he's back!!!!

Just want to say that it feels good to be back.  Well, at least for now.  According to my tract record, you should not have too high of expectations of me updating my blog, but I am truly going work at it because I know how it is important for us all.  A lot of you have invested time, prayer, money, into me being here in Nepal.  I am extremely thankful for you. 

My goal is to give brief blogs but more consistently.  So lets begin:

I have been back in Nepal for about 4 weeks now.  Its been really good to be back.  A lot of the past 4 weeks have been reconnecting with the friends I made here in past.  We (Tiny Hands) have shifted to a new office so I have been helping in the move and getting the office looking like a million bucks.  It’s a really cool office with a great view.  Out Nepali staff are really great and I look forward being able to spend more time with them.  I continue learn more about Tiny Hands and how we operate with different projects we are involved with. 

As for me, I am working on something quite exciting.  I want to know if providing education in source areas of trafficking within Nepal will help prevent more girls from being trafficked.  I am in the early stages of this and look forward to pressing forward with it.   Thank you for your support.  I will write more later.  Peace for now

Hands, feet, words, attitude..

Rhoman

what lies ahead....

Today was a great day. The reason being is that john and I were able to get out of Kathmandu to spend some time talking and discussing about my future with Tiny Hands. The future in pending is one that will send me to Bangladesh for at least three months. I have only spent one week in Bangladesh ever, which was about 2 weeks ago. I really did enjoy my time there as I mentioned in my latest blog. the people I went to meet were amazing. I definitely could see myself there after spending time with them. Their hearts and focus is what I need and am looking for. That does not mean that here in Nepal, I have not found that but it is simply different. Here in Nepal, especially in the last two weeks after returning to Nepal, I have been able to join alongside a couple different ministries that focused in the area of anti-trafficking. in a sense I have felt at home because I am surrounded by amazing people that love the Lord Jesus Christ and want to seek His will for everything they do. These are a mix of native Nepali and foreigners that I have been able to learn from here. Now the question has come up…before I reveal the question, I want to remind you what and why I came to this part of the world.
I made the commitment to move to Nepal because I felt Nepal was the best way to fulfill what God was asking me to do; that is “move to South Asia to glorify my name”. we all know I was born in India I am fond of my India. Nepal was the closet to the motherland that the Lord gave me an opportunity to glorify His name, which was to work alongside Tiny Hands International/Nepal. They focused on children of no parents, bad family situations, and street children by creating homes for them to live and experience the love of God. The second focus of Tiny Hands is working to fight human trafficking specifically young women and girls being trafficked for sexual exploitation. Since Nepal is a source country for Nepali girls to be taken and sold to Indian and Dubai brothels, Tiny Hands felt compelled to do something about it. I was extremely interested in that part of the ministry so I felt the right thing to do in order to “live a life worthy of the calling” is to go.
I came to Tiny Hands in January 2009 to begin a journey that I know will never regret and know I will be transformed. Its been six months now. Things have been good. Definitely, there have been my low days, but I believe that is normal for one who has never been in this lifestyle. Tiny Hands is doing great in Nepal, but in terms of me having something to bring to the table in Nepal is harder than I expected. Tiny Hands also works in Bangladesh with another organization that they work under. That is who I went to visit and introduce myself. I know there is a need for me to be there and both governing bodies in both places agree that this may be the best thing for us all. This, in fact, may be a huge connecting link between the two organizations in a better way than it already is. There has been a proposal given to the Bangladesh side and I to pray about it and see if this really is God’s will for me and them.
The question for me is “Do I go to Bangladesh; is it the Lords plan or Tiny Hands or Rhoman’s plan?”
Today as I mentioned earlier, John and I were able to get away for one night to talk logistics and spend some time in prayer about the potential relocation. I am excited about it, but I know there is doubt I have, which I feel, should be normal. I do know that the doubts I have don’t compare to the potential opportunity to glorify the Lord God Almighty. I ask you to also join me in prayer as I seek God’s will.

6 Months....WOW!!!!!

Well, where to start…I am really not sure how to say all that has and has not happened. That may sound a bit odd and out of the norm, but that seems like a pretty good statement. I had to go back and reread what I wrote the last time to refresh my memory of what I wrote to you all about. Its been about two months since I last wrote. That whole time, I have been traveling to and from India mainly due to visa stuff. It was bit annoying. There was some good that came out of it though. I was able to visit a group from Azusa Pacific in Calcutta. They were there volunteering like I used to do. It was nice to spend time with them and fellowship with them. Also in Calcutta was a faculty member from Azusa Pacific who was a key reason for the opportunity of me coming join the program. I was able to spend some time with him and share my ups and downs. He was very encouraging to me. Of course Calcutta was hot and humid, but I still love my India!

I finally made it back to Kathmandu because I got the green light from the university here that was issuing me the research study to finish up the visa process. It was rather quick upon returning. It was a huge relief to get that taken care of. Now I am here in the Nepal for at least a year without any visa issues. If I need to extend then I can do so accordingly. I came back at that right time because Tiny Hands was having a summer camp for all our children. The whole idea was to create a summer camp like we do in the states. The children have never been outside their city area. They especially have not experienced a time of fun with all the homes. This was the first camp that Tiny Hands ever put on so it was a bit chaotic yet so much fun. Two girls from the states came to help with the camp. The weather was a bit hot, but still so much fun. Now we are better prepared for the next one.

The following week I went to Bangladesh for another camp because we have two children’s homes there that are overseen by another organization. It was really good for me to go to Bangladesh because I was able to meet our partner organization and the parents of our children’s homes.

So, that has been what I have been doing the past few month; meeting different ministries and organizations to introduce myself as a long term committed volunteer, and that I value their work and that it would be important for the both of us to be able to encourage one another and learn from each other.

You all know my heart is in this region of the world and these people. As I meet different people involved with various ministries, I know I have been blessed by them because these people fear and love the Lord our God in a culture and society that are predominately Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim. It is encouraging and motivating to see this because these people are so faithful in their ministry.

Yesterday I decided that I need more consistency in my life when it comes to reading God’s word, exercising, spending time with the staff and other local Nepalese from the church. I look forward to seeing what will happen now. I would be lying if I said everyday was easy and fun because I have definitely had my ups and downs. I guess that is part of the whole growing process of living overseas long term and trying to be a faithful follower of Christ. It is my American mindset to want to have everything figured out, but that is not the case.

Well, thanks for listening after so long. I am a lot better at skyping than writing so if you have skype then holla at me. My skype name is rhoman.goyenechea

May the Lord be with you always.

Hands, feet, words, attitude…

So, again I apologize for my lack of disciple in keeping up to date on my blog. The truth is that I am not much of a writer. Thank you, Sommer, for keeping me accountable to my blog. I would also like to tell you that I am constantly thinking of you all. Do not mistake that for being homesick, but simply hoping that you all are healthy and in good spirits because our God is truly good, and He has blessed us with so much. I can’t even remember when the last time I wrote, but I do know it was a long time ago.

I know I briefed you all on the latest work of Tiny Hands in Nepal concerning our latest work on anti-trafficking of young Nepali girls to Indian brothels. Well, that work has expanded immensely and will continue to grow. As of one month ago, Tiny Hands had border monitoring stations in two place of Nepal. One is in Janakpur and the other is in a remote place called Thorimadi. Spelling in Nepal and India is relative because one place uses this name and spelling and another will tell you completely different names and spellings. In the past month, we have had a few of our staff travel throughout Nepal to research more about border monitoring because 1- there are NGO’s who have been doing it longer than we have and 2 – we believe it is more effective preventing them from entering the hell-hole of a brothel than trying to rescue them after they have lost their own identity. Our goal of conducting this research is to gain a better understanding of what works, what signs to look for while monitoring the border, and find new crossings that need to be monitored. Bhola, one of our newest staff, is going to head up our trafficking section because he has a heart for the issue, he is Nepali, and he is connected with many churches at the border towns. As we expand our work by starting new border monitoring stations, we connect with churches and share the vision with them so that we as Christians take a hold of the vision and do what is needed. This keeps the church as a whole accountable to sacrifice for the sake of these little innocent girls and share the love of Christ to them.

As for me, I traveled to Siliguri, India. It is considered a transit city located in the bottle-neck between Nepal’s eastern border and Bangladesh. It is just south of Darjeeling. There is not much here, but it is a place of interest for future work of Tiny Hands. We also have one child’s home here. Of course the kids are great. I have enjoyed spending time with them. I came the first time here to bring the book club and computer program to the home. I went back to KTM and a week later, I was sent back with Bhola to meet with some people about starting anti-trafficking work in India also. Simply working at the border is helping, but many traffickers slip through the cracks of unofficial crossings. I am currently here in Siliguri. I met with a lady who has a heart for young girls who are trafficked and continues to do what she can to assist those in the red light district. We met and I shared our vision of partnering with an NGO in India to fight trafficking of young girls to Indian brothels. Our meeting was great. There is still much to work out, but we both agree that work needs to be done on this side of the border.

I will return to KTM trying to figure out my visa information and go from there. I love being here. I am healthy and safe. I do miss you all. I am thankful for your continual support and prayers. Peace to you all.

Hands, feet, words, attitude…

Rhoman Sushant Goyenechea

gearing up to travel

So, It has been a while...I feel like I say that all the time. The reality of it is that its the truth. I do not do a very good job of writing. I apologize up front for any future delayed posts. Anyways, last time I wrote, I mentioned a new project focused around the area of sex trafficking. That project is going well so far. There are still much work to do, but definitely making progress in our research. Just recently, 4 of our staff went to the bordering towns of western and central Nepal to conduct some research. There was much success in their work, which now we are taking the information and seeing how we can be effective and efficient with monitoring the border. I am suppose to go to eastern Nepal to do my portion of research, but the time has not been right because I am also needing to go to India where we have one children's home. There I need to take our new book club and computer program and implement it. that is what I will do. I will not go to the border which I intended to on the way to India. I am sure some of you are OK with that...mom! anyways, I will be going to India next week to spend time with our children and do some programs.

what I have been doing for the past month is reading, meeting about this sex trafficking project, and taking language. Language class is going well. I now eat with a Nepali family 3 times a week to work on my Nepali speaking. It is going well; still early though. I look forward to traveling to India and see something new. Spending 3 months in KTM can be mundane because everything is the same thing. it is a great city, but change in scenery is always nice.

Sabailai Jaimasee!

The time has come to let you all know what has been happening the past month. First, I want to thank you all for staying connected. Its great getting emails here and there with words of encouragement. Second, its been a busy month for Tiny Hands.

So, I know in my last post, I mentioned that I plan on seeing the needs in order to be the most effective. That idea sort of was put on the back burner. John, Tiny Hands President, has been thinking about creating a book club for all of our children's homes. Nepali children struggle to get the right child development so they tend to be behind as they grow up. one example is critical thinking; of course there are those who are above many, but those are a rare commodity. Getting in the habit of reading can change ones life. So this what we have been doing! there are different levels for each of the children, but of course they need to test into the level in order to begin. Now, it is difficult to get children to read books because from experience growing up, it is no fun to read just to read. There needs to be some sort of incentive. That is exactly what we are doing with our children. As they complete different levels, they will be able to earn fake money. We have also constructed a prize catalog so that when the children earn money, they can spend it on a prize of their choice based on their budget. The types of prizes we have are coloring books, puzzles, building blocks, guitar, keyboard, soccer ball, cricket set, bad minton, arts and crafts, etc. It may take some time to really allow this project to catch fire, but it was a well worth project.

Now, we are working on another project. This project will be more of a long term project. It is in the realm of border monitoring and human trafficking. This project entails research then traveling. I will be working with 4 other staff members (Nepali) which will be nice. Since it has just been introduced, there is not much to report on it.

I also mention that I was taking Nepali language courses this month. Indeed I have been and they have been going well. It still blows my mind that there are many in the world who can speak multiple languages. My teacher is very good at teaching. I usually spend about 5-7 hours a week. I have been taking course for all most a month now.

Well, that is it for now. If you have any question, comments, thoughts, etc. just email me. I thank you again for your support. Again, please email me updates where you are. It is always nice to hear news from friends and family. until next time...peace be with you.

hands, feet, words, attitude...

rhoman goyenechea

time sure flies by when things feel so right!

well, it has been about a month since i last wrote. that is for two reasons: one, i am keeping busy, and two, it is still early to really have some stories. this past month has been full of reading and fellowship with tiny hands staff, visiting children's' homes, meeting other NGO staff members, trying to build relationships with the locals that i see everyday...i.e. neighbors, local family that runs the hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

my room is put together for the most part; i have a desk, counter to store my gas stove on top and dishes inside, water jug for drinking, chair, floor mat, shelf, etc. so many people in Nepal have servants to clean and sometimes cook, so i took the liberty to do the same. i have a gal who cooks twice a day (breakfast and dinner) 6 days a week, washes the floor 3 days a wk, and does laundry 2 a week. it is a bit awkward because i only have one room so i am usually in the room when they cook and all, but i try to converse by using simple words. a friend from the church phoned me and told me the families situation, which is not great and needs your prayers. they need work so i accepted and hope it works out for the both of us.

i know many of you are wondering if i am saving lives here and there, but the reality of it is no. right now, i am still adapting to Nepal and tiny hands. i am seeing the different needs and seeing where i will produce the most fruit (succeed the most in showing the love of Christ). i thought it would be easy to know where God would have me work, but it is not like that. in my time of learning and growing, i have met amazing people who have convicting stories and encourage me to learn more. i will officially start my language course this month. it will be intensive. i was reluctant to do so earlier because i didn't want to spend the money, but the fact of the matter is that if i want to learn quickly and by a good teacher, than i have to pay a bit more than the average Joe. its annoying, but i have been reassured by other foreigners that this lady is really good. we will see!

to some this is not exciting to you and others it is, but i want to give you a brief update and when something crazy and out of this world happens, you all will be the first to know. until then...peace be with you all.

hands, feet, words, attitude...

rhoman goyenechea