Greetings from the top of the world!

God has surely answered all your prayers and has been with us all along the way as we have returned to Nepal after 16 years to live and work.... first, the unbelievable number of friends and neighbors who helped us pack up our home and leave; then a smooth ride to Dulles airport, two wonderful flights (with our six pieces of excess baggage) and two vehicles to meet us at the airport at midnight; next, meeting the newspaper delivery man for the hotel we were in, who helped us find "just the right flat" only three days after our arrival; and, moving into our wonderful apartment with a nice view (and about 500 yards from where we lived in 1983-87) before our first week was up!

Bucky had to draw up the lease himself (even though our landlord has a law degree). A friend was of great help, sharing his extensive experience in drafting leases, the template he uses for a lease, and his computer and printer to produce it on.

Meanwhile, and equally as quickly, we made contact with the Nepali Baptists, our work colleagues at HDCS (the Nepali Christian non-governmental organization we are working with), Bruce and Htway Aiton (IM missionaries already working here), several old friends (one of whom had Carole come to a luncheon 36-hours after we arrived), and a good language teacher (and old acquaintance) to brush up on our Nepali.

As one example of how God has prepared the way for us, the Aitons had mentioned that they had found Suman Thapa, a language teacher, to be excellent. A day later an Australian colleague at HDCS mentioned to Bucky that she had spoken with Suman that day, and he had remembered us from when we were here in the 1980s. Two days later he called us on the phone. We started lessons right away. It isn't hard to find a good language teacher when he finds you first!

It truly has been a wonderful way to see how God has answered so many people's prayers.

During these first four weeks back in Nepal, we have juggled our schedules around four city-wide strikes, a major Hindu religious holiday (Shiva Ratri), a major national holiday (Democracy Day). That, of course, means that major stores are closed, which makes furnishing a new flat hard.

We have become highly respected customers at two different cyber cafes, as we spend hours at them each week emailing family and friends. But cyber cafes leave a lot to be desired in modem speed, keyboard quality and privacy. Hopefully this month will see us have email coming directly into our flat rather than down the street! Until then, email is very frustrating!

The young woman helping us in our home is delightful and makes excellent Nepali food. We've had more meals without meat than with, as Nepali meals are often vegetarian. She made it easier to receive our first houseguest, an American we met at the Kathmandu Airport in 1980! The guestroom is VERY large, and it's open to anyone!

Carole's praying for God to lead in people/ things with whom she should get involved. Of course, everyone would like her to do something for them. Bucky already has two jobs, as well as an offer to preach once a month at the Nepali Baptist church we attend!

Blessings,

Bucky and Carole Sydnor