The Australian team who trekked to Annapurna Base Camp [ABC] this November to raise funds for Green Pastures Hospital have returned home humbled by their experience.

“It has been an incredible privilege and very humbling to have been on this two week journey,” says Elle Morris, trek leader.

“In a short time we were able to see so much. Our first few days revealed the great love shown through the various ministries we visited in Pokhara. These included God’s unconditional love shared with the ‘unlovable’ street kids cared for by the team at Himalayan life; the ongoing love, treatment and care given to all at Green Pastures [including us!] and the life-changing work of Paul Maurice Guitars.”

Elle describes the young man she met at Paul Maurice Guitars, an organisation that provides training and employment to young Nepali men making high quality hand-crafted guitars.

“We met one of the four boys that work at Paul Maurice Guitars. He used to think he was worthless, abandoned by his family at age three but he now knows he is loved. He shared his story with us and then played one of their handcrafted guitars, beautifully.”

The group’s nine-day trek was also an incredible opportunity to see God’s creation up close.

“The walk required perseverance, grit and a good sense of humour,” reflects Elle. “At the end of the trek – as we looked back at the wonderful views, it was amazing to think we had been right up in those mountains thanks to the support of friends and family keen to support the work of Green Pastures Hospital.”

The team have raised $13,000 for the hospital. During their visit to Green Pastures, the group had the opportunity to meet with hospital staff, and see the new buildings and plans for growing INF’s work at the hospital.

“We left Nepal with a greater appreciation of the needs and incredible admiration for the workers.”

To find out more about 2018 Vision trips and treks contact the INF Australia office.