Micah and Charlotte Shristi serving in Nepal with Mennonite Central Committee
Kathmandu, Nepal
July 10, 2009
Despite unstable transportation and communication services due to the continuing political turmoil in the country, our work with Nepali partner organizations goes on haltingly from day to day. Micah recently accompanied Nepali colleagues on an income generation and job creation learning tour to MCC self-help projects in Bangladesh. The aim is to start work with people living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal.
Charlotte's conflict transformation group visited the border with India to talk to community members affected by cross-border raids from India. The problem--attacks accompanied by rapes and some murders--seems to be prevalent all along the Southern border. After doing a risk assessment, it was decided to try organizing the Nepali community to advocate for better police security.
Another partner organization we work with mobilized an inter-religious peace network. One of our first activities was to go on "exposure visits" together to each others' religious ceremonies. In May we hosted visitors from similar groups in Georgia and Armenia, exchanging ideas and encouragement.
Monsoon season has begun in southern Nepal, bringing cooler temperatures with daily rain. We enjoy taking care of a small vegetable garden and 10 chickens in the back yard of our rented apartment. Cultural adjustments have been many, but during the last several months we've been refreshed by a retreat with other Nepal and India MCC workers, and a trip to meet friends in Thailand.
Prayers, letters and emails from First Mennonite Church folks are very much appreciated. Our addresses: ,
