The Colville family from Queensland have recently returned to Kathmandu after six weeks spent with prayerful supporters, family and even a little beach time in Australia.
They are thankful for the visit as they approach a number of significant changes to life in Nepal’s capital over the coming weeks. Having recently moved house they are making connections in a new community, preparing for the new KISC school buildings to open, as well as adjusting to changes in each of their roles.
“It was great reconnecting and being with our church family,” says Kylie. “It’s wonderful to hear people say ‘we pray for you’ and to meet with people who are interested in our work and whole-heartedly supporting us.”
The Colville’s are sent through INF Australia and have been working with the organisation’s partner the Kathmandu International Study Centre [KISC] since 2014 having previously served in Nepal during 2008 and 2009.
Dave feels happy to be ‘home’ in Kathmandu but is realistic about the challenges ahead. “The school is about to undergo the biggest change in its 30ish year history,” he says. “We are moving out of the city to Thecho, 6kms south where the air is clean[er] and the land is green[er] and the space is definitely bigger.” Dave will take on teaching a higher level of History this year, which requires more planning in addition to his other classes. He continues to be passionate about the pastoral care he provides to a designated group of students. The school’s move will provide a larger space, purpose built facilities and reduce escalating rent costs in the city.
Visa changes at INF have meant Kylie’s work in the communications department has slowed down. She is now beginning a new role as Liaison Officer for a transition home in Kathmandu for trafficked women who have been repatriated from India.
“The home is being set up in a three way partnership between an NGO in India, a Nepali NGO and social welfare businesses in Kathmandu, “explains Kylie. “I’m going to work with staff employed to run the home, help establish community life for the women returning and take care of the administration. It will utilise lots of my organisation skills but involves directly working with people as well so I am really looking forward to it.”
Please pray:
– As the Colvilles build community within their new neigbourhood
– For the new school, teachers and students. That the buildings would be completed and that classes would begin well.
– For Kylie and Dave in their new and expanded roles
– For the kids [George, Oscar and Bronte] as they settle back into Kathmandu life and the ‘new’ school
Click here for more opportunities to serve in Nepal.