Somewhere along the way I forgot to start a new writing year on July 14th. Hence, I am now onto to year 3 aka Volume III.

My checked-bag finally made an appearance in Kathmandu. I am clean- after a good sink-washing. And, I am wearing fresh clothes for the first time in eight days. Overall, I feel good. This despite the fact I haven’t eaten more than toast or white rice in since last week.

Early Friday, we left to the city of Pokhara which is a bumpy bus ride west. Bumpy is a nice way saying hellacious. And, I made the executive decision to us fly back to Nepal. Pokhara is a smaller, tourist-focused city at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. The city is green and humid and full of white tourists from the west.

Our intent was to use Pokhara as a base camp to climb Poon Hill which is a 1.8 mile climb up the southern slope of Annapurna. The trek is one of Simon’s favorite and we looked forward to the journey. Unfortunately, my stomach and weak lungs did not cooperate. We settled for a few moderate day hikes. And, they were worth the effort. Whatever Nepal is, it is a beautiful country.

The one place Nepal reminds me of is West Virginia. Both are land-locked and have a proud history of defying the odds (Nepal was never conquered by the British and West Virginia formed the people choose to split from Virginia.) Both are impoverished and struggling to keep pace with wealthier neighbors. The landscapes are oddly similar and the need is great.

Last week, I asked Simons “what’s the plan?” As in, what’s in your heart to do? The 24 year-old rattle off a list of projects and a grand vision to change Nepal for the kingdom. Then he quoted Jesus “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” And from his perspective, I can see why. Simon sees his home as ripe and in need of workers to bring in the fruit. I see Simon as the first fruit of the missionaries who raised him to walk the Lord. He is what they hoped would come, a native Nepali with a heart to transform his nation.

I’m praying behind my friend’s back, that he wouldn’t way himself down with too much expectation. If Simon is able to change the lives of a few hundred people, then he did his part. He was the next link in the chain. And, of all his plans, he needs to find 10-12 Simons. The kingdom is about growth not grand displays of accomplishment, but I know him. He dreams big and can’t sit still. For these reasons, I’ve spent time telling him to relax and schedule time for himself.

More tomorrow.