Three Peaks

By
Jennifer L. Armstrong


Three Peaks
by J ennifer L. Armstrong

2012

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1
Part One

Everest

Three Peaks
2

3
Chapter One
ust outside of Namche Bazaar, Nepal
present day

Sunita was breathing hard.
Not good. The air up here made one light-headed. Nepal had
eight of the world's ten tallest mountain peaks, but right now,
Sunita's thoughts were a lot higher.
Oh Jesus! she cried, as she kept moving along the narrow
path. Save me! Save me!
Near breathless, she repeated it in her heart rather than out
loud.
If the Maoist Army caught up with her, she could be executed
for being an American spy. She should know. She used to be a
Lance Corporal in the army. As for being an American spy, her
only crime was to have been caught reading a Christian pamphlet
that one of her fellow officers had given her.
It told the story of a man who had lived and then died . . . and
then lived again. She had read it through several times. The little
pamphlet had now been lost in flight. Which was a shame
because she would have liked to know more.
J
Three Peaks
4
At least there was one person she knew who could tell her
more.
But her immediate objective was to survive.
Oh, Jesus! she cried. It was more of a whisper. Save me!

Joliet, Illinois
present day

With awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, God
our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the
farthest seas. Chris surveyed his congregation. They knew this
scripture by heart. It was his signature scripture. Who by his
power formed the mountains and being armed with strength . . .
There, now they could all relax. His sermon had included a
reference to mountains. He continued reading Psalm 65, but even
his own mind was wandering.
As a self-centred, outspoken 25-year-old, he had climbed
Mount Everest.
Unfortunately, he wasn't the first person to do so, and even
though the achievement was commendable compared to what
most people did in their lifetimes, he wasn't exactly overwhelmed
with offers from cereal companies to feature his face on their
boxes of wheatie squares.
But a local church had approached him.
Would he be interested in sharing his experience with their
youth group? No scripture references necessary. The youth
pastor would have a few things to say about God and mountains
and then Chris could go ahead and speak about Everest.
For lack of anything better to do, he had accepted.
That had been ten years ago. Since then, he had worked his
way up from becoming a part-time assistant youth pastor, to a
full-time assistant youth pastor, to a full-time youth pastor, and
now, to a full-time assistant pastor.
And it was only a matter of time before he was the pastor.
Everyone thought of it as Chris's church. He always made
sure to include a scriptural reference to mountains, an
admonition to scale seemingly impossible problems with
perseverance, and a few anecdotes about his own climb (granted,
he often had to adjust them slightly to suit the message). In fact,
out on the signboard of the community church was a mountain
Chapter One
5
peak beside its name. That had been added when he had built up
the youth program from an apathetic twenty teenagers to an
enthusiastic two hundred, or so.
But it had become increasingly challenging to handle the
youth group. They were easily inspired. They wanted to climb
mountains. The greatest difficulty for Chris was to take it from
the abstract to the concrete. Climb what mountain? He had never
come up with a good answer. He had found it easier to talk to the
adults. The adults, he found, didn't want to climb any mountains.
Metaphorically, they seemed more inclined to seek out a bypass,
to find the path of least exertion.

The kids want to do a mission trip, said Danny, coming into
Chriss office and sitting down. All the big churches do it and
we've got the youth for it.
Chris nodded, only half-listening. He was scrolling through his
emails.
Danny, the pastor, was an energetic man in his mid-fifties. He
made no secret of the fact that his heart was with missions. In
fact, that was why Chris was so sure that he would be the pastor
in short time. Danny would probably turn into a full-time
missionary in the near future. Chris wouldn't be surprised if he
was just using the kids as an excuse for a trip to Bolivia, or some
other mission field that he could lead them to.
We're thinking of Nepal, said Danny.
Nepal? Now Danny had Chris's attention. It's not exactly
friendly to the gospel.
That's why the kids want to do it, said Danny. A group of
them approached me and said they think it's what God wants
them to do.
In his head, Chris disagreed. They had heard him speak more
than once about his experience climbing Everest. Everest was in
Nepal. It wasn't God. It was just a natural outcome of being part
of a church that made a mountain its logo.
Well, said Chris, his eyes straying back to his computer
screen; despite that most of the emails were spam. All the best
to them. I take it Randy will lead them.
Randy was the youth pastor, an enthusiastic man in his late
twenties, recently married.
Danny shook his head.
Three Peaks
6
Susan just found out she's pregnant. Susan was Randy's new
wife. He won't be going anywhere for a while. Besides, the kids
want you to lead it. Chriss eyes widened. Danny grinned. I
think some of them are hoping you'll lead them on a little side
trip up Everest.
That would be easier than a mission trip, said Chris. I don't
know much about the place. I mean, I spent more time in base
camp than I did in Kathmandu, but I remember a lot of temples
and prayer wheels and things. And guys going around in
colourful robes and there were these poles people put up with
scarves on them. One of the guides told me they were prayers
and the wind blew the requests up to heaven. Or something like
that. To be honest, I didn't really pay attention.
I've been doing a little reading on the topic, ever since the
kids came to me, said Danny. From what I understand, the real
difficulty is the Maoist army that runs the country. They came to
power in 2008 and promised to establish a democratic republic.
The country is predominantly Hindu, but the prayer wheels that
you saw would have been part of the faith of the country's
Buddhist minority, about 10%, as I recall. In any case, the
Christians there face opposition from all sides.
Sounds fun, said Chris grimly. You avoid all that if you just
go to climb the mountains.
Danny nodded.
I haven't told the kids this, but evangelism there is seriously
frowned on. If the indigenous people do it, they could be fined
or imprisoned. If foreigners do it, it's less severe, eviction from
the country. But I think if some of the parents go online and
start looking into it, they'll never let their kids out of the
country.
Chris was relieved.
This mission trip wouldn't get off the ground.

7
Chapter Two
athmandu, Nepal

The kids' heads were swivelling.
Chris didn't blame them. It was a colourful, crowded street.
They were in the marketplace where grocery stores consisted of
hole-in-the-wall establishments that had shelves crowded with
canned goods while large sacks with about twenty different kinds
of beans and innumerable spices sat on the sidewalk outside.
Produce both familiar and exotic was arranged in low baskets.
Some stalls featured clothing both Western and Eastern, but
notably more intensely hued than what one usually saw in the
American shopping malls.
Electrical wires just stretched from poles to buildings, criss-
crossing in no particular arrangement.
A deteriorating but busy cinema featured posters of
Bollywood's finest productions.
Rickshaws, bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles mixed with
small, dilapidated vehicles in the crowded streets.
The crowds were intense. Chris almost wanted to order his
group to join hands, but he settled for shouting, Stick together!
K
Three Peaks
8
One million people were packed into Nepal's capital city. They
were already 1,400 metres above sea level, but he gathered from
the conversations he overheard on the plane ride over that some
of the teenagers wanted to go higher.
But the main purpose of this trip was to tell the Nepali people
about Jesus.
Thankfully it wasn't essential that visitors learn Nepali to get
by in this cosmopolitan city. English was understood. But Danny
had insisted that all the kids learn some common Nepali phrases
to demonstrate goodwill toward the people they wanted to
witness to.
Chris was still unsure about the whole thing.
Danny should be here, he thought. Chris had no experience in
this department. If he were honest, he'd have to admit that he
didn't even want to be on a mission trip.
Still, he was and he was expected to do something. He had
about thirty kids to lead, probably all the ones whose parents
didn't have internet access to actually do some research on the
current situation in Nepal.
And there was comfort in knowing that Danny would be
praying for effective evangelism, as well as for their safe return.
OK, Chris said, as they paused in front of an ornate temple-
looking building. Time to play the responsible adult and do a bit
of guiding. As you may know, the majority of people here are
Hindu, with the minority being Buddhist. He lowered his voice.
Less than 1% are Christian.
Praise God! one of the youths called out. More
opportunities to win people to Christ!
Many around him agreed.
They didn't feel the need to lower their voices. Chris sighed.
But we have to be careful about the way we go about it. He
hadn't wanted to go into this back at the church. But now since
he was the only adult here, he would have his say. Let's go at it
from the angle of friendship-evangelism. We're just here as
tourists. If the topic of Jesus, comes up, great. If not, don't feel
bad. This is a tough mission field.
Some of the kids were looking at him with disapproval.
Quickly, he clarified. It's a strategy Paul advocated, he said.
When with the Jews, be like a Jew. When with the Greeks, be
like a Greek.
Chapter Two
9
OK, they seemed with him on that. But he could tell some of
them were just itching to start shaking hands with passers-by and
to tell them about the life-changing experience they would have
by making Jesus their saviour.
Before they did, he waved them along to follow him.
Chris had done some online research of his own. And read
that a while back, a missionary in Nepal had been beaten to a
pulp by six men who were angry that he had blasphemed against
traditional gods. It was one thing to know that official
government policy was to evict anyone who proselytized in the
streets of Nepal and another thing to find out that private
citizens also liked to take matters into their own hands.
More recently, Christians in Nepal had joined together in an
organized march to protest that they weren't permitted a place to
bury their dead. Although the government had reluctantly
granted them a plot of land in nearby Shleshmantak Forest, since
it was beside a Hindu temple, the locals hadn't permitted them to
actually use the land. As if life isn't hard enough, thought Chris.
He wondered what the kids would say if he suggested they
fulfill their missionary objectives by sipping bottled sodas in one
of the many open-air eateries.
He would have been more comfortable if they had only been
spending a day in Kathmandu before taking another flight to
Lukla. That's what he had done ten years ago. From there he had
trekked with his party to Namche Bazaar, their gear on yaks.
Namche Bazaar was the Sherpa village where you got your guides
to Everest. From there it was relatively easy to make it to Everest
base camp.
Before he had even gotten on the plane, a plan had been
forming in his mind. Maybe the mission trip could be morphed
into a mountain trip. They could hike up to Everest base camp
once the kids ran out of steam when their initial missionary
efforts proved fruitless at best or attracting hostility at worst.
It was a route that even beginners could handle, but it was
awesome to be surrounded by the largest peaks in the world.
It wouldn't be the same as doing Everest, but he felt pretty
confident that the kids would be satisfied making it 18,000 feet
above sea level and surveying the world from Kala Patthar. From
there, they would be able to see the peak of Everest, something
that wasn't even possible at base camp.
Three Peaks
10
Of course, that would all take gear. A night or two at base
camp would mean tents, the proper clothing, food . . . The kids
had done a lot of fundraising for this trip and the church had
made a generous contribution for the whole thing, but he would
have to stay within budget.
In fact, he had already taken steps back in Joliet that would
help with the financial end of things. Chris had quietly cancelled
the hotel reservations that Danny had made online. Danny had
selected The Everest Hotel. An excellent, safe and expensive
choice. Celebrities and royalty stayed at The Everest.
Telling himself that it was good stewardship and that Danny's
problem was that he didn't know the area, Chris had then booked
them all into the guesthouse that he had stayed at ten years ago.
Down a side alley, it wasn't known for its service and the rooms
were the size of a closet, but it was the real Nepal. And Chris
could always argue that how could the kids reach out to the
people of Nepal if they were staying at a hotel filled with
Westerners? Hopefully, the fact that his group filled the whole
guesthouse and therefore there weren't too many other people to
witness to, wouldn't come up.
The essential thing was that the guesthouse was one-tenth the
price of the hotel. The difference would go a long way in funding
their side expedition. And maybe the kids would be able to pitch
in with some of their spending money . . .
According to his guidebook, they were now in Durbar Square.
Fruit sellers were everywhere and each of the buildings looked
like a temple. He paused to orient himself, his group milling
around him.
OK, he said, pointing. That's a temple. He turned. That's
a temple. He turned again. That's another temple. And that's
a . . . palace, I think. He consulted his guidebook again. Yep, a
palace.
One boy earnestly asked if there were any churches.
No, said Chris. No churches.
Several of the girls wanted to check out the long rows of
souvenir sellers who had their wares displayed on blankets on the
ground. Soon they were selecting bracelets and necklaces. Chris
looked on. It would have been nice to have someone back home
to buy things for, but all his relationships thus far had ended for
one reason or another.
Chapter Two
11
The girls took longer than he expected. Some of the boys
were examining one of the shrines, a golden statue of a fierce-
looking head with sharp teeth and blood red lips.
While he waited, Chris read his guidebook. This square was
made up of five acres and contained temples and palaces. There
were courtyards, ponds and shrines. Over at the Hanuman
Dhoka Palace, the Nepalese kings and queens had been crowned
right up until the monarchy had been abolished in 2008. Tourists
could visit some of the Staterooms in the palace.
Another feature of the square was a golden cage called the
Kumari Chowk. During religious festivals, it contained a young
girl said to be an incarnation of Durba, a powerful Hindu
goddess who was supposed to be able to save people in
supremely distressful situations.
The thought of putting his trust in a young girl in a golden
cage didn't strike Chris as being effective. He closed the
guidebook.
Don't spend all your money here! he called out. You may
need it later.
For tents, he added to himself.
He couldn't shake the longing to just be a normal
mountaineer, passing through Kathmandu, on his way to Everest.
The people of Nepal were used to that. They were smiling and
friendly when they knew that you had come to climb to the top
of the world, turn around and go home. But he doubted they'd
have the same geniality for him and his group when they started
telling people that their ancestral gods were false and that they
should embrace a Western religion instead.
His mind continued to work on the possibility of getting the
kids to Everest. After all, some of the kids had already expressed
an interest in Everest. They were here. It was once-in-a-lifetime
chance for most, maybe all, of them. A trip to Everest would
bring God's grandeur to life. All Chris's mountain scriptures
could be employed to preach his finest sermon yet, one at the
bottom of the top of the world.
Maybe then, when the kids all went home and talked to their
parents, they'd be too busy telling them how awesome God and
Everest were, that they wouldn't bother to mention that they
hadn't won any converts to Christ.
Ill do it, he decided.
Three Peaks
12
Right now, the kids were announcing that they were hungry.
Again, economy was the most important factor in selecting an
eatery. And again, the real Nepal won out over the trendy tourist
cafs. He selected a place near their guesthouse, one that was
popular with the trekkers, mountaineers and their Sherpa guides.
Hopefully the kids wouldn't go home and report that most of the
Nepalese clientele were smoking and drinking beer. But Chris
could always fall back on the argument that who needed Christ
more? The righteous or the sinners?
The dishes were authentic and Chris went ahead and ordered
for all of them. Dal-bhat-tarkari. Dal was spicy lentil soup. Bhat
was rice. Tarkari was vegetables. Each dish came with a side order
of chutney. Chris warned the kids that when the food came, to
take it slow and sample the chutney before liberally applying it to
their plates. He had found out the hard way on his first trip that
what looks like harmless pickle can turn someone into a fire-
breathing dragon.
A few of the teens grumbled that they weren't getting a
hamburger and fries, but for the most part, they accepted the
situation without complaint.
Chris surveyed the group.
They were good kids. Sincere. He felt like a rotter for not
laying it out clearly that this wasn't an easy mission field. It wasn't
just a case of people not hearing the gospel, they didn't want to
hear the gospel. They already had religion and most of them
were fine with that. Some were even more than fine. Some were
willing to kill, or at least maim, in order to defend their religion.
But it was hardly the fault of the kids. They had grown up
being fed evangelical Christianity and the basic tenet of the faith
was that you shared your faith. And the more dedicated shared
their faith every opportunity they got.
The mountaineers in the small restaurant were ignoring his
group. He realized with a sense of shame that they wouldn't
recognize him as one of their own. At best, he was a tourist
guide. At worst, although they didn't know it, he was an
American missionary. But the locals were watching his group
with interest. No surprise. They took up half the restaurant.
Just as the food came, one bold young man in Chriss group
smiled at an older guy with a millet beer in front of him.
Chapter Two
13
Namaskar, he said to him. The young mans name was Ian
and the kid was born to be an evangelist. Of the two hundred
people that now attended the youth group back in Joliet, he had
brought in about fifty of them. Namaskar meant, Hello. I bless
the divine in you. But Ian was like that. He could meet people
where they were. Tall, slim with glasses, he wasn't overbearing,
but he was determined.
The old man nodded and smiled.
The conversation could have died a natural death at that point,
but Ian persisted.
Kasto cha? How are you?
Thik cha, said the man, cautiously. I am fine.
Mero naam Ian ho. My name is Ian.
Again, a nod, but no attempt on the part of the old man to
move the conversation further along. Many of the patrons of the
restaurant were watching this exchange with interest. Except for
the trekkers. It was a matter of pride with them to mind their
own business.
Chris was watching the whole thing with increasing
nervousness. Hopefully Ian's Nepalese was limited.
Khana khannu bhaiyo? Ian's Nepalese was not limited. Chris
wasn't sure but he thought Ian had said something along the lines
of, Have you eaten?
The old man shook his head.
Ian offered his plate of food to the man.
The man smiled and shook his head. If possible, this was just
getting more interesting to the native Nepali.
Tapaiiko naam ke ho? Ian asked. What is your name?
The man muttered something and then took refuge in his
beer. His eyes were now entirely on his drink. Chris hoped Ian
would take the hint and just concentrate on his meal. But Ian
obviously felt that the encounter thus far hadn't been sufficient.
Maile bhujhina, he said. I don't understand.
The man mumbled something that sounded like, Asim. In
Nepal, you got a bamboo straw with your beer and the speed of
Asims slurping was increasing. Chris doubted that the man had
anywhere to go after this and could have probably made the one
drink last all afternoon.
Three Peaks
14
Ian started eating, as did the other kids who had been
watching his encounter with Asim. From the way Ian kept his eye
on Asim, Chris knew it wasn't over as far as Ian was concerned.
Asim took his final gulp and stood up.
Ian opened his mouth and Chris braced himself for, Jesus
loves you, Asim!
Asim was halfway to the door.
Pheri bhetaunla! Ian called after him. I hope we meet again.
A wide-eyed waitress went hurrying after Asim, but Asim had
disappeared down the alley.
He not pay for his drink! she said, to Ian, clearly blaming
him.
Ian opened his wallet and asked her much the beer had cost.
She softened and told him the price. In American currency it was
about a dollar.
Chris should have seen it coming but he didn't.
I'm paying that man's bill because he can't, Ian said. In the
same way, Jesus paid our bill.
The waitress glanced at Chris. Evidently she thought he was
Jesus since he was paying the bill for the group.
For our sins, Ian added.
The waitress was bewildered.
She had the money for Asim's drink, but she didn't know if
she should just turn and go.
And Jesus paid the price for your sins, said Ian.
It was the bare-bones gospel message. The Nepali patrons
were still watching but they didn't seem concerned. It probably
meant very little to them.
However, some of the trekkers were looking their way. One
of them called out to Chris.
Hey! Take it easy over there, OK?
Chris nodded. They didn't have to elaborate. This sort of
thing made all Westerners look bad.
Ian realized his message was getting some negative feedback
and paused. That gave the waitress time to escape to the kitchen.
With no one to witness to, everyone, including Ian, could
return to his or her meal.
Chris found himself sweating. And it wasn't from the chutney.

15
Chapter Three
rom now on, they would avoid the trekker hangouts.
Not easy. The trekkers didn't come to Nepal for
German cheesecake; they came and ate in the local
eateries.
Inspired by Ian, one of the kids tried to witness to the
proprietor of their guesthouse, but she was too busy sorting
towels to pay much attention to him. In fact, she handled it all by
asking him if he needed another towel in his room.
The next day, the kids were ready to hit the ground running.
Chris was alarmed. Instead of being discouraged by Ian's
encounter with the older man, they were pumped up and ready to
witness for Christ.
As they walked down the narrow alleyway, Chris cautiously
peered into some of the small restaurants. For breakfast, he
selected one that was empty of patrons. Not too much could
happen.
The owner of the restaurant was obviously not used to having
thirty people suddenly show up for breakfast. There was only one
other employee, a cook, so he was kept busy serving drinks and
F
Three Peaks
16
taking orders. As it turned out though, he only had two things on
the menu for breakfast omelettes and potatoes.
They all drank tea while they waited. Tea was a popular drink
in Nepal. Like neighbouring India and China, they grew their
own tea leaves. The proprietor disappeared into the kitchen, no
doubt to assist his cook.
After a while, plates of food started coming out of the
kitchen. The omelettes were spicy Chris tasted chilli as were
the potatoes. More tea was ordered all around.
Good, thought Chris. Let them drink tea. They'd all be too
busy looking for a bathroom to do too much damage.
When they were done, he paid the bill. Again, it was a fraction
of what it would have cost if they had eaten in a hotel restaurant.
As they were leaving, some of the kids attempted to witness to
the smiling and nodding proprietor.
Jesus loves you, said one boy, with a few of the others
chorusing agreement.
Dhanybhad, said the proprietor, continuing to smile and nod.
Thank you. Come again, he added, in heavily accented English.
The less astute kids counted that as a success, but Chris could
see that Ian was more determined. There was tightness around
his jaw. They were out of the alleyway now and on a main street.
It was a low-rise neighbourhood. At street level, vendors already
had blankets out with produce, clothing, flip-flops, pots and pans,
jewellery. Some of the luckier ones had their wares on carts with
what looked like bicycle wheels.
Early morning traffic was in full swing as mopeds and bicycles
weaved in between ageing taxis.
Ian had two admirers who were usually within a foot of him.
Now they were conferring with one another. Neither of them
looked in Chris's direction.
Maybe Ian had caught on that Chris was a less-than-willing
participant in this whole expedition. Ian was one of the few guys
who had never mentioned the idea of a possible visit to Everest.
The other kids in the group were taking in all the scenes of
the street, but Ian and his friends had finished conferencing and
now Ian was going over to one of the vendors, a man with a
blanket piled high with cucumbers, cauliflower and green onions.
It was unlikely that Ian was interested in cauliflower.
Chapter Three
17
Chris started moving forward, not sure whether he should
intercept Ian or just be there to move the conversation along in a
more neutral direction.
Namaskar, said Ian.
The man nodded his approval at Ian's knowledge and
returned the greeting. He waved a hand over his produce.
Ramro, said Ian. Chris wasn't sure but it sounded like,
good.
The man nodded again.
Tapaiilai kaulee man parcha? he asked. Do you like
cauliflower?
Chris smiled.
Even if Ian didn't understand, he smiled and nodded. He
crouched down at the man's level. Now something was coming
out of his pocket. Chris groaned internally. It was a gospel tract.
That was the sort of thing that could be confiscated and used
against one. If it were just talk, Chris could claim that it was all a
misunderstanding and that Ian hadn't tried to share any gospel
message, he had just been practising his Nepalese.
Ian had opened up the tract to a picture of Jesus dying on the
cross. Politely, the cauliflower seller was looking at both the tract
and Ian. Now all the kids had caught on that something was
happening. Some of them were watching Ian, but the bolder ones
were now going up to other vendors.
Where had all these gospel tracts come from? Chris looked
around in dismay. Ian and the others must have had their
suitcases lined with them.
Ian's Nepalese had run its course and he was now explaining
the gospel in simple English.
We are all sinners.
We all die.
The reason we die is because we sinned.
But we can live forever if we put our faith in Jesus.
There was a lot of pointing to pictures in the gospel tract to
reinforce this idea. Now the cauliflower seller wasn't looking so
congenial. It wasn't a religious issue. Ian and his two friends were
blocking his blanket and buyers were selecting their produce
from other sellers.
Buy? he said, holding up a cucumber.
Three Peaks
18
Ian was astute enough to know that nothing would be gained
by purchasing a cucumber. The man wasn't interested.
Nonetheless, he tried to offer the man the gospel tract. The man
shook his head and shooed him away.
Ian stood up and for one moment, his eyes met Chris's.
Chris forced himself to smile and give Ian a thumbs-up. After
all, once they got out of Nepal and all went home, it was people
like Ian's mother and father who paid his salary.

It was all relatively harmless, Chris decided.
The kids moved from vendor to vendor. Most of the vendors
listened politely, until they realized that the kids weren't potential
customers. Then they felt free to tell them to move along. Chris
stayed back, overseeing it all and surveying for men in uniforms.
A couple of men with the Nepalese Police Force passed by on
the other side of the street, but they didn't seem to have anything
more threatening than walkie-talkies. They seemed oblivious of
the evangelizing going on among the street vendors. That was the
advantage of being on a crowded street. Too much happening to
focus on one thing. But then a Jeep drove by filled with more
serious-looking men in blue and grey camouflage, all armed with
rifles. Thankfully, they had somewhere more important to go
than the marketplace and just kept on driving.
The most successful witnessing turned out to be the girls who
bought some jewellery from a young woman watching over a tall
pole that held bracelets and necklaces. The young woman was
about the same age as the girls witnessing to her and the
witnessing was done almost as an afterthought - like, oh yeah, I
forgot, I'm supposed to tell you about Jesus. Jesus died to save
you from your sins. Hey! Can I try that bracelet on too?
The young woman sold seven bracelets and three necklaces
and ended up hearing the full gospel message. She nodded a lot
and said she'd think about it. She didn't take a gospel tract, but
Chris consoled the girls by saying she probably couldn't read
anyway.
That was the morning.
In July in Nepal, you could expect hot and steamy days. It was
another reason why Chris had been opposed to this whole trip.
The best time to visit Nepal was in the spring or the autumn.
But, of course, the youth group would all be in school then.
Chapter Three
19
OK guys, he said, calling out to his group. Slowly, his group
drifted back to him. Good job everyone! Don't be discouraged!
You may have planted some seeds today.
They were milling around. Time to announce lunch and
maybe a siesta.
Let's go to the City Centre, said Ian, to the whole group, not
just Chris.
Uh, this looks pretty city centre to me, said Chris, looking
around.
Ian shook his head.
No, I mean the shopping mall.
The mall? Chris didn't even know there was a shopping mall in
Kathmandu.
It's five stories with over a hundred stores, it's air-
conditioned . . .
A lot of the kids, especially the girls, liked the sound of that.
Restaurants, a movie theatre, Ian continued. And lots of
witnessing opportunities.
Ian had sold the idea.
None of them were interested in eating in some hole-in-the-
wall restaurant when they could have an air-conditioned food
court.
Not surprisingly, the mall was located in the city centre. Chris
was forced to get out his guidebook and navigate them all to the
mall. But Ian was leading the way. He called back over his
shoulder that tomorrow they could do the Kathmandu Mall. He
had clearly done some online research because he also knew
about the Star Mall, Sherpa Mall, Times Square Mall, Kantipur
Mall and People's Mall. There was general agreement among the
group that hanging out in malls was a great witnessing strategy.
Chris wasn't so sure.
All he knew was that this mission trip had been hijacked.

Three Peaks
20

21
Chapter Four
unch was the immediate priority.
Chris had to admit, it was a great antidote to culture
shock to sit down in an air-conditioned food court and
have a meal that actually resembled a hamburger and fries.
Except that the hamburger was probably some kind of soy
concoction, but nobody cared. The five-story mall itself could
have been in any city in America, but again, there was just too
much colour in the clothing both in the stores and on the
shoppers to kid yourself that you were back home.
The mall also had some interesting features. When they
finished eating, they explored. A small stage in the centre had a
show in progress traditional Nepalese dancing. They paused to
watch. Then there was an over-sized trampoline that you could
pay to use. Two large poles on either side held you in place with
what looked like mountaineer gear. That way you could jump as
high as you wanted without fear of bouncing right off. Some of
the guys found that interesting. The girls wanted to go straight
into the shops. But Ian kept them all focused.
Again, out came the gospel tracts.
L
Three Peaks
22
OK, guys, said Chris, trying to sound as if they were all on
the same side. Let's be a bit low-key about this, OK? We don't
want mall security getting wind of it. And deporting them. Or,
worse, beating him.
Even Ian nodded, but he started pairing them off, two by two,
like Jesus sending out the disciples. Chris watched with alarm.
For one thing, it wasn't Ian's intention to stay in one spot. He
was going to make them cover the mall in teams.
How was Chris supposed to keep track of it all?
Two girls were directed into a clothing shop. It was a Western-
style store and Chris hoped they would be so distracted by the
selection of clothing that they would only half-heartedly tell the
salesclerks about Jesus.
Two guys were sent into an electronics shop. Same thing.
Hopefully they would end up browsing the wall of DVDs.
Two more went into a china shop. Not so good. Two guys in a
china shop were conspicuous. Two more guys volunteered to
witness among the people who were in line for the trampoline.
Good. They really wanted to use the trampoline and probably
wouldn't bother saying anything.
Two girls hurried into a jewellery shop. No worries there.
That took care of level one. More teams were assigned to
levels two and three. Ian said he and his partner would take level
four. Ian had told them to all rendezvous on level five by the
escalators in two hours, and then they would cover that floor.
As each team went off, Chris assessed the threat level. In the
end, he decided the greatest danger to the group's wellbeing in
Nepal was Ian himself. Ian wasn't distracted by fleshly pleasures.
Wherever he went, he would witness.
Discreetly, Chris trailed along behind Ian and his partner.
They took an escalator up to the fourth level. The cinema was
the big attraction on the fourth floor, with three large posters
advertising their current selection. Ian and his partner, Scott,
stopped to examine the movie posters. It wasn't idle surveillance.
Ian was talking and gesturing in front of each one.
Much to Chris's surprise, Ian and Scott, joined the line. At
first, Chris thought they were going to witness to the people
waiting, but the line moved fast and soon they were at the front,
purchasing tickets. Chris was too far back to hear what movie
they requested, but it hardly mattered. He'd better join them. He
Chapter Four
23
got into line and quickly scanned the posters. Only one movie
was actually starting in ten minutes. The others wouldn't begin
for another forty minutes, or so. He couldn't read the Hindi
script so he'd just have to ask for Theatre 1. It had some kind
of a love story a poster with a swooning Indian woman and a
fierce-looking soldier holding her in his arms.
Once inside the lobby milling with people, Chris scanned for
Ian and Scott. Had they already gone into the theatre? He was
interested to note that there were snacks and popcorn available in
the lobby, but the popcorn had a distinctively Eastern scent about
it. If he hadn't been in such a hurry, he would have tried some.
He peered into one of the dim theatres. It was nearly
impossible to see if Ian and Scott were there, the theatre was too
full. Unless Ian was planning to become more familiar with the
Nepalese culture, Chris doubted he'd be in there, anyhow.
But where were they?
He spotted them coming out the door of the mens room.
Had they really attempted to do some witnessing in there? He
hoped not. Most people didn't appreciate strangers approaching
them in a bathroom.
Outside of each theatre door was the movie poster of what
was playing inside. After buying their snacks, people were going
into the first door where the movie would be starting in minutes.
But Scott and Ian were examining the poster outside the door of
the second theatre. What on earth for? Were they going to go in
while the movie was still playing and try to witness in the dark?
The poster on the second theatre seemed to feature a lot of
Hindu gods and goddesses. The one in the centre appeared to be
part elephant.
Chris knew nothing about Hindu gods and goddesses, except
that there were thousands of them and one of them was Vishnu.
Another was Kali, but he only knew that because he had seen a
movie where a guy prayed to her, the goddess of destruction, and
his whole life fell apart.
Glancing at his watch, there was only one minute left until the
movie in the first theatre started. The line for snacks was still
long, but as soon as people got their curried popcorn and their
sodas, they were hurrying to make it for the beginning of the
movie.
Three Peaks
24
Chris stood just out of sight of Ian and Scott as they
continued to wait by the doors of the second theatre. The line to
buy snacks got gradually smaller until finally, the only people left
were the few employees behind the counter and a guy sweeping
the lobby.
Since the door to the second cinema was out of sight of the
snack bar, Chris moved forward and bought himself a large
popcorn and a bottle of something called Happy Orange.
Discreetly, he peered around the corner. Scott and Ian were still
there.
Thankfully, the employees, all young, didn't seem interested in
Chris, Ian or Scott. They were talking among themselves. Even
the guy who was supposed to be sweeping was chatting with one
of the girls behind the counter.
Chris sighed. Maybe he should just go back out into the mall
and try to round up the rest of the group. With Ian in the movie
theatre, he might be able to take control of this situation and
persuade them that there were other ways to bring the gospel to
Nepal. Like forming friendships online, back in the safety of the
US.
He was turning to go when the doors to Theatre 2 were
opened by an usher. Ian and Scott shifted their position, one on
each side of the door. The usher gave them a look, but evidently
decided they were just early-comers for the next showing and
walked away.
Then people started coming out. Ian went straight into action.
Scott hesitated, but inspired by Ian, he started talking to people
too.
Chris moved in to hear what Ian was saying.
You just saw a movie about Ganesha, Isha of all living. But I
would like to tell you about the real Isha of all living.
Chris groaned to himself. Ian was tackling religion head on.
Didn't he realize people took their faith seriously in this country?
But the fact that people took their faith seriously worked in
Ian's favour. Some people actually paused to listen to him.
I would like to tell you about the creator of all living people,
continued Ian. His name is Jesus and he is both the creator and
the saviour . . .
Jesus was a good man, someone interrupted. It was a young
man and there was agreement among his friends.
Chapter Four
25
Chris exhaled. Maybe this wouldn't go so badly after all.
He lived in India after the Romans tried to kill him, the man
continued.
More nodding.
Chris stifled a laugh. Ian was momentarily speechless but then
recovered.
Yes, he agreed. Jesus was a good man.
Jesus told everyone to love, the man continued. He taught
like Buddha.
Now Chris was starting to feel sorry for Ian. But Ian kept
going.
Jesus came to save everyone, he said. All people need
Jesus.
More nodding.
Jesus was a good teacher, someone else called out. All
people should love.
He was the son of God, said Ian.
Yes, agreed the young man. He was a son of God.
Chris caught the distinction. Not the son of God.
Most people were just pushing around the little crowd that
was surrounding Ian. Scott hadn't been able to hold the attention
of the person he had been talking to.
Jesus came to save us from our sins.
Why do you talk about sin? the young man demanded.
Jesus was a teacher who came to show people the way. Jesus
taught us not to harm another living being. This is a Hindu
teaching.
But Jesus taught that you can be born again . . .
Yes, yes, the young man nodded. This is karma. We are
reborn again and again.
Now Chris was feeling sorry for Ian. It was impressive that he
knew that the elephant-headed god was Ganesha, but hadn't
Danny or Randy prepared these kids for witnessing to Hindus? A
disturbing thought occurred to him. Had they expected him to
do it?
Didn't they know that he knew next-to-nothing about other
religions? He had climbed a mountain. Period. And if he had had
a chance to give his input on the subject, he would have told
them he would rather lead an expedition up Everest than try to
Three Peaks
26
figure out what Hindus believe so that you could effectively
witness to them.
No, he wouldn't have. He would have faked it and looked
online for a pdf document to print out and distribute to the kids.
Are those your sons?
Chris was startled.
An older man, Nepali, had come up beside him. Upon
thought, the question wasn't unusual. Chris was a Westerner. Ian
and Scott were Westerners. Everybody else was either Indian or
Nepali.
Uh, I'm with them, yes, he said. The man wasn't wearing a
uniform. Hopefully he was harmless.
The man shook his head.
It will not work, he said.
What do you mean? asked Chris.
The man lowered his voice.
You are trying to share about Jesus. You are Christian?
Chris hesitated but then nodded.
It will not work. Telling people about Jesus. Most people here
believe that there are many ways to God and Jesus is just one of
many.
I'm starting to realize that, said Chris wryly.
Do you want to know a better way? asked the man, still
speaking softly.
Sure, why not? he said. What's a better way?
Love, said the man, simply.
Chris was startled. He glanced over at Ian who was managing
to hold his own in this theological discussion. At least people
were still talking to him.
What do you mean? Chris asked the man.
Love, the man repeated. It is the one thing that Christians
have that other people do not. They love one another.
But isn't everyone over there talking about love? he said,
waving his hand in the direction of the small crowd.
The man shook his head.
Talking, yes. Doing things, no. They say they will not harm
anyone. That is good. Fine. But what about when there is a need?
Will they meet the need?
I thought you had to be good to each other, Chris was
desperately trying to recall everything he had ever heard about
Chapter Four
27
the Hindu faith. You know, for reincarnation. So you move up
the ladder . . .
The man seemed to understand.
No, it is the other way around. You do not have to help
someone who is, like you say, down the ladder. They deserve to
be there for what they have done in a previous life.
Oh. Chris thought about this.
And then, continued the man. Christians come along and
build a school for everyone. The lower down the ladder, the
better. He laughed. Chris smiled. They have a hospital for
everyone. They feed the hungry. Then, they tell about Jesus.
Chris nodded.
OK, he said. I get it. Preaching in the streets doesn't work.
Doing good does.
The man nodded.
And Jesus tells us to love everyone. His followers take care of
each other.
It sounds like you've given this a lot of thought, said Chris.
I have, said the man. I like to watch things and to think
about them.
Are you, er, Hindu? Chris asked.
The man shook his head and his voice dropped again.
I am a Christian.

Three Peaks
28

29
Chapter Five
eally? said Chris.
The man nodded.
Not too many of you here, said Chris.
That is right, agreed the man.
My name is Chris, said Chris, holding out his hand.
I am Dipesh, said the man. He was speaking quietly. I was
not always Christian. I was born Hindu. My mother became very
sick when I was a little boy. Nobody could help her. Her sister
said that in India, there was a man, a man who could heal her. My
father was desperate and we all made the journey.
Chris had momentarily forgotten about Ian and Scott.
When we got to the village, the man who we were looking
for was a Christian. My father was very angry. He said he did not
want prayers to be said over my mother. He thought that we had
come to see a doctor. While he went outside to think about what
to do, this man, his name was Robert, prayed for my mother. My
mother stood up. She was never sick again. She lives to this day.
Chris was wide-eyed.
We stayed in India to learn more about this Jesus who had
healed my mother. In this village, there were many Christians.
R
Three Peaks
30
There was a small school and a huge garden. There was a whole
corral of animals. All who had needs were taken care of. Then we
returned to Nepal.
And your parents are both Christians?
Dipesh nodded.
Yes, but my father died many years ago. My mother, praise to
Jesus, is healthy. She will live to be a hundred, I think.
Chris smiled.
My children have not become Christians, though, said
Dipesh, sadly. I try to tell them about Jesus. But I do not think
they understand.
Chris nodded. That was a good argument for turning around
and going home. If a native Christian man couldn't effectively
witness to his own children, how could anyone else expect to do
it? Glancing at Ian, he had lost most of the crowd around him.
Only the young man and his friends were still talking to him.
Maybe they could all go home and Chris would tell the parents
that he had consulted with local believers, OK, one local believer,
who had recommended establishing some sort of a school or
hospital before attempting to witness to anyone.
I try to tell people about Jesus, Dipesh continued. But it is
no good to do it unless you also want to share people's burdens.
Well, that was it, wasn't it? Chris would return home and
report that simply telling people about Jesus wasn't enough in
this country. Since the kids couldn't settle down here and
distribute livestock to potential converts, they might as well just
take their side-trip to Everest and enjoy the rest of their stay in
Nepal among the mountaineers and trekkers.
Yes, said Chris out-loud. I think we're going about this the
wrong way.
He was gratified to see Dipesh nod.
I was thinking that the kids might benefit from a trip to
Everest, he continued. Base camp, anyway.
The head of the sky, said Dipesh. It was the Nepali phrase
to describe Everest.
Fly to Lukla, said Chris, already planning it. Pick up some
supplies. Hike to Namche Bazaar and get a Sherpa guide . . .
Dipesh was also looking thoughtful.
I am a guide, he said. Namche Bazaar is my village.
Chapter Five
31
No kidding! said Chris. Maybe God was looking out for
him, after all. Would you like to join us . . .?
He hesitated. Maybe Dipesh had his reasons for coming to
Kathmandu.
Dipesh nodded slowly.
Yes. I can accompany you. I came here to try to visit my
granddaughter, Sunita. We are worried about her. Dipesh was
deep in thought. She is with the army. I do not know where she
is, though.
Maybe they sent her out on a mission . . .
No, said Dipesh, shaking his head. My daughter received
the news that Sunita had been discharged from the army. But we
had heard nothing from her. Her mother is very worried and I
told her that I would come here to find out more.
Did you find out anything?
No, said Dipesh. They will not talk to me except to
confirm that she had been discharged. I have been to her
apartment but no one will talk to me.
That's tough, said Chris, sympathetically. Was she a
Christian?
Oh no! said Dipesh. She never wanted to hear anything
about how her great-grandmother was healed in India. She told
me those were old stories and that she had her own life to live.
That sounds like kids today, said Chris.
Not those ones, said Dipesh, looking over at Ian and Scott.
No, not those ones, agreed Chris.
By now, Ian had realized that Chris was nearby. The lobby was
filling up with people for the next showing of the movie about
Ganesha. The young man's friends looked restless, like they were
tiring of the exchange.
There is nothing for me to do but to return home, said
Dipesh. So I can be your guide. I only came here to the City
Centre because one of her roommates said the cinema was her
favourite place to go when she wasn't on duty.
I'm really sorry to hear that, said Chris, sincerely. But inside
he was thinking how it had all worked out. His mind was already
racing ahead to what he would tell the kids. Starting with Ian.
OK, guys, he said moving toward them. The final few
people had drifted off. Great going! I was proud of you! You
held your own and you made them think.
Three Peaks
32
Scott looked like he believed it. Ian wasn't so sure.
I've got someone with me, he said, taking each of them by
an elbow. He lowered his voice. A Christian. He wants to take us
to his village, Namche Bazaar. OK, that was stretching it a bit.
Wow! said Scott. That was fast! Clearly Scott thought
Dipesh was an immediate convert who now wanted them to
bring the gospel message to his village.
Ian was looking at Dipesh. Chris had a feeling that five
minutes alone with the older men would cause the truth to come
out. Fine. Let it. Then Ian could learn the hard truth that if you
wanted to be a missionary in Nepal, you'd better get your medical
doctorate first, come back, open a free clinic, fix people for a few
years and then, tell them about Jesus.
They still had an hour before they were all supposed to meet
on the fifth floor, but they moved through the different levels,
Chris calling back the pairs as they were spotted until finally, they
had 28 out of the 30 people.
Good enough, sighed Chris as they all followed him up the
elevators to wait for the last two. Dipesh had been walking
alongside, wide-eyed at the number of people under Chris's care.
He was even more surprised that they had all been on the same
mission as Ian and Scott. Although Chris gathered that none of
them had been successful. Some of the girls had bags with new
clothing or jewellery. One guy had a new mp3 player. But no one
reported any souls won for Christ.
On the fifth floor, they all gathered around a tree and Chris
reported with enthusiasm that they had a Christian here, he was
an Everest guide and they would all be heading out of
Kathmandu as soon as they could get a flight to Lukla.
Thankfully they all took it in the right spirit, namely, that God
was leading them. Even Ian seemed to accept this change of
plans.
Chris glanced at his watch.
Only five more minutes and the last pair should arrive.
He did a head scan. The missing two were girls. Typical. They
were probably trying on clothing and had lost track of time.
Turning to Dipesh, he asked him where he was staying. Like
them, he was at a guesthouse. When he learnt where Chris was
staying, he promised to come by there tomorrow, early in the
morning, and they could discuss their plans.
Chapter Five
33
The two men shook hands and Dipesh was off. Chris figured
he wanted to do a little more searching for his granddaughter
before he left Kathmundu.
Now Chris was getting impatient. He looked at his watch
again. It was past the hour.
Fan out, he told the group. See if you can see them.
Some peered over the railings by the escalators, where you
could see the different levels. A few people half-heartedly looked
into some nearby stores. One thing Chris was certain of, the two
girls weren't in the cinema.
A horrible thought occurred to him. What if something had
happened to the girls? Did white slavery still exist? You always
heard all sorts of horror stories about Asian brothels. He had
once donated some money to a justice mission that rescued
young girls from slavery.
Now, instead of being afraid of mall security, his head was
swivelling to look for someone in a uniform.
But all he saw were women in saris, men in Western clothing,
children in strollers . . .
What were the girls' names? He couldn't even remember. One
of them was Amanda. Another was Sarah. But what were their
last names? What did they even look like? Amanda was a tall, slim
brunette, maybe fifteen. It would just be a guess to say she had
brown eyes. And Sarah. Chris groaned to himself. Sarah was a
petite blonde with blue eyes, so noticeable in a country of
brown-haired, brown-eyed people. Just the type of girl to be
targeted as an easy American.
Oh why, oh why hadn't he followed the girls instead of Ian?
Ian was as tall as any man in this mall. He could have taken care
of himself. Chris should have ordered all the girls to stick
together and then followed them.
OK guys, he called out, trying not to sound panicky.
Everyone back together! I may just take a look around myself
and try to find Amanda and Sarah . . . You can stay here, all
together, and . . .
Obviously he hadn't been able to keep the concern out of his
voice because Ian spoke up.
And pray.
That's right, said Chris, nodding. And pray.
It couldn't hurt.
Three Peaks
34

35
Chapter Six
hris moved fast.
Clothing stores and jewellery stores got his special
attention, but the girls were not in sight. Sporting goods,
electronics, all fifteen restaurants, the food court, even the
supermarket all got hurriedly surveyed and with increasing dread.
What would he say to their parents? If he didn't go home with
those girls, he might as well not go home at all. Why hadn't they
sent a female chaperone along on this wretched trip? She would
have been responsible right now.
Of course, he knew why there was no female chaperone. He
didn't have a wife.
Randy had a wife and she was back home with her own future
kid to think about.
Finally, he sighted a couple of guys that looked like mall
security. A little on the young side, but wearing uniforms. The
upside to their age was that it was highly likely that if Amanda
and Sarah had passed them, they would have noticed.
Chris hurried over and said he was a tourist from America and
he had lost some members of his party, two females, about
C
Three Peaks
36
fifteen, one with long brown hair, the other with shorter blonde
hair.
The guards looked at each other and grinned, nodding.
Yes, one of them said. By now, Chris was back to the first
level. The guard pointed to the escalators and the second story.
There. In hairdresser.
That was one place Chris hadn't bothered with. Who came to
Nepal and got their hair cut?
But sure enough, when he took the escalator two steps at a
time and charged into the hairdresser's like a bull in a china shop,
there they were, Amanda and Sarah, sitting in the back at small
tables while two Asian ladies worked on their nails.
Oh hi, Chris, said Amanda, looking over at him. What time
is it? Are we late?
He suppressed his rage.
Yep, he said, hoping he sounded casual. We're all going to
head out now.
OK, said Amanda, looking back down at her hands. It was a
fancy job very sparkly with decals on every other finger. She
only had one more nail to be done. Chris could barely hide his
impatience as the manicurist slowly applied the nail polish.
Thankfully, this was one of the fingers that didn't require a decal.
Sarah, who hadn't even bothered to acknowledge Chris, was
now looking at her finished nails with approval.
Now, let dry, said the lady to Amanda.
No time, said Chris. They can dry as you go. He didn't
want to lose his other 28 kids while waiting for some paint to dry.
Amanda's manicurist, who had, no doubt, spent a
considerable amount of time on the nails, was watching him with
venom.
Amanda was in a quandary. Her nails were wet and she
couldn't get her wallet out of her purse. Sarah had the same
problem.
Chris ended up paying for both nail jobs. Unlike the alleys of
Nepal, the shopping centres had prices that were comparable to
American dollars. Both jobs cost him about $40 and that was
before Amanda shyly pointed out that both women probably
expected a tip.
Their return to the group was greeted with a few people
saying, Praise God! Ian said, Thank you, Jesus.
Chapter Six
37
Fine, whatever.
Chris just wanted to get out of there.

They spent the next morning packing, with Chris making a
phone call to one of the local airlines. Dipesh was booked on a
flight along with kids, at no cost to himself. Having a Christian
guide seemed to be an act of God and Chris didn't want to lose
him.
In the afternoon, Dipesh took them to some of the nearby
gear shops to get outfitted for the mountain weather.
You must let me do the buying, he said to Chris. You look
like a rich American. You will get ripped off.
Chris smiled and they agreed that he would stay outside while
Dipesh took all the kids into the store.
The crowded neighbourhood they were in had many gear
shops, but Dipesh just shook his head at the displays and said,
Cheap junk.
Dipesh selected one small store that didn't look much
different from the others, but as Chris watched surreptitiously
from outside, he could see that the kids were being outfitted with
proper wind and cold-resistant gear.
The sights and smells out in the street almost made Chris
nauseous while he waited.
Raw meat was being sold in a nearby butcher shop and the
sight of people going in and selecting their cuts of meat was
making him ill. He was thirsty, but he didn't want to buy a drink
from a passing fruit juice seller who carried his wares in big
plastic drums and used glasses that could be reused. Other places
that offered bottled water had long lines since they were selling
deep-fried, steaming bowls of some kind of popular snack.
Garbage was just put out in the street. Maybe someone came
along and collected it. But in the meantime, it just sat in the
summer sun, giving off a stench and attracting flies.
The scent of incense coming from the store beside the one
with the trekker gear was making him dizzy.
Mopeds and bicycles had no fear of knocking over
pedestrians. Chris had to stand with his back against the
crumbling brick wall to keep from losing his toes. Other trekkers
were out in the narrow streets, browsing the shop windows. Local
Nepalese were hurrying home with their purchases.
Three Peaks
38
He had been in this neighbourhood ten years ago, to pick up
gear, but then it was a fast in-and-out, not all this waiting.
Dipesh and the kids had been in there almost an hour. How
long could it take? It was the girls, he decided. They probably
wanted all their accessories to match. But when Chris took
another peek in, he saw that all the girls were sitting on a pile of
gear. It was the boys checking out the mountaineer gadgets
compasses, headlamps, walkie-talkies. The more adventurous
were looking at rope, pitons, seat harnesses, ice screws, locking
carabiners . . . He resisted the temptation to burst in there and
tell them they had probably overspent their budget already.
Now that the kids had their clothing, Dipesh was calmly
selecting tents. A first-aid kit was already on another huge pile of
supplies. Chris hoped there was something for him to wear in it
all.
Once Dipesh and the proprietor had worked out a price, Chris
was called in to produce a credit card. The proprietor gave
Dipesh a rueful look and Dipesh looked triumphant.
It was still a crazy amount of money. The stuff was good
quality and nobody was going to freeze at the foot of Everest,
but Chris would probably have to forfeit his salary for a month
so that the church could stay on budget.
Dipesh was smart. Each kid was self-sufficient - his or her
gear and sleeping bag in a backpack. The tents and other extras
were evenly distributed among them. Chris was left just carrying
his own gear and the first-aid kit.
You're a treasure, Dipesh, said Chris gratefully.
Dipesh smiled and said he would like to return to his
guesthouse now. There was much to pray about and discuss with
God. But he would meet them all early the next day at the
airport.

Chris didn't tell the kids that the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in
Lukla was considered the most dangerous landing in the world.
The single runway wasn't merciful. It was short, for one thing.
And it sloped. The idea was that upon landing, you went up, to
help slow down the plane. Upon taking off, you went down, to
help speed things up.
Turbulence and uncertain weather were everyday occurrences.
And if the pilot didn't get the landing or takeoff right the first
Chapter Six
39
time, he didn't get it at all. There was no room for a second
chance. Takeoff was especially scary. If your plane didn't get off
the ground by the time the airstrip ran out, well, you'd be flying
one way or the other.
The planes that landed at Lukla were usually small, twin-
engined ones, though you could see prop planes and helicopters
on the airfield as well. Their whole group wouldn't fit onto one
plane so they were booked for back-to-back flights. Dipesh was
with the first group, while Chris stayed with a second group that
included Ian and his associates.
Nearby Lukla was over 2,800 metres above sea level and a
good place to rest and get used to the altitude before moving on
to higher ground. It was also an excellent place to pick up any
additional supplies that they would need for the trip to come.
The whole town existed to service the trekkers and the
mountaineers who were heading for Everest. From there it would
be a two-day hike to Namche Bazaar where they could further
acclimatize.
The redbrick modern Tribhuvan International Airport, where
they had flown into Kathmandu, was a familiar world to the kids.
But this time they went to the domestic terminal, rather than the
international one.
The line-up to check-in was filled with trekkers and
mountaineers. Very few suitcases were in sight. It was all
backpacks loaded with camping and climbing gear.
They all checked in, although Chris and his crew would have
to wait two hours for their flight, whereas Dipesh and his half
would be taking off in thirty minutes.
Chris and Dipesh had worked out that he and his kids would
pick up all the trail supplies while they waited, all the food and
water they would need for the trek to Namche Bazaar.
Ian suggested that they pray for God's blessing on the flight,
before the first plane took off. Dipesh looked shy about the
suggestion, but Ian had already gathered the first group together
and was leading them in a prayer requesting journey mercies.
The other trekkers looked on with interest, even amusement.
One guy called out that you needed divine assistance to land at
Lukla. Another guy agreed and said he wished he were on the
flight with the praying kids.
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40
Chris braced himself. He expected Ian to go into missionary
mode in the hour and a half that they had to wait. But Ian and
his friends used the time to read their slim New Testaments and
do some kind of an informal Bible-study together.
Afterwards, he overheard a prayer for the salvation of Nepal.
Good. If they stuck to their Bibles and prayers, they couldn't do
too much harm. Of course, if reading your Bible and praying
could save Nepal, then they could have all just stayed home.
The first group had been on a twin-engined Dornier. The
second group was in one of the older prop planes. The plane was
so small that it had a tiny aisle with only one seat on either side.
Soon they were taxiing down the runway and lifting off above
the haze of the city.
The one flight attendant came around and offered each of
them hard candies and some cotton balls for their ears.
The advantage to these smaller planes was that everyone had a
window seat and they could all fully enjoy the 40-minute flight.
Kathmandu was left behind and soon it was green down below
with farms and villages and forests. In the distance, Chris could
see the mountains.
Chris felt himself relaxing. This was the challenge he was
familiar with. Man versus the mountain. Not the heavy burden of
having to hand out gospel tracts in shopping malls.
For a moment, he started to enjoy himself. The plane was
filled with all their gear. Soon they would be trekking through
some awesome mountain scenery. Didn't the Bible say that God's
creation also showed His invisible attributes? Paul had said to the
Romans that God could be plainly known by his creation, so men
were without excuse. Why tell people the gospel when they could
just look up at the mountains?
This serene thought was disturbed by a sudden bump. A
sudden bump in midair was disconcerting. Chris took a deep
breath. You had to expect a little turbulence. But it wasn't a little
turbulence. It was a lot.
It occurred to Chris that Ian had only prayed for the
protection of the people on the first flight. Since then, all he had
done was pray for the salvation of Nepal. He glanced around at
his kids. Some of them look concerned. He gave them what he
hoped was a confident smile.
No worries, he said. This is normal.
Chapter Six
41
Tell that to his stomach which was now somewhere up around
his esophagus.
There would be no soft drinks on this flight. He noticed the
flight attendant was staying strapped into her seat. Not a good
sign.
Were the wings supposed to dip like that?
Ian was praying out loud, but unlike Chris, his voice sounded
calm.
We will not fear, though the whole earth give way and the
mountains fall into the sea, Ian announced in a loud voice.
Hey! That was one of Chris's scriptures!
. . . though its waters roar and the mountains shake . . . Ian
continued.
Actually, it was the air that was shaking. Chris groaned
internally. If this kept up, he'd be losing his breakfast.
Even if the mountains shake and the earth is removed, your
love for us is unshaken, said Ian to God and whoever else was
listening.
Now other kids were joining in. They praised God for His
favour and protection and one girl in a trembling voice just said,
God! Save us! That pretty much summed it up for Chris.
To make it worse, clouds had moved in, obscuring the ground.
Did one really want to make an instrument landing on a narrow
airstrip on the edge of a mountain that required all your senses
for success?
This could end badly, thought Chris. The upside was that half the
kids had probably landed safely in Lukla. The downside was that
this half might not.
If this had been a Christian movie, the cloud cover would
have opened up right over Lukla so they could make a safe
landing. It didn't happen.
The Nepali pilot, obviously experienced in all sorts of near-
death situations, came down cautiously but he met the runway
with panache.
Everyone felt the wheels touch the ground with a jolt. Then
the brakes were employed and there was a terrible screeching
sound. If they had touched down at the start of the runway, they
should be OK. But if they had come down somewhere in the
middle, they would be plummeting over the edge soon.
Three Peaks
42
He realized his eyes were shut tight. If death were to come, he
didn't want to see it.
But then the plane slowed down and made a lazy turn. And
everything was OK. God bless the pilot who had kept his wits
about him and brought them all down to safety.
Legs still weak, he managed to stand up when the flight
attendant started preparing the door for disembarkment.
We're here! he announced, stating the obvious to hide his
shaky nerves.
Some of the kids looked as if they were still recovering. Many
of them thanked the smiling pilot as they got off, Chris included.
They were in a valley, surrounded by mountains that today
were obscured by fog. Once everyone had strapped on their
backpacks, the first thing to do was to get back with the rest of
the group.
The airport had a strong military presence, with armed
soldiers patrolling the perimeters. Chris decided to ignore them.
As long as Ian behaved himself, they had nothing to fear.
Chris surveyed the small town of white buildings with faded
red or blue roofs. If they followed the only path into town, they
should spot their group. Small hotels and restaurants were close
to the airport, offering Western-style accommodation. Chris
remembered his room ten years ago. One wall had been covered
with pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses and in the corner
had been some kind of a shrine with a candle he could light if he
wanted to. Probably to appease the god of the mountain.
They found Dipesh negotiating with a local man about the
hire of some yaks. He had used his time efficiently and now had
all their food supplies sitting on the ground just waiting to be
loaded onto the pack animals.
Chris's group compared notes with Dipesh's group. Turned
out, Dipesh's group had had journey mercies and had touched
down with not a cloud in sight. The clouds had rolled in when
they were in the store stocking up on gorp, dried soups, instant
cereal, tea and powdered milk.
Once the deal was made, the yaks could be loaded up. The
kids still had to carry their backpacks, but at least the food and
the tents wouldn't be an additional burden.
Dipesh was ready to head out right away. That was fine with
Chris. The less time lingering, the better. And there was no fear
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43
of being caught in the dark when you had your camping gear
with you. Even without camping gear, a trekker could set out
confident that he would encounter a guest lodge before nightfall.
It would take two days to get to Namche Bazaar, with a stop
at Phakding for a further chance to acclimatize.
Despite it being summer, some of the kids were already
digging out their coats. The mountain peaks were all glaciated.
Dipesh ignored the Buddhist stupa at the beginning of the
trail. In addition, there were prayer scarves on lines, presumably
put there by other travellers requesting journey mercies.
Their journey started by going down, deeper into the valley
where one could look up and see homes tucked into the hills. A
river of glacial water ran through the valley. Chris paused to take
a few photos of the trail of kids and yaks for the church folks
back home. He really should have snapped a few shots of them
witnessing in the Kathmandu streets too.
He had taken up the rear to make sure he didn't lose any of
them. The yaks and their owner were behind him, the idea being
that any poop would then not be stepped on by the entire troupe.
Dipesh was in the lead. Ian, who had been somewhere in the
middle, dropped back to talk to Chris.
So far, so good, he said.
Chris nodded.
A nice beautiful trail, Chris agreed. I think we'll all draw
closer to God out here . . .
We have to be prepared, replied Ian.
Prepared? said Chris. Prepared for what? He knew the
usual possibilities altitude sickness, freak snowstorms, food
poisoning if you stopped at one of the lodges and ordered the
wrong thing.
For opportunities, said Ian.
Well, said Chris, carefully. I think we can just let that go for
a bit and enjoy the scenery.
Ian looked at him strangely.
Do you see the shrines? he asked.
Chris nodded. They were hard to miss. Something about being
close to the highest peak on earth seemed to inspire some people
to think this was holy ground. Not only were there monasteries
in the hills, there were small temples at ground level. Even rocks
had been covered with holy incantations. The prayer scarves
Three Peaks
44
continued along the way, strung out on poles that had been
erected.
People pray at the shrines, Ian said. But no one hears their
prayers.
Chris sighed.
Yeah, you're right, he said.
It makes me think of Elijah on Mount Carmel, challenging
the prophets of Baal to a contest, continued Ian. Which God
can hear your prayers?
The kid made a good point.
I guess it would be a good idea to tell them about a God who
hears their prayers, said Chris.
Ian nodded.
Well, said Chris slowly. My plan was just to pose as
trekkers. But maybe we can share Jesus as the opportunity arises.
We have to make opportunities, said Ian. We're only going
to pass this way once.
Chris nodded. What else could he do? He didn't want to point
out to Ian that despite that they were only going to pass this way
once, the locals could do a lot of bodily damage to them if they
didn't like the gospel being preached in their village.
So we'll tell them about Jesus, Ian concluded.
Sounds like a good plan, said Chris, forcing enthusiasm into
his voice.
Ian nodded, satisfied and then moved back to the middle.
They were travelling a well-established path, although it was
not always a straight path and it had ups and downs. Some of the
dips were so low that suspension bridges provided a quick way
across a deep valley. The bridges looked safe enough, made of
steel with sturdy chain link siding, but Chris called out for
everyone to hold onto the low railing as they crossed.
Teahouses were built at regular intervals along the path. When
some of the kids started complaining about their sore feet,
Dipesh obligingly turned in to one.
This one was a stone building with a cheerful blue roof. As
well as the main tearoom, it had rooms for travellers. Some of
the kids took outdoor tables while others went straight inside to
use the bathrooms first.
A friendly Nepali woman came to take their order. Chris
ordered tea all around and then asked Dipesh what he
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45
recommended. He was expecting that Dipesh would request
something like cookies. Instead, he was surprised when he
ordered dal-bhat-tarkari for everyone.
It is cheap to eat here, explained Dipesh. We save our
supplies for higher up where it will become more costly.
OK. That sounded reasonable.
Other trekkers shared the tearoom with them. Chris kept a
close eye on Ian in case he attempted any witnessing, but like
everyone else, he looked too tired to do much but rest and eat.
The altitude took a bit of getting used to.
It wasn't long after the teahouse stop that they arrived in
Phakding.
Again, Dipesh suggested a teahouse for the night.
The rooms were only a couple of dollars a night. Chris clued
into the basic strategy of the guide. Use the tents and supplies
only if necessary. Otherwise, let someone else do the work.
It wasn't the worst of philosophies and it seemed to work for
the other trekkers. Chris didn't see any tents around Phakding.
But the sleeping bags came in handy. Everyone was either
three or four to a room and each room had two simple wooden
bunkbeds with foam mattresses and only one thin sheet. Even
toilet paper had to be purchased from the proprietor if you didn't
bring your own. But like Dipesh said, the food was cheap - and
plentiful.
Chris marvelled at the kids' ability to sit down for another
meal even though it had only been two hours since their last one.
They met in the tearoom with its wooden tables and benches and
Dipesh ordered them all noodles and potatoes and momo.
Momos were dumplings. Chris didn't tell the kids they were
probably filled with yak meat.
Some of the kids complained that the menu offered pizza but
Chris pointed out that it was four times the cost of what Dipesh
had ordered and if they wanted pizza they could pay for it
themselves.
They still had most of the afternoon when they finished
eating.
Some of the kids wanted to look around Phakding.
You should rest, said Chris. It's quite the hike to Namche
Bazaar.
Dipesh agreed.
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46
But Chris! complained one of guys. We're only in Nepal
once!
Chris looked at Dipesh and Dipesh shrugged.
It is safe here, he said. People are nice.
Well, OK, said Chris, looking out the open window of the
teahouse. The town was small. It would take them, maybe, half
an hour to wander around. Stick together and then come back
here and rest, OK?
They agreed.
Word spread that Chris had given them permission to look
around Phakding and soon chairs and benches were scraping
back as everyone started heading out.
Travel in pairs! Chris called out. Remember, rest when you
get back!
Who was listening? It was only Chris and Dipesh who wanted
to rest.
Chris and Dipesh were left in the tearoom.
What harm can they come to? said Chris to Dipesh. It was a
rhetorical question, to reassure himself that he was doing an OK
job as chaperone.
Dipesh nodded.
Only two things here, he said. Yeti and the monastery.
Chris laughed.
The Yeti is just a myth, right?
Dipesh shrugged.
Maybe.
Chris decided that he wasn't going to worry about it. After all,
people went to the Pacific Northwest without worrying about
meeting the Sasquatch.
So that just left the monastery.
Monks were harmless, Chris decided, standing up.
Then a thought occurred to him. Monks were harmless, unless
someone like Ian stirred them up.
Ian wouldn't dream of taking the gospel to a Buddhist
monastery. Would he?
He turned back to look out the window. He could see the kids,
down below him, exiting out into the street.
Uh, where is the monastery? Chris asked.
There was no answer. Dipesh had already left. A lady was
clearing away all their plates. He directed his question to her.
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47
Monastery? she said in halting English.
He nodded.
Monks. Long robes. Holy men.
She came over to the window and pointed up. There, on one
of the hills, were more stone buildings. Chris thanked her and
stared thoughtfully up at the small complex.
It was a bit of hike.
After all the walking they had done, he doubted the kids
would have energy for an uphill walk like that.

Three Peaks
48

49
Chapter Seven
hris woke up in a fog. For one disconcerting moment, he
had no idea where he was. Then he remembered. In a
teahouse in Phakding, Nepal. And responsible for thirty
kids.
He glanced at his watch. It was already six o'clock. Jet lag must
have caught up with him. He had slept for over four hours.
Rubbing his eyes, he got off of his low wooden bed. When he
had lain down he hadn't bothered to climb into his sleeping bag
and now he felt chilly.
Going through his backpack, he pulled out and put on a wool
sweater that Dipesh had included in his supplies.
Better get out there and check everyone. Probably time for
another meal, too.
Some of the kids were in the tearoom, sipping bottled pop. A
few had bought themselves pizza, Nepali style. The cheese
probably came from buffalo milk. He did a head count. Only
fourteen were in the main room.
Asking around, he could account for thirteen more, said to be
sleeping back in their shared rooms. One of the kids told him
C
Three Peaks
50
that Dipesh had been in the tearoom earlier, telling them to
spread the word that their dinner would be at seven.
Chris nodded, absently. He was doing the math in his head.
Fourteen plus thirteen made twenty-seven. Were three still
wandering around Phakding, four hours later?
Again, he did a survey of the kids. Who was missing? A rising
concern caused him to get specific and ask the kids at the tables
if anyone had anyone seen Ian or Scott or Todd, the third guy
who generally hung with Ian.
As he had suspected, no one had seen them since they had all
had their lunch in this room. And since the three guys were
sharing a room, no one could confirm whether or not they were
in their room.
Well that was a hopeful thought. Maybe they were all just
having a nap. He would knock on their door on the pretext of
telling them dinner would be served at seven.
But there was no answer.
Great, just great.
That could only mean one thing. They had made the trip up
the mountain to the monastery, and knowing Ian, it wasn't to take
a photo of the panoramic view. Chris wouldn't have blamed the
monks if they bound the guys in rope and offered them on an
altar to their gods.
As he was hurrying down the steps to ground level, he
encountered Dipesh.
Dinner at seven, said Dipesh.
Uh, yeah, I know, said Chris, pausing. Have you seen Ian
and Scott and a third guy, Todd . . . ?
The young men at the cinema?
Chris nodded.
Dipesh nodded.
I saw them going up the hill, said Dipesh casually.
Why didn't you stop them? was what he wanted to cry out.
Instead he said, They must still be up there.
Dipesh nodded.
It is a long hike up and there is much to see at the top.
Then Dipesh continued on upstairs, unconcerned.
Wait a minute! Chris called out. Dipesh turned.
What if they, you know, tell the monks about Jesus?
Dipesh laughed.
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51
I am sure the monks already know about Jesus.
But, I mean, will we be run out of town?
Dipesh shrugged.
We are only staying one day.
Chris sighed as Dipesh continued on his way up.
Now he had two choices. Let the guys make it back on their
own, or start walking up the hill and bring them down himself.
And miss dinner.
A path had been cut through the forest. Evidently, many
people liked to take this route up the hill. It didn't take him long
to climb the hill because he didn't stop at any point to survey the
scenery. He passed a few trekkers coming down, no doubt to a
nice hot meal in their teahouse.
The first thing that he encountered was a long row of copper-
coloured prayer wheels.
The monastery itself still had some visitors, one woman
posing for the camera in front of a large colourful prayer wheel,
another couple examining a long stone prayer wall.
A few monks in their saffron and red robes moved around,
ignoring the visitors. Chris didn't feel like approaching them to
ask if any Christian missionaries had visited the monastery today.
He looked down in the valley at Phakding with its fields and
blue corrugated iron rooftops.
Turning back to the monastery itself, he wasn't sure if he was
allowed to go inside. The few visitors were now leaving and soon
he would be alone.
Surreptitiously, he took a quick peek in the main building.
The whole room was a kaleidoscope of colour. Some walls
were painted with designs and murals, others had vibrant wall
hangings. There were some highly colourful statues of Buddha
and a few other unidentified important people. Maybe they were
different versions of Buddha. Then there were rows and rows of
stair-like shelves with silver bowls. Some candles were lit.
Around the room were framed photos of people, including
monks. It seemed to be a place of prayer and remembrance.
But there was no sign of Ian and his gang.
The prayer scarves were hanging everywhere outside. The
monks did a lot of praying evidently. Maybe he should do a bit
of praying himself.
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52
The wonder of prayer wasn't his thing. That was more
Danny's department, who liked to give messages about the power
of praying in Jesus's name. Chris had never been able to
approach prayer with the same enthusiasm as Danny. He did it,
and he did it everyday, but there was always a sense that if he
asked for anything, the answer would probably be no.
Even now, he figured Ian's prayers were probably overriding
his own and if Ian had prayed for a chance to effectively witness
to the monks, it was probably being answered in the affirmative.
But if it was, it was in some back room because there was no
sign of him out here.
Chris sighed and looked at his watch. Ten minutes past seven.
If he hurried down the hill, he might get a plate of cold dal-bhat-
tarkari.
Taking the path back down to the village, he worried about
the Ian situation. He had expected to find them in the process of
being tarred-and-feathered at the monastery. That he wouldn't
find them up there hadn't crossed his mind.
The possibility that he had lost them was real. If the three had
truly disappeared, he'd probably have to call in the Maoist Army
to scour the whole area.
Arriving at the teahouse, he took the steps two at a time. The
sooner he let Dipesh know what was going on, the sooner they
could organize some kind of a search-and-rescue. In two hours it
would be dark.
He heard the noise of talking and eating before he entered the
tearoom. Surveying the room, he saw Dipesh eating at a table
with . . . Ian, Scott and Todd. He just stared before hurrying over.
Where have you guys been? he demanded.
They all looked surprised, even Dipesh.
Here, said Todd, who could be a smart aleck.
I can see that, said Chris, taking a seat beside Dipesh.
We were buying souvenirs, said Ian quietly.
But I thought you were at the monastery, said Chris. The
obliging proprietor had observed his arrival and brought him
over a plate of steaming rice and vegetables and some kind of
meat.
We were, said Ian. But then we came down and bought
some souvenirs.
This was bewildering. Should he push it?
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53
Yes, he decided. He had a right to know.
Did you convert any monks?
Scott and Todd laughed, but Ian looked serious.
We discussed, faith, yes, he said earnestly. But not with the
monks. With some visitors from Kathmandu. They told me that
a lot of people from the West come here looking for answers. I
asked if they wanted to pray with us.
What did they say?
They said sure.
And you all prayed together? asked Chris.
We prayed to Jesus. They prayed more to Buddha, said Ian.
Well, said Chris, picking up his fork. Forks were for
foreigners. Nepali usually used their fingers. That doesn't sound
too bad.
Maybe we planted seeds, Ian agreed.

Fog covered the whole valley. The mountains were only vague
outlines in the morning mist.
They were eating an early breakfast of milky tea and fried
bread. The kids had been instructed to be ready to set out right
after breakfast for the long hike to Namche Bazaar.
Chris was looking forward to a day of trekking.
No worries about Ian witnessing. On the trails of Nepal, you
were always passing trekkers, as well as porters carrying heavy
loads from village to village, but apart from a smile and a hello,
everyone just kept going.
A day of only the mountains and the scenery, that is, if the
fog would lift.
It took fifteen minutes for everyone to adjust to the weather,
either pulling out extra layers to put on or putting away extra
layers that weren't needed. Then they were off.
Starting along the river, they came to a suspension bridge.
Prayer scarves had been tied all along the railings and were
blowing in the breeze. Chris didn't know whether to take it as a
bad omen that so many people felt the need to offer up a prayer
at this point in their journey. But all of them, yaks included, got
across the bridge safely.
After that, it was two hours of pleasant walking until they
reached the entrance building of the Sagarmatha National Park.
Three Peaks
54
A fee was required. Chris had passed this way ten years earlier but
the brick building with wood trim was new.
Some of the kids were looking around for a souvenir stand to
commemorate this event, the national park that housed Everest,
but Dipesh called out that the next stop would be Jorsale, for
lunch.
Earlier travellers must have considered this point in their
journey significant though, because as they descended down a
steep path, the stones were covered with Hindi script. At the
bottom of the incline was another river and another bridge.
Once across, it was necessary to keep one's eyes on the
ground to avoid tripping over loose stones. But with the midday
sun, some of the fog had cleared and everyone wanted to walk
with their head in the air, gaping up at the immense peaks around
them. And these weren't even the bigger one.
The path took them along the river until they came to the
small village of Jorsale. Dipesh waved them into a teahouse and
ordered the same thing for all of them noodles and vegetables.
By now, the kids had learnt not to complain. And besides,
everyone was famished.
When they were back out in the sun and clouds, Dipesh
warned them that the final portion of their journey would be the
hardest. The path was almost straight up to Namche Bazaar.
So don't whine and be like babies! he called out, which
made them all laugh. But it turned out to be necessary advice.
There were points in the ascent when Chris wanted to whine
like a baby. Ten years ago he had been more fit.
At the top of the mountain, a large town awaited. Namche
Bazaar was a trekker's hangout - with hotels, guesthouses, a
thriving market, cafs and teahouses. This town built on the
hillside was Dipesh's home, but he said he'd get them settled in
before visiting his daughter.
He took them to a guesthouse that was run by a friend of his,
who he guaranteed would not overcharge them. It didn't offer
meals, but eateries were plentiful in the narrow stone streets of
Namche Bazaar.
Before he left them, he pointed out the army barracks.
No photographs, he said to the kids. Otherwise, they get
mad.
The kids nodded.
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55
Then he pointed in a slightly different direction.
The headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park is there.
We will hike up tomorrow and see the museum. From there, we
can also get our first look at Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku and
Ama Dablam.
Everest!
The kids looked at each other with excitement.
Dipesh turned to Chris.
I will be back in the morning, he said.
Listen, said Chris, awkwardly. If there's anything I can
do . . .
Dipesh nodded.
Thank you, brother, he said.
And then he was off.
Brother.
The word played again and again in his mind. Dipesh was
their guide and a good one. But it was true, he was also a brother.
Dipesh had booked ten rooms for them, but it was up to
Chris to get the kids all assigned to each one. Each room had
four beds and Chris decided it would be a good idea to have Ian,
Scott and Todd in his room.
If they had a problem with that, they didn't let it show.
Everyone went straight to their room after Chris said they would
meet back in the foyer in two hours for an evening meal. Yes,
they could go exploring. But not alone.
For his own part, he would be doing whatever Ian, Scott and
Todd did. He didn't like the look of those army barracks and the
warning not to photograph them. They probably didn't go for
Western missionaries either.
Ian and his friends ignored him while they dropped their
backpacks on their beds. The backpacks were opened and light
jackets retrieved. Despite it being the middle of summer, the day
was cool as long as the clouds were out.
Then they started heading out.
Uh, guys? Chris said.
They turned.
Can I join you?
Sure, said Ian.
Might as well be open about this rather than trying to
surreptitiously follow them.
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56
Gonna check out the monastery? Chris asked, grinning, as
they stepped outside. On the hill, en route to the headquarters of
the Sagarmatha National Park, was another Buddhist monastery.
He could tell by all the prayer scarves waving in the breeze and
the line of copper prayer wheels on one side of the building.
Ian looked thoughtfully in the direction of the red stone
building with its colourful window frames and flapping curtains.
Should we?
He was serious. Chris regretted his flippant remark.
No, he said. Maybe we should just look around and pick
out a restaurant for tonight.
Sure, said Ian, though his tone was indifferent. He was
scanning the small street - more of an alley, really - that they were
standing in. The narrow white buildings all had colourful roofs
some red, others blue or green. In this neighbourhood, shops
and tearooms abounded. Despite that everything had to be flown
in, the shops were packed with mountaineer gear. Other types of
stores included ones dedicated to prayer scarves, groceries and
yak-related products.
Chris started walking.
We could get some pizza tonight, Scott said, hopefully,
stopping in front of an internet caf that featured Western
cuisine and Western prices. Ian glanced in. Everyone was
European.
No, he said. Let's eat the local food.
He probably figured the Europeans had had enough exposure
to the gospel.
They walked along until they came to a teahouse that Ian
approved of, probably because it was full of Sherpas and there
wasn't a Caucasian man in sight. The menu, on a chalkboard, was
written in Nepalese.
They wandered up and down the streets - literally, since the
town was built on the side of a hill - until there was nothing left
to see. Chris could feel a headache coming on and hoped it
wasn't the beginning of Acute Mountain Sickness. So far, they'd
been mercifully spared that ordeal.
Early warning signs were headache, loss of appetite, dizziness
and fatigue. But from what he could see, all the kids looked
healthy. The only thing to do if someone showed signs would be
Chapter Seven
57
to stay in one place until the symptoms cleared up. If they didn't,
then the one affected just had to go back down to lower altitudes.
Should we head back? said Chris, looking at his watch. Only
an hour had passed. The town was an oasis of civilization, but it
only had about 1,000 residents. The trekkers made it feel bigger.
No, I really want to look around, said Ian. Scott and Todd
nodded.
OK, he sighed. But I'm going back to rest. He couldn't
blame them for wanting to take it all in. This was his second time
around. Just be careful, OK?
They nodded.
He didn't want to outright say, No witnessing. But he hoped
they'd pick up on the double meaning of his cautionary warning.
Feeling tired, he headed back to the guesthouse. Along the
way, he weakly waved to some of his kids. The place seemed safe
enough. The streets were bright and the trekkers were all out
browsing the shops and having a tea or coffee.
This tiredness was a bad sign too. It wasn't like him to need
afternoon naps.
He went inside the guesthouse. The foyer was quiet and he
made his way down the narrow hallway to his room.
Where was his key?
In a pocket?
Which pocket?
He felt around, not remembering where he'd put the stupid
thing. Maybe he'd never got one. Maybe he'd just given keys to
the guys . . . No, wait, here it was. Right where he'd put it so he
wouldn't lose it. In the breast pocket of his shirt. The one with
the button.
Key in the lock. Fiddle a bit. Open the door. Head for the bed
to lie down . . .
But there was a woman on his bed.

Three Peaks
58

59
Chapter Eight
he first thing Chris noticed was that the woman was
beautiful. The second thing he noticed was that Dipesh
was sitting on Todd's bed.
Dipesh jumped to his feet when Chris came in. Chris
momentarily forgot that he was tired and had a headache.
I am sorry, said Dipesh apologetically. I have booked
Sunita into a room, but we were waiting to talk to you.
How did you get in? asked Chris, sitting down on Ian's bed
and looking over at Sunita. She was younger than him, but not
drastically so. Definitely Nepali. Big eyes, but worried.
Dipesh shrugged.
All keys and locks are the same here.
Chris shook his head at this lack of security.
This is a very bad place for you to be, said Dipesh turning
to Sunita. I must get you somewhere else . . .
I don't understand, said Chris, looking first at Dipesh and
then at Sunita.
Sunita is the granddaughter I was looking for, said Dipesh.
While I was in Kathmandu, she managed to sneak back here
under the, what is the American expression? Noses? Of the
T
Three Peaks
60
Maoist Army. But it is not safe for her to be with her mother.
They will find her eventually.
Chris was bewildered. What had this woman done that the
Maoist Army was so angry with her?
I regret to involve you in this, said Dipesh, but no other
idea occurred to me. I booked her a room with your party. I
needed to tell you this so that you would understand why you
have eleven rooms now.
But . . . said Chris. I don't understand why anyone is after,
er, Sunita. He glanced quickly at the woman. Her long dark hair
was pulled back into a ponytail and she was dressed to fit in with
the villagers, but with her looks, she would have trouble blending
in anywhere.
She is a convert to Christianity, said Dipesh simply.
Oh, said Chris, surprised. He was at a loss for words for a
minute. This was the granddaughter who had no interest in
Dipeshs religion. Something must have changed. Is that really a
crime? he asked.
Dipesh nodded.
Some people in the government want it to be. Sunita spoke
for the first time. Though the Maoist Army abolished Hindu as
the state religion, religion plays a large role in the lives of
everyday people. Her voice was melodious. She spoke clear
English and though she spoke softly, it was with assurance. The
Maoist Army wants civil order and are more interested in power
than they are in religious freedom.
Makes sense, said Chris. But I mean, surely one conversion
here or there can just slip in under the radar . . .
Sunita glanced at her grandfather.
My grandfather is relatively safe. I am not. I shared the ideals
of the Maoist Army and it is a betrayal to become a Christian.
Chris was silent, thinking. This mission trip made no sense to
him. Why come to a country to tell people about Jesus when it
would only ruin their lives?
Can I ask you a personal question? he asked, turning to
Sunita.
Sunita nodded slightly.
Why did you become a Christian? he asked.
Sunita didn't hesitate.
Because I needed Jesus.
Chapter Eight
61

Again, Chris was quiet. And then it was agreed that Sunita
would join their party. If anyone asked, she would be the Nepali-
born, American female chaperone. For that though, she would
need a bit of a wardrobe change. Thankfully, in a town devoted
to trekking, it was easy enough for Dipesh and Chris to go back
out in the streets and pick her up some gear to join their party.
I am sorry to involve you, said Dipesh, again.
Don't worry about it, said Chris generously. I'm happy to
be able to do this for a fellow-Christian. But in his heart, he
questioned his motives for accepting Sunita into the group.
You are the only brother I know, said Dipesh, as they turned
in to a small shop that sold the genuine gear, not cheap
knockoffs.
Soon they had a wardrobe for Sunita. Keeping his voice low,
Dipesh told Chris that Sunita had been forced to leave behind all
her clothing and personal items in Kathmandu. Coming home,
her mother had clothed her in native dress in an effort to keep
her from standing out. But, of course, if she stayed at home she
would be spotted by one of the neighbours. So far the Maoist
Army hadn't tracked her to her hometown, but with army
barracks right outside Namche Bazaar, it was only a matter of
time before someone thought to look for her at her grandfather
and mother's house.
Won't they lose interest in her after a while? Chris asked,
when they were back in the cobblestone street with two large
bags each.
Maybe, said Dipesh, shrugging. Maybe not. They were
walking fast now. It was time to go back and meet the kids for
dinner. Chris had forgotten all about his plan to take a nap. The
problem is, it is not just her. It is who first told her about Jesus.
They want to know if there are others in the Maoist Army.
Chris felt a shiver. Hopefully Ian and the kids weren't out
somewhere preaching right now. Things were bad enough with a
fugitive in their midst.
Arriving back at the guesthouse, Dipesh said he would spend
the evening with Sunita and bring her some food. Chris nodded.
Tomorrow, we go to the museum, said Dipesh. I have not
forgotten.
Chris nodded again.
Three Peaks
62
He didn't ask if Sunita would join them. They would have to
pass the army barracks and when he looked up, he saw soldiers
and automatic rifles and barbed wire - all things he'd rather not
encounter.
Most of the kids were waiting in the foyer when they
returned, including Ian, Scott and Todd. Chris gave his two bags
to Dipesh and casually said, See you tomorrow.
The group headed for the restaurant that Chris, Ian, Scott and
Todd had selected earlier that day. Again, they filled up most of
the room. A few Sherpas looked at them and then turned back to
their meals. Foreigners were nothing to get excited about.
To keep Ian from proselytizing, Chris put him in charge of
ordering dinner.
Ian took the task seriously. He couldn't understand the
writing, but he did try a few Nepali phrases on the waiter.
They all ended up with plates of potato pancakes and large
bowls of noodle soup. It seemed to be what all the natives were
eating, so Chris gave his approval to Ian's choice.
Though his headache and fears of Acute Mountain Sickness
had subsided, Chris was still tired. Some of the kids would have
liked to linger in the easygoing, almost party-like, environment
created by the trekkers and mountaineers, but he insisted on an
early night for them all.
Tomorrow's a big day, up a big hill, he said. It'll be your
first look at Everest. Might as well be awake for it.
Some grumbled, but there was general agreement.
Chris unlocked their door almost expecting to see Sunita there
again. But all that greeted him and the guys were four empty
beds.
Ian settled on his bed to do some Bible reading, Todd got out
an mp3 player and Scott flipped through a magazine. Chris fell
on his bed and went straight to sleep.

Chris didn't know how he would introduce Sunita, but Dipesh
took care of it for him.
This is Susan, he said to the kids, the next day in the foyer.
She is a good guide and can be a friend to the girls.
Sunita, now Susan, smiled at the girls and they returned the
friendly gesture. Dressed in some khaki zip-leg pants, a red jacket
with a hood that covered all her hair, and some hiking boots she
Chapter Eight
63
looked like any other trekker. If she slipped on her sunglasses,
Chris doubted her best friend would recognize her.
There was a stop at the closest teahouse for a breakfast of
yak-cheese omelettes and fried bread before setting out on the
path out of the village and up the hill to the headquarters of the
Sagarmatha National Park. The headquarters was way too close
to the army barracks for Chris's comfort, but he noticed Susan
was relaxed, laughing and talking with two of the girls. Taking up
the rear, he could hear that they were talking about who was
cuter, Shia LeBeouf or Dev Patel. Chris had no idea who they
were, but he gathered they had both been in movies that the girls
had seen. And Sunita was fitting in just fine. Unlike him, she
wasn't glancing nervously in the direction of the army barracks.
But as they got closer, some of the soldiers were looking their
way. Guarding the barbed wire perimeters, a few of them were
definitely checking out his group. Especially the girls.
Namaste! they called out. It was a more casual form of
Namaskar. Hello!
Ian returned the greeting and for a moment, that got the
soldiers eyes off of the girls. But only for a moment.
Chris didn't trust himself to look at Sunita. He fixed his
attention on the top of the hill. Thankfully, Dipesh at the front
suddenly went into tourist guide mode.
Sagarmatha means Head of the Sky in Sanskrit, he called
out. This is the highest national park in the world.
The soldiers turned away, bored, as Dipesh called out for
them to all notice the different plants covering the hillside, a
result of the June rains. Chris glanced down just to try to look
normal. Yes, there were flowers.
Dipesh continued with his talk telling them all about the birds
and butterflies and insects in the area. Chris didn't know whether
it was for the benefit of the soldiers or whether this was just his
spiel. In any case, it was helping to contribute to their image of
being just another bunch of trekkers.
Dipesh's talk turned to the various animals one might
encounter here wild yak, deer, red pandas, black bears, snow
leopards . . . The animals were getting increasingly dangerous as
the list went on. If Chris hadn't been so relieved to be past the
army barracks, he might have gotten worried. Ten years ago, no
one had told him about snow leopards.
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64
At the top, a few things awaited them. A Sherpa museum, a
teahouse and a view.
Dipesh was patient. He let the group look all around and snap
their photos and told everyone who asked which peak was
Everest so they could point their cameras in the right direction. It
was a clear day and only the tops of the mountains were
obscured by clouds.
Then he led them into the museum. It contained photos and
information about the whole area and Dipesh took them around,
stopping in front of each poster and adding his own knowledge
to the displays.
If Sunita already knew all this, she did an admirable job of just
going along with the group and pretending to take it all in.
Then the kids moved on to the teahouse, which offered a
magnificent view while you ate. The tables were filling up fast.
Sunita already had two girls sitting on either side of her, but
the seat across from her was available.
Uh, mind if I join you? Chris asked.
Certainly, said Sunita, giving him a welcoming smile. But her
attention was immediately diverted to the girl beside her, Tammy,
who wanted to tell her about the silver bracelet she had bought in
Namche Bazaar and to ask her about the inscription on it.
It is a dedication to Parvati, said Sunita looking closely at it.
Who's Parvati? asked Tammy.
She is important to Hindu women, said Sunita. She is the
wife of Shiva and is said to bring a happy married life to those
who pray to her. At least, that's my understanding.
Tammy looked at her bracelet.
Don't worry about it, said Sunita quickly. It does not mean
that you worship Parvati. It's very pretty, she added.
Tammy looked pleased and not too concerned about its
association with false gods.
Since the kids were left to themselves to order their own food,
many of them were already sipping orange sodas. But Chris
noticed that the girls beside Sunita imitated her and ordered milk
tea. He did the same.
What do you recommend to eat? he asked her.
Susan looked at the menu board.
Have you tried Alu Tama? she asked.
He shook his head.
Chapter Eight
65
What is it?
Potato bamboo shoots, she replied. Very delicious if you
like curry.
OK, he said. I'll give it a go.
Very brave of you, she said, smiling.
Oh no, he said. What have I gotten myself into?
For the girls, Susan recommended Vegetable Thukpa, or
egg noodles.
Is it too late for me to change my mind? he asked.
Yep, she said, grinning.
The waitress came, took their orders and then left. Dipesh was
busy with the kids, telling them what it was like to grow up
around here. Now that he had his granddaughter back, there was
a sparkle in his eye. He was a leader, by nature, and bossy even,
but the kids were warming up to him.
Chris had to be careful that he didn't say anything that might
compromise Sunita's security with the group. He almost said
something about how many times she must have seen this view,
but stopped, in case she didn't want the kids to know she was
from Namche Bazaar.
So he let the girls dominate the conversation with their banal
thoughts on everything from the lack of warm showers at the
guesthouse to the flip-flop sandals the porters wore.
What Chris would have really loved to know more about was
what it was about the Christian faith that made Sunita willing to
risk her career, her life even, to follow it. But, in the meantime,
Dipesh's cheerful mood suggested that he thought she had made
the right decision.

Three Peaks
66

67
Chapter Nine
riginally, the plan was to stay in Namche Bazaar only
long enough to acclimatize, before pushing onto
Tengboche, and ultimately, Everest base camp. Chris
didn't know if Sunita's addition to the group changed anything.
It didn't.
If anything, Dipesh was more eager to move on than ever. He
wanted to get his granddaughter away from Namche Bazaar and
the fact that no one in their group was showing any signs of
Acute Mountain Sickness, was to him, an act of Divine Grace.
So the plan was to set out early the next morning.
Chris was half-expecting that the Maoist Army would burst
through his door in the night, in search of Sunita, but the
guesthouse remained unscathed.
After a quick breakfast at the closest teahouse, they were off
again. They had different porters though, and different yaks.
Dipesh must have hired them the night before.
Dipesh informed them that the walk itself would take them
down into the valley, across the river, and then back up again. It
didn't sound easy. But he assured them, if they went at a steady
pace, they would all be at their destination by lunchtime.
O
Three Peaks
68
Descending into the valley seemed like an exercise in futility
when they would ultimately have to ascend even higher than
Namche Bazaar.
When they stopped for breaks, there wasn't much talking. The
kids just wanted to rest. When Dipesh said it was time to move
on, they did, but with heavy sighs.
Everest was out of sight now, so it was just a matter of
walking and trying to enjoy what scenery there was. The terrain
had changed. Rocky and less green, though there were still the
mountain flowers.
When the sun was overhead, they reached Tengboche.
Everyone wanted lunch before settling in.
The town was substantially smaller and more open than
Namche Bazaar. It didn't have narrow streets. Most of it was an
expanse of dirt with some scrubby grass. The stone buildings
were spread out.
Dipesh led them to the one place that seemed to be the centre
of town a Buddhist monastery. Why did that not surprise
Chris?
The monastery was as colourful and as active as any they had
encountered. An ornate archway greeted the visitors. A
cobblestone path, where Buddhist monks and trekkers moved
along in and out, led up the hill to the large main stone building.
Smaller buildings were all around the compound, some white,
some red, all with the ornate colourful trim that the Nepali
people favoured. On one side was a large golden chorten with a
huge white base. Everywhere, there were the ubiquitous prayer
scarves.
But more important to the travellers were the bakery and a
guesthouse. The aroma of fresh bread filled the air, especially
appealing for hungry trekkers. Dipesh warned Chris, prices would
be high compared to Namche Bazaar.
What the village lacked in amenities, it made up for with the
view.
At the plastic chairs and tables set up outside the bakery, they
could look right up and see Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
For a moment or two, everyone forgot that they were tired. Most
of the kids started snapping photos.
Chapter Nine
69
We are blessed to have a clear day, said Sunita to Chris. He
was startled, not realizing she was standing beside him. He
agreed.
I will take care of our rooms, said Dipesh heading for the
guesthouse. Susan, you go ahead and order lunch, he called out
over his shoulder.
Chris followed her into the bakery.
Thought you might need some help, he said.
She nodded her thanks.
What do you recommend we eat today? he asked.
Pizza! she said.
Sure enough, the bakery specialized in pizza. A closer look
suggested that it would not be the same as pizza back home. The
texture of the cheese looked different, as did the minced meat.
There were some unidentifiable legumes and vegetables and it
also had some hot chillies. The aroma suggested that other
unusual spices had been added.
But it was the main thing going in Tengboche, so Chris
ordered enough to go around and while they waited, he and
Sunita discussed the nearby peaks, the number of travellers in
Tengboche and whether or not base camp would be crowded this
time of year.
Back outside, Dipesh was waiting and announced that they
had their rooms, though they would be six to a room. Chris
looked around. The plastic chairs outside the bakery and
guesthouse were nearly all taken up by trekkers from around the
world. It was the obvious stop for anyone heading for Everest
base camp from this direction and was renowned for being the
birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary's Sherpa guide.
The two men had been the first to reach the summit of Everest
in 1953.
Chris lost Sunita to a table full of giggling girls, so he joined
Ian, Scott and Todd.
Dipesh sat down beside him. The guys were having an
animated discussion about the monastery. Again, Chris was not
surprised.
Many people stop at the monastery to say prayers before
climbing the Head of the Sky, Dipesh said as the plates of pizza
were being devoured. But I think it is better to pray to the one
who created the Head of the Sky.
Three Peaks
70
Ian, Scott and Todd paused their eating to nod solemnly.
This country needs the good news of the creator, Dipesh
continued.
Don't encourage them, thought Chris, biting into his pizza.
You have come here to tell the people of Nepal the good
news, said Dipesh. I am glad. They need to hear about Jesus
and how he can save them from their sins.
Ian nodded vigorously.
But first, said Dipesh. You must love.
Good, thought Chris. That would take them a lifetime to learn.
By then, they would have all left Nepal.
Most of the kids wanted to do some exploring after lunch.
Chris groaned to himself. That could only mean one thing, the
monastery.
But at least Tengboche was filled with visitors today. Ian could
witness to the foreigners.
After the rooms were sorted out, everyone went off in
groups. Chris looked around for Sunita but he couldn't see her.
Probably being held captive by girls who wanted her to help them
paint their nails, or something.
Probably the best thing to do would be to wander around the
monastery and keep an eye on things.
Like most of his group, Ian, Scott and Todd were in the main
building, in the prayer hall, looking up at the two-story stature of
Buddha.
Who dusts the top of that thing?
He went back outside. The danger wasn't with the statue. The
danger was if Ian started witnessing to live monks.
Much to his surprise, he found Sunita around the corner,
sitting on the remains of a stone wall that must have at one time
run the perimeters of the monastery. She was looking up at the
three peaks.
Pretty awesome, isn't it? he said, sitting down beside her.
She nodded and smiled.
He was hoping to work it in that he had summited Everest a
few years back. OK, ten years, but maybe he didn't have to make
himself sound too much older than her.
You'd never get tired of a view like this, he said.
She nodded, but it was more a polite nod than an agreement.
Of course, she was a Sherpa. She had grown up with this.
Chapter Nine
71
Kind of makes you think about life, he said. He had thrown
out the comment in a casual attempt to get the conversation off
the ground. To his surprise, she responded as if he had said
something profound.
It is like life, she said, nodding. That is exactly what I was
thinking! It is just like this journey we are on.
He didn't want to throw away the advantage he had gained, of
being on the same wavelength as her, but he really had no clue
what she was talking about.
Uh huh, he said in a neutral voice.
It is like this trip, she continued. We keep going. Why? To
get to Everest base camp.
Uh huh, he said, again.
But what is that, really? For some, it is just a beginning and
they keep going up. They go through all sorts of hardship to
make it to the top. But what then?
I dunno, said Chris, thinking about his own experience. To
say you've done it, I guess.
But what is that worth?
OK, fine, maybe he wouldn't be telling her he did Everest.
You stand on top of the world, you look around, said
Sunita.
That pretty much summed it up. And then you had to come
back down.
That was my life before Jesus, said Sunita. Always going
forward. Always going higher. But in the end, for what? To stand
there and look around?
Is that so bad? He instantly regretted the comment.
Grandfather used to try to explain it to me, Sunita
continued. He said, fine, you have everything you want in this
life. But what about the life to come? But at that time, I thought
religion was for weak-minded people.
So what changed? he asked.
I heard the truth, she said simply, standing up.
Your grandfather says that it's not good for people like us to
come into the country and just hand out gospel tracts, said
Chris. We need to build hospitals and schools and things like
that. Oh, and love. He mentioned love.
They were walking now.
Three Peaks
72
That was his experience, said Sunita, nodding. But it was
not mine. His mother needed a healing in her body. I needed a
healing in my mind. When a friend gave me a gospel tract, it
talked to what was hurting in my mind.
So there is a place for standing around handing out gospel
tracts? said Chris.
Maybe, said Sunita. But what happened to me was, my
friend saw that I was hurting and she risked her place in the army,
her life even, to share her faith with me. She is the one reason I
do not want to be caught. If they do, they might force me to tell
them how I first heard of Jesus.
Force you, Chris repeated. He didn't like the sound of that.
Sunita turned around to look at the three peaks.
People climb to the top of Everest, she said. I used to
think it was an achievement. Now I think it is foolishness.
He definitely wouldn't be telling her about his summit.
All to stand on the highest peak. When they die, they lose it
all.
Chris nodded.
A hazy picture was forming in his mind. The Head of the Sky.
The tallest peak on earth. The pursuit of eternal life.
Metaphorical mountains that went higher than any peak on earth.
It would make a good sermon. And it would make him sound
humble to be able to say his achievement of standing on top of
Everest was worth nothing compared to the achievement of
everyone in the room salvation through Jesus Christ. He could
imagine himself scanning his audience at that point.
Dramatic.
And yet, disturbing. Because he knew there was something
missing in his own faith. Ian had it - a boldness, courage to do
what was necessary.
The people who had the tallest peak in the world right in their
own backyard were currently praying to an enormous statue that
didn't have the power to bestow eternal life, never mind take
them safely up and down the mountain.

73
Chapter Ten
nother dinner at the bakery. They were all seated at the
plastic tables and chairs eating thick slices of fresh bread
and spicy noodle soup.
Chris was glad Dipesh had insisted on taking advantage of the
teahouses along the way. Now all their supplies could be used for
base camp. When he had done this ten years ago, the Sherpas had
handled everything to do with supplies. His mind had been too
focused on the climb ahead of him to be thinking much about
canned food.
He found his mind taken up with different thoughts this time
around.
Sunita, of course. She was beautiful. He couldn't pretend he
wasn't attracted to her.
But at the same time, he knew if he ever convinced her to
come back to the States with him and she saw what he did for a
living, she'd realize that his was not exactly a life-and-death
profession. The congregation was comfortable. The mountains
they climbed were fighting weight gain, increasing gas prices and
whether or not to pave the church parking lot. (Danny wanted to
put the money toward missions. His congregation wanted to
A
Three Peaks
74
protect their shoes every time it rained and the gravel parking lot
became a mess of mud and puddles.)
They called it persecution when the town refused to let the
church put up a new and bigger sign along the edge of the
highway.
What would Sunita think of all that?
But there was an even more critical issue.
The salvation of the people of Nepal. His church had heard
the gospel over and over. It was a matter of routine to invite
people to pray with the pastors and receive Jesus as their saviour.
Chris was ashamed to say it, but it had become almost trite.
But though the people of Nepal had heard of Jesus, they
didn't seem to realize he was more than a good teacher, he was
the way to eternal life. Who would tell them?
Sunita?
Just before they dragged her away to force her to tell them
where she had first heard the gospel message?
Dipesh?
He was an old man, easily dismissed as having a faith that had
come about because of some childhood experience.
Chris sighed.
That really just left him and his group. And among his group
he could really only depend on . . . Ian.
He glanced over at the table with Ian, Scott and Todd who
were listening to Dipesh talk. Chris was at a table with some of
the other guys who were talking about mountain-climbing, asking
Chris questions that he answered absentmindedly. Sunita was
with her girls.
After the monastery, he and Sunita had parted at the
guesthouse. Chris had no way of telling whether she found him
the slightest bit interesting. She was more animated when she was
with the girls.
After dinner, Dipesh said that they could head out tomorrow,
if Chris wanted. All the kids seemed to be handling the altitude
fine.
The key is to really take it slow and steady, said Dipesh.
But they are all young and healthy. I've led groups of older
people who took days of rest before they could move on . . .
Chris nodded, distracted.
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A thought was forming in his mind. A truly horrifying
thought. Over and over again, it was playing in his mind.
He and Ian would have to witness to Nepal.
It was a ridiculous thought.
He and Ian, taking the gospel to Nepal.
Even more distressing, was the awareness that if he launched
on such a mission, he would have to be prepared to give his life
for it. Not Ian's, of course. In fact, if it came to it, Chris would
have to sacrifice his life for Ian's.
Ian would have to make it home to the States. Chris might
not.
Slowly, he headed to his room. He was sharing his with five
other guys, including Ian, Todd and Scott.
Though there was some horsing around, Chris told them, If
you want to be in good shape for Everest, get some rest. That
was enough to settle everyone down.
Ian, on his bed, pulled out his Bible and began reading.
Hesitantly, Chris did the same. Although he had to dig around
in the bottom of his backpack to find his.
It seemed like a message from God that everything his eyes
fell upon seemed to involve mountains and heights and rocky
places.

For the first twenty minutes when they set out from
Tengboche, there was no talking. Everyone just concentrated on
the steep descent.
Taking up the rear, Chris hoped that at some point in the
walk, he would have a chance to talk to Sunita again. But when
the ground levelled out and conversation became possible, she
was well in the middle of the group, surrounded by admiring
girls.
So all he could really do was . . . pray. It was something he
hadn't done in a while. Maybe not ever. At least, not in the sense
of really talking to God. There had been plenty of prayers at
church, but they were mostly for the benefit of the audience.
And there was his own anaemic private prayer life. Had he ever
really been talking to God?
The struggle had ended last night. Now he was left with a dull
resignation.
He would have to tell the people of Nepal about Jesus.
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Never mind that he was now on a track that was taking him
away from the populated areas. He was as certain about it as he
had been ten years ago when he knew he had to climb the
mountain that was towering above them.
Today, the three peaks of Lhotse, Everest and Ama Dablam
were hidden by cloud.
The early morning air was significantly cooler. Despite it being
July, they were wearing their winter gear. The upside to that was
Sunita was even more covered up and there was no way anyone
would casually recognize her.
For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the
clouds.
It was something he had read last night. Psalm 57:17. It was
something he had never used in a sermon because it didn't
include a mountain reference, but on a day like today, looking up,
it certainly fit.
Was it so bad that God wanted Chris to share His steadfast
love with the people of Nepal?
Well, no.
But apart from the minor embarrassment that always went
along with witnessing, the only bad part was that it was a life-
threatening activity in this country.
At least the walk was relatively easy today. They were going up
but the ascent was gradual. There were still trees but the whole
area was green with moss and the landscape was covered with
small boulders. The boulders suggested landslides, which was a
bit disconcerting, but everything seemed calm today. Their
destination was the village of Pheriche, close to the Tibetan
border.
Dipesh had promised them that they would stay at a lodge
that had hot showers, welcome news for a group that had been
making do with tepid showers at best, if that. Since showers were
extra at the accommodations they had been staying in, some of
the kids were obviously just skipping them. Boys mostly. It was
amazing how girls made an effort to stay clean and attractive even
in these remote areas and rugged conditions. Some of them had
been complaining to him that their curling irons weren't working
and he had had to explain to them about adaptors for your
electrical gizmos when travelling. He didn't bother mentioning
that he had one for his electric razor. Selfish as it was, he didn't
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want to look like Grizzly Adams now that Sunita was around. He
knew if he lent the adaptor to the kids, he'd never see it again.
They took a stop for tea in the valley village of Pangboche, a
small community of white stone buildings and green roofs.
The kids were snapping pictures of everything and that gave
him a chance to approach Sunita.
She smiled and said, Good morning.
Good morning, he replied. It's a bit chilly, eh?
It will get cooler, she said.
He wished he could think of something more profound to
discuss than the temperature. He wanted to tell her that he
thought God was calling him to tell the people of Nepal about
Jesus and maybe she could give him some feedback as to how to
go about it. But it wasn't really the type of thing to bring up
while everyone was trooping into the teahouse for a warming cup
of tea and a light morning snack.
Then, when they were finished and on the trail again, Dipesh
was calling out to them that this was the area where yaks came
from and giving them a little talk on how yaks differed from
buffalo.
Despite the sun, wind was blowing in off the mountaintops.
For the last portion of their walk, Chris had his hood on and his
jacket zipped up to the chin.
It was a short walk today they were in Pheriche by lunchtime
because Dipesh wanted to give them time to rest. It was
important to acclimatize slowly if one wanted to avoid Acute
Mountain Sickness.
Pheriche was the headquarters of the Himalayan Rescue
Association, so the warnings of symptoms to look out for were
prominently displayed for trekkers and mountaineers. In fact,
Dipesh planned to take them all to the daily lecture provided by
the Himalayan Rescue Association on travelling at high altitudes.
Dipesh booked them into a lodge that had the HRA building
on one side and an internet caf on the other. All the kids wanted
to have lunch in the caf so Dipesh just threw up his hands and
said, Whatever.
Chris smiled. The kids would be sending emails from the top
of the world. It wouldn't be a bad thing for them to let their
parents know they were alive and travelling with a Christian
guide.
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The lodge also provided lunch and Chris joined Sunita and
Dipesh in the bright sunroom for some garlic soup good for
combating Acute Mountain Sickness and a generous plate of
noodles and dumplings. Dipesh said the cuisine here was Tibetan,
not Nepali, since many people here were from Tibet. It all tasted
the same to Chris, but he didn't say anything. It was good
whatever it was.
The lodge was filled with Western trekkers, from their accent,
Chris would guess, American Midwest. They were older and
seemed to be on one of those luxury adventure trips. The topic
of discussion among them was how one of their members had
come down with Acute Mountain Sickness and would now have
to descend rather than carry on to base camp. They were
agreeing among themselves that it wasn't the worst tragedy. At
base camp you didn't get the view of Everest that you got here.
In fact, it was probably all for the best . . .
Chris wished he could talk with Dipesh and Sunita. It was too
public a place to discuss Christianity so they were sticking to
neutral subjects the health of Sunita's mother, the general
economy of Namche Bazaar, the number of trekkers on the trail
this time of year.
When the kids drifted back to the lodge, they were given a
stern warning to take advantage of the hot showers and to rest
up. Tomorrow there would be a hike up above the village in the
morning to help them further acclimatize. Then there would be
lunch and an afternoon lecture about altitude.

The talk was about high altitude sickness. Chris already knew
the symptoms. Even if he didn't, he wouldn't have been able to
concentrate because he had managed to snag a seat by Sunita.
Surely she didn't need to be here, in this small room, sitting on a
hard fold-up metal chair while a volunteer doctor from
Wisconsin discussed what to do if you started feeling light-
headed or nauseous. But to set an example, she had gamely come
along. Of course, Chris had to set an example too and couldn't
really use the time to communicate with her in any way.
After the talk, the kids had a lot of questions and the doctor
seemed content to take them all one at a time. Then Dipesh
directed them to a table of t-shirts where the kids could buy
some souvenirs.
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The money goes to support the work they do here, Dipesh
explained.
Chris nodded.
Sunita was examining a small green t-shirt. Chris noticed that
the doctor, a man in his early thirties and dressed casually in
trekker gear, was watching her. Well, no wonder. She was
something to look at. And she wasn't under all her layers so the
doctor could really get a good look at her.
Then the doctor realized Chris was watching him. He came
over.
You guys from the States? he asked.
Chris nodded.
Illinois, he replied.
The doctor nodded, like he had thought so.
All of you? He glanced at Sunita.
Uh, yeah. The question caught him off-guard. What had he
and Dipesh worked out? Was Sunita posing as an American? For
a moment, Chris's mind went blank.
The doctor nodded.
It's funny, he said. The army was in here, two days ago, I
think. He was speaking quietly so none of the others would
hear. Showed me a photo of a woman and said they were
looking for her. Sunita something-or-other.
Oh yeah? Chris tried to sound casually interested.
Looked an awful lot like her. He nodded in Sunita's
direction.
Well, you know how it is, said Chris. They all look the
same. It was a racist statement, but his heart was beating too fast
for his brain to work. The army was ahead of them!
Not if you've been here awhile, said the doctor.
Chris shrugged, hoping to seem indifferent.
I love the mountains, he said, but this is a crazy country.
Prayer wheels and guys with automatic weapons.
The way the doctor was looking at him, he knew he wasn't
making a good impression. But he didn't care. He just wanted to
get his group and Sunita out of there.
It was a free afternoon for the kids. Tomorrow they would be
setting out on a four-hour walk to Lobuche.
Sauntering out casually, he didn't look back at the doctor
who he suspected was still watching Sunita.
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The first priority was to talk to Dipesh. The second priority
was to get Sunita out of Pheriche. Was the doctor loyal to the
army? Did the doctor even care? It didn't matter to Chris. The
army was covering the area and that meant, sooner or later,
someone would recognize Sunita.
The kids were already scattering. Pheriche didn't offer much
more than the internet caf but that was good enough for most
of them. Ian could witness up and down the streets of Pheriche
right now for all Chris cared. Trying to walk casually, Chris
headed in the same direction as Dipesh who was returning to
their lodge.
I've got to talk to you, said Chris when he caught up with
him on the steps going to the door.
Certainly, said Dipesh. Would you like to run through the
itinerary . . .?
No, nothing like that. Chris glanced into the sunroom. A
few people were at tables, writing in journals. Trekkers liked to
keep diaries. Two men were hunched over a map. One North
American woman, wearing a lot of bangles and beads, was
sipping tea and just staring at the landscape. In my room, said
Chris.
Sure, said Dipesh.
Once in the privacy of his room, Chris told Dipesh what the
doctor had said. Dipesh's eyes widened.
Not good, he said, shaking his head.
What should we do? Chris was already formulating a plan.
Turn around, go back, take the first flight out to America, with
Sunita beside him as his wife.
We are a pretty big group, said Dipesh, thoughtfully.
I know, said Chris. Very conspicuous.
Dipesh nodded.
I think it would be better if I leave you and take Sunita . . .
I have a better idea, interrupted Chris. I told the doctor she
was American. How 'bout I leave you and take Sunita? We could
pose as an American couple . . .
Dipesh was quiet, thinking it through.
You would need a guide, he said finally. No one can
journey here without a guide.
Fine, said Chris. A guide. And you would probably need
someone else . . .
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Dipesh nodded slowly.
You have good kids. I can lead them and they will help with
the tents and such. But yes, at some point, they will need help.
Chris nodded.
They will, he agreed.
But you need to start fresh, said Dipesh. You must hire
your own guide and not be associated with us.
Chris nodded. Hiring a Sherpa guide was easy enough.
I will talk to Sunita, said Dipesh, heading for the door. She
will understand.

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83
Chapter Eleven
dont understand! Sunita said. She looked furious. I dont
understand this at all!
Chris tried not to be insulted.
We are running to where? she asked.
Well, to base camp, I guess, said Chris.
They were now in Dipesh's room. Chris had gone down the
road to a small restaurant frequented by the guides and hired an
older man who he hoped wouldn't be too interested in the
goings-on of the army and only marginally interested in the
American couple he was leading.
And then we will turn around and go back through all the
same villages? she said.
Well, yeah, said Chris. But we'll be a couple. You know . . .
He turned red. No one's going to think you're the girl the army's
looking for.
Sunita turned away, looking out the window while Dipesh and
Chris sat on the bed.
I need time to think, she said.
I
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84
But there isn't time to think, Chris said, glancing at his
watch. I told the guide we wanted to set out right away. If we
leave in half an hour, we can be in Lobuche in three hours.
Sunita sighed.
OK, fine, she said. But we will all meet again at base
camp? She turned to Dipesh.
Dipesh nodded.
This is just temporary, he said. As long as the army is
looking for you, you must try to blend in with the trekkers. But,
unfortunately, this doctor might mention to someone that he saw
you in a large group . . .
I guess I'll just have to figure it out as I go along, said
Sunita. She left the room, shutting the door behind her.
Chris looked at Dipesh.
She will get used to the idea, said Dipesh. It is only
temporary, until God shows her where he wants her.
Chris nodded.
Dipesh continued to stare at him. Chris was uncomfortable.
He knew the look. It was a man-to-man intense stare.
You don't have to worry, Chris said. I'll take care of Sunita
and I'll make sure she's . . . alright. He finished lamely. What
should he say? That he would not force himself on her? He
didn't know enough about Nepali culture to discreetly convey to
Dipesh that Sunita would be safe with him.
Guard her honour, said Dipesh.
OK, that was blunt enough.
I will, sir, said Chris, momentarily forgetting that he was
talking to his guide. He felt like a teenager showing up at the
front door for his first date.
When Chris went out into the hardened dirt street, he found
the guide, Kamal, with two yaks, one of which was already
loaded with supplies. This was going to cost big-time. Although
Chris had one of the tents and two sleeping bags, he was leaving
all the food and other supplies for Dipesh and the kids.
Susan will be along in a minute, he told Kamal. I'll be back
in five.
Kamal nodded, indifferent.
Chris hurried into the internet caf to where most of the kids
were. Even Ian and his gang were sharing a computer.
OK, guys, he said. Gather round.
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Surprised, the kids convened with him in the corner. The only
other patrons in the caf were trekkers, and they didn't look too
interested in this group huddle.
A situation has come up, he said. It's going to take some
faith. He glanced at Ian. But I'm helping a sister-in-need. I can't
tell you more now, but I'll tell you guys everything back in the
States, OK? They nodded solemnly.
You guys are going to carry on to Everest base camp with
Dipesh. What I'm about to tell you is very important and very
necessary.
Eyes were wide.
If anyone asks you about Susan, just look blank, OK?
The kids were looking at one another.
Is Susan in trouble? whispered one of the girls.
Chris nodded.
I don't want to say anymore. I want you to honestly be able
to say you don't know anything.
The kids were half-scared, half-thrilled.
And then Ian spoke up.
Susan's a Christian, right?
Chris didn't say anything at first and then he nodded slowly.
Talking in a low voice, Ian said to the group.
Sometimes it's dangerous to be a Christian in this country. If
anyone asks us if we know Susan, we'll say we don't. The Bible
says it OK to do that. Lots of people hid people and lied to the
people looking for them.
The kids nodded. Stories like that were always cool.
Don't worry, said Ian, looking at Chris. We'll protect
Susan.
God bless these kid.
Thanks guys! said Chris, patting the ones who were closest
to him. You guys are the best! And we'll meet up again. We just
have to travel separately for a bit.
All the kids nodded and slowly returned to their computer
monitors.
Uh, Ian? said Chris. Ian was still standing there.
Yeah?
Can you do me a big favour?
Sure, said Ian.
Pray.
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I will, promised Ian.

Sunita seemed to be sulking.
They were walking along by a river on a fairly even path. If
Kamal thought it unusual that his honeymooning couple wasn't
talking to each other, he didn't show it.
It was cold enough that they were all bundled up beyond
recognition.
Then after an hour, the walk turned into an ascent. The yaks
didn't mind but it wasn't so easy on the people. After making it to
the top, they were greeted by memorial stones for people who
had died trying to summit Everest. Sunita still didn't know he was
one of the relatively few who had successfully made it to the top.
Would it make any difference?
Not talking didn't seem unusual for the last portion of their
walk, which was over stony ground.
And then it was a teahouse in Lobuche. Taking separate
rooms was out of the question since they were supposed to be a
couple, but even in the room, Sunita wasn't talking to him. She
was going through her backpack with her back to him.
Had he offended her in some way?
Uh, Sunita? he asked. Would you like to . . .?
She circled around, glaring at him.
All he was going to ask was would she like to go to dinner?
What have I done? he demanded. It just came out part
frustration, part bewilderment.
You! she said. It was an accusation.
Me? It almost came out a squeak. He coughed and cleared
his throat. Me? he asked in a deeper voice.
Yes! she said. And this whole arrangement. She looked
around.
What do you mean? he asked.
He saw two narrow beds (just as well they weren't really
married), white walls, colourful framed pictures of Everest.
You are supposed to be Christian!
Well, yeah. He sat down on his bed. He had a feeling this
might be awhile. She stayed standing.
We are supposed to have faith. Not run!
You ran away from Kathmandu, he pointed out.
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To find out more, she said. She sat down too. No, that's
not true. I was scared. But mostly I was scared they would torture
me and I would give away the name of the friend who told me
about Jesus. You shouldn't have such a fear.
I'm not afraid! There was that squeak again. Was it the high
altitude? Again, he cleared his throat. I'm just trying to keep you
safe!
By running? she asked.
It was the only thing I could think of, he said.
You aren't here to tell Nepal about Jesus, she said
accusingly.
Where had this comment come from?
What do you mean?
I have been talking to the children. They say you are afraid.
Afraid! I'm not afraid! The more he had to say it, the more
he felt like he was protesting too much.
Sunita just stared at him.
It was impossible to know what to say. This was why it was
always so complicated with women. They expected you to know
what to say and got mad when you didn't.
They laugh at you.
Now it was his turn to just stare.
They wanted to come here to tell people about Jesus and all
you say is, soon, later, not now.
But your grandfather said that Christians should build
hospitals and schools and . . .
Oh, that's just Grandfather, she said impatiently. People
need to hear about Jesus now! People are praying to gods who
can't hear them! She stood up and went over to their window.
Look at it, Chris!
It was the first time she had used his name.
He got up and joined her.
Look at the prayer scarves!
It was true. They were strung up everywhere, creating a festive
look, like a European village covered in flags to celebrate
independence day.
This is a very religious country, continued Sunita. But they
need to talk to the right God!
OK, he couldn't argue with that.
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88
But why are they going to listen to me? he asked. Some yo-
yo from the West. People came to the East to learn about
religion, not the other way around.
Sunita shrugged.
Why not? If what you say is true.
That hit hard. He stood, silent for a moment.
Yeah, OK, he said. I've been kind of going in that
direction myself, anyhow. I just didnt know how to actually do
it. Without getting beaten up, that is.
You've made it to the top of Everest, said Sunita. So she did
know. One of the girls must have told her. You're respected for
that achievement. But what good is that achievement all on its
own?
Well, he had used that achievement to gain a place in a church
and make a pretty good living but as far as he knew, he had
never actually been the direct cause of an unbeliever becoming a
believer. That had been Danny's department. Or Ian's.
Sunita, he said. This was hard. But it couldn't hurt to be
honest. I don't really know what I'm doing here. But I can't
argue with anything you said. He went back to his bed and sat
down again. I never wanted to do this mission trip. It was just
because I had been to Nepal before.
Sunita nodded as she returned to sit on her bed.
Missions just aren't really my thing, he said, staring at her
backpack beside her. But since coming here, I'm starting to see
it a bit more the way you're putting it.
Sunita nodded again. She had lost the hostility.
But it's not exactly an easy place to tell people about
Jesus . . . He was thinking of that missionary who had gotten
walloped by angry natives.
But don't you see! said Sunita, leaning forward. That's why
the Nepalese need to hear about Jesus! Where else are they going
to hear about him?
Yeah, I know. There wasn't exactly a Bible in every teahouse.
You see, said Sunita. This whole time she had had her eyes
on him. Why was it so hard for him to look her in the eye? I
didn't have the answers when I needed them. I was lost and I
didn't know what to do. I didn't want to hear about Grandfather's
religion when my life was going the way I wanted it to. But when
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my life stopped being what I wanted it to be, I had nowhere to
turn. My friend telling me about Jesus saved me.
He didn't probe about how her life had fallen apart. From his
years of pastoring, there were only so many scenarios. In Sunita's
case, it could have been a job promotion that didn't come
through. An important relationship could have fallen apart.
Of course, in America, there were billboards telling you
everywhere that Jesus was the answer. Maybe, for the right
people, it worked and they got themselves a Bible and started
checking it out. But that wasn't an option in Nepal.
He took a deep breath and stood up. Again, he was at the
small window.
There were the three peaks. Everest, serene and majestic.
Lhotse, almost an extension of Everest. In fact, he had been on
the northwest face of Lhotse when he summited Everest. But the
south face was considered the steepest ascent of its size in the
world. Then there was Ama Dablam. The people who summited
Ama Dablam said aspects of it were even more challenging than
Everest. Ama Dablam had two ridges that looked like arms
shielding a child. The glacier in the centre looked like a dablam,
the necklace worn by Sherpa mothers, a place to hold pictures of
their gods and other important family items hence the name of
the mountain, Mother's Charm Box.
In some ways, it was a holier mountain to the people of Nepal
than Everest.
Edmund Hillary had called it impossible to climb in his
initial assessment. But since then, it had been summited, for the
first time in 1961. Even Hillary had summited it in 1963. But it
had been an illegal climb that had almost got him tossed into
prison. Even now, you didn't just climb the mountain. You had to
have an authorized guide, a liaison officer and a permit. It was
also expected that you would have a team of Sherpas to handle
supplies and prepare food.
Hillary had gone the easy way and just went straight up the
south western ridge without permission.
It had given him a chance to meet the king though. Granted,
the king had been angry that he had gone up the holy mountain
without royal consent.
Ama Dablam was an ambitious ascent. He doubted too many
people were attempting it this time of the year. The time to
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90
summit it was spring or autumn. If you went now, you faced mud
and leeches. And despite the summer heat during the day, you
had to have gear for the freezing nights. It was a crazy time of
year to contemplate summiting Ama Dablam.
Then why was he?
He looked up at what some people called the most beautiful
mountain in the world.
He wanted that mountain.
Yet, at the same time, he was scared. Yes, he was scared. But it
was a different kind of fear than the one of witnessing in Nepal.
This was raw fear. Potentially, the cost was death if one failed.
In Genesis, Jacob had run away from his angry brother, Esau.
Jacob had tricked Esau out of his birthright and the guy hadn't
been pleased. In fact, he had threatened to kill him. So Jacob fled
to the land of his mother's family.
Along the way, he had dreamed about a ladder to heaven.
Figuring this was the entrance to heaven, he had set up a pillar
and covered it in oil. After that, he had made a vow to God if
you are with me and keep me in this way I'm going and will give
me bread to eat and clothing to wear so that I make it back to my
father's house in peace, then Yahweh will be my God and this
pillar I set here will be your house. And of all that you give me, I
will give a tenth back to you.
That had been the vow.
The astounding thing was that God had honoured it.
Chris's eyes hadn't left Ama Dablam. But now he closed them.
He didn't care what Sunita thought. In his mind, he said his own
version of Jacob's prayer.
Oh God, if you are with me and keep me alive and work it
so that I have supplies food and clothing and everything so
that I make it back to this place in one piece, then you will be my
God and I'll tell these people about you.
He opened his eyes.
It would take nothing less than a miracle to get an expedition
going at this point. Kamal didn't look as if he could make it any
further than base camp and Chris only had permission to be in
the country, not to climb any mountains. Plus, it was something
he would do alone or die trying to do. The kids would have to get
home somehow without him.
He turned to Sunita.
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I'm going to summit Ama Dablam. Then I'm going to do the
south face of Lhotse.
Her eyes widened.
And then, if I'm still alive, I'm going to tell everyone about
Jesus.
Her eyes couldn't get any wider at this point.
Dipesh and the kids should show up here tomorrow, he
continued, reaching for his backpack and slinging it on. I'll leave
it up to him to get the kids back to Kathmandu if I die.
He was gratified that a slight gasp came from Sunita.
Or take too long, he added.
And then he was out the door. There. Now she couldn't call
him afraid.
But it really wasn't for her that he was doing this. It was for
him. If he could walk out this door and summit Ama Dablam,
then that would be God's sign that he was being called to a life of
reckless adventure here in Nepal.
If he didn't summit Ama Dablam, he would go home, resign
from the ministry and get in line at the nearest soup kitchen. He
would have to. He would be using his life savings to fund this
expedition.
He was fine for clothing and a tent and some of the food, but
he had no climbing gear proper boots, crampons, ice axe, ice
screws, headlamp, batteries, rope, walking poles . . . the list went
on. Sherpas had to be hired . . . Red tape to deal with . . .
Kamal looked sleepy when he answered his door. Chris shook
his head. Without God, this was a hopeless venture.
He half-expected not to make it back alive.

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93
Part Two

Ama Dablam

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95
Chapter Twelve
e did what?
Sunita had never seen her grandfather look so
shocked.
Dipesh and the kids had arrived midmorning. Sunita had
hurried to her grandfather's room to tell him everything.
She knew he had heard and understood what she said, he was
just having a hard time believing it.
He has left us in charge of the children, continued Sunita.
We are to get them back to Kathmandu and on their flight
home if he does not return.
Dipesh was just shaking his head.
But why? he asked.
He did it for God, said Sunita, gently guiding her
grandfather's shoulders to seat him on his bed.
But why climb a mountain for God? said Dipesh.
I think he's climbing the mountains for himself, said Sunita
going over to the window. This one also had a view of Ama
Dablam. She had covered the whole village this morning, but
Chris and Kamal were gone. When he climbs Ama Dablam and
Lhotse, he will come back and tell everyone about Jesus.
H
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96
He is crazy, muttered her grandfather.
Sunita didn't think so, but she kept the thought to herself.
Where do we go from here?
I think we should continue on to Everest base camp, said
Sunita, sitting down beside him. That is where he will go when
he has summited Ama Dablam.
If he summits Ama Dablam, her grandfather corrected her.
He has no proper guide, no permit, only a few supplies . . .
He took a guide with him.
One guide, Sunita? Her grandfather turned to her. It will
take an expedition to do what this man proposes. He shook his
head. Who was the guide? he asked, as an afterthought.
An older man, said Sunita. Kamal.
Her grandfather turned to her, eyes wide.
Kamal? Did he wear a green hat and chew tobacco?
Sunita though back to the guide. She had been too busy being
upset with Chris to care about the guide at the time.
Yes, he did. If you ask me, he looked half-asleep.
Her grandfather groaned as he nodded.
Yes, that is Kamal.
What's the matter?
Kamal's son-in-law is the general secretary of the Nepal
Mountaineering Association. He can use his cell phone and have
a permit for Chris by this afternoon.
His cell phone? Sunita had not noticed any cell phone.
Dipesh nodded.
He complains bitterly about it. His wife makes him carry it.
She lives with their daughter in Namche Bazaar.
The daughter who's married to the general secretary of the
Nepal Mountaineering Association?
Exactly, said Dipesh. Now he had stood up to look out the
window. They're probably halfway up Ama Dablam by now.
Kamal is always complaining that his wife and daughter will not
let him have any fun. A silly American fool who wants to summit
Ama Dablam and Lhotse on a whim would be just the kind of
fun he would be looking for.
Is he a good guide? asked Sunita, with concern.
One of the best, said Dipesh, still staring at Ama Dablam.
At least he was when he was younger.
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Then Chris should be OK, said Sunita. Would you like to
rest, Grandfather? I can take care of the children.
No, Sunita, said her grandfather wearily. You should not be
out wandering when the army is looking for you. Stay here until
we can figure out what to do.
To Sunita, it was obvious that they must move on to Everest
base camp. That was where Chris would end up. The Everest
base camp could also be used as a starting point to summit
Lhotse.
If Chris can take on Ama Dablam, I can carry on with you
guys, said Sunita.
Her grandfather shook his head.
It is something I have to face, sooner or later, said Sunita
heading for the door. I cannot live in fear in a room. If Chris
can have the faith to climb a mountain, I can have the faith to set
foot out this door.
She opened the door and was gone.
Dipesh stared at the empty doorway. Was it possible that his
granddaughter found inspiration in this unbalanced American
who called himself a Christian? Despite wanting to believe the
best about Chris, Dipeshs conclusion was that the man was
clearly half-hearted about his faith, at best. The authorities did
not need to worry about Christianity taking over Nepal if Chris
had anything to do with it.

It was Sunita who told the kids about Chris's sudden
departure to summit, not one, but two of the world's tallest
peaks. They were milling around outside the stone teahouse,
some seated on plastic chairs. Lobuche offered incredible scenery,
being the last stop before Everest base camp, but it didn't hold
too much in the way of culture and entertainment.
For the first time, she noticed a visible pride in their leader.
A few of the boys said, All right! The girls' eyes widened
with admiration.
So I will be with you until he returns, Sunita continued.
Dipesh and I will escort you to Everest base camp where we will
wait for Chris.
What if he, ummm . . . One of the girls was trying to ask
what would happen if Chris didn't return.
Ian jumped in.
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98
Have a bit of faith, Jessica! Ian called out. We'll pray for
him.
The kids agreed and Sunita was impressed with the way they
rallied around Ian. He started leading them in prayer, requesting
that God watch over Chris and take him safely up and down both
mountains. Each kid was encouraged to make their own request
to God, something they were obviously used to doing back in
Illinois. Sunita watched in fascination. This was her first time
seeing Christians do anything spiritual together.
Many of the passing Sherpas were also watching with interest.
In the springtime, when most people summited Everest, Lobuche
could be a crowded community of mountaineers and trekkers.
But in the summer, it wasn't so active. Still, there were enough
people around to find this large group of praying teenagers to be
intriguing.
For a moment, Sunita was almost fearful that the scene would
bring the army down on Lobuche, but then she reasoned with
herself that no Nepali cared if a bunch of foreigners prayed
among themselves.
In fact, Ian and his praying teens seemed to irk the American
and European trekkers more than the Sherpas.
Sunita heard a backpacking couple remark about fanatics as
they went into the teahouse. One American called out, Show a
little respect! You're not in Kansas anymore!
Some of the teens were affected by it, looking embarrassed.
But, for the most part, they continued praying. And when they
were done, Sunita was confident that Chris was thoroughly
covered in prayer and protection if it worked that way. The
only Bible she had access to was her grandfather's and it was such
a long book she had only read portions.
She called out to the kids that lunch would be in the teahouse
in fifteen minutes, before returning inside herself. Dipesh was
already sipping tea in the tearoom.
I have ordered their lunch, he said, as she joined them.
What's the matter, Grandfather? she asked, sitting down
beside him. An obliging proprietor brought her over her own tea.
Thank you, she said, before turning back to the older man
who seemed to be in moody and dismal thought. Please,
Grandfather. Don't be this way.
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This is not right, he said. We are now responsible for the
lives of these thirty children.
Sunita nodded.
It is unusual, she agreed. But we are not endangering them
in any way. They have done well so far and Chris will come
back.
Dipesh took a gulp of tea. Though summer, the temperature
was cool at this altitude and the tea helped to warm one up. I
am not so sure, he muttered.
What do you mean? she asked, about to take a sip of tea
and momentarily pausing.
It is not an easy summit.
But he has done Everest. Surely, Ama Dablam is not so
difficult.
In some ways, it is, said her grandfather. I agree, climbing
Everest will help him. You use all the same gear. But he is not in
the same shape he was then.
Sunita nodded slowly. Surely the children's prayers would
help . . .
Five years ago, said Dipesh. Six climbers died when a part
of the dablam fell on their camp . . .
The children came in at that point and soon the rough room
was filled with talk about Chris's plans. The trekkers who had
disapproved of public prayer pointedly ignored the large group,
although Sunita was sure some of them must be listening in.
The children have prayed for Chris, said Sunita, in a low
voice. They were still alone, having been at a table for two.
He will need those prayers, said Dipesh, equally as quiet.
The last avalanche destroyed the southwest ridge route. Kamal
will have to take him across the glacial ice to avoid the avalanche
areas. It makes it a much more difficult ascent.
They'll go the north ridge route? said Sunita.
Her grandfather nodded.
Sunita couldn't help it. Her eyes went to one of the windows.
For the next two weeks, every time she looked at Ama Dablam,
she would be straining for a glimpse of Chris's orange-and-black
jacket.

I have to warn you, children, said Dipesh. It was the next
morning and they were all having their breakfast in the tearoom.
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100
They were fortunate to have this housing. During the peak
season, all tearooms and lodges were filled and people had to
camp all around the small village. If we carry on to Everest base
camp, we will be embarking on a dangerous journey.
There was a murmur among the teenagers.
I will not be upset if any one of you chooses not to make the
journey, Dipesh continued. You may remain here at the
teahouse. Susan will stay with you.
Sunita was startled. This was the first time she had heard of
this. She wanted to be at base camp when Chris returned from
Ama Dablam.
Before you decide, said Dipesh. I will tell you what is
ahead of us. First, there is a three-hour walk to Gorakshep.
Lobuche is a city compared to Gorakshep. The weather will feel
colder and we might have to use our tents at night. The walk will
be rocky. But for the adventurous, there will be a mountain to
climb.
Some of the boys looked at one another.
All right! said some of them, giving each other high fives.
It is called Kala Phattar, Dipesh continued. And from its
summit, you can see the top of Everest. This is worth attempting
because you cannot see the top of Everest from base camp.
Dipesh surveyed the group.
If anyone decides to do this, please tell me today because we
will hire some more guides. Not all will want to do it and so I
must ensure that you are with a responsible adult at all times.
Some of the kids were already discussing this among
themselves and Sunita was confident that many of them would
attempt to climb Kala Patthar, the Black Rock.
After Gorakshep, Dipesh went on. It will be another
difficult walk. Only three hours, but the air is lighter and it will
feel longer and harder.
The kids murmured.
Finally, said Dipesh. We will come to the Khumbu Icefall.
It is the only way to get to base camp and I will be honest with
you. Crossing the Khumbu Icefall is, in some ways, the most
dangerous part of the Everest summit.
He paused to let that sink in. The looks on the children's faces
told them that they got it.
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It is an unstable area, Dipesh continued, because it is
where the glacier melts and so you must travel across moving ice.
It can take six hours to make your journey across it. Anyone who
attempts it will have their crampons on. Pickets are buried in the
snow to hold ropes in place. We will clip and unclip our way
across. We will cross bottomless crevasses on ordinary ladders.
Again, it was a point to let sink in. Some of the girls gasped.
Sunita was sure that she would be staying behind with them in
Lobuche.
At base camp, we will find no lodges. No more tea unless we
make it ourselves. No more toilets. We clean up after ourselves
and we carry our waste away with us.
Eyes widened at the thought of this.
And then we will have to turn around and come back. Give it
some thought, Dipesh said, in conclusion. Pray about it. And
let me know by dinner what you want to do. Do not be ashamed
if you choose to stay here. All the guides will do their best to
watch over you, but we are all in God's hands, yes?
There was a murmur of agreement and the kids huddled
together as Dipesh sat back down again with Sunita.
Since public prayer was frowned on by the patrons of this
teahouse, led by Ian, the children left the tearoom to return to
their dormitories to pray.
I expect I'll be staying here, said Sunita, taking her last sip
of tea.
And what would be so bad about that? her grandfather
demanded.
Sunita was quiet, but she couldn't hide her mood.
You do not really want to follow that American cowboy to
Everest base camp, do you?
Sunita did not reply.
Find his corpse there, more likely, her grandfather
continued, shaking his head. That is, if they find it at all. Most
just die on the mountain and the body is not found until the next
unfortunate expedition stumbles on it . . .
Oh Grandfather! Sunita burst out. I know he is not here
building a hospital! She turned to him. But he is doing this for
God, whether you can see it, or not.
I do not, said her grandfather.
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Sunita grasped Chris's motives in a way that she would not
have wanted to put into words to her grandfather. Chris was
doing something that he believed would go beyond his current
reserve of strength. Once he got past that, he would be at a new
level. A new height, so to speak. Then maybe, he could do
something even bigger for God.
Much to Sunita's surprise, once lunch came, all the teenagers
announced they would continue on to Gorakshep. And they all
wanted to go up Kala Patthar.
Dipesh nodded. Sunita could tell her grandfather was
impressed with their bravery, while at the same time, uneasy at
being responsible for the lives of thirty children.
OK, he said. We are well-supplied for the expedition. But I
will still get some more guides so that we can do this safely.
Then he was gone, to find some Sherpas willing to escort
them to Everest base camp. Sunita was left with the teenagers.
Eat a good meal, she advised them, since they all seemed to
be looking at her. Take it easy this afternoon. You don't have to
take a nap because you want to get a good nights sleep tonight,
but maybe walk around a bit . . . She sat down as the food came
out of the kitchen. What did she know? Although raised in
Namche Bazaar, she was not a Sherpa guide and had never
travelled this close to Everest. Her dream had always been to go
the other way, to Kathmandu.
And now it was looking as if she might never go back.
The army did not seem to be pursuing her in this direction.
Maybe it was too much of a bother with the cold weather and the
thin air. If so, this was what her future held. The small villages of
Nepal instead of the dreams of the big city.
Her grandfather returned as lunch was wrapping up. He had
three men with him, brothers, all young and seemingly
appreciative of the off-season work.
He introduced them to Sunita as Adinath, Prasad and Harish.
By their names, she could tell that their three new guides were
Hindu.
Prasad and Harish were quiet, sitting together and digging into
a late lunch that was brought out for them. But Adinath sat with
Sunita and Dipesh and it was soon obvious to Sunita that he was
more friendly than necessary for a Sherpa guide.
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And you are a guide? he wanted to know, while he devoured
a plate of noodles, potatoes and rice with small bits of yak meat.
Sunita shook her head.
I'm more of a chaperone for the girls, she said, nodding
toward the teenagers.
Adinath glanced at them, but did not find them compelling.
But the girls were finding him and Prasad and Harish
intriguing. They were all attractive, with a casual ruggedness
about them. By comparison, the American boys seemed pale and
delicate.
But you were born here? he asked.
Dipesh's grandfather jumped in.
All thirty children want to go up Kala Patthar. I think we
need to take them in groups . . .
That got them talking about the journey ahead. In addition to
the supplies bought in Kathmandu, it was agreed that they would
purchase some additional rice and noodles in Lobuche, just in
case.
The kids were drifting off and Prasad and Harish stood up to
see about more rice and noodles, but Adinath only seemed
interested in talking to Sunita.
Have you summited Everest? she asked quickly.
The look of regret on his face showed he couldnt answer yes.
Instead, he said, I have been to base camp many times.
Good, she said. The teenagers need an experienced guide.
Why are they travelling alone like this? he asked.
Dipesh must not have told him much.
Their chaperone is summiting Ama Dablam right now, she
said, satisfied by the impressed look on Adinath's face. They,
that is, we, are joining him at base camp.
And then, back to Kathmandu? he jerked his finger in the
direction they had come.
She shook her head.
No, then he will summit Lhotse. She couldn't help the pride
in her voice. He has already done Everest the last time he was
here.
Adinath nodded. Now there was a bit of respect for the
group.
But why bring the kids along? he asked.
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That was a tough one. She didn't want to say they were on a
mission trip.
Maybe they will summit Everest when they are older, she
said. For now, they will do Kala Patthar. And she would too. It
would be a new experience for her, climbing a mountain, but if
the teenagers could do it, so could she. If Chris could take on the
toughest peaks, she would have to at least go up the one small
mountain that even American trekkers could do.
Shaking off Adinath, she returned to the dormitory.
She had an overwhelming longing for something connected
with Chris, something connected with her new faith.
This teahouse did not offer individual rooms, only a long
stretch of bunk beds on either side of the large room. Their
group took up half the room. Sunita found Ian on one top bed,
his back against the wall, reading his Bible. She walked over to
him.
Ian?
He looked up. This was the first time she had talked to him
directly.
Uh, could you read me some of those passages?
Ian smiled and nodded. He climbed down and they took seats
on some bottom bunks. Things here were too communal for
people to complain if someone sat on their bed.
I will lift my eyes to the hills, Ian read. From where shall
my help come? My help comes from Yahweh who made the
heavens and the earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved.
He who keeps you will not slumber. He will neither slumber nor
sleep . . .

105
Chapter Thirteen
dinath was showing the same proclivity to stick to Sunita
as he had yesterday.
The day was starting early with a six-hour walk to
Gorakshep ahead of them. Prasad and Harish were the practical
ones and already had the yaks loaded with the supplies. Adinath
was talkative despite the early hour.
The girls were sleepy, but keeping a close eye on the three
brothers at breakfast.
But Adinath was entirely focused on Sunita.
. . . then I will go to Kathmandu, he was saying over the
milky tea. The future is not here. There are enough guides and
not enough climbers anymore. Have you been to Kathmandu?
She did not want to discuss herself with him.
Once, she said. What will you do in Kathmandu? she
asked quickly.
Anything, he said, looking around. Anything would be
better than this. Maybe I will join the military.
That was disconcerting.
But that would be my last choice, he continued. I want to
make money . . .
A
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Thankfully, Dipesh interrupted to make an announcement.
We will be going higher than we have before, he said. If
you start to feel sick or have a headache, let me or Adinath or
Prasad or Harish know. Expect to be tired, but do not keep it to
yourself if you are feeling ill.
The teenagers nodded.
To the amazement of Prasad, Harish and Adinath, Ian stood
up and told Dipesh he would like to ask a prayer of protection
over them. Dipesh barely had time to nod before Ian was praying
out loud, asking God for journey mercies, for strength and for
eyes to appreciate His creation.
Do they always do this? Adinath asked while the children
were still saying amen.
Sunita nodded.
They're Christian, she said.
American, said Adinath, nodding knowledgeably. A lot of
the Europeans like to pray to the local gods, though. What is the
point of praying to the god of the Americans when you are not
in America?
Sunita did not have time to answer since Dipesh was hustling
them out of the tearoom. There were a few last-minute visits to
the toilet and then they were off on the rocky terrain that marked
the glacial landscape.
The walk started off easy and gave Adinath a chance to try to
start talking to Sunita again. But they were quickly joined by
Amanda and Ashley, who usually wanted to be close to Sunita,
but who had decided today that it would be nice to be close to
Adinath too.
Adinath did not have a chance, Sunita though smiling. She
slipped back to allow the two girls to be on either side of him.
They were asking him all sorts of questions What kind of
music did he like? Did he like climbing mountains? What was his
favourite movie? How long had he and his brothers been guides?
Did he have a girlfriend?
The last question caused him to glance back at Sunita and say,
Not yet.
But the terrain turned uneven and the uphill-downhill walk
forced everyone to walk by himself or herself and just
concentrate on breathing in the thinner air. The final portion of
the journey was almost straight uphill.
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When they arrived in the diminutive village of Gorakshep,
they were out of breath, but all healthy. Despite Dipesh's warning
that they might have to resort to tents, the lodges were only half-
full and by dividing the group in two, they were all able to have
rooms in two side-by-side establishments. Mercifully, the girls
were in one lodge, so Sunita could escape Adinath. There was
something disturbing about his prying interest.
Even more upsetting to Sunita than Adinath's addition to the
group, was what her grandfather told her over a hearty lunch.
Our permits do not cover an overnight stay at Everest base
camp, he said.
What do you mean? she asked.
He shrugged.
The permits are very specific. We can visit base camp, but we
cannot stay there. But I think we will end up in the tents anyhow.
The money is low. I know the American will pay me, if he ever
returns, but I think that we will be camping starting tomorrow
night.
Why had he not told them this sooner? Sunita shook her head.
The kids could not be expected to cross the Khumba Icefall
more than once and back. What were the odds that they would
visit base camp on the same day that Chris descended from Ama
Dablam?
She would not see Chris at base camp. And she would not
have admitted it to her grandfather, but it was the one reason she
was continuing on, in the hope of seeing him sooner, not later.
It was crazy, but in some way, she wanted to be a part of it, to
be there in between the two summits. But now he would come
off of Ama Dablam and go straight up Lhotse while his group
was only three hours away, stuck at Gorakshep.
But it is OK, her grandfather continued. There is plenty of
room for our tents.
Of course there was plenty of room. There was nothing else
but room at Gorakshep. The name meant Dead Ravens and all it
had was a vast plain of glacial rock.
Prasad, Harish and Adinath were off to have coffee with the
other Sherpas after lunch. It was agreed that the kids should have
time to acclimatize before taking on Kala Patthar. Now that
Sunita knew this was where they would be waiting for weeks,
maybe even a month, she felt numb with disappointment. At
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least at base camp, one could get regular updates of the various
expeditions.
After lunch, the children were informed of the nature of their
permits, but the disappointment from the news that they couldn't
stay overnight at base camp was muted by the promise that
tomorrow they would be tackling Kala Patthar where they would
get a clear view - God and weather permitting - of the top of
Everest.
The announcement that they would be using their tents
tomorrow was well-received, especially by the guys. From the
conversation among the young men, Sunita gathered that life in a
lodge was more comfortable, but camping was more fun. The
girls weren't grumbling, but they were solemnly discussing how
they would have a harder time with their hair in the tents.
Sunita wanted to be alone.
She left the tearoom and went out into the sunshine. It was a
beautiful day in the tiny village blue sky, white clouds. A few
people were already camping in bright green tents, all lined in a
row. A lot of travel agencies specialized in adventure tours for the
traveller who wanted to do something a little more risky than sit
on a Caribbean beach.
She glanced up at Kala Patthar. It would not bring her any
closer to Chris. He was not summiting Everest. But it would have
to be done.
Susan!
She jumped. It was Adinath.
Just taking in the scenery and having a little time to myself,
she said.
She turned back to the scenery hoping he would realize she
wanted to be alone. And if he realized it, to respect it.
He didn't take the hint.
Instead he nodded and said, Those Americans. He shook
his head, as if the Americans were her reason for needing some
personal space.
They're fine, she said abruptly and continued walking,
hoping he'd go do something to earn his money instead of
talking to her.
They're brave, he conceded. But I don't think every kid is
going to make it up Kala Patthar.
Sunita shrugged.
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They've made it this far.
She surveyed the small village. A couple of teahouses and a
coffeehouse. This used to be Everest base camp. Her grandfather
would know the history. Now it was just a remote outpost on the
way to the highest summits in the world.
When she had turned to God, she hadn't expected to feel this
restlessness.
All she knew was, she had been suffering and Jesus had come
to her and shown her he was the way. But having journeyed
home to learn more from her grandfather, she had encountered
Chris and his fascinating little group. And now it seemed as if
they might have the answers she was looking for.
Despite the risks, she wanted to somehow share the news of
her faith with everyone who was willing to listen. She knew even
better than Chris how much her country needed the hope that
came from her new faith.
She turned to Adinath.
So, you are Hindu? she asked.
He shrugged.
What else? he said.
What do you think of the Christians? she asked.
They can think whatever they like, he said.
It was hard to know where to go from there. He wasn't
interested. He wasn't hurting. He wasn't in pain. He had big plans
for the future. She knew what that was like. At this point, he
would be impossible to reach.
The afternoon was spent pitching their tents. The kids were
willing to do it all themselves, but Dipesh expected his helpers to
be a part of creating a tidy line of tents, so Adinath and his
brothers were busy giving the kids a hand.
Sunita was sharing a tent with one of the girls, Rachel. Rachel
was quiet, liked to read her Bible, and - Sunita very quickly
realized had a huge crush on Ian.
She confessed to Sunita that she would love to be able to
witness to people like Ian did, but was too shy.
I'm shy too, said Sunita.
Rachel was surprised.
It's true, said Sunita, nodding. She didn't want to terrify
Rachel with stories of what the army would do to her if they
caught her witnessing to someone about her faith, but she said,
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110
It is not easy, sometimes, because not everyone wants to hear it.
But someone was brave enough to tell me about Jesus and I owe
her my life for that.
Rachel nodded slowly.
I never thought about it that way, she said.
Does Chris, uh, witness to people? Sunita asked.
I dunno, was Rachel's honest reply. I've never seen him do
it. Mostly he talks about Everest. She returned her attention to
her Bible. No doubt, trying to get Ian's attention required
extensive Biblical knowledge.
Sunita still didn't have a Bible of her own. It would have been
nice to be able to read like Rachel was doing. Rachel sensed
something and looked up.
Uh, I don't have a Bible, Sunita confessed.
I can get you a Bible! said Rachel immediately as she leaned
forward to unzip the tent flap. Sarah has one. She never reads it.
She just came on this trip because she likes Scott.
Sunita's head was swimming. Scott was a friend of Ian's. But
Rachel was out of the tent before she could ask any more
questions. Sarah? She went through all the girls in her mind.
Blonde, blue eyes, gorgeous nails, she finally decided. Yes, she did
keep her eyes on Scott. One of the few that didn't seem
interested in their Sherpa guides.
Rachel was back in a minute with a pink Bible covered in
glittery silver hearts.
She says you can keep it, Rachel reported. She's going to
tell Scott that she gave it to a real Nepal person. That's true, isn't
it?
Sunita nodded.
Although she was grateful for the Bible, she wondered what
kind of person would be so quick to give up a Bible, especially a
person on a mission trip. Did Chris even bother to get to know
the teenagers he was escorting through her country?
Still, Sarah's loss was her gain.
She opened the book and started at the beginning.
In fact, that's how it started. In the beginning.
It was very interesting reading, very straightforward. Certainly
nothing like evolution. In her case, she had learnt the theory of
evolution in school. But she was also aware of the beliefs of the
older people in the country. Some Hindu students liked to argue
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that their faith was consistent with evolution because they
believed the universe was millions of years old. It was also their
belief that this wasn't the first universe and it wouldn't be the
last. Brahma was the creator. Vishnu was the preserver. Shiva was
the destroyer.
At first, when her life fell to pieces, a friend told her it was
Lord Shiva and that she should embrace it. For some reason, the
army did not mind that some of the female members of the
army promoted Kali, the consort of Shiva, who was known for
her dark, destructive nature. Worshipping her and praying to her
did not bring the wrath of the army upon one.
Sunita tried to embrace the traditional faith, but it had been a
feeble effort. It had not brought relief from the pain.
The pain had come as a result of love, or what felt like love at
the time.
Although she had only been a Lance Corporal, she caught the
attention of a Captain. He wined her and dined her and the
achingly awful part of it all was that in every way, they seemed to
understand one another. Even today, it made her hurt to think
about it. There was just one thing he neglected to mention to
her . . . he was married.
Being older, she had picked up on the fact that there had been
someone in his life. She assumed that he was a widower and that
it was just too painful to talk about. In retrospect, he probably let
her think that rather than tell her the true situation. It had been a
jealous fellow-Lance Corporal who told her the truth. Her
Captain was seen with a woman in a Kathmandu restaurant, a
woman closer to his age.
Not believing at first that it was his wife, she questioned him
about the report. He lied and said the woman was his sister. Then
he admitted that the woman was his wife. Then he said they were
in the middle of a divorce. Then he finally admitted, he would
not be leaving his wife and never had any plans to do so.
To make it worse, not wanting to be on the receiving end of
her wrath, he used his authority to have her transferred to Lukla,
where her main job would be supervising the privates who
patrolled the perimeters of the airport, easily the most
unstimulating post in the Nepalese army and a death sentence
for anyone desiring to move up in the army chain-of-command.
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And silly her, she had thought by dating a Captain, she would
automatically move up. If it had just been about using him for his
rank, it would have been different. But she had genuinely fallen
for the guy and even in retrospect, the laughs they had shared
were real. But apparently, it was far easier for him to walk away
from it all than it was for her.
When she accepted the message her Christian friend shared
with her, it ruined even her posting in Lukla. Sunita would not
have been surprised if the jealous Lance Corporal had something
to do with that too. But in any case, it was her Captain who had
ruined both her personal life and her career.
But whereas the Hindu pantheon was indifferent to her pain,
Jesus had responded. How could she explain it to anyone? Even
her grandfather insisted that Christianity must come in the form
of hospitals, gardens and practical help. He had hardly seemed
impressed that Jesus had come to heal her broken heart.
Women are foolish, he sniffed when she had told him the
story, most of it anyway. Some details she preferred to keep to
herself.
The only puzzling thing about this group of Christians that
she had fallen into was that they did not seem to appreciate Jesus
the way she did. Nor, with the exception of Ian and his small
group of admirers, did they seem particularly concerned about
sharing him beyond their clique.
She really wanted to know more about Jesus. She flipped
ahead in the Bible. This was all new to her, but her grandfather
had shown her in his Bible where the stories about Jesus were.
Today she started a book by someone named John.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the
Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
It sounded sort of like what she had been reading earlier.
He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made that was made . . .
It took some reading for her to piece it together. John was
saying that Jesus was also the creator of the world. Interesting.
Buddhists also believed that their faith was compatible with
evolution and even a necessary part of it. Christianity seemed to
stand opposed to both Buddhism and Hinduism on the grounds
of how everything got here. And many in her country said that
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both Buddhism and Hinduism were more peaceful faiths than
Christianity, yet neither of them had brought peace to Nepal.
John's story of Jesus was so engaging that she ended up
reading right through dinner. And it was easier than facing
Adinath. After dinner, when the kids were returning to their
tents, her grandfather called to her from outside, Er, Susan, are
you OK?
Perfectly, fine, she called back, not bothering to unzip the
tent flap. Just needed some time to myself.
Well, he said hesitantly. Sleep well, then.
You too, she said, trying to sound cheerful. No need to
concern him. She felt moody, and again, restless. The book only
made it worse. Jesus had suffered greatly. She could not compare
her own suffering with his. Yet, his words! Never had she heard
words like his! The Hindus liked to claim Jesus as just another
avatar. The Buddhists liked to say their religion was the way to
love and understanding for all people. Had they read this book,
John? The Jesus in this book was not just a minor character. He
was a central character. He expected to be hated for his beliefs.
He expected his followers would be hated too. He said his
followers wouldn't be able to do anything unless they stayed close
to him. He said he was the way, the truth and the life.
His teachings staggered her. She wasn't even sure that her
friend fully understood this Jesus. Or maybe her friend just didn't
want to go into it all in the short time they had together.
This Jesus had a meal with his followers and then afterward,
took off his outer robe and got down to wash the feet of his
disciples. Like the lowest of servants. Then when he was done,
he said, You call me teacher and master and it is right because I
am. I then, your teacher and master, have washed your feet, you
also should wash one another's feet. For I have given you an
example, that you should do as I do . . .
Surely if anything could drive all thoughts of the Captain out
of her mind, this sort of teaching would.

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115
Chapter Fourteen
ala Patthar.
For some of the kids, this would be the biggest
mountain they ever climbed. For Sunita, it was certainly
the biggest mountain she had climbed in her life. It had none of
the beauty of the mountains towering over them, being brown
and uninspiring next to the snow-capped peaks around it. But it
had the unique quality of providing a view of the tip of Everest.
If you could not climb to the head of the sky, you could at least
view it from Kala Patthar.
And in the end, humble Kala Patthar had been summited far
more times than Everest ever would be if one measured the
worth of something by it's usefulness.
Adinath, Prasad and Harish were all outside, preparing for the
climb. It wasn't Everest, but it did take some preparation. Each
teenager had to have a full water bottle and a high-energy snack -
in this case, American-style candy bars - somewhere in their
pockets. In addition, the Sherpa brothers had thermoses with a
hot sweet fruit juice for the summit.
All the kids were bundled up. The day was bright and sunny,
perfect for seeing the summit of Everest, but it was also cold.
K
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Like much of the terrain in Nepal, you had to go down before
you could start climbing up. In this case, it was down to what was
once a lake, now dry. Then it was a steep climb up.
The Sherpa brothers were busy with the girls who all seemed
to need a hand going up the rocky incline.
Then the path levelled out and Dipesh stopped to make sure
everyone was breathing evenly and able to carry on. Two of the
girls and one of the boys were looking a little out-of-breath.
Dipesh assigned Harith to take up the rear and stay with those
who fell behind and if necessary, to return down to Gorakshep
with anyone who couldn't go on.
It happens, Dipesh called out to all the teenagers. Not
everyone can make it to the summit. Do not be ashamed. Your
health is more important than a view.
But everyone wanted to carry on, so they continued up the
east side of Kala Patthar which, even while they were climbing,
gave them an excellent view, not only of Everest, but of Lhotse
and Nuptse as well.
And in the end, all the teenagers reached the summit. Ian
immediately led the group in a prayer of thanksgiving and then
they were free to survey the scenery.
It was awesome, a panoramic view of some the highest peaks
in the world. Cameras came out and kids started snapping
pictures. Adinath, Prasad and Harish were busy distributing the
hot juice to give them an energy lift and to warm them up. The
winds were intense.
When the thermoses were put away, Adinath joined Sunita.
On the walk up, he had managed to position himself in the
middle of the group, right in front of Sunita. But a walk up Kala
Patthar was not conducive to conversation. For people not used
to climbing, it pushed one to his or her limits of fitness.
Sunita tried to ignore Adinath and concentrate on the scenery.
In the distance, part of the continual chain of mountains, was
Ama Dablam. From this far away, it looked empty of life.
Always they pray, said Adinath.
Sunita shrugged.
They're not the only ones. She waved toward the heavily-
loaded strings of prayer scarves on the summit.
Adinath shrugged.
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But they don't respect our gods. Most people buy a scarf in
Gorakshep to put up here.
They pray to a different god, said Sunita.
They should pray to the god of the mountain, insisted
Adinath. Not bring their own god to this country.
I suppose they are praying to the God who made the
mountains, said Sunita.
Adinath looked at her sharply.
You don't believe in any of it, do you?
It was a moment of decision. Her life. Her faith. It would be
easy enough to keep it hidden. There was no reason to share it
with Adinath. He was not interested in becoming a Christian.
Does it matter to you? she asked out loud. One god or
another?
There was a pause and then Adinath shrugged.
Not really. It's just money to me.
Last night, when she had finished John's stories about Jesus,
she had read some of Matthew's stories about Jesus. Jesus had
said that you shouldn't give dogs what was sacred or throw your
pearls to pigs. If you did, they may trample them under their feet
and then turn and tear you to pieces. It was a new insight into
sharing one's faith.
Another feature of Kala Patthar was a clear view down to
Everest base camp and the Khumbu Icefall that one had to cross
to get to it. With typical teenage eagerness, some of the kids were
surrounding Dipesh and asking him when they would be going
there.
Dipesh laughed.
In time, in time, children, he said. Let us enjoy today.
They deferred to his wisdom, but a lot of them snapped
photos of the base camp before turning their attention to other
views. The view of the Khumbu glacier was spectacular. It was
the location where year-round snow met the melting point. Years
of avalanche had created a debris cover at base camp. Dipesh was
pointing this out to anyone who was interested.
They weren't alone on Kala Patthar. A few other trekkers
came and went in the time they were on the summit. One of
them, a woman, commented to Sunita about the large number of
people in her group.
Sunita nodded.
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Are they a club of some sort? the woman asked. She was
slim, middle-aged and looked like the type of person who
enjoyed outdoor activities. She sounded English.
Of a sort, said Sunita. It's a Christian youth group.
Oh, I see, said the woman, her tone suggesting she was not
a Christian. But she remained friendly. Did they come here all
alone?
Sunita shook her head.
Their chaperone is an experienced climber. He did Everest
many years back and now he's summiting Ama Dablam.
Really? The woman turned to her partner. I wonder if he's
the crazy American? Her male partner was busy doing a 360-
degree turn with his camcorder to capture the dramatic
panorama.
Dunno, he muttered, obviously not wanting to engage in
conversation while he filmed.
Crazy American? said Sunita.
Yes, said the woman. They were talking about some crazy
American at base camp. We were there yesterday. He and some
older Sherpa guide are going up Ama Dablam. I don't remember
the details. Do you remember the details, dear?
Her partner muttered something unintelligible.
But he's alive? said Sunita.
Oh yes, said the woman. And he seems to be doing Ama
Dablam in record time. I wish I'd paid more attention. I take it he
is the children's chaperone?
Possibly, said Sunita, not willing to reveal too much to a
stranger. The Sherpas like to tell stories.
Well, of course they do, said the woman, perfectly willing to
believe that the natives weren't entirely trustworthy.
The woman drifted off.
When the teenagers were finally done with their photos, it was
time for the descent. One of the teens, a slight boy named
Michael, complained that he was feeling dizzy and nauseous. He
sat down on a rock and seemed unable to walk.
Dipesh, immediately concerned, asked him, How long have
you felt this way?
Michael admitted that he had been feeling crummy since
about halfway up.
Why didn't you tell me? demanded Dipesh.
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Michael looked miserable. It was hard to tell whether it was
the AMS or the rebuke. But the answer was obvious. He didn't
want to miss out on the summit.
So Harith had to escort Michael down. The muscular Sherpa
practically carried the slim teenager, he was so weak.
The others descended at various speeds. When they got down
to the tents, Harith reported to Dipesh and Sunita that Michael
was resting in his tent, though he had confessed to Harith that he
hadn't been sleeping well for the last few nights.
Dipesh shook his head in frustration. Inability to sleep was
another AMS symptom.
Negatively-inspired by Michael's collapse, each of the teens
suddenly seemed to have at least one of the symptoms associated
with Acute Mountain Sickness. A couple of girls were
complaining that they had headaches. Most of the teens suddenly
announced that they were very tired. A few even said they were
nauseous.
Dipesh sighed.
Only Ian seemed unaffected by the outbreak. He sternly
rebuked them all for not claiming their healing in the name of
Jesus, and by his stripes they were healed, whatever that meant.
Even Dipesh found it bewildering. But, in any case, it had no
effect on the kids who all took to their tents, some of them
moaning.
I do not know what to make of it, said Dipesh, quietly to
the Sherpa brothers and Sunita. It is just not possible to have
thirty people suddenly become sick.
Adinath, Prasad and Harish all agreed with this assessment.
Still, said Dipesh. We cannot move on until this passes.
Sunita groaned to herself. The trip to base camp would be put
of indefinitely. At this rate it may never happen. Chris could be
dead somewhere on Ama Dablam and how long would it take for
the news to reach them here?
Dipesh warned the Sherpa brothers not to wander off too far
since they would be needed to take care of the children.
Ian joined Sunita as she was heading back for the tent she
shared with Rachel, one of the girls who had complained about a
headache.
What can we do for them? he asked.
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Let them rest, I think, she said. If the symptoms persist,
we'll have to take them to a lower altitude and possibly even get
them some medical attention. But if it was just the ascent to Kala
Patthar that triggered it off, they should get better with rest.
Ian nodded.
I think we should pray, he said.
Sunita hesitated. Prayer was relatively new to her.
Sure, she said.
Ian just stood there.
Right now? she asked.
Ian nodded.
Sunita glanced over to where Adinath, Prasad and Harish were
still standing. She couldn't pray in front of them. And she
couldn't invite Ian back to her tent.
Would you like to go to the teahouse? she asked. We could
pray there . . .?
But Ian was already walking to one end of the long line of
tents. When he reached the first one, he called out, Oh God,
creator of all living! That certainly got the attention of Adinath,
Prasad and Harish. And Sunita had no choice but to join him.
We pray today for your people, sick in these tents! He started
walking. Please send your awesome healing power to deliver us
from this sickness!
Amen, brother! someone called out from one of the tents.
Sunita couldn't tell whether the voice was serious.
Father, we came here to serve you! Ian was striding now,
and Sunita could see he was really getting into his prayer.
Adinath, Prasad and Harish were watching in fascination. We
came to climb mountains for you! Not to lie sick in tents!
There was a groan from one of the tents.
We came to tell Nepal about you! Ian continued. How can
we do this if we're too sick to move?
Now Adinath, Prasad and Harish were looking at each other
and Adinath was even glancing over at Sunita. This was the first
time they'd heard that the children were here for anything other
than climbing small mountains.
Restore us to health! Ian called out. He was almost at the
final tent. Restore us to health that we might serve you! Amen.
Amen, whispered Sunita.

121
Chapter Fifteen
hether it was real or whether it was psychosomatic, the
bout of Acute Mountain Sickness kept the kids close
to their tents. Yet the symptoms remained mild and
most of the kids had hearty appetites, which was a strong
indication that they were not in need of medical attention.
I think they are just tired, Dipesh concluded to Sunita and
the Sherpa brothers. Tired physically and tired of travelling. He
shrugged. So we stay here for some time. I do not even care if
we miss base camp, but I figure when they've rested, they'll want
to go on.
Adinath, Prasad and Harish agreed. Even Michael was much
better. He still complained that he was tired, but he could eat
small meals and the dizziness and nausea were gone.
But what was most disturbing to Sunita was the way that
Adinath looked at her. Something had changed at the point
where Ian had prayed for the group and she had followed along
behind. He no longer looked at her with interest, but with
suspicion.
In any case, she spent most of her time now in her tent, with
Rachel, reading Sarah's Bible. Rachel's headache had long-since
W
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receded. Her main interest was getting the attention of Ian.
Rachel wasn't the prettiest of the girls on the trip, but Sunita
could at least encourage her that it didn't look like Ian was
interested in anyone else.
I don't think he's ever had a girlfriend, Rachel whispered to
Sunita. Outside, it was easy to hear everything that was said in a
tent. He's very focused on God.
Well, that's excellent, said Sunita, who didn't know what else
to say. But, of course, it was no comfort to Rachel who generally
went around looking glum - which didn't do much to help her
looks.
Beauty had never been an issue for Sunita, especially with a
career in the army. But she used some of their time in the tent to
help Rachel rearrange her hair and apply some light lipstick.
I look silly with lipstick, said Rachel, looking at herself in a
compact mirror. I don't know if Ian will like it.
It has sunblock in it, said Sunita. It's very practical to have
some protection for your lips.
Rachel nodded at the wisdom of that.
But stay in your Bible, said Sunita. I think that's really the
way to win his heart.
A few days later, Sunita passed by Adinath, Prasad and Harish,
who were having coffee around the campfire.
Prasad called out a greeting to her and asked her if she wanted
to join them. They had managed to obtain some plastic chairs
from somewhere.
Coffeehouse full today? she asked.
Everest Trekker's Coffee was popular with both Sherpas and
foreigners.
Adinath groaned.
We can't go there anymore, he said.
Why not? she asked, accepting a mug of coffee from
Prasad.
Because of that crazy American, Adinath burst out.
At first, she thought he was talking about Chris.
He tells everyone about Jesus! said Adinath. We go to the
coffeehouse and there he is, telling everyone about Jesus! Then
everyone laughs at us!
He must be talking about Ian, thought Sunita.
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A few minutes of conversation resulted in Sunita finding out
that the kids who had recovered quickly spent a lot of their spare
time in the teahouse or at Everest Trekker's Coffee. Ian, who had
never been sick, was a regular at the coffeehouse, telling people
about the one and only way to have eternal life. The other
Sherpas were amused, but the Western travellers were not. More
than once, fellow-trekkers had told Ian to take a hike.
Take a hike, said Harish, shaking his head at the play on
words. It's funny.
No, it's not, said Adinath. We look stupid for bringing this
crazy person here. He glared at Sunita. At least, Prasad and
Harish were a little more good-natured about it. Sunita gathered
that they would have chosen to just ride out the ribbing at the
coffeehouse if it hadn't been for Adinath.
The teahouse situation was just as bad, apparently. The kids
drank tea and talked among themselves. But according to
Adinath, they also liked to shyly share their faith with the girls
who were supposed to be cleaning rooms, waiting on tables and
washing dishes. The proprietor had complained to Adinath that
productivity was down now that his employees had to politely
listen to these customers who never bought much more than a
cup of tea from him.
Sunita returned to her tent, feeling uneasy.
She only had to see Adinath at meals, but he was clearly not a
friend anymore.
Rachel was lying back on her sleeping bag, looking miserable.
What is it, dear? Sunita asked, crouching down, concerned.
Is it AMS . . .?
Rachel shook her head.
It was love, Sunita decided.
I just found out something interesting! said Sunita, suddenly.
I was talking to the guys, you know, Adinath, Prasad and
Harish . . .
Rachel nodded, not really interested.
They say Ian is witnessing in the coffeehouse.
Rachel sat up slightly, interested.
I think its time you get out there and do something, Sunita
continued.
Rachel's eyes widened.
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You know your Bible, said Sunita. Go out there and share
it!
Rachel was giving this serious thought.
Maybe I will . . . she said.
Go and do it now! said Sunita. She could see the girl's
distress. The time for preparation was over. This moment called
for action.
I will! said Rachel, running fingers through her hair and
starting to pat around her area for lipstick.
Don't bother with that! said Sunita. You look fine, really!
Really? said Rachel, looking as if she didn't believe it.
Really, said Sunita honestly. Ian would appreciate the girl's
willingness to witness with him. Lipstick would hardly be noticed.
Go now!
And Rachel did.
Alone in the tent, Sunita sighed and leaned back on her
sleeping bag. If only she had someone older and wiser to tell her
what to do.

Ian and Rachel were sitting together at dinner. It was only
beans with some meat in it, but they were too busy talking to
notice what they were eating. They looked like they had a lot to
say to each other now.
Sunita smiled to herself. She sat with Dipesh and he remarked
that although all the kids were looking healthier, he was going to
postpone the base camp day-trip for another few days. Sunita
nodded, now bereft of any hope of seeing Chris again any time
soon.
Rachel returned to the tent late after dinner. When she did,
she was bright-eyed with enthusiasm.
Ian says we're going to take Nepal for Jesus! she said,
forgetting to whisper.
Sunita smiled.
Good, she said.
We're going back tomorrow, Rachel continued, in a slightly
quieter voice. Some of the Sherpas want to hear more. They like
the story of Jesus. A lot of them have heard of him, but they
didn't know much about him . . .
Sunita half-listened to the girl relate the events at the
coffeehouse. That was love for you. Rachel wouldn't have
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marched inside that coffeehouse all by herself to tell the Sherpas
about Jesus, but with Ian there, she would have braved a den of
lions.
That was the story Sunita was reading tonight. Daniel in the
den of lions. Sunita had finished all of the stories about Jesus and
all the letters written to the early church. Now she was halfway
through what was called the Old Testament. One good thing was
coming out this enforced stay at Gorakshep. By the time she saw
Chris again, if she ever did, she would be able to say she had read
the entire Bible.

The next day over a breakfast of rehydrated eggs and biscuits,
Adinath started asking her questions.
Sunita tried to be polite but Adinath did not return the
courtesy. He wanted to know more about her. Was she an
American? Was she a Christian? Was she a qualified guide?
The questions were so blunt there was no way to be evasive.
So she was honest.
No. Yes. No.
Then Rachel hurried up to excitedly tell Sunita that she and
Ian were now off to the coffeehouse to continue where they had
left off yesterday.
Bye! she called out, as she hurried to join Ian.
See what happens! said Adinath, waving an angry hand at
them. They ruin it for us! There is nothing to do here but go
there or there . . . He pointed at the coffeehouse and then the
teahouse. And they ruin it for us at both!
Maybe it's time to take a trip to base camp, said Sunita,
suddenly hit with inspiration. If the three brothers encouraged
Dipesh, he might decide that the kids were ready to move on.
Yes, I think we should, grumbled Adinath.
Sunita returned to her empty tent to read her Bible. She
noticed that Rachel and Ian didn't make it to lunch. But, of
course, a coffeehouse was a good place to get a bite to eat if you
didn't want to take a break from your preaching. Adinath and his
brothers were all around Dipesh at lunch and it looked as if they
were trying to persuade him of something. Her grandfather was
nodding slowly.
At dinner around the campfire, Dipesh announced that
anyone who was feeling up to it could join the group for a day-
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126
trip to base camp tomorrow. A murmur of excitement ran
through the group. None of the kids looked sick now. But
Dipesh was quick to add that if anyone preferred to stay at
Gorakshep, someone would stay behind with them.
That would be me, thought Sunita.
But the next morning, all of the kids were lined up, including
Rachel and Ian, for the trek to Everest base camp.
Dipesh and his team had ordered sandwiches from the
teahouse and each teenager was given one, along with a candy
bar, for the walk. Hot thermoses filled with tea were also coming
along.
The walk started along the dirty brown trail that matched the
landscape of Kala Patthar. The kids were excited. Though
Everest base camp was only the beginning for the mountaineer, it
was the ultimate experience for the trekker, the end of the
journey. Adinath, however, was looking edgy. As they left
Gorakshep behind, she noticed him looking over his shoulder
several times. He was ahead of her, near the front of the group.
As their group snaked along the trail, the front half disappeared
when the path suddenly dipped. Sunita, who was in the rear,
glanced back at Gorakshep and froze.
Army uniforms. Entering Gorakshep. Was that what Adinath
had been looking for? What did it mean?
It was possible there had been a report of some sort of illegal
behaviour. Everest, and all the mountains surrounding, were
regarded as sacred. Travellers weren't allowed to litter and even
human waste had to be carried off the mountain. An unruly
group of mountaineers would definitely merit the arrival of the
army. But Gorakshep had been calm. In a few hours, she would
know if Everest base camp was calm as well.
Her mind was racing.
She was barely able to take in the scenery, though her legs
were aware that it was a difficult walk. The kids all stopped to
gawk at the wreckage of helicopters that had crashed due to the
thin air.
For a while, Nuptse blocked their view of Everest.
The soil and rock soon turned to ice and the walking was
more cautious. As her grandfather had warned the children, the
area was unstable. This was the point at which melting occurred
and it was a journey across moving ice. Everyone had their
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127
crampons and their walking poles, thanks to the foresight of
Dipesh back in Kathmandu.
The colourful tents of base camp were now in sight.
Ian and Rachel must have sent up a prayer or two about the
days journey because today, although there were plenty of ups
and downs due to the uneven terrain, the children didn't need to
cross any crevasses dropping to a dark unknown. For that matter,
they barely needed to use the ropes held in place by pickets. On a
bad day, trekkers would have to clip and unclip their way across
the treacherous terrain.
It was but a small mercy for Sunita who couldn't stop thinking
about the troops back at Gorakshep. The base camp looked
quiet, with only a few expeditions, which probably meant that the
army hadn't been called in to handle anything here.
Which could only mean that they were . . . looking for her.
Was it possible they would come this far?
Sunita caught Adinath watching her. Yes it was, she decided.
Especially if one particular Sherpa guide decided that he didn't
like Christians. Gorakshep wasn't so cut off from the world that
it didn't have electricity and cellphone service.
Oh God! What was she going to do?
She looked up at the towering peaks. It was true. At base
camp, you couldn't see the summit of Everest. But it was a
majestic view, nonetheless.
Now Dipesh and the three brothers were talking to the
Sherpas who were manning base camp. There was laughing and
chatting since they knew some of them. Sunita stayed back with
the kids.
Then the hot tea was distributed and the kids shyly came
forward to talk to the other Sherpas, as well as a couple of
members of an expedition from Chile. Everyone was interested
in thirty teenagers suddenly arriving at base camp. They weren't
the typical older trekkers that usually came for a quick visit.
The latest was that there had been a small avalanche that
morning. A Sherpa pointed it out to them and the kids started
taking pictures.
Sunita didn't want to push forward and ask if there had been
any news of Chris and Kamal. It was a man's world here and if
she joined the Sherpa guides and asked for information they
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128
would immediately be able to discern a special interest on her
part. Hopefully one of the kids would ask about Chris.
Scanning the group for Ian, she thought he would be the
logical one to ask someone.
As she did, she caught a glimpse of something orange. It was
an orange-and-black jacket emerging from a tent. A yawning man
stepped out. Was it possible?
For one moment, she disbelieved. It was too good to be true
and all hope of seeing Chris at base camp had been abandoned at
Gorakshep.
But it was! As she stood and stared, it was definitely Chris.
Chris looked over at the group and even at a distance, Sunita
could see his eyes widen.
She laughed. She couldn't help it. Everything in her had to be
ordered to stand still or else she would have just started running
toward him.
Now the kids had spotted him and they were hurrying over to
surround him and he was the one laughing and fielding their
questions.
Yes, he had summited Ama Dablam.
Yes, he still had one more mountain to go.
What had they been up to?
Had they done Kala Patthar?
The kids were hugging him and he was hugging them.
Chris had changed.
There was warmth in his eyes. And he kept glancing over at
Sunita.
She couldnt stop smiling.
You did it, she said moving closer.
His grin for her was even wider.
Only half done, he said.
Now he had managed to make it out of the centre of the
group and was in front of her.
And you? he said. Is everything going OK?
She hesitated and then nodded.
What could he do to help her? He was only one man and a
foreigner, at that. If the army showed up at base camp, they
would haul her away and there would be nothing Chris could do
about it.
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129
Kamal appeared from somewhere. He was beaming. Soon he
and Dipesh were talking and Sunita gathered that Kamal was
having the time of his life.
He climbs like a madman, said Kamal loudly. I like him!
Adinath and his brothers, however, were staring at Chris with
disapproval.
Madmen get people killed, Sunita heard one of them
mutter.
Normally, a visit to base camp was short. Today, Chris
catching up with his kids prolonged it. Sunita watched.
Yes, Chris had changed. He was different than the man she
had last seen in Lobuche. He was open and relaxed.
But when it was time to say goodbye to everyone, he was
watching her with concern.
Sunita, he said softly. What's going on?
She glanced over at Adinath. He was at the front of the group,
seemingly eager to get back to Gorakshep.
It's nothing, Chris, she said.
Chris shook his head.
I know what that means, he said. When a woman says it's
nothing, it usually means it's earth-shattering.
She smiled at this insight.
I don't want to bother you, she said. At the same time, it
was slowly dawning on her that she might never see him again. If
the men at Gorakshep were really there waiting for her, then it
would be prison and perhaps, death.
Go ahead and bother me, he said.
Hesitantly, she told him what she had seen just as they left
Gorakshep. As he stood there, looking grim, she added that she
was pretty sure it had something to do with Adinath and related
about his interest in her that had turned sour, as well as his
hostility toward Christians. Chris looked over at Adinath who was
now visibly impatient and ready to move out.
OK, said Chris, taking a deep breath. Wait here.
Sunita watched him walk away. He headed for Dipesh and was
soon talking to her grandfather. Dipesh looked surprised and
then hesitant and then, finally, he nodded.
The kids were all ready to go, thanks to the Sherpa brothers
edging them away from Chris. Dipesh nodded to Adinath and
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130
waved at him to start escorting them back. Adinath nodded,
stared at Sunita and then began leading the group.
Whatever she expected, Chris took her completely by surprise
when he returned to her side. He grabbed her arm and pulled her
down behind the nearest tent.
What are you doing? she gasped.
He put a finger to her lips. Wide-eyed, she just stared at him.
Dipesh was hurrying to join the teenagers as they crossed back
over the ice.
What are you doing? she said again, this time whispering.
Dipesh agrees with me, he said. Adinath has been asking
him a lot of questions about you. Who are you, where did you
come from, that sort of thing. He asked Dipesh if he realized
that youre a Christian. If you saw the army arrive in Gorakshep,
it was probably because of him.
Sunita didn't realize it at first, but she was clutching Chris's
hand.
What am I going to do? she whispered.
Chris peered around the corner of the tent.
The kids were disappearing out of sight, through a pass of ice,
hidden by a frozen waterfall.
You're staying with me, he said standing up and gently
pulling her to her feet. He was grinning. Congratulations! You're
going up Lhotse!

131
Part Three

Lhotse

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133
Chapter Sixteen
ow are your mountain-climbing skills?
Sunita just stared at him.
You're a Sherpa so you must be pretty good, said
Chris. It was so great to see her again. He had thought that
tackling Ama Dablam might drive her out of his thoughts, but it
had been just the opposite. She had become his reason for doing
this. Not to get her attention by showing off, but more to prove
to himself that he was worthy of her.
Now that it was confirmed that the army was still after her, he
knew a future with her would be a risky one, an edgy one, serving
God in a dangerous situation rather than in the comfort of a
small American church. That is, if he had ever been serving God
back in Illinois.
Sunita was indignant.
Just because I'm a Sherpa you think I can summit any
mountain I want to!
He grinned.
No, he said. I'm just hoping it won't be too hard on you,
that's all. As soon as that Adinath character gets back, he's going
to put two-and-two together and figure out that you stayed here.
H
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Chris started walking for a small group of tents.
So we have to set out right away, he said over his shoulder.
The army might have enough moxie to follow you to base camp,
but they're certainly not going to follow you up Lhotse.
Sunita, right behind him, couldn't decide which of her fifty
questions to ask first. But Chris started answering some of them.
Our cook packed up and left yesterday. His wife is having a
baby and he didn't want to miss it. Kamal is complaining that
well starve. I keep trying to tell him that it takes no skill to open
a package of tea but he won't listen to me. I don't expect you to
take the cooks place. My only point is, we have some extra gear.
He was unzipping his tent flap. I can't pretend it'll be easy, but if
you're willing, I'm more than happy to make this work.
She was dazed.
Yes, she said, finally. Yes, I am.
Sleepy-looking Kamal seemed to accept Sunita as a natural
part of the expedition, as if it had been something planned all
along. The honeymooning couple would summit Lhotse together.
The tent was now being emptied.
Fifteen minutes later, everything was stowed in their
backpacks. Sunita was carrying the load that the cook would have
handled.
Kamal gleefully pointed out that the very first successful
summit of Lhotse had required 200 Sherpa porters.
Chris grinned at Sunita.
He likes to tell me these interesting tidbits to keep up my
morale.
Maybe we'll break a record, said Sunita, grimly. The full
impact of what she was doing was hitting her. Army training had
prepared her for the heavy load she was carrying, but it had never
covered summiting the highest peaks in Nepal.
Oh, I think all records have been broken as far as Lhotse
goes, said Chis. About four hundred people have made it to the
top so far.
Oldest person to summit it was 72-years-old and youngest
person to summit it was 17, said Kamal.
Chris, obviously in an upbeat mood said, So we won't win
any prizes there.
They were leaving Everest base camp behind.
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135
I've already climbed Lhotse Face, said Chris,
conversationally. When I was doing Everest. It's pure ice.
Sunita nodded numbly. Any Sherpa knew that the western side
of Lhotse was the first part of the South Col on Everest. But she
wasn't any Sherpa. She was one who had moved to Kathmandu
to join the army rather than spend her life among the
mountaineers and trekkers.
Anyway, we're going up the south face, he said. So we may
end up breaking some records there.
Sunita nodded again.
The steepest side, she said. Why should she expect that they
would take the easy route? And easy was a relative word here.
Steepest face in the whole world, agreed Kamal. Lots of
fatalities.
Sunita was pretty certain that Kamal could also provide them
with the statistics of how many people had died trying to summit
Lhotse and its various faces.
How many successful summits of the south face? she
asked.
Not too many, Kamal said vaguely. Most of them
unverified.
That'll be us, she said.
Chris laughed.
I'm not doing this for the glory, he said.
I know, she said. You're doing it for God. Back in
Lobuche, it had sounded noble. Back in Gorakshep, she had
longed to be with him. So why was she so sulky now? It wasn't
the fear of death. Anything was better than the army catching up
with her. It wasn't even the discomfort. Army training had
provided her with plenty of that.
It was the absurdity of it all. It was fine for Chris to want to
prove himself by climbing a mountain, but she had already
proven herself by accepting Jesus as her saviour in a country
where that was practically forbidden.
Chris was quiet now, the comfortable silence that fell among
mountaineers who shared the overall experience while at the
same time, being intensely focused on the personal challenges of
the climb.
But maybe this wasn't about proving herself, Sunita decided.
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136
Maybe this was just the next step in her faith. After all, what
else did she have planned? She was in Nepal. Might as well climb
the steepest slope of one of the highest mountains.
She glanced up at Chris who was beside her. The icy path was
still wide enough for two. He looked light-hearted despite the
dangers ahead. He looked down at her and grinned. In that
moment, Sunita felt all her emotional weight evaporate into the
thin mountain air. She still had the heavy pack and she
anticipated a lot of achy muscles in the near future, but it would
be one-day-at-a-time with this new God of hers.
Her peevishness a thing of the past, she returned the grin,
now feeling as light-hearted as him.

137
Chapter Seventeen
o what makes us think we'll be successful? Sunita asked
that night, after they had set up their camp and were
sipping tea. She had to give Chris full points. He pitched in
and helped set up camp and prepare the evening meal. Many
mountaineers just liked to concentrate on the climbing, leaving
everything else to the Sherpas.
Sunita's question wasn't hostile, just curious and Chris
nodded, like he considered it a valid question.
For one thing, he said. From what I've read, the previous
attempts have been in the winter. Maybe a summer expedition
will give us an edge. Blizzards and high winds have kept people
from summiting Lhotse in the past.
The sun was going down. They had climbed until they were
comfortably tired, leaving themselves enough energy to set up
camp. Chris said they were roughly following the route of a
Japanese expedition that had summited the south face in the
winter. They were at base camp 1, about 6000 metres above sea
level.
S
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But the base camps at Everest were more established and
recognizable as you went up the mountain. Lhotse was
something you more-or-less had to decide for yourself.
They were on a small ledge that Sunita was hoping was made
of rock, or at least, ice solid enough not to crack in the night
under their weight.
The fact that we're a small group is not against us, Chris
continued. One of the best summits so far has been by a Polish
climber who soloed the south face.
And fell into a crevasse to his death on the way down, said
Kamal.
Thanks for that cheery thought, Kamal, said Chris. He
turned to Sunita. But seriously, you don't have to summit this
mountain if you dont want to. This is my thing. We can get you
settled in at base camp 4 and you can wait for us there.
Chris had had time to think. It had seemed like a good idea
down at Everest base camp, bringing her up here. And so far, she
had done amazingly well. But she didn't have the training he had
and even more important, didn't have the burning desire he did
to summit a mountain once he set his mind to it.
Sunita nodded slowly. It was true. The mountain wasn't her
thing. The whole point of her joining this expedition was to
avoid the army. Base camp 4 on Lhotse would certainly achieve
that.
Thanks, Chris, she said. I might do that.
One of the more awkward aspects of the arrangement was
that Kamal took them to be a married couple. He had been
willing to share his two-man tent with the cook, but he certainly
would have found it strange to share with Chris and let Sunita
sleep alone. So that night, Chris and Sunita wiggled into their
two-man tent. They each had their sleeping bags, but that didn't
change the fact that their bodies were pressed against each other.
And the night was cold. Chris gave her a quick smile before
rolling over to his side, back to her, and going to sleep.
Or at least, pretending to go to sleep. He groaned to himself.
Sunita beside him was a huge distraction. They should have just
come clean with Kamal. He wouldn't have cared. He was old and
a rebel. But there was always the danger that if he told his wife or
daughter who Sunita really was, they would immediately report it
to the proper authorities. According to Kamal, they were
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139
frighteningly law-abiding and didn't like to take risks. The only
reason his son-in-law had issued them the permits was because in
Nepali culture, the younger ones were expected to respect their
elders.
And so, here he was, trying to sleep beside her. It made him
dizzy just being so close to her. Talking to her was out of the
question. So instead, he lay still, concentrating on his breathing
until he had a steady rhythm that almost felt like sleep. Except
that he was awake.
What a blessing to just be able to drop off like that, thought Sunita.
The surface was hard and cold. Then she tried sleeping on her
back and felt every rock on the ground. She returned to her
original position, her back to Chris, but she wasn't used to
sleeping on her left side. But rolling onto her right side meant
facing Chris . . . and the scent of whatever cologne he wore, or
soap he used, or whatever it was that made him smell so good.
She tried her right side for five minutes and found it hard to
breathe against Chris's back. Back to the left side. Then there was
the added stress of worrying that she might wake him up. And it
was cold. So cold. It was hard to sleep in the cold. She found
herself moving her back as close as she could to Chris. The irony
was that Kamal was probably envying them, imagining them in
one sleeping bag sharing body heat.
Finally, after an hour of restlessness, she drifted off. When she
awoke, she and Chris were face-to-face. She started. It woke him
and he grinned.
Good morning, he said. It was a good morning. No matter
how this had come about, it was the best morning he could recall,
waking up and seeing her.
She nodded and immediately sat up.
Yes, it is, she said, crisply. It was unnerving, waking up
together. It made her ache. She refused to let herself dwell on it.
Breakfast was a quick tea and some biscuits and dried fruit.
Despite growing up in the shadow of these mountains, Sunita
knew next-to-nothing about climbing. She hoped she wasn't too
much of a liability to Chris. He seemed to be doing most of the
work for her. Kamal affixed the ropes. Chris called out calm
instructions to her. There was a lot of clipping and unclipping.
They were doing an almost vertical ascent and she didn't want to
think too much about it. Chris was right beside her, showing her
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140
where to put her axe. The crampons on her boots belonged to
her, but the axe was the Sherpa cook's, who in his anxiousness to
get back to his wife had left it behind. Thankfully, the handle was
a comfortable fit for her small hand. Otherwise the ascent would
have been impossible.
When they got to the top, Chris assured her that this was likely
the hardest part of the day.
She nodded. The whole way up, she had been praying. No fear,
no fear, no fear. At one time it would have been a mantra. Now it
was a request. The peace she was experiencing was evidence that
the request had been heard and answered.
They would only be going 200 metres higher than last night,
Chris told her.
Normally, a group would hike up to base camp 2 but then
return to base camp 1 to sleep, said Chris. But I'm feeling good
and I'd just as soon sleep at camp 2 tonight and maybe rest
tomorrow.
Sunita nodded her agreement. A larger group would have
taken it slowly, so that all members could adjust to the higher
altitude. Not needing to acclimatize was one advantage of her
Sherpa heritage.
That was the extent of their talking for the day. Though not as
steep, the ice still required full concentration.
The higher they went, the less energy they had. They had to
make sure they reserved enough to set up camp.
So you said that most people would not go straight from
base camp 1 to base camp 2, said Sunita, over tea that night. It
was the only thing she could think of saying. All she had looked
at all day was ice and snow. Her mind felt as blank as the
whiteness.
It was Kamal who answered.
Yes, he said. When I was younger, the group would climb
up to base camp 2, then return to base camp 1 to sleep. Then
they might do a little more climbing the next day. But back to
base camp 1 to sleep. Then, maybe, two days of rest. And then
back up to base camp 2, to spend the night . . .
And then repeat it all over again with base camps 2 and 3,
said Chris, shaking his head.
It's a slow way to go up the mountain, said Sunita.
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141
They all agreed and that was their conversation for the
evening.
More tired tonight, it wasn't as hard getting to sleep. Chris and
Sunita automatically started off back-to-back, but at some point
in the night twisted around. Sunita was horrified to wake up with
her head buried in his neck. How long had she been leaning on
him like that?
But there was that grin again.
At some point in the night, Chris had realized that Sunita was
nestled up against him. Climbing Lhotse was certainly going to
be unforgettable with Sunita as a tent-mate. Usually he was alone
in his tent. Chris had climbed many smaller mountains before
tackling Everest. You didn't just take on the highest mountain in
the world without a solid portfolio of smaller peaks behind you.
Otherwise, any decent expedition wouldn't let you come aboard.
He had been all over North America Mount Whitney in
California, Mount Elbert in Colorado, Mount Rainier in
Washington, Mount McKinley in Alaska, Mount Logan in the
Yukon, Pico de Orizabo in Mexico, not to mention many of the
other smaller peaks. He had been climbing seriously since he was
twelve. But Everest had left him with the sense that all the
highest peaks had been summited and there wasn't anything left
for him.
Until that day he had been standing in Lobuche and Ama
Dablam had called out to him, challenging him to do it once
again. To demonstrate that he could do it, but even more this
time - to establish that he was up to whatever challenges were still
ahead of him.
The day of rest at base camp started off leisurely, but they still
needed to put in some climbing.
Trying not to seem like a show-off, Chris demonstrated to
Sunita some more effective ways of moving up a wall of ice.
Kamal wasn't so interested in preserving her dignity.
C'mon girl! he yelled at her. You don't fool me! You are a
Sherpa but you look like a turtle! Move like a Sherpa. Go up it
like a panther.
Sunita was huffing and puffing.
If I have any energy left in me after this is over, she said to
Chris through gritted teeth. I will kill him.
Don't listen to him, said Chris. You're doing fine.
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142
Turtle or panther, they all made it to the top.
And one thing was clear, Kamal had not fallen for the story
that she was an American. Maybe he figured she was born in
Nepal.
The following day, they did a climb to see where the next base
camp should be. They would be going up approximately 900
meters, a huge adjustment for the body. Even Chris wanted to
return down to base camp 2 to sleep that night.
There was still some shelter from the wind up there, said
Chris, when they were having a meal of rehydrated soup. I'm
thinking that that might be the best place for you to wait for us.
Why? Sunita asked. I thought I would be going up to base
camp 4 with you.
That's what I thought at first, said Chris. But camp 4 is
going to put us at about 8000 metres which could mean some
pretty bad winds. Not a nice place to hang-out.
Sunita shrugged.
Maybe I'll summit Lhotse with you.
That had raised his eyebrows.
It was an idle statement, not thought out. But the more Sunita
thought about it that night when, despite exhaustion, she was
having trouble falling asleep, the more the idea appealed to her. It
wasn't easy what they were doing, but she was getting the hang
of it. What if she and Chris did have a future together? Would
she always want to be left behind just short of the summit? Or
did she want to be there right beside him every time?
The next day was much the same. Straight climbs up ice. No
looking down, only up. Getting to the top and rappelling down to
do it all over again. Practise. Practise. Practise. This was the South
Face of Lhotse. Over dinner, Kamal discussed the route that
most people took up the West Face.
The path is practically cut into the mountain, he said
scornfully. Easy. For baby Sherpas.
Chris laughed.
If you call it easy going along in thigh-deep snow and cutting
winds. And they have their ice walls.
Only three-storeys high, said Kamal, with a tone of voice
that said it required no further discussion.
Chris grinned at Sunita. Chris and Kamal had a natural
rapport as a result of their time on Ama Dablam, but the sense
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143
of being a team was shifting to him and Sunita. Chris liked the
way it was going, the way they could share a look of
understanding behind the older man's back. Kamal was grumpy,
certain that the whole world was out-of-step and that he was the
only one who saw things correctly.
After one more day at base camp 2, they were all eager to
move on. Climbing with equipment was different than climbing
without. Most of it had to be pulled up rock and ice faces by
ropes and pulleys and it was slow going. So slow that they didn't
make it all the way up to their anticipated base camp and ended
up camping midway. The next morning was an early start and by
afternoon they were setting up base camp 3.
Whew! said Chris, almost out of breath, as he and Sunita
rested in their tent. It was the first time they had done this, taken
an afternoon nap. They could hear Kamal already snoring in his
tent.
I couldn't agree with you more, said Sunita, her eyes closed,
so tired she didn't care that they were lying side-by-side in such a
close space.
Exhaustion. It was an interesting sensation, thought Chris. It
dominated everything, even his sex drive. But it was still a great
feeling to have Sunita beside him. Just to be able to share the
experience of being utterly worn out with exertion.
None of them woke up for dinner.
Three days here, said Kamal as they drank coffee and ate
dried biscuits the next morning.
Chris, who still wasn't feeling normal, nodded. Sunita seemed
well rested, suffering no ill effects from the high altitude.
What about the kids? she asked, after Kamal stood up to do
a reconnaissance of the area. Will you make it back in time to
get them home?
They have about two weeks to go, he said. To be honest,
I've lost track of time. But Dipesh will get them back to
Kathmandu if I can't.
Will your church mind if you dont come home on the same
flight with them? asked Sunita.
Chris took a deep breath that had nothing to do with the thin
air.
I'm not sure I want to go home right away, he said slowly.
Her eyes widened.
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144
I just can't imagine going home and returning to the same
old pulpit and quoting a bunch of mountain scriptures to inspire
people to tackle their problems at work or with their families.
Sunita smiled.
Is that what you did?
He nodded. More or less.
So . . . then . . . she said. If not back to the States, where
would you like to be?
Here, he said simply, looking around. Not on the
mountain, but here where people need to hear about Jesus.
People in my church know about him already. They get caught up
in the cares of the world, but when the world lets them down,
they'll know where to look. You convinced me back in Lobuche
that people here don't even know where to look.
She nodded.
But it's a big step, Chris. It's not an easy road that you're
choosing.
He smiled.
Like climbing the South Face of Lhotse is?
They both laughed.
And Sunita knew for certain that she would have to summit
this mountain too.

145
Chapter Eighteen
ow that Sunita knew she was going to summit the
mountain, she spent the next three days in active
training.
Chris sensed that something had changed in her. There was a
determination now, rather than a passive acceptance of the
situation.
The South Face of Lhotse wasn't just about meeting the
challenges of high altitude climbing, but of physical effort under
extreme conditions. They had some oxygen, and would probably
end up using it, but so far they had relied on resting after each
bout of exertion. Sunita wanted to learn everything Chris could
teach her and, to his chagrin, he was able to do so in three days.
Either he didn't know as much as he thought, or else she was just
a natural climber.
In fact, the more she climbed, the more Sunita could
understand why people bothered with the mountains. It wasn't
the Nepali people who had first summited these heights; it was
the foreigners who had come and looked at the peaks and
decided that they had to stand at the top of them. But once the
Sherpas had started their careers as guides to these crazy
N
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146
outsiders, they had proven themselves adept at summiting their
own mountains.
Now she was feeling it. A new ability - to face a wall of ice
and go up it had been discovered and surged through her,
almost like a sensation. It was an ability she never knew she had.
And she was beginning to understand why Chris needed to do
this before facing a future telling the Nepali people about Jesus.
Army training was similar. You pushed yourself as far as you
could and then when the day of real combat came, you could
handle it. Maybe it was even a little easier than you expected.
Each day, she and Chris were pushing themselves to the limit.
On the fourth day, they moved up to base camp 4. Now they
were at 8000 metres. The summit was only 500 metres above
them.
Their exhaustion wasn't so intense as the day they had arrived
at base camp 3, and Kamal took the time over a dinner of dried
meat, more biscuits and coffee to reminisce about some of the
larger expeditions he had been on when he was younger.
Heated dining tents, he was saying, as they all sat out in the
cold, windy night air. Food that Westerners like. All sitting on
chairs with tables . . .
Chris grinned at Sunita. Their chairs were small squares of
tarp, arranged on blocks of ice. Despite their pants with
insulation, the chill still made it through.
Coffee without all these grinds, said Kamal, looking into his
mug.
Hey! said Chris who had made the coffee. Besides, I
thought you liked adventure!
I don't mind a bit of comfort too, said Kamal. But you
don't have comfort unless you have yaks and you were too cheap
to hire yaks.
Chris laughed and protested that he hadn't vetoed yaks. He
had left it all in Kamal's hands. And Kemal had only hired the
yaks as far as Everest base camp. Kamal replied that he should
have specified what they needed . . . Sunita listened as the two
men bantered back and forth.
Kamal did concede on one point. The larger expeditions
required a longer stay on the mountain because everybody had to
have a fair chance to summit. He had often sat in base camp 4
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147
for weeks at a time while everyone acclimatized and/or tried to
summit.
That night, as they lay side-by-side, Chris and Sunita discussed
the next day. Sleeping in the same tent had almost lost its
awkwardness. Chris said they could attempt a summit, if they
wanted to.
I will, if you do.
He grinned in the darkness.
So you are going to do it?
Of course, she said.
He nodded even if she couldnt see it.
Glad to hear it. My suggestion for tomorrow is that we don't
attempt a summit, we just go up halfway.
Is that what you would do if you were alone? she asked.
It was a fair question and he didn't want to shield her from the
truth. If they were going to have a relationship, he never wanted
to lie to her.
No, if I were alone, I'd be a fool and try to go up. But, he
added quickly, that doesn't mean we should do it tomorrow.
Climbing with a partner is always different than climbing solo
and we need to both be up to it in order to make it to the top.
OK, she said, taking a deep breath, not easy at this altitude.
I can see the wisdom of that.
She found herself yawning, even if it was hard to get to sleep.
The yawning was probably the attempt of her body to get more
oxygen into it. She was already higher than she had ever been and
tomorrow she would almost be touching the sky.
But, in the meantime, the ground was hard and despite all
their efforts, they never could seem to find a flat surface. It was a
wonderland of ice formations but it wasn't a world designed for
comfort.
Sleep was what she needed, though. Did Jesus answer prayers
about small things like that?
There was only one way to find out.
Jesus, I need to sleep. I need strength for what lies ahead.
Amen.
Amen, mumbled Chris, half-asleep.
Had she prayed out loud? That was the altitude for you. It
made you less astute, kind of like having too many drinks at a
party.
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148
But, in any case, Jesus must have heard because soon she was
drifting off and she didn't care that her head was leaning on
Chris' back.

A cloud cover rolled in during the night, creating the sense
that they were camping in heaven itself.
Now that they were at base camp 4, Kamal was done. He
didn't care about summiting.
So it was just Chris and Sunita who set out, straight up and
into the clouds.
Crampons and ice axe. That pretty much summed up the day's
climb.
We didn't even see the peak, said Chris ruefully. Too many
clouds.
We could only see a foot or two ahead of us, Sunita agreed.
But it was still exhilarating.
Chris grinned at her, glad that she appreciated it like he did.
Kamal shrugged.
Consider yourselves lucky to be alive. Sunita observed that
Kamal had erected a small pole and had hung some prayer
scarves from it.
Chris had also noticed.
Did you say some prayers for us? he asked.
Mostly for myself, Kamal grumbled. This might be my last
climb. I want to make it down alive.
Chris was just watching the older man. Sunita had a feeling
this would be his first opportunity to reach out to a Nepali
person.
Your life is in God's hands, he said, at last.
Which God? said Kamal. I like to cover all the bases.
Chris laughed.
I know of only one God, said Chris.
Then you are a fool, said Kamal. One God. He snorted.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,
said Sunita suddenly.
What? said Kamal.
One God, said Sunita. One God created the heavens and
the earth.
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149
Kamal shook his head at suddenly finding himself in the
presence of lunatics, but Sunita noticed that after that initial
response, he looked thoughtful.
He would be a very powerful God then, said Kamal, finally.
They both nodded.
Though it was dark now, Kamal looked up toward the
summit.
Is that one God going to get you to the top?
Chris laughed.
Going to the top of Lhotse was my idea. But while I've been
here, I've been doing a lot of thinking about doing things His
way in the future.
That might be easier, said Kamal nodding with the wisdom
of age. If there is one God, he added.

The cloud still covered the summit of Lhotse and both Chris
and Sunita agreed that they didn't want to summit on a day when
they couldn't even see the view from the top. But they still did
some climbing in the morning before returning to base camp for
an easy afternoon.
Kamal was resting in his tent so Chris started up the tiny stove
for some soup.
As they sipped their soup, they talked.
When we go back, said Chris. We'll have to take a different
route. He was speaking low.
Once we get to Everest base camp, you mean, she said,
softly.
He nodded.
It was a reasonable thought that there might be a soldier or
two at Gorakshep waiting for her.
And now was a good time to discuss it. A summit could take a
few weeks, but a descent was much faster because the need to
acclimatize was gone. If they summited tomorrow, they could be
back at Everest base camp in a few days.
Unfortunately, said Sunita thoughtfully, it's hard to avoid
Gorakshep. From there we could go to Thugla or Pheriche . . .
Silly girl, a voice called out. Sunita and Chris started. Kamal
had been awake the whole time and their voices had carried.
The tent flap was unzipped and out came Kamal.
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150
We do not have to go back through Gorakshep, said Kamal,
joining them and helping himself to some soup. That crazy
Adinath is there, isn't he? Let me guess, he fell in love with you?
Sunita's eyes widened.
And you, said Kamal, turning to Chris, would have to kill
him as a matter of honour. Kamal's eyes sparkled. Whether the
older man was joking was hard to tell. And you do not want to
end up in prison, so you do not want to pass through
Gorakshep.
Something like that, said Chris grinning.
Kamal shook his head.
That noodle-brain Adinath. He is always falling in love with
someone. Usually it is a foreigner. He proposes to a girl on every
expedition he is on.
A laugh burst forth from Sunita. It didn't solve the problem
of soldiers in Gorakshep, but it was a relief to know that
Adinaths feelings for her werent too personal.
We will go back to Ama Dablam, Kamal continued. Then
we can follow a path I know to Dzongla. From there, you can
make your way back to Kathmandu without meeting that crazy
lovesick yak.
Chris nodded.
Well, I'm glad we sorted that out.

The next day was ideal weather for a summit. The sky was
clear and blue, the sun was bright and the wind was moderate.
You won't get a better day than this, said Kamal.
Chris agreed. The day he summited Everest, the sky was
overcast and the wind had been a killer. He had stood on top of
the world as the wind cut through him and clouds obscured the
view. It was something he had never shared with the church - that
victory on that day had been uncomfortable and uninspiring.
Ama Dablam had been different. It had been more than just the
good weather. It had been exhilarating. He had done it, despite
the odds against a solo summit on the spur of the moment. And
it hadn't exactly been solo. He had felt God's presence up there
with him on the top of Ama Dablam.
Today, God willing, he would be summiting Lhotse with
Sunita. That would be a first too.
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151
They started off strong, but halfway up something went
wrong. Sunita started to have difficulty breathing.
Chris kicked himself for being such a fool and not bringing
along oxygen. He had been sure that Sunita wouldn't need it,
being used to the high altitudes and he didn't want to strap on a
mask if she could summit without it.
She was gulping and trying to get a deep breath into her lungs.
C'mon, Sunita, he said. Let's go back down.
She shook her head. They were halfway up a wall of ice with
another one hundred metres to the summit.
You go up, she said, between gasps.
You . . . might . . . not . . . have another chance.
Maybe not, he said. But I'm not doing it without you. He
was a little out-of-breath himself. This final exertion of
summiting was best if one did not stop for conversation.
But Sunita held up a gloved finger as if to say, Wait. She
took in a mouthful of air, this time catching her breath.
Let's do this, she said. And before he could say anything,
she was moving up again.
Chris watched in admiration. He had to admit, she didn't look
like a turtle going up anymore. More like a panther.
They reached the top of the ice wall and stood on a small
platform. Only another fifty metres to go.
The wind was bracing, but bearable. Fifty metres was a walk in
the park if you were rock climbing at ground level, but up here, it
was a feat of determination to make it that last little bit.
Kamal had made them a small thermos of sweet tea for the
summit but Chris pulled it out and poured some into the cup.
They shared it, silently conserving their breath, and then
continued upward.
Rock, ice, snow. Sunita wasn't sure if she was muttering it or just
thinking it. The snow-covered rock in front of her entirely
consumed her. That and making it to the top.
Chris, just slightly below her, wanted to keep positive but right
now he was struggling with a bad case of, as Solomon put it,
with much knowledge, comes much sorrow. For years he had
subscribed to the major mountaineering magazines. It was a kick
to sometimes see his name in a list of people who had
successfully summited Everest, or some of the other major peaks
of the world. But today, in this final push to summit Lhotse, he
Three Peaks
152
was recalling an article he had read about three Polish climbers
who had attempted the South Face. Kamal had mentioned one
of them. But the other two had also died on the expedition. By
Chris's calculations, one of them had died at about the point they
were at now about 8000 metres, just short of the summit. He
had lost his footing and dropped two straight kilometres down to
his death. Or was it three kilometres?
Chris's mind began to fixate on this question. Was it two or
three kilometres? Maybe a person could survive a two-kilometre
drop. He knew he was being absurd. Trying to switch his mind to
something more cheerful, he ended up dwelling on the third
person who had died. He had been the expedition's doctor. An
avalanche had fallen on him near base camp 1. Base camp 1. Base
camp 1. It kept playing over and over in his mind. Base camp 1.
Base camp 1. What a crazy place to die. Base camp 1. Even base
camp 2 would be ridiculous. Now, base camp 4, you didn't mind
so much. Base camp 3. He couldn't decide about base camp 3.
Did he want to die at base camp 3?
Rock, ice, snow, thought Sunita. She felt like her whole life had
been spent staring at rock, ice and snow and that her whole life
would continue to be spent staring at rock, ice and snow.
Yes, thought Chris. Base camp 3 would be a respectable place to die.
Rock, ice, snow.
Not base camp 2, though.
Rock, ice, snow.
Maybe not even base camp 3.
Rock, ice, snow.
No, base camp 3 would be OK.
Rock, ice, snow.
Definitely base camp 4. Maybe base camp 3.
Rock, ice, snow.
Definitely NOT base camp 2 . . .
And suddenly, they were at the top. Sunita pulled herself up
over the ledge and could hardly believe that there wasn't another
wall to climb. And then Chris was beside her. And there were
tears in her eyes. It was a good thing her face was entirely covered
and her glasses shielded her from the cold or else the tears would
have frozen.
Chapter Eighteen
153
Then Chris was hugging her and she was hugging him. And
they both felt surprisingly strong and clear-headed for two people
who only moments earlier had felt weak and incoherent.
Thank you, God, Chris whispered.
Thank you, Jesus, said Sunita, looking around. She had
never seen Nepal from this perspective. Her country was blessed
to have such a high point to view the world from.
Chris pulled a slim digital camera from one of his pockets and
started snapping photos, including several of Sunita. He put his
arm around her and then held the camera out to get a few shots
of them together, on top of the world.
And then it was time to go back down.
Carefully, he said. It wasn't easy to speak, but he didn't want
her to be reckless. It would be all too easy to think that, with the
summit over, that the hardest part was behind them. But it wasn't
over until they were safely back at base camp.
The summit had cleared his head. As they carefully made their
way down the rocky ice wall, he wasn't thinking about base camp
1, 2 or 3. Or even base camp 4.
Strengthened by truth, was now the thought running through his
head.
All his life, he had been feeding his church in Illinois with
fables of his legendary climb. How had it strengthened them?
One could only be strengthened by truth.
Strengthened by truth. Strengthened by truth. Not by stories of other
people's quasi-heroics.
Sunita was well aware of the dangers of descent. Every
season, growing up, there had been the stories of the mountains.
As many died on descents as they did ascents. Of course, it was
usually the foreigners. That was sad, of course.
Strengthened by truth, thought Chris. Not fantasies, fairy tales.
But what was always talked about in hushed tones were the
Sherpa deaths. The men who had acted as guides to the
foreigners.
America thrived on fairy tales. Strengthened by truth. Strengthened by
truth.
A grieving widow, usually some small children left behind. No
insurance plan, of course. A risky profession with no insurance
plan.
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154
Movies, stories. Stories about people like me, except that when you walk
away, what are you left with? What do I have to offer anyone?
Living on the edge even when the man was alive.
I don't have anything.
Everyone did what they could to help. But there was so little
to begin with. Who had the answer? Who had the solution? The
army didn't.
But Jesus does.

155
Chapter Nineteen
hey rested on the same ledge they had stopped at on the
way up. There, Chris and Sunita finished the tea, now not
so warm, but nonetheless, refreshingly sweet.
And then they were back at base camp 4, with Kamal shaking
each of their hands, and hugging them, like a proud father. There
was a quick meal prepared by Kamal and then straight to sleep.
Together, but too tired to even congratulate each other.
This was the first night on Lhotse that Sunita didn't feel the
hard ground. Just sweet sleep and sweet satisfaction.
The next morning was the time for celebration. Sunita got a
hearty hug from Chris, which she returned.
Any more mountains to climb in the future? she asked him,
only half-joking.
He laughed.
Not in the near future, anyhow, he said. But who knows?
They packed up their tiny base camp.
Chris was half-expecting something horrible to happen a
foot slipping and a fall into a crevasse; a monster-size chunk of
ice falling on their heads; a storm blowing in and disorienting
them.
T
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Sunita's mind was already at ground level. What if the army
was waiting for her there? What if they werent content to wait
for her in Gorakshep?
People who died on a mountain like Everest or Lhotse were
just left behind, it was inhumane. Chris couldn't imagine leaving
Sunita behind.
And Chris wouldn't be able to do anything to help her. He was
an American. They would put him on a plane and send him
home and they would put her in prison. He could write some
letters to his Congressperson. Maybe even raise some awareness
among Christian groups. But in the end, she'd be lucky if he
could write to her in prison.
By evening, they had made it down to base camp 2 and after
setting up their tents and a dinner of rehydrated soup, they
leaned back against a wall of ice and relaxed with a mug of
coffee.
Well, said Chris, conversationally. We made it.
But the summit felt like history now. Chris was fighting the
feeling that an avalanche would fall on them at Everest base
camp. Where had his faith gone? He felt like he had left it on the
summit.
We did, said Sunita absently. They had summited. What
good would it do her when the army picked her up and carried
her back to Kathmandu and put her in a dark cell? Would
summiting Lhotse give her the courage to face her interrogators?
So what's with you two? Kamal said, nodding toward them
both.
What do you mean? asked Chris.
Long faces. You're happy. You're crazy. First you . . . He
pointed at Chris. . . . climb a mountain all by yourself. Then you
do it together. He looked at Sunita. You are both alive. But you
sit there like the world is about to end.
That's how I feel. They said it at the same time.
Then they looked at each other.
Why, Sunita? He took her hand. It was the first time he had
used her name. He forgot that she was supposed to be Susan.
So you are Sunita! Kamal slapped his thigh. Dipesh's little
granddaughter! I remember you when you were little, but then
you went away . . .
Sunita nodded.
Chapter Nineteen
157
To Kathmandu.
Then why this Susan business?
Chris was watching Sunita, without letting go of her hand.
She sighed and took a deep breath. This could cost her her
life.
I became a Christian, she said. I had joined the army and
the army likes to keep up the pretence that we are all of one
mind on the topic of faith, so they went after me.
Kamal shook his head.
Stupid people, he said. City people.
Sunita shook her head.
Not just city people. Adinath found out and called the army,
I think.
Kamal hadn't stopped shaking his head.
No, he is just like that. He can take it, being scorned by the
foreigners. But to be scorned by one of his own hurt. If he called
the army, it wasn't because he cared about your crazy new
religion.
Sunita had her doubts about that, but Kamal's outlook was
comforting.
So now you are with him? Kamal said, nodding toward
Chris.
Chris and Sunita looked at each other. Chris's hand tightened
around hers.
Yes, she said. I am.
That is not a bad thing, said Kamal, glancing at Chris. He
is American. So you will go to America?
They were looking at each other again. Chris cleared his
throat.
Uh, I would prefer to stay here, he said.
You are crazy, said Kamal. I already know this, but now I
know this more. Why would you want to stay here?
They were both silent and Sunita found herself sliding closer
to Chris. His arm went around her shoulders.
Well sir, I think people need to hear about Jesus.
Kamal snorted. But then he gave it some thought and slowly,
he smiled.
Yes, this is the talk of a crazy man. Then he laughed. What
kind of work do you do back in America? he asked.
I'm a pastor, said Chris.
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158
Kamal looked puzzled.
You know, I work for a church, giving messages each
week . . .
Kamal didn't look too impressed.
What good does that do you here? How will you make a
living? He turned to Sunita. And you, girl. What did you learn
in the army? How to tote a gun? What can you do?
It was a sobering thought. Neither of them were really
qualified to do anything in Nepal.
I guess they have enough teahouses in this country, said
Chris, ruefully. But we were sort of thinking of the village life,
rather than the city life.
Good plan, said Kamal. Crazy army men don't bother too
much with the villages.
Despite that in the course of the conversation they had agreed
that they wanted to share the future together, Kamal's questions
had left both Chris and Sunita with very little hope for it. But
Kamal didn't look down. In fact, he looked cheerful.
So we start a business, he said, matter-of-factly. You are
both good climbers. We take people off the beaten track. Isn't
that what Americans want? To go off the beaten track?
Chris laughed.
Well, yes, they do.
So you know people in America. Climbers, people like that,
said Kamal. We take them to the parts of Nepal they haven't
seen and while we are in the small villages, you tell anyone you
like about Jesus, and then we move on.
They both just stared at Kamal and then Chris turned to
Sunita.
It could work, she said, slowly.
Of course it could work, said Kamal. With my connections
here and your connections there, we will be rich in five years,
yes?
Chris laughed.
He wasn't so sure about his own connections, but a few well-
placed ads in the climbing magazines would go a long way in
promoting their new business, not to mention all the possibilities
on the internet. Summit the Peaks no one else has: See the Other Side of
Nepal.
I'm not so sure about the climbing . . . Sunita started to say.
Chapter Nineteen
159
Sherpa girl, you were born to climb, said Kamal.
It was true, though Chris doubted that she would have
believed it coming from him. So he was glad that Kamal
announced it in a way that said, no further discussion.
Sunita shrugged and accepted her fate, that of a natural born
climber.
It's a step of faith, said Chris, turning to Sunita and taking
both her hands. But I'm willing if you are.
She nodded.
I'm willing.
Will you marry me?
Kamal's eyes widened.
You're not married already?
Despite the significance of the moment, Sunita had to smile
and shake her head.
Then . . . spluttered Kamal. The tent! He pointed. Every
night! And I thought . . .
We didn't do anything but sleep, Chris assured him.
Kamal muttered.
Really! Chris insisted.
It took a little doing, but they managed to convince him that
he had not been condoning anything immoral.
But tonight, he jabbed a finger in Chris's shoulder. You are
in my tent!
Chris groaned, but it was good-natured.
Well, girl, said Kamal, turning to Sunita. What about it?
Will you marry him?
Of course I will, she said.
Kamal averted his eyes as Chris leaned down to kiss her.
OK, enough, enough, he said after a few seconds. Save
your breath.
That night, the ground was still hard, but Sunita felt as if she
were sleeping on air. She was alone, but she was now officially
engaged to Chris. She could hardly believe it had happened. In
the nearby tent, she could hear Kamal's enthusiastic plans for
their new company. Chris had come up with the name for it,
Summit the Peaks, but Kamal had the ideas and he was sharing
them all with Chris.
Sunita smiled to herself as she listened to Chris's sleepy
agreement to all of Kamal's suggestions. They could work it all
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160
out together later, including how they would tell the people of
Nepal about Jesus.
As she drifted off to sleep, it seemed that the best way would
be one person at a time. That's how it had worked for her. Just
one courageous person willing to share her faith.

161
Epilogue
ipesh, true to his word, had gotten all of the kids back
to Kathmandu on time and to the airport for their
flight.
Man, I wish Chris were here, he heard one of the kids say.
Hope he didn't die on the mountain, said another.
Their flight left in forty minutes and Dipesh was glancing at
his watch every two minutes. This was the biggest thing he had
done in his life more-or-less, single-handedly guiding thirty
children through Nepal. Once they were on their plane, he
planned to return to Namche Bazaar and take a weeklong nap.
Maybe after he had woken up from that, he would hear some
news about his granddaughter and Chris.
Ian, the most mature one of the bunch, had given him their
church address in America and told him to write them anytime
and, of course, to let them know if Chris was OK. Now Ian was
leading them all in a prayer for journey mercies and when he
was done, Dipesh added his own Amen.
Chris! one of the kids shouted.
Dipesh turned to see Chris, his granddaughter, and even more
surprising, Kamal, moving their way through the crowds.
D
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162
There you are! Chris called out, still a distance away. The
kids swarmed him as he got closer and he and Sunita were soon
surrounded. Sunita smiled at Dipesh from the centre of the
group.
You made it just in time! said Ian.
I've got some big news for you, said Chris, grinning and
tousling the boy's hair. I'm staying in Nepal.
That got their attention.
Sunita and I got married today.
Jaws dropped, including Dipesh's. Kamal beamed like a proud
father.
And we're going to stay in Nepal and tell people about Jesus,
Chris concluded.
Some of the kids cheered. Others beamed. The girls looked
thrilled and some of them hugged Sunita.
Dipesh had been watching Kamal's face when Chris said they
were going to be telling Nepal about Jesus. But he didn't look
shocked.
What was going on? Why was Kemal just standing there
grinning?
Then Dipesh understood. Kamal was a rebel at heart, and a
bored one at that. If he liked the idea of Chris climbing a
mountain on the spur of the moment, he probably enjoyed
Sunita running from the army.
And that's when Dipesh knew his granddaughter was safe. She
had Chris, an American husband, who wouldn't just stand idly by
if she ended up in prison and Kamal, a new friend who would
give his son-in-law and everyone else whose ear he could capture
no end of grief if anything happened to Sunita.
God bless you both, Dipesh said, warmly, shaking Chris's
hand and then hugging his granddaughter. Then they were all
laughing and the kids were calling out to Chris, Will you come
back, ever? and What should we tell everyone?
The truth, he said to the last question. Maybe, he said
about coming back. I sure would like Sunita to see Joliet
sometime. And when I do, he added, we'll be visiting you all at
church.
The kids were still asking questions when the announcement
came that Flight 979 to Chicago is now boarding. Chris was
trying to hug them all at once. There were promises to email.
Epilogue
163
When all the kids had disappeared down the tunnel, Chris
took Sunita's hand.
Let's pray for them, he said.
Dipesh noticed that he didn't make a show of it, but he
definitely didn't hide it either. The man had changed since he had
first arrived in Nepal.
Father in heaven, said Chris. Please take those children
safely home. My place is here so I give them to you, to protect
them and watch over them as you have been doing ever since we
left. I pray you'll give their parents a forgiving heart for what I've
done. And I pray that Sunita and I will be your effective servants
here in Nepal. Amen.
Amen! It was Kamal who said it the loudest. Dipesh glanced
sharply at him.
Chris and Sunita led the way out of the bustling airport, as
Dipesh and Kamal followed.
Is it possible, said Dipesh, turning to his fellow Sherpa,
that you have become a Christian?
Shhh! said Kamal. He lowered his voice. I might be. But
do not tell the children up there. I do not want them to know.
They will think it is as easy as going around telling people that
Jesus saves them from their sins, and suddenly everyone will say,
yes and become a Christian. I don't want them to think it is that
easy.
You are a Christian!
Of course I am, hissed Kamal. One God is enough for
me. But be quiet! I want them to think it takes years to convert
someone. Otherwise they will become big-headed with
success . . . He hurried to catch up with Chris. Hey Chris! I
have an idea! We should hire some of those for Summit the
Peaks! He pointed to some airport advertising. We could have
posters made up. People will get off the plane and say, 'Hey! I
want to do that instead . . . '
Dipesh was left to walk alone and think about this new
development. Kamal. A Christian. Kamal, of all people.
Ahead of him, Chris took Sunitas hand and looked down at
his wife. His wife. He still couldnt believe it. He was happier than
hed ever been.
And it all made sense to Chris now.
Three Peaks
164
He couldnt offer Nepal a hospital, a school, food distribution.
But whether it was Dipeshs experience in India or Sunitas
experience in Kathmandu, it was all the same. Behind both were
people willing to give up everything for the sake of the good
news.
The message offered life whether it came with chickens or a
gospel tract or a healing.
In his case, right now, about all he could offer Nepal was a
smile to go along with the message. But he had a feeling there
would be other ways he could show Gods love to the people of
Nepal, ways he hadnt even thought of. That was just the kind of
God he served.


THE END



Other novels by Jennifer L Armstrong

The society for the betterment of mankind
Revolution in C Minor
Pink gin
Somewhere between Longview and Miami
Last king of Damascus
The Unlikely Association of Meg and Harry
Death Among the Dinosaurs
Prophet
A Good Man
Among the sons of Seth
Samis Special Blend

The Kent famil y adventures

The Treasure of Tadmor
The Strange sketch of Sutton
The Hunt for the cave of Moravia
The Search for the sword of Goliath
The Buried gold of Shechem
The Cache of Baghdad
The Walls of Jerusalem
The Missionarys Diary

Non-fiction by Jennifer L. Armstrong

Dreaming in Arabic (A non-fiction narrative)