Day Nine – A Foundation of Praise

Paul once wrote, “I have learned to be content in all circumstances.” I’d love to make a snarky comment about Paul never living through an earthquake, but his many sufferings are well documented. Being content in all circumstances is only possible if you don’t allow your physical situation to define your reality.

This evening over dinner I met the most wonderful group of young people here in Nepal who lead a dynamic sports ministry. They bring Jesus to kids and families through sports. But tonight we talked about a wonderfully simple brick design that would allow people to build earthquake proof homes at a very affordable price. They were so excited to share this idea but wondered what to do with it as their calling to do sports ministry hasn’t changed.

We talked about the new Nepal that would rise from this tragedy and how those who knew the old Nepal would never see it again. These earthquakes have permanently changed this country in more ways than one. The people here no longer trust the ground beneath their feet is a solid foundation, and they never will again. In the end they felt a need to pursue this model brick and home design if only to pass it along for others to build.

It just so happens that tonight after I’d said my goodbyes and left the group I felt my first aftershock here. It was a little bump that felt like someone had just tugged on a cookie sheet under me…a very thick, heavy cookie sheet. I can only imagine what it must’ve been like to feel that cookie sheet wiggle back and forth for over a minute as all around you buildings came apart and collapsed to the ground.

This morning I witnessed the aftermath of that initial shake in the Harisiddi neighborhood of Kathmandu. Here in yet another hard hit area the streets are impassable because of all the rubble piled as high as ten feet in places. Once again I walked through tarp-covered enclaves and looked into the eyes of people sitting in front of their new ‘homes’ or on piles of rubble. If this current situation is the only reality these people have to cling to, then utter hopelessness is an understandable response.

My guide today, Shyam, owns a brick factory in Harisiddi. The very top of the factory’s chimney fell (literally) victim to the quake but the factory is still operational. After walking the rubble strewn streets we went to see fresh new bricks that will play a role in rebuilding this country. And stamped on each brick the letter ‘H’ in the center of a circle. The mark of the brick factory which, looking up I realized, is named Hosanna.

By the witness and work of the Christians here in Nepal may the new foundations laid be ones of praise to our God. And may Jesus be the reality known to all so that cries of ‘Hosanna’ are heard from every tongue. And should the tongues be silenced I learned today that even the bricks will cry out!