seems that we have weathered another storm and every time I see Luke smile it is like the rainbow after the storm. I am so thankful for his improved health and I think it is important to reflect on each storm so that when the next one comes we remember the outcome of the last storm and find hope. Thanks for all your prayers.
Love that smile, it warms my heart. God is soo good.
Posted by: Nana at January 16, 2004 09:47 AMAm so glad Luke is doing better. Been keepin up with your Mom. You are being lifted up in prayer by many people in many churches. His smile again is wonderful. Know he is not out of the woods, but at least is better. Love you all.
Nancy Merritt
Thanks for the picture of that smile. All here have been waiting for that. What a blessing! We are so thankful for his progress.
Posted by: Memaw at January 16, 2004 12:28 PMJon, it was so good to hear that Luke is better. We pray for each of you every day and especially have lifted Luke up to God for healing these past few days. We look forward to your updates and love the pictures.
We love you,
Judy & Ronnie
We're so thankful that blonde boy is wearing such a big smile! How is the communication system there? Do you have a telephone? Is there an english newspaper? Are tv stations state-run?
Posted by: MiChal at January 17, 2004 11:40 AMThanks for sharing such a priceless smile in your sweet son! My husband and I have joined with the countless others in prayer for blessings of health and strength to rain upon Luke and your family. Our Abba Father is soooo Good! We appreciate your updates so much!