Hi Mei Yan, 
 
Michael here. Heard from Doreen that you're back from Nepal already. I believe you had a great time there, as what Doreen told me. 
 
Would you mind if I ask you to share a bit on the lessons that God has taught you during your stint in Nepal, what you have learned personally, and what are the major letdowns you experienced? It will be a real blessing for me to learn from your experiences. 
 
Thanks. All the best in your studies and life. 
 
Cheers, 
 
Michael 
Count your blessings ! 
31.8.2002

Dear Michael,

Hi!! Sorry I took so long to get back to you. Time really flies. I've come back to a pretty busy semester, so I've been putting off writing for quite a while. :o)

Nepal? Yup, It was quite an experience. It's hard to put everything together after coming back, and think about what the Lord has taught me through this whole experience. I think that the thing that stands out the most is the people I met there. Every one of them has left something with me, but the common thing with all of them is their love for the Lord, which overflows into their daily life so naturally. We spent quite a lot of time with the missionaries there, it was a pretty close knit community. They sort of took us into the fold, we got to know their families, spent time in their homes, went for walks together, played games after hours etc. There were young doctors who brought their whole families (with young children) for a 3-5 year stint, retired doctors with children in different parts of the world, singles who have practically dedicated their lives to serve in the country with no plans to leave anytime soon. Most of them left lucrative practices at home to come, and were supported by their home church or sending mission. 

One of the most important things I learnt is the fact that commitment to the Lord is not an easy thing. It requires much trust that He will provide for the future. Obeying His call to serve Him in a particular place also means making many difficult decisions along the way, going against the world's trend of selfish acquisition of personal wealth, career advancement and comfort for your family. Even after knowing that you are doing the Lord's will, there are many daily frustrations of working in a foreign land that need to be dealt with. But the fulfillment and joy that comes as a result makes it all worthwhile. 

The people I met there were among the happiest that I've ever met. And the children, although 'deprived' of many things that we take for granted here, like TV, good schools, music lessons, computers etc... had great childhoods and were incredibly wholesome kids... we had lots of good times with them. They learn to appreciate the simple things in life - one kid told us that the thing she enjoyed most was playing with her dad. The day we visited them for dinner, she and her brother were so happy that the electricity came on for 3 hours in a row so they could watch Mary Poppins. 

Things like that make me wonder about the many things we have lost along the way in our rush to be 'productive' and 'efficient'. I have grown to appreciate the many gifts that God gives us everyday, the love of family and friends, good homes, smiles from patients, food on the table. Not only that, to let people know that they are important to us, and to share whatever we have with others. I never cease to be amazed by Nepali style hospitality. Guests always come first, and they really go out of their way to provide the best of what they have for them. Blessing others is almost a way of life. 

Medically there were lots to experiences. Many of the doctors there modelled the fact that medicine was as much an art as it is a science. Besides understanding the problems of a poor country with little primary healthcare, I saw the many faces of poverty and oppression within the society. Yet the dedication and commitment of the hospital staff to the patients was remarkable. That is one thing that I hope will remain with me. The heart to want to give my best to each person, however busy things might get... to make each day count for the Lord. 

As for hangups - well... we got cheated a few times by pretty unscrupulous pple who were out for our money.. :o)

I'm pretty dried up for words now. :o) How are you doing? Working? Where?

Hope you had a good time in China. Would like to know how it was for you too, if you don't mind.

God bless!

Mei Yan
20.9.2002