Written by Terry Caruthers —
NORTH FORK — Many of you may know me. My name is Terry Caruthers. I have lived and worked as a hair stylist in North Fork for over 28 years.
In the fall of 2016, after the Nepal earthquake, I was blessed with the opportunity to join a team from my church – Calvary Chapel of the Sierra – on a ten-day mission trip to Nepal. Thankfully, I accepted – having NO idea that this experience would change me, my life, and the course of my future.
The seven days I spent in Kathmandu Valley had a great effect on me, and my experience was eye-opening, heartbreaking and definitely out of my “American comfort zone.” It was amazing and my heart was forever changed.
As I returned “home,” I knew that I had to return to Nepal as soon as possible. So on Feb. 18, 2017, myself and a very dear friend of mine, Janelle Moisa, landed at Kathmandu International Airport to begin our nine-week adventure.
Pokhara, Nepal – photo courtesy of Terry Caruthers
Through a series of circumstances, we found ourselves in a town called Pokhara. I was asked by a local church if I was interested in serving local women in a local ministry, by giving haircuts. That ministry was called Maya Himalaya. My heart was stolen, and my journey became clear. Janelle and I spent the next seven weeks with the girls at Maya Himalaya.
I knew that God had called me to serve full-time at Maya Himalaya and live full-time in Nepal.
Terry with Maya Himalaya women – photo courtesy of Terry Caruthers
The next 4 ½ months consisted of ALOT of praying and conversations with the ministry’s founders, which would confirm that I was indeed returning to Pokhara to join the team at Maya Himalaya. So, on Sept. 18, 2017, I was back where I knew I belonged.
At Maya Himalaya we offer rescue to women in high risk situations such as trafficking, addiction, oppression and abuse. We have a training center where the women are taught, encouraged and loved. Our goal is that they leave the training center with a new skill set and self worth.
I would love the opportunity to share with you about these beautiful women and how God is rescuing them. So, on Friday, Jan. 26, please come and join us to enjoy some amazing, traditional Nepali food and become a part of my journey.
I will share a video that highlights the ministry and answer your questions, and we have surprise guests for you.
The event will be held at the North Fork Rancheria Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10 per plate, with a family rate of $35 for mom, dad and kids.
The trafficking of girls from Nepal into India for forced prostitution is perhaps one of the busiest slave trafficking routes anywhere in the world, with estimated 5,000-10,000 Nepali women and girls trafficked to India each year.
Young girls and women are trafficked for sexual exploitation in places such as cabin/dance restaurants, massage parlors, and other places within tourism sector.
(Koirala A, Banskota HK, Khadka BR: Cross border interception – A strategy of prevention of trafficking women from Nepal. Int Conf AIDS :15. 2004, Jul 11–16)
This beautiful, young lady is Nisha. She oversees the care of women and translates for teams.
Maya Guest House facilitates mission teams that come through Pokhara. The photo below shows the view from the third floor balcony,
Please visit MayaHimalaya.wordpress.com
