I’ve just been reminiscing about our Nepali friends, most of whom we met beginning in 2011, when they were new to the U.S. and we were moving from San Antonio into our new home in the hills outside the city. They helped us move. Later, we helped them move.

Geeta – beautiful, sweet, calm – was the first Nepali we ever met, and she already knew “My Jesus!” After the move, we had ladies’ movie matinees watching “The Jesus Film” in Nepali. I taught her husband Chandi to drive. He immediately bought a car! And since then, he has taught the other men in his family to drive, and helped them purchase cars so they can work.

I have learned from them, never say I can’t! They came here not knowing much at all about this crazy American culture, but they loved the idea of attaining the American Dream, and they work hard for it.

They celebrated their first American Christmas with us, and all their friends and relatives were invited. Board member Robert Wilson and his family also joined us for the Christmas party honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, son of the One True and Living God.

Tom helping Chandi and Geeta move.

Katy Wiatrick’s Fellowship of Student Athletes helped us give a party one October outside the apartments where the Nepali people live. The FCA students prepared a wonderful devotional about the masks that we as people sometimes wear, but the Bible says God sees our heart!

At Thanksgiving, the FCA students delivered turkey dinners that were donated by Elrod Elementary Student Council. We are fortunate to have prayers and volunteer support from the community.

I think Chandi and Geeta were the first Nepalese here to buy a home, and I am so proud of them. They have a family garden, and they have a covered deck where they can barbecue fresh meat. It was an honor holding their first child and watching him eat “real food” for the first time (that rice stuff we feed babies) at his 5 month birthday party this summer 2015! You can see him in Geeta’s lap above.