HEARTS ABOVE

Faithful, persevering and full of joy. Though there is much more to this amazing young woman, these traits stood out to me. Here in a mountain village the Lord is doing an incredible work in her life, – and through her, making a forever impact in the lives of those around her. Be encouraged to learn a bit of her story in this video from Pioneers USA

When I saw this log hanging beneath the gables of a house I wondered “what on earth could that be for?” Any guesses? As it turns out, old logs are hollowed out – manually or with fire – and an old honey comb is placed inside. The ends are capped and drilled with holes to allow new residents to move in. That’s right, it’s a beehive. Prized as honey producers and excellent pollinators, bees are a vital part of local agriculture.

Particularly in rural households, boys may begin working early in their lives. Many young men migrate to cities or abroad for labor to support their families. In the mountains boys are involved in farming and herding with less access to the outside world than their counterparts in the cities. Exposure to global culture most often occurs through social media like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

Human trafficking is a significant threat in this region – particularly to those who leave their villages in seek of work between planting and harvesting seasons. One of the ways to combat this epidemic is through business. One intrepid Pioneer has been involved in seeing local women trained and equipped to create a variety of salable goods including several made from discarded saris. Women working with women in a safe and local space has significantly impacted this community.

At the end of each work day staff at this local business have an option to gather together for a time of enrichment in their own language. They are poured into with Bible stories, English lessons and more. Every season women come to faith. What an incredible intersection of strategies to meet felt needs and spiritual hunger.

As the sun began to set, haze and smoke blanketed the valley around this blue roofed home. I can’t imagine that getting construction materials up here would be an easy task and I suspect the cost of somehow transporting them would be prohibitive as well. I noticed most of the roofs were made of corrugated material and what I suspect were locally sourced stone walls were common. Given that earthquakes are common in the region a lightweight roof seems like a great idea!

A common sight between 1000 and 3000 meters, drought resistant Chir pine are packed with resin. As I understand it, this resin crystalizes in dead pines making the wood colorful and brittle. It also keeps the wood from becoming water-logged and though smoky, a small piece burns slow and can be used like a candle!

In this agricultural village, people are up before the sunrise – though honestly, sunrise seemed to take forever given the peaks. It was light out for longer than I’m used to before the sun finally crested the horizon. During the twilight hour, a fresh coating of buffalo dung and water was hand spread on the pictured terrace. It’s believed that the dung not only has anti-bacterial and disease prevention properties, but is also a natural insecticide – keeps mosquitoes at bay too! Is a buffalo dung patio in your future?

In some parts of the world, tattoos are fairly commonplace – though largely for cosmetics or personal meaning. Elsewhere, facial tattooing in particular has deeper roots. Historically, tattoos in the region are made using traditional tools including sticks and thorns dipped in natural dyes made from charcoal or plant-based inks.  Geometric patterns and dots on the chin, nose, forehead or cheeks can signify marital status, caste, clan, or mark a coming-of-age.

Hand tools, rather than heavy machinery are brought to bear for tilling and cultivation. With over 75% of the land here being mountainous, stepped terraces allow steep slopes to be used for farming. I’m told that terracing helps prevent soil erosion, and improve the soil by slowing down runoff during heavy monsoon seasons. It occurs to me that these women would connect deeply with many proverbs and Jesus stories that speak into activities they do year in and year out.

Pressing the palms of both hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of the chest is a common greeting here. It’s used when meeting people, whether friends or strangers alike and is preferred over a handshake in most situations – especially in more traditional or rural settings. It’s said to mean something along the lines of “the divine in me honors the divine the divine in you”. Though the gesture has deep roots in Hindu and Buddhist tradition it’s also a ubiquitous act of respect and a common cultural symbol.

Prayer flags are an iconic symbol of spiritually and culture. The five colors align with elements in Buddhist philosophy: earth, water, fire, wind and sky. The blessings, mantras, and prayers printed on them are thought to be carried by the wind and spread into the world. Pray with us that “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9