Greetings to You My Faraway Friends-
Just when I thought I could bring out my lighter coat it got cold again. In fact, the other morning I walked outside and found that it had snowed during the night! Pretty sure I gasped as I went outside. So now there is a combination of snow, ice, slush, mud, and gooey mud to walk through. Hooray. Slowly but surely these Russians will emerge from their coats and hats so they won’t look so intimidating anymore. Oh how I await the day.
Classes have been pretty rough lately, especially my last Friday, Saturday, and Monday sessions. You forgot that I have classes on Saturdays did you? Hahaha I’m still in denial about it. But the conversations I have with the people at the university have kept up with the usual standard. One of my teachers thought she was pretty cool to bring up Brittany Spears, McDonalds, and Charlie Chaplin. Another teacher mentioned Arnold Schwarzenegger, which I thought was hilarious. She also said that she loves the show “House” which I actually was impressed that she watches it. I think they’ve stopped bringing up President Obama... I was on break last Monday when one of the Asian students (the one who said that he loves me) was messing around with the guys and showed his “muscles”. So I took the opportunity to teach them that that is called “a gun show” :) At first they were like, “Gun?... guns? … show? Guns show?” and they would look at me, then at their arm, then at their hands that were formed like a gun. It was hilarious. Eventually they caught on and were laughing pretty hard about it. I’m such a good American teaching them such useful phrases… :) I can just see them in America walking up to a clerk at a store and in a moment of panic the only English words they can think of are, “Gun show!” Oooohhhh that would be amazing! Think of the confusion!! And think of the fun:) I met a guy on Wednesday who learned a lot of his English from movies. He said that I can call him “Mr. C”…. not sure where the Mr. C came from… And he said that he has heard of me… Again with the creepiness of people talking about me…
On Friday, I was in line at the school café and trying to order something new. Thankfully, the boss lady knows me by name and is very understanding & helpful. There was a guy and girl in front of me that asked if I was a foreigner… No, I’m just a Russian who doesn’t know what this chicken is called… Haha no really, I told them I was and actually talked with them awhile. The guy knew English surprisingly well and combined with my little knowledge of Russian we were able to understand each other. We left the café at the same time and talked awhile again. Very nice people. I hope I run into them again. I love how God brings people into my life who know English:)
I have two suitemates in my dorm. They have one bedroom, I have the other, and we share a bathroom. They are from China but they know Russian pretty well. I honestly haven’t talked with them much at all and have been feeling convicted about that. So on Thursday night I got some of the leftover food from movie night and gave it to them. Hoping it would be some sort of peace offering or something, I don’t know. Well, Friday afternoon there was a knock at my door and one of the girls came in bearing gifts of warm pancakes… My favorite:) I think I may have started a food friendship…
Tuesday, I went to see if a computer lab was open to use the internet. The usual old lady was replaced with an old man and no one else was in the room. The lady knows that I don’t speak Russian but I had to explain to the man since she wasn’t there and try to find out if I could use a computer or not. He would say something in Russian then all of sudden he was speaking in English about submarines, bombs, and torpedoes… I asked if he knew some English (I didn’t know what else to say) and he said something in Russian then started on again about submarines and different war terms that you would hear from an old movie. He turned on a computer and walked back to his desk so I guessed that meant it was okay for me to use it. I used the computer without being attacked or anything so that’s good. I’m Alive!
On Sunday, I was introduced to a lady who supposedly knows English. She was a very nice lady but it was kind of awkward cause she stood and sat really close to me and was asking me random questions. I do know she asked if I knew Joyce Meyer and John Bevere. I thought that was kind of funny. When she realized that I really don’t know much Russian she started asking me if I spoke German, or French. Yeah no. I would have been even more lost. Speaking of LOST, Tim’s friend let him borrow the first season of LOST but it’s all in Russian voiceovers. I watched some with Tim and the girls and I’m like, “What did she say?! What just happened?” Poor kids. What they put up with when I’m around…
Another incident with the language here was on Tuesday night. A friend came over to my room for awhile and I walked her to the bus stop when she was leaving. It was dark and she wasn’t quite sure where everything was. When I got back to my dorm building, the dorm lady caught me and was telling me something. The only word I understood was “walk” and the more she tried to tell me what she was saying the more she got upset. I didn’t know what she wanted and because she was so upset I called Tonya and gave the phone to the dorm lady. Apparently, she was only concerned for my safety and doesn’t want me going out in the dark because of drunks and what not. So it was very considerate of her but she got so upset in trying to tell me. I must admit that I was shook up about the whole thing. The first time that I was “out” that late at night, other than being dropped off by someone, and I get yelled at. Oh joy. Oh and fyi, my dorm building was built in 1959. I found that out today:)
Last Saturday was the first of a five week worship conference that Steve and Amanda Hinson are leading. They invited worship leaders, worship team members, pastors, and anyone else who wanted to attend. Steve and Amanda have been preparing it for a long time. I think they had a pretty good turnout and I’m sure that the numbers will grow as the sessions go on. Steve did most of the speaking and Tonya translated for him. Amanda talked about songwriting but she actually did quite a bit of speaking Russian on her own. But watching/listening to Tonya translating for Steve was hilarious. He used the illustration of golf and fishing so she had to translate all the technical stuff that goes with that. They were right in the middle of the fishing story and Steve says “I have no idea where I’m going with this.” Oh how I laughed cause Tonya was trying so hard to translate the fishing technicalities that he was describing. I actually kept an eye on the Eshelman and Hinson kids a lot during the meeting so I didn’t get to hear everything. It really went great though and I’m excited for the weeks ahead.
I usually stay with the Eshelmans on Saturday nights that way I can do laundry, use the internet, and ride with them to church. Starting this past weekend, they have a girl from the orphanage staying overnight with them the same time as me. They gave her a choice of where to sleep and she decided to sleep in the back room with me. I was surprised because she doesn’t know any English and didn’t seem too impressed with me. So we’ll see how it goes with her coming every weekend. Hopefully, I will be able to be some kind of light into her life even though we can’t really talk much. I’m definitely sure that the Eshelman family will be a wonderful thing to have in her life. I just hope that I can be of some use too.
In a time in my life when words aren’t much use to me, my actions are speaking volumes. I forget how people are watching me and waiting to see my reactions to my new life here. They are watching to see how this American deals with difficult situations, learning Russian, relationships and everything else. Every day I will look up from whatever I’m doing and find someone watching me. If you have ever seen “Inception” it has a great image of what it’s like for me here. For those of you who have seen it, it’s like when someone is messing with a dream and the people in it start watching them cause they know that that is the person messing with the dream… I hope that made sense. Anyway, like I said, I’ve already been forgetting how people watch me. On Monday, it was a really rough day in class and I really didn’t want to be there. At lunch break I ate with my classmate, Tolya, who doesn’t know much English. But we were eating and he said in English, “What is wrong with you today?” Instantly I felt ashamed and was kicking myself for letting the days lessons get to me so visibly. I have a friend who will ask me, “Why so serious?” if I even look like I’m slightly sad or deep in thought… People are watching my actions. My facial expressions. How I hold myself. How I dress. Actions speak louder than words and that is definitely the case here. The Eshelmans love to tell the story of when they read a chapter in Proverbs and when they asked the kids what they learned from it, Vera said, “The sluggard is lazy.” :) I don’t want to be lazy. I want to make my time here count for something. And if that means being more careful with my actions then that’s what I need to do. I read this verse the other day, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11. Life stinks sometimes. Classes stink. A lot lately. But I can’t let myself be cut down. I have to keep going to God to keep my spiritual life alive. I have to keep myself in check to make sure that I am displaying a life that is pleasing to God. If you are a believer in Christ and you have let that be known, people are watching you. It might not be as “visible” like what I’m experiencing here but they are. The guy who sits behind you in class. The lady at the next cubicle. Your neighbor. Your little brother. Your dad. Do they see a difference in you? Or have you become lazy and let your spiritual fervor die? What do your actions say? What do your facial expressions say? Let your light shine for Christ.
I have a praise report! I now have internet access in my dorm! This is a wonderful thing for me because the computer labs at school are not consistent and it is hard to talk with the workers. The Eshelmans have internet at their place but I can’t always be over there, now can I? So yes, I’m very excited!
I am so blessed to have your prayers and support. I couldn’t do this without you. You are all amazing.
Being saved in Gods unfailing Love,
Leah
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
"...like the sun when it rises in its strength..."
Greetings Faithful Friends-
I don’t know if I can beat the excitement and funny stories from my last blog but I’ll give it a try:) I’m glad that so many of you enjoyed it.
Well, what can I tell you about this past week… Last Saturday, I had class from 9-2 as usual with Ivan, Tolya, and newcomer, Mesha. He is also from China and seems to know more about what he’s doing/saying. He says he knows a little English but I haven’t heard anything other than him saying, “I know a little English.” Hhhmmmmhh. We shall see. Anyway, at 1pm our teacher told us to pack up and follow her. I didn’t have a clue where we were going but I’m getting used to following people around blindly. And hey, we were getting out of class early:) She brought us to the main auditorium at the university where, lo and behold, all of the other Asian students we hang out with were. Come to find out it was a presentation/concert for the female teachers in honor of the 8th of March- “Woman’s Day.” I guess they decided that us foreigners needed to experience some Russian culture. Anyway, it was a fun concert cause I got to hang out with Tolya, and my friends Anton & Vera. Ivan went to the bathroom at least 20 minutes before we left the classroom. He didn’t have his phone with him for us to call him on so he totally missed the concert. Poor kid.
Pretty sure I laughed at parts of the concert that I shouldn’t have but nobody kicked me out. And pretty sure none of us foreigners knew exactly what was going on most of the time. They gave out some special awards to a bunch of the teachers and they would go up to the stage to accept flowers. They would even do a little curtsey! It reminded me of “The Sound of Music” when they are at the concert at the end of the movie when everyone is clapping, giving flowers, and curtseying. You know the part where the family doesn’t come out of the tunnel to accept first place in the competition? …. Anyway… I put up some pictures of the concert and a video of one of the dances on facebook. I find it difficult to describe the concert ..….. A bit much? There were a few groups that performed that I really wanted to ask, “Are you for real?” There were opera type singers who came out in ballroom dresses and had videos of lightening on the screens. And the light effects… Oh Lord. Any light, didn’t matter what color, was going whenever the light person felt like it. If all of them were on at the same time that was totally fine. Ohhh wow. I have never experienced anything like that concert. But like I said, we got out of class early:) This is a pic of one of the bands....
I had a mini English lesson with some of the Asian students the other day. They had me writing on the board and everything. I’m trying to teach them how to say, “How u doin?” just because I think it would be funny to hear once in awhile:) The guy who told me of his love really likes to have a “dialogue” with me. It usually goes, “Hello”, “Hello”, “How are you?”, “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” I just like the part where he says, “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” cause that’s when he starts laughing. He called me over from across the room the other day and asked what city I was from. I told him and he just walked away deep in thought. I walked all that way why exactly?
Saturday night, was a completely different experience from the concert. I crossed from one extreme to the other. I went with the Eshelmans and the Hinsons to a homeless shelter where Cecil was invited to preach. The shelter is located just past the last bus stop on the edge of town. It was pretty dark out there and there wasn’t much light to see the buildings or anything. It might have helped if I had seen things more because I was not prepared for what was in the meeting/eating house. The meeting house was tightly packed with people sitting shoulder-to-shoulder and back-to-back who all turned to watch us come in. I felt like I stepped back in time when I entered that room. It just seemed like something you would see in an old war movie or something. I would say there was at least 80 people stuffed into the room. Almost immediately I felt ashamed of any complaint I have made about not having the right clothes, or not liking a certain food… An incredibly humbling experience. Sometimes the smell wasn’t very pleasant but that is the case in many places in Russia. Most restrooms don’t have toilet paper, soap, or paper towels so you are out of luck if don’t bring your own toiletries. It was a good service and the people were very responsive to Cecil’s preaching. After the sermon, they had their evening meal and we were invited to stay. They served soup and bread that they make in their own brick ovens. They didn’t have enough dishes for everyone to eat at once so they would wash dishes as soon as someone was done eating. On church on Sunday, Tonya asked everyone to bring any dishes they don’t use for us to bring to the shelter. I hope there is a good response with that. I would like to go back to the homeless shelter in more light so I can really see everything. I guess in the summer they have gardens and they also have some of their own farm animals. I took a few pictures but they aren’t the greatest. I felt funny taking pictures considering the situation. The Eshelmans took some on their camera so I’ll have to see how they turned out.
The next morning we had church. The alarm went off way to soon after being out late at the shelter:) Every Sunday after the service we go off into a side room for fellowship/food time. My first Sunday there, a lady told Cecil to tell me that I needed to push my way to the food. Apparently Russians have a smaller personal space than Americans. She came over a few seconds later with a plate full of food for me. So the next Sunday I made sure to get plenty of food so no one would go to the trouble of helping me. But then a man was concerned because I didn’t have any tea. He went and got Tim to tell me that I needed some tea. So the third Sunday, I had it all figured out. I grabbed a plate of food and my tea so no one would have to bother getting me anything. I even found a chair to sit where they could see me eating. But then the pastor’s wife, Natasha, asked why I didn’t have any cake…. I give up.
Something that has and is still difficult for my American brain to understand is the shopping situation here. In America, we are taught to make a list and try to go as few times as possible in a week. Some people manage to take just one trip a week to the grocery store. Fill up the car with groceries! By saving time we are saving money. But here its totally acceptable if you go every day. Most people don’t have cars so they have to carry whatever they buy all the way home. I would also say that part of it is because of needing to buy things fresh, like bread. Bread is literally everywhere and in everything. I don’t think I have had a meal where there wasn’t any bread or at least a grain type food. But the first few times that I went to the store I made a list of all the things that I would need for the week and possibly longer… Yeah that didn’t work and I think the store people hated me. They actually ask you before they start ringing up your stuff if you even want a plastic bag. And if you do want a bag they try with all their might to fit everything you buy into that one bag. I only know of one bigger grocery store that has their own bag. That is, one with a logo and stuff. All the other grocery stores have a small black bag which I think is partly because people have to lug whatever they buy all over town. But anyway, as much as it against everything I’ve been taught and as much as I dislike going to the store never knowing if someone is going to ask me something in Russian… I go more than once a week. Shocking I know…. I will now make friends with the cashiers and be able to fit everything in those tiny black bags. Hooray for me. Hopefully this change in me will not be permanent.
On Sunday I helped Tonya prepare for a tea party for some ladies in honor of Women’s Day on March 8th. It’s a pretty big holiday here and girls of all ages are congratulated and given gifts just because they are female. We had sandwiches, all kinds of sweets and, of course, tea for the ladies. There were 7 of us and then all of the kids. I helped babysit so the ladies could talk. I put up a video on facebook of one of the little girls complaining that she couldn’t go on the top of the bunk bed. It was hilarious. Wednesday there was a second tea party held at the Hope Center that Tonya organized. It was for a larger group of ladies so there was more work to be done:) But it really turned out to be a lovely party. My pastor’s wife, Natasha, was telling Tonya that she was so surprised at how nice everything was. She had not expected table cloths, real tea cups, and all of the delicious food. Tonya told her that is was something she learned from America:) I’ve put a few pictures on facebook so you can see what it all looked like.
I was very blessed on Women’s Day. I spent it with the Eshelmans relaxing and then getting ready for the tea party. Vera Eshelman painted a picture for me to put on the wall in my room. I already have it up:) Deanna E. bought me some cream that she picked out herself. And Tonya gave me a rose as I was leaving to go to my dorm room. But also having the opportunity to serve these ladies was a gift in itself. Yes, I was blessed on this Womens Day:)
Love is so amazing. Father God gave the greatest gift of Love. He gave it me. He gave it to you. I am alive because of His Love. My heart and my soul are ALIVE because of His Love. Without it I would be cold and dead inside. Not really living. Not ever experiencing the depth of my Heavenly Father. But with this gift of Love, I’m alive. When you experience this great Love, life has new meaning. You can actually feel His deep Love for you. Can you feel it? Can you hear Him whispering his love to you? He’s saying, “Come away with me! Let me show you the beauty of my Love. Its depth. Its riches. Its fullness...” Only Gods Love can make you whole again. Only this can fill the void in your heart. Only God can set you free. In the book of Judges (5:31) an incredibly wise woman named Deborah said, “So may all your enemies perish, O Lord! But may they who LOVE you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” What a picture that creates in my mind! To be like the sun rising in the morning. I know I talked with you last time about Gods Love, as well as now, but let me leave you with what is the prayer of my heart. Ephesians 3:16-19, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through this Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Amen.
I have a few prayer requests. One is a little strange. When I sit for long periods of time in what you might call a “student” position (you know when you are leaning forward and writing a lot) I get an uncomfortable sensation in my left shoulder blade. Sometimes it feels like a thin stream of extremely cold water and sometimes it feels like super hot water. The other day it reminded me of what it felt like to get a wart burnt off. Well, I’ve had this feeling before but not as frequent or as intense as I’ve had it lately. I guess its cause I’m in class longer than I was in the States and always needing to be in that “student” position. I would appreciate your prayers concerning this. It’s not always painful but definitely distracting and uncomfortable. My second request is quite simple but a little expensive. I could really use a refrigerator for my room. I don’t have a microwave either but a refrigerator would be more useful right now. I can’t buy anything that needs to be kept cold like milk, or eggs. So yeah, a fridge would be awesome:) My other request I think was said best by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19. His words but they resonate in my heart.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate you all so much! Oh and fyi for all of you. I’m hoping to give a tour of my dorm building and parts of the university on video… I’ve been planning this for awhile but I thought if I put this in a blog I might actually go out and do it:) I’m not sure how doing it at the university will go but I’d like to try. Some places here don’t even allow pictures so we’ll see. Anyway, stay tuned. You are all amazing.
An official Women’s Day participant,
Leah
I don’t know if I can beat the excitement and funny stories from my last blog but I’ll give it a try:) I’m glad that so many of you enjoyed it.
Well, what can I tell you about this past week… Last Saturday, I had class from 9-2 as usual with Ivan, Tolya, and newcomer, Mesha. He is also from China and seems to know more about what he’s doing/saying. He says he knows a little English but I haven’t heard anything other than him saying, “I know a little English.” Hhhmmmmhh. We shall see. Anyway, at 1pm our teacher told us to pack up and follow her. I didn’t have a clue where we were going but I’m getting used to following people around blindly. And hey, we were getting out of class early:) She brought us to the main auditorium at the university where, lo and behold, all of the other Asian students we hang out with were. Come to find out it was a presentation/concert for the female teachers in honor of the 8th of March- “Woman’s Day.” I guess they decided that us foreigners needed to experience some Russian culture. Anyway, it was a fun concert cause I got to hang out with Tolya, and my friends Anton & Vera. Ivan went to the bathroom at least 20 minutes before we left the classroom. He didn’t have his phone with him for us to call him on so he totally missed the concert. Poor kid.
Pretty sure I laughed at parts of the concert that I shouldn’t have but nobody kicked me out. And pretty sure none of us foreigners knew exactly what was going on most of the time. They gave out some special awards to a bunch of the teachers and they would go up to the stage to accept flowers. They would even do a little curtsey! It reminded me of “The Sound of Music” when they are at the concert at the end of the movie when everyone is clapping, giving flowers, and curtseying. You know the part where the family doesn’t come out of the tunnel to accept first place in the competition? …. Anyway… I put up some pictures of the concert and a video of one of the dances on facebook. I find it difficult to describe the concert ..….. A bit much? There were a few groups that performed that I really wanted to ask, “Are you for real?” There were opera type singers who came out in ballroom dresses and had videos of lightening on the screens. And the light effects… Oh Lord. Any light, didn’t matter what color, was going whenever the light person felt like it. If all of them were on at the same time that was totally fine. Ohhh wow. I have never experienced anything like that concert. But like I said, we got out of class early:) This is a pic of one of the bands....
I had a mini English lesson with some of the Asian students the other day. They had me writing on the board and everything. I’m trying to teach them how to say, “How u doin?” just because I think it would be funny to hear once in awhile:) The guy who told me of his love really likes to have a “dialogue” with me. It usually goes, “Hello”, “Hello”, “How are you?”, “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” I just like the part where he says, “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” cause that’s when he starts laughing. He called me over from across the room the other day and asked what city I was from. I told him and he just walked away deep in thought. I walked all that way why exactly?
Saturday night, was a completely different experience from the concert. I crossed from one extreme to the other. I went with the Eshelmans and the Hinsons to a homeless shelter where Cecil was invited to preach. The shelter is located just past the last bus stop on the edge of town. It was pretty dark out there and there wasn’t much light to see the buildings or anything. It might have helped if I had seen things more because I was not prepared for what was in the meeting/eating house. The meeting house was tightly packed with people sitting shoulder-to-shoulder and back-to-back who all turned to watch us come in. I felt like I stepped back in time when I entered that room. It just seemed like something you would see in an old war movie or something. I would say there was at least 80 people stuffed into the room. Almost immediately I felt ashamed of any complaint I have made about not having the right clothes, or not liking a certain food… An incredibly humbling experience. Sometimes the smell wasn’t very pleasant but that is the case in many places in Russia. Most restrooms don’t have toilet paper, soap, or paper towels so you are out of luck if don’t bring your own toiletries. It was a good service and the people were very responsive to Cecil’s preaching. After the sermon, they had their evening meal and we were invited to stay. They served soup and bread that they make in their own brick ovens. They didn’t have enough dishes for everyone to eat at once so they would wash dishes as soon as someone was done eating. On church on Sunday, Tonya asked everyone to bring any dishes they don’t use for us to bring to the shelter. I hope there is a good response with that. I would like to go back to the homeless shelter in more light so I can really see everything. I guess in the summer they have gardens and they also have some of their own farm animals. I took a few pictures but they aren’t the greatest. I felt funny taking pictures considering the situation. The Eshelmans took some on their camera so I’ll have to see how they turned out.
The next morning we had church. The alarm went off way to soon after being out late at the shelter:) Every Sunday after the service we go off into a side room for fellowship/food time. My first Sunday there, a lady told Cecil to tell me that I needed to push my way to the food. Apparently Russians have a smaller personal space than Americans. She came over a few seconds later with a plate full of food for me. So the next Sunday I made sure to get plenty of food so no one would go to the trouble of helping me. But then a man was concerned because I didn’t have any tea. He went and got Tim to tell me that I needed some tea. So the third Sunday, I had it all figured out. I grabbed a plate of food and my tea so no one would have to bother getting me anything. I even found a chair to sit where they could see me eating. But then the pastor’s wife, Natasha, asked why I didn’t have any cake…. I give up.
Something that has and is still difficult for my American brain to understand is the shopping situation here. In America, we are taught to make a list and try to go as few times as possible in a week. Some people manage to take just one trip a week to the grocery store. Fill up the car with groceries! By saving time we are saving money. But here its totally acceptable if you go every day. Most people don’t have cars so they have to carry whatever they buy all the way home. I would also say that part of it is because of needing to buy things fresh, like bread. Bread is literally everywhere and in everything. I don’t think I have had a meal where there wasn’t any bread or at least a grain type food. But the first few times that I went to the store I made a list of all the things that I would need for the week and possibly longer… Yeah that didn’t work and I think the store people hated me. They actually ask you before they start ringing up your stuff if you even want a plastic bag. And if you do want a bag they try with all their might to fit everything you buy into that one bag. I only know of one bigger grocery store that has their own bag. That is, one with a logo and stuff. All the other grocery stores have a small black bag which I think is partly because people have to lug whatever they buy all over town. But anyway, as much as it against everything I’ve been taught and as much as I dislike going to the store never knowing if someone is going to ask me something in Russian… I go more than once a week. Shocking I know…. I will now make friends with the cashiers and be able to fit everything in those tiny black bags. Hooray for me. Hopefully this change in me will not be permanent.
On Sunday I helped Tonya prepare for a tea party for some ladies in honor of Women’s Day on March 8th. It’s a pretty big holiday here and girls of all ages are congratulated and given gifts just because they are female. We had sandwiches, all kinds of sweets and, of course, tea for the ladies. There were 7 of us and then all of the kids. I helped babysit so the ladies could talk. I put up a video on facebook of one of the little girls complaining that she couldn’t go on the top of the bunk bed. It was hilarious. Wednesday there was a second tea party held at the Hope Center that Tonya organized. It was for a larger group of ladies so there was more work to be done:) But it really turned out to be a lovely party. My pastor’s wife, Natasha, was telling Tonya that she was so surprised at how nice everything was. She had not expected table cloths, real tea cups, and all of the delicious food. Tonya told her that is was something she learned from America:) I’ve put a few pictures on facebook so you can see what it all looked like.
I was very blessed on Women’s Day. I spent it with the Eshelmans relaxing and then getting ready for the tea party. Vera Eshelman painted a picture for me to put on the wall in my room. I already have it up:) Deanna E. bought me some cream that she picked out herself. And Tonya gave me a rose as I was leaving to go to my dorm room. But also having the opportunity to serve these ladies was a gift in itself. Yes, I was blessed on this Womens Day:)
Love is so amazing. Father God gave the greatest gift of Love. He gave it me. He gave it to you. I am alive because of His Love. My heart and my soul are ALIVE because of His Love. Without it I would be cold and dead inside. Not really living. Not ever experiencing the depth of my Heavenly Father. But with this gift of Love, I’m alive. When you experience this great Love, life has new meaning. You can actually feel His deep Love for you. Can you feel it? Can you hear Him whispering his love to you? He’s saying, “Come away with me! Let me show you the beauty of my Love. Its depth. Its riches. Its fullness...” Only Gods Love can make you whole again. Only this can fill the void in your heart. Only God can set you free. In the book of Judges (5:31) an incredibly wise woman named Deborah said, “So may all your enemies perish, O Lord! But may they who LOVE you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” What a picture that creates in my mind! To be like the sun rising in the morning. I know I talked with you last time about Gods Love, as well as now, but let me leave you with what is the prayer of my heart. Ephesians 3:16-19, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through this Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Amen.
I have a few prayer requests. One is a little strange. When I sit for long periods of time in what you might call a “student” position (you know when you are leaning forward and writing a lot) I get an uncomfortable sensation in my left shoulder blade. Sometimes it feels like a thin stream of extremely cold water and sometimes it feels like super hot water. The other day it reminded me of what it felt like to get a wart burnt off. Well, I’ve had this feeling before but not as frequent or as intense as I’ve had it lately. I guess its cause I’m in class longer than I was in the States and always needing to be in that “student” position. I would appreciate your prayers concerning this. It’s not always painful but definitely distracting and uncomfortable. My second request is quite simple but a little expensive. I could really use a refrigerator for my room. I don’t have a microwave either but a refrigerator would be more useful right now. I can’t buy anything that needs to be kept cold like milk, or eggs. So yeah, a fridge would be awesome:) My other request I think was said best by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19. His words but they resonate in my heart.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate you all so much! Oh and fyi for all of you. I’m hoping to give a tour of my dorm building and parts of the university on video… I’ve been planning this for awhile but I thought if I put this in a blog I might actually go out and do it:) I’m not sure how doing it at the university will go but I’d like to try. Some places here don’t even allow pictures so we’ll see. Anyway, stay tuned. You are all amazing.
An official Women’s Day participant,
Leah
Saturday, March 5, 2011
...perfect Love...
Greetings Dear Friends-
So remember how I said that I’ve been watching for one of these high boot women to slip and fall on the ice? Well during break one day I was looking out the window and watched one of them fall. Hard. I kind of squealed and covered my mouth cause I saw it coming. I got some strange looks from the Asian students… It actually wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be, watching her fall that is. Probably because it was a lady in her 50’s. There was a guy who helped her up and walked away smiling. I think he’s been waiting with me:)
I have three teachers for my class(es) and not any of them know Chinese or English. When none of us in class understand what they are trying to say they sometimes act it out. One day I had a teacher I’d never had before (this is when it was just me in class) and she immediately went into acting when I didn’t know what she was saying. She started blowing kisses, giving air hugs, and batting her eyes….. It was so weird it wasn’t funny. I finally remembered (much to her relief I’m sure) that it was Valentine’s Day:)One teacher even acted out sitting on a toilet. Brave woman. Last week, Ivan was trying to describe a type of bug to our teacher by making motions with his hands. She instinctively stomped on his imaginary bug. Ohhhhh how I laughed.
Monday was an eventful day in class. Tolya had severe stomach cramps and had to leave class for a little while. My teacher freaked out and was asking if he needed a doctor. At lunch, Ivan had a huge meal that included three fried fish. Well, something from the fish got stuck in his throat and for the rest of the day he made noises, ate more, and drank water, trying to get whatever it was unstuck. The Russian word for fish sounds like you are saying “reba” which for some reason I have found funny. But the fact that Ivan had a “reba” stuck in his throat made the whole situation hilarious to me…. I guess I’m not a very compassionate missionary… On Tuesday, Ivan didn’t show up for class. Apparently he went to the doctor to get the fish out of his throat…. I really wish I could have seen the doctors face when Ivan told him that he had a “reba” stuck in his throat. I would have paid money to see it:) Wednesday, Ivan came back to class. I asked him about what happened at the doctor and he said that they actually pulled out whatever it was out of his throat. That’s all he would tell me:) At lunch that day I joked with Tolya about getting fish for lunch like we had been since Monday. Neither of us have touched the fish since the episode. But Ivan (on his first day back) had fish again for lunch… I couldn’t believe it. I sat across from him and watched as he slowly chewed his fish and would every so often pull out a bone from his mouth. He caught me watching him and he said, “I must be very careful.” Crazy kid.
One of the Asian students from another class decided to profess his love for me in the presence of about 10 other guys. In English no less. Dianna Eshelman, who is 10 years old, asked me the other day, “Are you going to get married in Russia?” I told her that I could almost promise her that I would not be getting married in Russia. Then she proceeded to give me a talking to about that I should not just be looking for, “Someone who is pretty, but someone who will love you even when you are old.” She said lots of other things like that I needed to marry whoever God had for me, “Even if he is African, American, Russian, Chinese….” A wise women indeed:) But now I’m wondering if I should take this guy seriously after my talk with Dianna… :) Or not. Ivan asked for my phone number the other day and I tried to avoid the question. He finally caught on and said, “You don’t want to give me your phone number. You have broken my heart.” Then he put his textbook on his head and started fake crying. Later we were trying to remember the Russian word for “sunny” and Ivan said, “Its sunny outside, but my heart is cloudy because you broke my heart.” He put his book back on his head and started singing softly in Chinese like he was comforting himself. But I recognized the song and asked, “Are you singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?” He poked his head out and said that he was. I broke his heart but he’s singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… Whatever.
I have to wash my own dishes once in awhile, believe it or not. Because I don’t have a sink in my room and because the kitchen on my floor is ALL the way across the hall :) I tend to have a hard time cleaning them cause they’ve been sitting for a few days. I should probably work on that. But anyway, I was washing dishes today when two guys came in to have a good long smoke while I’m struggling with my dirty dishes. So thanks guys for making my cleaning efforts almost completely useless. Cause now I need to rewash my dishes, clothes and take a shower. I appreciate it. Oh and Jesus loves you.
My second week here the water was off for extended periods three days in a row. Thank God that I use bottled water for most everything anyway. Right now there is no light bulb in the toilet room. Its been like that for….6 days now. I’m letting my suitemates deal with it since they can speak Russian. I wondered why I really felt like I needed to bring a flashlight with me when I was packing. I even went and bought one. Now I know:) I love how God cares about the little things. Thankfully there is a guy fixing it right now. So don't you be worrying about my battery running out:)
At the university on Friday, I was looking for my friend/body guard/translator Jane when a guy asked me something in Russian. Something about “school” but that was all I could make out so I just told him in the simplest way possible that I didn’t speak Russian. He looked embarrassed, looked down (as if he was supposed to know I couldn’t speak Russian) and just said, “Ok.” Haha maybe you just had to be there but it was funny to me. I was trying not to smile about it when I was walking down the hall cause people were looking at me funny. Although they usually do but I wasn’t helping the situation.
One thing that I have established in my life since coming here is that every Monday I reflect on the past week. I go through my journal and review everything that I wrote the past week to remind myself of all that happened. Then I write something that God really spoke to me about on a piece of paper (whether it be a verse, a lyric, or a quote from someone) and put it on my wall. It started out as just something spiritual to put on my bare walls but quickly turned into what it is. I really enjoy taking the time to do it and I love having the reminders on my wall. Sometimes more than one piece of paper goes up. I can’t wait to see how full my wall is when its time to leave:)
The last paper I put up just simply says, “I Love You.” Its written in my own hand but it came directly from my heavenly Fathers heart. The films that we’ve been watching on movie nights is the “Love Comes Softly” series, and it obviously, is all about Love. I just finished reading “Immanuel’s Veins” by Tedd Dekker which is all about Love. The songs I’ve been listening to and a lot of the Bible verses I’ve been reading have to do with Love. As you can see, I finally caught on to what God has been wanting to talk to me about:) Love for Russia. Love for my teachers, the Asian students, my fellow students, for the missionaries I’m working with, the people at my church, my suitemates, the list goes on… But even more importantly, Gods Love. Gods Perfect Love. God Loves me (you) even greater than my own understanding of the depth of it. It’s Unfathomable. I am overwhelmed by it. God’s Love is Strong, Magnificent, Overflowing, and Unconditional. It’s Perfect. I am so unworthy of such a Love. But yet He gives it to me every day. Every second. How do we become accustomed to such a Love? This Beautiful Love. Love is one of the mysteries of God in a way that we humans can’t fathom such an Intense Love. The mysteries of God. Daniel 2:28 “… but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” Let God reveal this mystery of Love to you… Last Sunday, my pastor was saying that when we ask God a question we need to give Him time to answer. God is never late. Ask God how much He loves you. Give Him some of your precious time and I’m positive He will tell you exactly how much you mean to Him.
Thank you guys for all the comments about my blog. I enjoy writing it and letting you know what’s happening this side of the pond. If you are on fb I put pics up every so often. Sometimes 5 at a time or sometimes 100. You never can tell.
You are all beautiful and amazing.
The heartbreaker,
Leah
So remember how I said that I’ve been watching for one of these high boot women to slip and fall on the ice? Well during break one day I was looking out the window and watched one of them fall. Hard. I kind of squealed and covered my mouth cause I saw it coming. I got some strange looks from the Asian students… It actually wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be, watching her fall that is. Probably because it was a lady in her 50’s. There was a guy who helped her up and walked away smiling. I think he’s been waiting with me:)
I have three teachers for my class(es) and not any of them know Chinese or English. When none of us in class understand what they are trying to say they sometimes act it out. One day I had a teacher I’d never had before (this is when it was just me in class) and she immediately went into acting when I didn’t know what she was saying. She started blowing kisses, giving air hugs, and batting her eyes….. It was so weird it wasn’t funny. I finally remembered (much to her relief I’m sure) that it was Valentine’s Day:)One teacher even acted out sitting on a toilet. Brave woman. Last week, Ivan was trying to describe a type of bug to our teacher by making motions with his hands. She instinctively stomped on his imaginary bug. Ohhhhh how I laughed.
Monday was an eventful day in class. Tolya had severe stomach cramps and had to leave class for a little while. My teacher freaked out and was asking if he needed a doctor. At lunch, Ivan had a huge meal that included three fried fish. Well, something from the fish got stuck in his throat and for the rest of the day he made noises, ate more, and drank water, trying to get whatever it was unstuck. The Russian word for fish sounds like you are saying “reba” which for some reason I have found funny. But the fact that Ivan had a “reba” stuck in his throat made the whole situation hilarious to me…. I guess I’m not a very compassionate missionary… On Tuesday, Ivan didn’t show up for class. Apparently he went to the doctor to get the fish out of his throat…. I really wish I could have seen the doctors face when Ivan told him that he had a “reba” stuck in his throat. I would have paid money to see it:) Wednesday, Ivan came back to class. I asked him about what happened at the doctor and he said that they actually pulled out whatever it was out of his throat. That’s all he would tell me:) At lunch that day I joked with Tolya about getting fish for lunch like we had been since Monday. Neither of us have touched the fish since the episode. But Ivan (on his first day back) had fish again for lunch… I couldn’t believe it. I sat across from him and watched as he slowly chewed his fish and would every so often pull out a bone from his mouth. He caught me watching him and he said, “I must be very careful.” Crazy kid.
One of the Asian students from another class decided to profess his love for me in the presence of about 10 other guys. In English no less. Dianna Eshelman, who is 10 years old, asked me the other day, “Are you going to get married in Russia?” I told her that I could almost promise her that I would not be getting married in Russia. Then she proceeded to give me a talking to about that I should not just be looking for, “Someone who is pretty, but someone who will love you even when you are old.” She said lots of other things like that I needed to marry whoever God had for me, “Even if he is African, American, Russian, Chinese….” A wise women indeed:) But now I’m wondering if I should take this guy seriously after my talk with Dianna… :) Or not. Ivan asked for my phone number the other day and I tried to avoid the question. He finally caught on and said, “You don’t want to give me your phone number. You have broken my heart.” Then he put his textbook on his head and started fake crying. Later we were trying to remember the Russian word for “sunny” and Ivan said, “Its sunny outside, but my heart is cloudy because you broke my heart.” He put his book back on his head and started singing softly in Chinese like he was comforting himself. But I recognized the song and asked, “Are you singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?” He poked his head out and said that he was. I broke his heart but he’s singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star… Whatever.
I have to wash my own dishes once in awhile, believe it or not. Because I don’t have a sink in my room and because the kitchen on my floor is ALL the way across the hall :) I tend to have a hard time cleaning them cause they’ve been sitting for a few days. I should probably work on that. But anyway, I was washing dishes today when two guys came in to have a good long smoke while I’m struggling with my dirty dishes. So thanks guys for making my cleaning efforts almost completely useless. Cause now I need to rewash my dishes, clothes and take a shower. I appreciate it. Oh and Jesus loves you.
My second week here the water was off for extended periods three days in a row. Thank God that I use bottled water for most everything anyway. Right now there is no light bulb in the toilet room. Its been like that for….6 days now. I’m letting my suitemates deal with it since they can speak Russian. I wondered why I really felt like I needed to bring a flashlight with me when I was packing. I even went and bought one. Now I know:) I love how God cares about the little things. Thankfully there is a guy fixing it right now. So don't you be worrying about my battery running out:)
At the university on Friday, I was looking for my friend/body guard/translator Jane when a guy asked me something in Russian. Something about “school” but that was all I could make out so I just told him in the simplest way possible that I didn’t speak Russian. He looked embarrassed, looked down (as if he was supposed to know I couldn’t speak Russian) and just said, “Ok.” Haha maybe you just had to be there but it was funny to me. I was trying not to smile about it when I was walking down the hall cause people were looking at me funny. Although they usually do but I wasn’t helping the situation.
One thing that I have established in my life since coming here is that every Monday I reflect on the past week. I go through my journal and review everything that I wrote the past week to remind myself of all that happened. Then I write something that God really spoke to me about on a piece of paper (whether it be a verse, a lyric, or a quote from someone) and put it on my wall. It started out as just something spiritual to put on my bare walls but quickly turned into what it is. I really enjoy taking the time to do it and I love having the reminders on my wall. Sometimes more than one piece of paper goes up. I can’t wait to see how full my wall is when its time to leave:)
The last paper I put up just simply says, “I Love You.” Its written in my own hand but it came directly from my heavenly Fathers heart. The films that we’ve been watching on movie nights is the “Love Comes Softly” series, and it obviously, is all about Love. I just finished reading “Immanuel’s Veins” by Tedd Dekker which is all about Love. The songs I’ve been listening to and a lot of the Bible verses I’ve been reading have to do with Love. As you can see, I finally caught on to what God has been wanting to talk to me about:) Love for Russia. Love for my teachers, the Asian students, my fellow students, for the missionaries I’m working with, the people at my church, my suitemates, the list goes on… But even more importantly, Gods Love. Gods Perfect Love. God Loves me (you) even greater than my own understanding of the depth of it. It’s Unfathomable. I am overwhelmed by it. God’s Love is Strong, Magnificent, Overflowing, and Unconditional. It’s Perfect. I am so unworthy of such a Love. But yet He gives it to me every day. Every second. How do we become accustomed to such a Love? This Beautiful Love. Love is one of the mysteries of God in a way that we humans can’t fathom such an Intense Love. The mysteries of God. Daniel 2:28 “… but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” Let God reveal this mystery of Love to you… Last Sunday, my pastor was saying that when we ask God a question we need to give Him time to answer. God is never late. Ask God how much He loves you. Give Him some of your precious time and I’m positive He will tell you exactly how much you mean to Him.
Thank you guys for all the comments about my blog. I enjoy writing it and letting you know what’s happening this side of the pond. If you are on fb I put pics up every so often. Sometimes 5 at a time or sometimes 100. You never can tell.
You are all beautiful and amazing.
The heartbreaker,
Leah
Saturday, February 26, 2011
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord....
Dear Friends-
Tuesday was a beautiful day! The sun was been shining and melting the snow a little. I can actually see some of the sidewalks around campus now. And it was warm enough that I didn’t have to wear gloves or a hat. I thought about taking a walk but that didn’t happen:) We got out of class an hour early and Wednesday we didn’t have class because it was “Men’s Day”. A “national” holiday when they celebrate men in the military which is pretty much everybody. Once a guy reaches a certain age he has to attend like an after school military training s. That is unless he has the right diplomatic connections or has some kind of medical reason. “Women’s Day” is in March apparently. I was excited for the first day that I could sleep in since being here! By the way, my cold is gone and pretty sure I’ve seen the last of the jet lag. So that’s wonderful.
The Asian students in the classes next to mine have a 30 minute lunch break and a 10 minute break at the same time as my class. They can be very rambunctious and can do a lot of damage in just 40 minutes. The other day they played leap frog in the hall, threw tennis balls around, and were picking up multiple people at a time. One guy picked up two girls at once and was trying to flip them but he dropped them on their heads. Thankfully, they’re heads were already close to the ground but I’m sure they both have a good sized knot on their head. There are only a few of them that can hold a conversation in English with me but if a bunch of them get together they can eventually figure out how to say something in English. Monday they were trying to find out if I knew Jackie Chan… Yeah not personally… There are now two guys in my class from China. We are an odd group I must say.
Since it was such a nice day I took my time walking to and from the Golden Bird, my grocery store down the street. On my way back from the store, I happened to see a guy sprawled across the side of one of the dorm buildings. His friend was helping him out of a second story window. Apparently he doesn’t know about the easy way of exiting a building…
On my day off, I went to a museum with Tonya, her kids, and the Hinson kids. Each Russian speaker had an English speaker partner in case of getting separated from the rest of the group. Tim was my Russian buddy, official tour guide and took his job very seriously:) We all had a great time at the museum. I’ve never been to a museum that I couldn’t read the little explanations of what things are. Not being able to read anything Russian is a little like that time in your childhood when you can’t read but are ready to start learning. But yes, we all had fun and it turned out to be a very educational day off for me. When I went back to school the next day one of the guys in my class, Ivan, asked what I did for my holiday. I told him, then I asked what he did and he replied, “Party!” Soooo while I was at a museum he was somewhere getting drunk… Oh dear.
These were pics of us at the museum.
On Saturday, I saw an Asian girl walk past our door and look in that I had didn’t know. Later during our break she came into the room and went right up to me. Apparently, she has some Russian friends who told her where they could find me, the American. Between her English and my friend Anton’s translation she is going to be picking me up next week to “talk”…. I don’t know who these Russian friends are or how they knew where to find me… I wonder if there is some sign somewhere with directions on where to find the American… I should look into this. Anyway kind of random and stalkerish but she seems like a nice girl. We’ll see if, when, and where I will be picked up. After she left Anton decided to share with me that, “All the Chinese girls and boys are talking about you all the time. You are very popular.” His words, not mine. And I was just thinking how everything had quieted down from that first week. I guess I thought wrong.
Thursday I helped with a birthday party for some kids from the orphanage who were born in February. The Eshelman’s pick the kids up and bring them to the Hope Center where they play games, have cake, give presents, and just love on the kids. There were six this month that came. I’m not at a point in my Russian studies where I can just talk to the kids so I did setup, cleanup, and anything else that didn’t entail speaking in Russian. They were great kids and it was an honor to serve them. But still it gave me a kind of helpless feeling not being able to do more for them. These kids really don’t have much of a chance once they graduate from the orphanage system. Apparently there are people, gangs, and “businesses” just waiting for them to use them for illegal means. The girls likely become prostitutes and have children at a young age then they bring their own children to the orphanage because they don’t have the knowledge to raise a child. The boys are targeted by gangs and other illegal things. Russia’s orphans need a Savior. Pray for the orphans and for a change in the orphanage system.
These are pics from the birthday party...
I don’t remember if I have mentioned how much I enjoy the sermons on Sundays. This past Sunday, pastor spoke about going into the depths of God’s presence. That we should search for depth, that when we are in the depths that is when God is changing something in you, and that we should get rid of anything keeping us from the depths. Pastor said (through translation of course:), “We should never exchange Gods depth for small ponds.” An image of me splashing around in little puddles came to my mind. Yes, kind of fun and I could get decently wet. But then I imagined swimming in the deepest waters where I could see the beauty of the ocean floor. The beauty of the Lord. Pastor read Psalms 27:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek… to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord...” What better place to see His beauty than in the depths of His presence? What better place to experience His perfect love? Psalm 50:2 “From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.” I challenge you, as I have been, to rid yourself of anything that is keeping you from the beauty of God’s presence. We need depth.
Thanks for reading my humble blog. Thank you for your prayers!! Prayer for my classes, my conversations, and that God would work everything out in His timing (not mine) managing to fit everything that He wants me to do while I’m here:) You are all AMAZING.
Miss popular,
Leah
Tuesday was a beautiful day! The sun was been shining and melting the snow a little. I can actually see some of the sidewalks around campus now. And it was warm enough that I didn’t have to wear gloves or a hat. I thought about taking a walk but that didn’t happen:) We got out of class an hour early and Wednesday we didn’t have class because it was “Men’s Day”. A “national” holiday when they celebrate men in the military which is pretty much everybody. Once a guy reaches a certain age he has to attend like an after school military training s. That is unless he has the right diplomatic connections or has some kind of medical reason. “Women’s Day” is in March apparently. I was excited for the first day that I could sleep in since being here! By the way, my cold is gone and pretty sure I’ve seen the last of the jet lag. So that’s wonderful.
The Asian students in the classes next to mine have a 30 minute lunch break and a 10 minute break at the same time as my class. They can be very rambunctious and can do a lot of damage in just 40 minutes. The other day they played leap frog in the hall, threw tennis balls around, and were picking up multiple people at a time. One guy picked up two girls at once and was trying to flip them but he dropped them on their heads. Thankfully, they’re heads were already close to the ground but I’m sure they both have a good sized knot on their head. There are only a few of them that can hold a conversation in English with me but if a bunch of them get together they can eventually figure out how to say something in English. Monday they were trying to find out if I knew Jackie Chan… Yeah not personally… There are now two guys in my class from China. We are an odd group I must say.
Since it was such a nice day I took my time walking to and from the Golden Bird, my grocery store down the street. On my way back from the store, I happened to see a guy sprawled across the side of one of the dorm buildings. His friend was helping him out of a second story window. Apparently he doesn’t know about the easy way of exiting a building…
On my day off, I went to a museum with Tonya, her kids, and the Hinson kids. Each Russian speaker had an English speaker partner in case of getting separated from the rest of the group. Tim was my Russian buddy, official tour guide and took his job very seriously:) We all had a great time at the museum. I’ve never been to a museum that I couldn’t read the little explanations of what things are. Not being able to read anything Russian is a little like that time in your childhood when you can’t read but are ready to start learning. But yes, we all had fun and it turned out to be a very educational day off for me. When I went back to school the next day one of the guys in my class, Ivan, asked what I did for my holiday. I told him, then I asked what he did and he replied, “Party!” Soooo while I was at a museum he was somewhere getting drunk… Oh dear.
These were pics of us at the museum.On Saturday, I saw an Asian girl walk past our door and look in that I had didn’t know. Later during our break she came into the room and went right up to me. Apparently, she has some Russian friends who told her where they could find me, the American. Between her English and my friend Anton’s translation she is going to be picking me up next week to “talk”…. I don’t know who these Russian friends are or how they knew where to find me… I wonder if there is some sign somewhere with directions on where to find the American… I should look into this. Anyway kind of random and stalkerish but she seems like a nice girl. We’ll see if, when, and where I will be picked up. After she left Anton decided to share with me that, “All the Chinese girls and boys are talking about you all the time. You are very popular.” His words, not mine. And I was just thinking how everything had quieted down from that first week. I guess I thought wrong.
Thursday I helped with a birthday party for some kids from the orphanage who were born in February. The Eshelman’s pick the kids up and bring them to the Hope Center where they play games, have cake, give presents, and just love on the kids. There were six this month that came. I’m not at a point in my Russian studies where I can just talk to the kids so I did setup, cleanup, and anything else that didn’t entail speaking in Russian. They were great kids and it was an honor to serve them. But still it gave me a kind of helpless feeling not being able to do more for them. These kids really don’t have much of a chance once they graduate from the orphanage system. Apparently there are people, gangs, and “businesses” just waiting for them to use them for illegal means. The girls likely become prostitutes and have children at a young age then they bring their own children to the orphanage because they don’t have the knowledge to raise a child. The boys are targeted by gangs and other illegal things. Russia’s orphans need a Savior. Pray for the orphans and for a change in the orphanage system.
These are pics from the birthday party...
I don’t remember if I have mentioned how much I enjoy the sermons on Sundays. This past Sunday, pastor spoke about going into the depths of God’s presence. That we should search for depth, that when we are in the depths that is when God is changing something in you, and that we should get rid of anything keeping us from the depths. Pastor said (through translation of course:), “We should never exchange Gods depth for small ponds.” An image of me splashing around in little puddles came to my mind. Yes, kind of fun and I could get decently wet. But then I imagined swimming in the deepest waters where I could see the beauty of the ocean floor. The beauty of the Lord. Pastor read Psalms 27:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek… to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord...” What better place to see His beauty than in the depths of His presence? What better place to experience His perfect love? Psalm 50:2 “From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.” I challenge you, as I have been, to rid yourself of anything that is keeping you from the beauty of God’s presence. We need depth.
Thanks for reading my humble blog. Thank you for your prayers!! Prayer for my classes, my conversations, and that God would work everything out in His timing (not mine) managing to fit everything that He wants me to do while I’m here:) You are all AMAZING.
Miss popular,
Leah
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The One and Only- American
Greetings Friends!!
I hope this finds you all well and safe. I am safe and I hope to be well from this cold in a few days. Being sick is one of the loneliest feelings you can have. But being sick in a foreign country beats that by far. Pretty sure it was the jet lag and not having enough sleep that resulted in a lowered immune system which allowed me to get sick. Anyway, I’m feeling better each day.
I’m writing to you from my dorm room as usual. Its about 5pm and there is someone playing a piano in the building. Whoever it is is very good and plays at just about the same time every day. Sometimes there are women singing and one day it sounded like elephants were dancing. But most of the time it is a pleasant sound. Other usual sounds I hear are car alarms outside, the baby next door, and heels clicking all around me. And pretty sure there is someone upstairs that teaches little children how to do something like sing and dance. Very enthusiastically. Smells differ very much. The whole floor is mostly Asian students and they like to cook their own food which smells amazing. Although someone burned their dinner last night. May have been my roommate…. Soap smell is common because many students wash their clothes in big tubs or bowls in their room. And people like to smoke in the hall. People like to smoke in the bathrooms at school too. Only for emergencies will I go in the bathrooms at school. No tp, cigarettes in the toilet, no soap, no paper towels and when you get out you smell like you just smoked 10 cigarettes. All in all a very enjoyable experience.
I wouldn’t be American or a woman if I didn’t mention more about the “clicking heels” that I constantly hear…. But first I should explain the sidewalks and walkways. It snowed here a lot during the winter and pretty much all the streets, sidewalks, and walkways have not been completely shoveled. When I walk from my room to the university building I walk on several inches of firmly packed snow. In fact, in some places it is no longer snow but ice. Needles to say, it is difficult to walk because you never know when you are going to hit an icy patch. So what kind of shoes do the women here wear? They wear boots with high, thin heels. Heels. In the firmly packed snow. And ice. Heels. I’m slipping and sliding along my merry way in flat boots just trying to stay afloat and some Russian girl clicks past me with her ridiculous boots. Very fashionable. Oh yes. But I can’t figure out how they do it!? I’ve asked some girls about it and they just say something like, “We do what we have to do” or “There aren’t many opportunities to be fashionable so we use what we’ve got.” I told my family about it and my dad thinks that maybe the heel serves as like a spike or something. I don’t know. I’ll be walking and hit a spot where its not level or where its icy and look behind me to see if the girl passing me with her boots will fall. They never do. Its probably not a very nice thing to be watching for but… it would be kind of funny. Oh I need to get saved.
Another interesting thing about Russian people is that they don’t look to the side, or play on their phone, or even slow down while walking. They just plow straight ahead. Of course there are a few exceptions but most of the time they walk very fast and are focused. Cecil said that one way people could possibly tell that I’m American is from the way I walk. I didn’t believe him at first but now I definitely do. Whenever I’m doing anything that Russians don’t usually do while walking I get funny looks. I get those looks a lot though. Especially when I’m in a public place talking with someone in English like the bus or a restaurant. I think my friend Vika is getting used to the looks we get.
I had planned to attempt to “blend in” while I was here. Just try to look and act Russian and stay out of trouble. But apparently God has another plan:) I am the only American at my university and they are proud of it. After my first two days of being here I had 7 girls’ phone numbers who spoke a little English and wanted to “talk” sometime. My first 2 days of classes there were random girls coming in to “talk with my teacher” and then would start talking to me. Word has definitely gotten out that I am there. My teachers like to announce that I am an American to anyone and everyone that they come in contact with. This includes the workers at the school café who in turn tell the whole line behind me, who in turn look at me and talk amongst themselves all though their meal, who in turn tell others. It’s a giant domino effect. And I had planned to be a chameleon… God has such a sense of humor. Har har.
There are definitely downsides to not knowing the Russian language. Like at the café at school. I don’t know what these Russian dishes are called and the workers don’t usually appreciate me pointing to things. Or at the store today. I was paying for my things and the lady said something to me. Eventually I figured out that she would have liked me to give some change if I had some but by that time the line was getting long and she just took what I gave her. Also today, I needed to put some money on my phone (phones here are basically go phones or pay as you go phones) so I went to the phone place hoping they had a machine that had an English button. No button, no machine. Only employees. Thank God they were in a good mood and understood what I wanted. I hope the same workers are there when I go at least until I can say what I want in Russian.
There are three other classrooms next to mine that are learning higher levels of Russian. That I know of they are all Chinese and South Korean students. They are very friendly and do their best to talk with me in mixed Russian and English. There are about 8 guys that thoroughly enjoy watching me get my food in the café. I’m almost sure they plan to be in there when I order just so they can watch. It’s probably the highlight of their day. But I’d probably be doing the same thing if the situation was reversed:) There is a new student in one of the other classes that speaks English pretty well so I’m excited about that.
I’m getting used to people trying to speak to me in English and they eventually start laughing and get embarrassed. Or they give up and start talking to their friends and are making fun of English or making fun of the little they know. When on break at school all of a sudden I’ll hear the Asian students randomly saying things like, “How are you? My name is… Nice to meet you.” That’s when I know they are talking about me:)
I am excited about the girls that God is putting into my life. I just pray that God will help me make time to get together with them all. It is amazing how God has put so many in my life that speak some English! It is just another reminder of how perfect Gods timing really is.
On Sunday I had my first service at a Russian church which is held at the Hope Center. The Hope Center is on the 6th floor of a commercial building downtown. Two churches hold services on Sunday and there are several events during the week. The worship service was difficult but Tonya translated the sermon for me. It was a very good sermon and I look forward to next Sunday. The people were very welcoming even though we couldn’t talk without a translator. There are a few who speak English so that’s great. Many of the people who attend this church are also involved with other things at the Hope Center like game night, prayer night, and movie night. In the pastors sermon he said, “The old wine tastes good but the new wine will taste better. The old strategies will need to be changed for the new.” Those aren’t the exact same words he said but it was like God speaking straight to my heart. The old times back home were great but the new times here will be even greater. And the things that worked well in the past will need to be changed for the new things.
I’m excited for the new things ahead. Like learning how to order something other than borscht and pancakes. Like being over this cold and the jet lag. Like being able to find my way around town on my own. Like the talks I will have with these girls. Keep praying for me. You are all amazing.
The Americanka- Leah
Friday, February 18, 2011
"Always Winter But Never Christmas..."
Greetings Friends!
I am finally writing to you from Russia! From my dorm room at the university to be exact. I arrived on Monday the 7th and it is now Wednesday the 16th so it has been a little over a week.
My trip here had its interesting moments. I left the 5th of February from St. Louis and went to Chicago’s O’Hare airport. At O’Hare, I was asking directions from one of the workers to the international terminal when the man behind me said that he was also headed that way. In fact, he was to be on my flight from Chicago to Seoul, Korea. We helped one another find our way to the terminal, print boarding passes, go through security again, and find our gate. I was very thankful for his help as well as his company as we waited for about 4 hours for our departure. He was on his way to Japan to teach English and I was on my way to learn Russian so we definitely had things to talk about. We eventually met another passenger who was on her way to visit her mother in Korea who also taught English. The Americans bonded:) The flight from Chicago to Korea was about 14 hours… Longest flight of my life and one that I am not looking forward to on the way home. I sat between two Asian guys my age which made sleeping an awkward situation. Thus I slept much of the time on the table that folds down. A pillow does wonders to those things. Okay not really.
At the Seoul airport I went through security for the third time. Hooray. I didn’t know my gate number and it didn’t show up on the screens for a few hours which was quite frustrating since I didn’t want to wander far in case my gate was nearby where I was at the time. The Seoul airport is basically a mall. It has many many stores with tons of employees. The purchases made there are duty free so pretty much everyone buys at least something. I truly believe that people fly to that airport just to go shopping. Anyway, my gate number WAS changed after I found it but it all worked out. Something about a “thick” fog. Whatever. I’ve never experienced having to listen to announcements waiting for my language to come next until flying international. It gets pretty annoying after awhile especially when you see other people getting up when you still don’t know what’s going on. Well “A” for “American” comes before “K” for “Korean” right? I know. Nice try.
I experienced the roughest landing I have ever had when coming to Khabarovsk. Also the scariest and most serious passport and visa check. I didn’t have any problems except that they wanted to weigh my suitcases. Not sure why but everything was fine after they weighed them. Probably trying to get more money out of me:) I was met outside customs by Cecil Eshelman, the missionary I’m working with. He took me to meet the rest of his family (his wife Tonya, and children Timothy, Vera, and Deanna) and to stay for the night. At the Eshelman’s place I was able to clean up and meet about 5 people who help in the ministry they have with orphans coming out of the orphanage system. One girl, Alina, knew some English so it wasn’t completely overwhelming hearing them all speak in Russian all at once. But I was pretty tired so I don’t think I could fully comprehend everything the way I normally would. But that was the first time I experienced speaking through a translator and learning to figure out what someone is saying even though you can’t speak their language. It was also the first time I have heard a group of Russian people praying. Its amazing how even though it was all in another language I didn’t feel separate from them. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t understand WHAT they were praying. I could feel Gods presence anyway in my heart. .
My first full day in Russia was definitely a FULL day in Russia. Cecil & Tonya took me to see some ice sculptures and took some pictures. Then we went to the university and signed papers, talked with lots of people, had a small tour, and met two of my instructors. It was a lot to take in and a lot to do. I believe we had to go twice to finish some things. While we were there, a student recognized Tonya and came over to say hello (well not hello but hello in Russian:). Come to find out, she is a Christian & knows some English…. I was shocked. It was another wonderful confirmation that I was where I need to be.
I was taken to the bank that is across the street from my dorm and shown how to use the ATM, and exchange American money for rubles. Next was the Golden Bird also not far from my dorm. It’s just down the street. The Golden Bird has 3 restaurants, a grocery store, and bumper cars. Slightly random, but hey, you never know when you might need some bumper cars… We had lunch at the cafeteria style restaurant, and went grocery shopping. A cell phone was purchased and a calling card to call home with. My things were taken and moved to my room where I spent the evening unpacking.
I was exhausted that night but when I heard my suitemate go in her room next to mine (we share a bathroom but not a bedroom) I figured I should at least say hello. Turns out her name is Marsha and she is from China, I believe. She knows little Russian and even less English. I know nothing. So we sat together in her room, Marsha holding a small translation device and me holding my Russian/English dictionary. It was ridiculous. She was very nice and offered me an orange. An orange of friendship:) We sat for quite awhile trying to communicate with one another. One thing I finally did understand (after a demonstration) was a problem with the water draining in the shower. It doesn’t. Hooray.
The third day after my arrival I had my first day of class. I have class Monday through Saturday from 9am-2pm. I’m still in denial about having class on Saturdays. I’m busy enough and then they add another day of school? Soooo wrong. At school they have what you might call a coat check room. The buildings are kept very warm (thankfully) so they have you check in your coat and they give you a number to pick it up on your way out. Also it’s just a nuisance to carry it around with you. They also have large mirrors by the coat check where people can fix their hair and such from having hats and coats on. Russians (male and female) have no problem standing and fixing their hair for long periods of time in front of these mirrors. I find it quite humorous for some reason. They also have security at every entrance of the school (complete in cameo) and they will randomly ask people for ID especially if they don’t recognize you. Since I don’t have my ID yet, my instructors meet me at the front entrance and walk to the classroom with me. My first morning while waiting for my instructor, a lady asked me something in Russian and my reply was something like “I don’t understand…. Uhhhh..Americanka…” She was shocked and SO excited to hear that I was American. She started talking in mixed Russian and English and invited me to her class (not sure what that was about). I had a difficult time explaining to her that I was there to learn Russian. By the end of the conversation she had gotten my phone number and planned to call me the next day. That didn’t happen but I’m totally okay with that. I actually saw her in the hallway the other day when I wasn’t feeling good and hid from her. I’m sure someday she will see my number and think to call me to “talk”. Oh how I await the day.
The first day of class wasn’t too bad. I have three instructors that trade off and I can’t say any of their full names. Until today, I have been the only student in my class. The other students have/are still celebrating their New Years. There are three in my class as of today. The other two are guys from China. But because they came we are starting the lessons over from the very beginning of the book… :) Why have I been coming to class just to relearn everything again? And will we have to start over every time more people come? Well… that’s Russia for you:) Its fine with me cause I can catch up with work and catch up on my sleep since I decided to get a cold this past weekend. My New Year’s resolution to not get sick lasted…. about 7 weeks. Epic fail.
There is a girl at school my age named Jane who speaks English very well. She is a student and also works for the school. Apparently, she is kind of in charge of me while I’m here for the school and I guess the government. Not sure how that works, but she has been great. She usually has lunch with me at school every day, and helps me with various things like buying a hairdryer and getting someone to fix the drain in the shower. I feel bad that she is in charge of me (I’m helpless you know) but I am excited at the opportunity to be with her.
Russia is an amazing place. I will never completely understand it but I am privileged to have the opportunity to try. Cecil mentioned that Russia is kind of like Narnia where it’s always winter but never Christmas. I have found that to be the best reminder of why I’m here. The people are caught in this “curse”, if you will, of a never ending winter and only Aslan can make it spring again. In other words, sin has a hold on the people and only God can break its grip. Don’t get me wrong because there definitely are believers here. But there are so many who need to see spring in their lives. I hope I making myself clear because I tend to think words in broken English now:) Relient K’s song “In Like a Lion (Always Winter)” describes it perfectly.
I will write again very very soon because I have SO much to tell you all. I appreciate your prayers and the time you took to read this. Prayers concerning my health, learning the language, rest, and opportunities to share the joyous news of a spiritual spring would be wonderful.
Blessings!!
Leah
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
On the Cosmic Scale....
Hello Friends!
I send you greetings from Illinois for probably the last time (for six months) during our worst snowstorm of the year. Pretty sure everything in town is closed, except Family Video, and they probably won’t last long now. I would recommend that it’s not the best time to watch “The Day After Tomorrow” or “2012”. Just a thought. As long as we keep the electricity I don’t mind the storm. It is just giving me more time with the fam since they didn’t have to work today. So hurray for that.
Everything for the trip has come together. A bit last minute but it’s all working out. My visa is scheduled to arrive the day before I leave and that’s the last thing I’ve been waiting for. I officially leave this Saturday, February 5th and arrive in Khabarovsk the 7th. I come back to the States July 26th.
I’ve been slowly packing for at least a week. Probably more like two weeks and I’m sick of it. Right now the same two words are going through my head, “Space & weight. Space & weight.” I only have so much room for stuff and can fill it only so heavy. At this point I’m thinking, “What can I take out to save weight and room? … Shoes! I don’t need shoes in Russia anyway. Besides it will make room for another purse!” Okay not really. But by starting to pack early it has actually helped with narrowing down to what I really do need. Although I am dreading when they weigh my suitcases….
It has been pretty cool that in the last year I’ve been able to see friends from long ago. We keep in touch but we only get to see each other every few years. It has been in Gods perfect timing with each visit in that they were each such an encouragement to me. Beth, Kelly, and Rebekah it was awesome seeing you!
There are a few things that I have to keep reminding myself of in these last days with family and friends. One is from my wise friend Amber, who said, “You won’t be gone forever.” Too true :) Another is, “It’s only for 6 months” and still another is just the fact that I know I need to go. At least by going I can have that peace in my heart that this is God’s will. My life would not be satisfied if I stayed.
I keep a journal and since I like to write AND vent to God I tend to go through them rather quickly :) The last couple that I have had were just $3 WalMart notebooks that I decorated. While packing I decided I needed to make one for while I’m in Russia and thought that having a Russia/travel theme would be fun. Anyways, while looking through my stash of cut outs from magazines, I found a line that said, “On the cosmic scale it may be a small thing.” Going to Russia for six months on the cosmic scale is an extremely small thing. And really compared to my entire lifetime it’s a very small thing. But I’m so glad that in Gods eyes He sees the small things that we do and sacrifice for:)
Am I going to miss my family and friends? Uhhh yeah. Of COURSE. It seems like every day I’m thinking,
“This is the last time that I will do this.” And every day I have to keep myself from crying (I’m not too big on crying in front of people although I can’t help it anyway). And every day I say to God, “This better be worth it.” But I’m coming back in six months so it’s not forever. And hopefully I will come back more like the woman God wants me to be.
I look forward to when I return and can tell all my stories and show all of my pictures. But even more I’m excited to hear about what God has done while I was gone. What’s your plan for the next six months?
Thank you everyone for the gifts: the supplies, the money, the cards, the messages, the hugs, and prayers. You are all amazing! I’ll keep in touch.
Blessings,
Leah
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