Hello old friend. It's like you never left.

This visit has been 14 years in the making for me. God has definitely had a say, and a plan for why this team, at this time, has come together, grown in love, trust and fellowship, and arrived safely in Nepal in 2025.

I first visited Nepal in 2011 and that visit had a huge positive impact on me, so I always knew I'd be back.  The time was picked by CMSI, but it wasn't chosen by CMSI. Between 2011 and now, Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake in 2015 and a disastrous impact from the Covid epidemic of 2020. Both calamities prevented us from travelling.

In 2022 we lost our dear brother in Christ BK to complications of Covid, and, as his widow BJ tenderly reminds us, "BK rested."  So it was with sadness and some trepidation that we undertook this mission.

When we arrived in Kathmandu, the memories came flooding back. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the beautiful chaos.  It wasn't long before we got our bearings and discovered that our guesthouse was only a 10-minute walk from the Bakery Café at the crazy Jawalakhel roundabout. It was like we never left.

The visit began with an emotional reunion with BJ, BBK and G at SDSS (Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa) …and just as in 2011, BBK laid his hand on my back and prayed in Nepali for healing and pain relief.  He had remembered me and I was humbled.

Soon after this encounter came the much-anticipated visit to HDCS (Human Development Community Services) and ABBS (Asha Bal Bikas Sewa) – a school for children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. We were warmly welcomed by HDCS’s Executive Director, Kapil, and the staff for morning devotions and introductions.  Then I got the surprise of my life.

Tulsa the Coordinator of ABBS joined the gathering, recognised me, came over and gave me a great big hug, prompting more tears.  ABBS has a special place in my heart. I have kept in touch with some of the staff since 2011, so reconnecting was like picking up where we left off 14 years ago. We heard familiar, harrowing stories about how the children faced stigma and neglect in the community before coming to ABBS to receive care, education and the love of God.  In God's house no one is treated unfairly,  especially not a child.  There is something very special about the unconditional love and trust you get from a child with Down's Syndrome or other learning difficulties. Although the Government of Nepal has strong child protection policies, in practice children with disabilities still face neglect or social stigma in the community. Tulsa shared that families often lack awareness or support, which can lead to children being hidden or overlooked.

Matthew 19:14 tells us that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  ABBS is a safe place where dedicated staff and volunteers, love and nurture these kids.  Mark 9:37 reminds us, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

It was joyous to be a part of that again. Whether it was the childlike curiosity for us strangers or a genuine desire to bond with and welcome us, I don't know.  Whatever it was, it was beautiful.  The team gave an assembly telling the Good Samaritan story using animal puppets and then we all joined in an inclusive activity decorating a Friendship Tree with leaves and flowers. We also made animal masks. Some of the kids were non-verbal, deaf or mute. But it didn't matter because you don't need language to colour in a flower or an animal mask.  You don't need language to meticulously stick a leaf or a bird on a Friendship Tree.

I was given a brief tour of the school by Ganga, another staff member I'd kept in touch with.  She reminded me with gratitude how we had painted the classrooms during my last visit and jokingly asked when we were coming back to give the walls a fresh coat of paint.

In difficult times in life, we can become disconnected from God for long or short periods. And just like in the parable of the lost sheep, God is overjoyed when the one rejoins the flock. For me, the reconnection with Tulsa, Ganga and all at ABBS was exactly like that. And just like reconnecting with God, we were able to pick up where we left off....praising Him with childlike obedience and awe.