While I am only 4 ½ years old, before we close out this decade I thought I would share some final thoughts. I have learned a lot this year and I even know how to spell and write my name now….that’s B R E A N N A.
Can I help?
I became a helper this year. I am continually asking my parents if I can help them. I loved when my mom gives me tasks to set-up coffee, tea and snacks for the weekly gathering of women who meet at our home to study the bible in Nepal. I like to pass out papers to the students in English class and food to our guests in S. Asia. I gave notebooks to kids in the community and in the slums. I assisted my dad with several building projects and I now have my own tool belt. But, my most favorite place to help is at the medical clinics that my family gets to be a part of when we have visitors come. Last month, I got to help at the registration table and take vitals for the pastors that came to a conference and needed to see a nurse or doctor. In the past, I have just gone along with my parents but this year I asked if I could help and be involved in the action!
Village Adventures
I am a village girl at heart. I enjoy the open space, farming life, being outdoors, animals and the warm hospitality that is extended to our family in remote places. This year, our family took many trips to villages to visit the churches that have been started by pastors who have graduated.
Sometimes it can be intimidating for me to go to Sunday School in the village because all the kids want to touch me or play with my blonde hair. However, in one village we have been to many times, I knew the teacher and went all on my own. When my mom came to check on me, she was surprised to see me in the front of the class with the teacher leading songs and praying for the kids. Many of the kids are from the Chepang people group, which is considered the poorest people in all of Nepal. Although we speak different languages, I learned several songs in their language and I can now sing together at church with my new friends!
All Things School
A lot of people wonder what I do for school because we travel from place to place. This fall, my mom started homeschooling me three days a week and two days a week I went to an international preschool. My class is called Lower Kindergarten and I learn in both English and Nepali. The kids in my class are from India, Malaysia, Korea, and America and I love it. My mom also connected with a homeschool group and we hosted a group of 20 kids my age on Fridays at our home filled with story time, crafts, snacks and games which was an unexpected blessing!
Things I Am Loving These Days
I am loving riding a horse named cowboy. I was blessed with swimming lessons and even jumped off the diving board this summer. I took ballet and gymnastics and loved them both. I enjoy being out and about visiting people’s houses, going to church, zoo, feeding the ducks and playing with my cousins. I love setting up my store for friends where you can pay me in rocks and leaves (in place of dollars and coins) as you really don’t need a lot of toys to have a fun time and play with friends around the world! Lastly, if you see me, ask me how much I love Jesus!
Closing Out A Decade & Looking Ahead
My family has been blessed to be a part of some really cool work worldwide throughout this past decade! My parents tell me it got even better about ½ way through when I became part of the package. Throughout the world, it is common to call people “uncle” and “auntie”. God has blessed me with 24 uncles worldwide (aka national pastors that represent 36 church plants) working in places that are far, difficult, dangerous and hard to reach. There has also been five schools (bible colleges) the Lord allowed us to be a part of establishing and dozens of outreach ministries that are going on even as you read this. In my short life, I have seen church buildings built, people healed, students graduate, lots of people helped, and good news shared. None of it would have been possible without your support, encouragement, financial partnership, prayers and love that has been poured out on our family…so high five, huggies and thanks a million!
Fist bumps and thumbs up,
Breanna Gaona
(On behalf of our family – Bond, Heather & Breanna Gaona)
