Interupting

The other day, on my way to do an errand I sent up a little prayer "Lord, if you want me to share about you with these people today, please grant me an opportunity." I went into an office with 3 ladies there. One of them distractedly fulfilled my request, while continuing her very active conversation with the others. Walking home, I felt a bit disappointed about not having an opportunity to share there. I mean, it would have been rude to interrupt, right? In this case, I think that yes, it would have been rude, but it got me thinking about sharing God's truth with people in general. Oftentimes, we are absolutely interrupting someones life when we share about Christ with them. We are interrupting their worldview, their convictions and their values with ones that are shocking, contrary or offensive to those to which they hold. May God give us sensitivity to know when and how to interrupt people's lives with the gospel. I thank God that He interrupted mine.

It's been a while

So, for some reason, blogspot wouldn't open here in Kyrgyzstan for over a year and now it works again. In the meantime, everyone has moved their cyber social life to FB. And now google + is on the move. Oh technology, I can't keep up with you!  Anyway, for those who are still around, here is a fun pic of Sunday school kids here playing with the new parachute that Lena and Vlad (Zhenya's sister and brother-in-law) brought from Kiev when they visited here last month. We are so thankful for it. The kids absolutely love it! I do too :)

Doing time in the States

It's been great to visit friends and family in the States lately. Here are a few photos from the last couple of months. In December, I was in Chicago with my father. In January, my mom and dad and I took a trip to CA where I got to see lots of old friends. Now I'm in MN, sharing at churches, squeezing in some more visits with friends and getting ready to go back to Kyrgyzstan.

Photos from top to bottom: Rachael and my mom at the beach, a gorgeous sunset at LaJolla, mom and dad and I at Wild Animal Park, cutting the Christmas fruitcake in Long Grove, Papa and I enjoying Chicago-style pizza and a Blackhawks hockey game.

The ultimate marshrutka experience

Imagine playing Twister in a moving minivan in 90 degree weather and you've got a pretty good picture of what Bishkek marshrutka rides are like. I pay 8 som (around 20 cents) to get a ride around town with 20-25 other people. Yes, that number is over the capacity of what it should normally hold. Since this is Central Asia, older ladies have seating priority and depending on who is getting on and off of the marshrutka, the ride also becomes like a game of musical chairs. Well, maybe not because that would mean that seats would be removed...Anyway, the drivers install hand rails from the van ceiling and we just hang on for dear life along with everyone else and off we go. I did attempt to take a photo, but it's hard to do it justice.

Oh the places you will play

You never know who you will meet and what it will lead to. Through an expat acquaintance at church, I was hired to play piano at the US Ambassador's 4th of July party here in Bishkek. It was quite fun to be background music for diplomats and military personnel as they shmoozed. At one point, the French delegation decided that the piano was the coolest place to hang out and there was excited dialog drowning out the Brahms. Maybe they have something against the German composer. I played some Ravel in their honor afterwards. Cara Denney was hired to sing the national anthem, hence the photo of me at the gig. A good time was had by all, and the only disappointment was the extreme amount of blue food coloring that they added to the decorative cake which turned all the guests' teeth and lips a frightening hue. Since I didn't eat till after the party, I was able to somewhat avoid the aggressive frosting. It did dye my fingers when I was putting the cake on my plate though. Conclusion: I now understand why people used to have cupbearers.

The Americanization of everyone's favorite Brit

Katie is quite musical, as we all know and we've been working on some piano lately. She's doing a great job and wanted to share a little recital with you all. She actually asked me to edit out the last little outburst that you will hear- but as I am technically challenged, I just included the whole clip here. Enjoy. I think Jonathan might be proud. 

tagged

So, I was tagged by Anya Knotts and I'm supposed to write 7 random facts about myself. I enoyed reading Anya's. I hope you are mildly entertained by mine. Here goes: 

1) I'm a word nerd. Thinking about word roots, learning new words and pondering how definitions evolved is fun for me.

2) I would rather have 7 snacks in a day v. 3 meals.

3) Chicago is my favorite American city and I love recommending fun places to eat and visit to those who plan on going there.

4) I get depressed after about 4-5 months of living without a piano.

5) Books make me happy. Looking at a big bookshelf crammed with books brings some kind of inner satisfaction. Reading them is relaxing and discussing them is invigorating.

6) I love hot weather. I must be part gecko.

7) Putting another book on top of the Bible makes me feel uncomfortable, but resting a pen on top of it does not.

Who Would Have Thought?

It was a year ago this week that I came to visit my friends here in Bishkek quite unsuspecting that God would call me to join them here. Yikes. Who would have thought? Well apparently my mom and Chris Zurbach knew. I for one did not and am amazed by God's gentleness and faithfulness in leading us. I've been pondering that verse from 1 Thess 2 lately that this is God's will for us: our sanctification. Year by year, He takes us into deeper waters, urging us to cast our net out into the deep and surprising us with the abundance of joy that comes with obedience. So, here's to God's goodness and trustworthiness as we follow Him wherever He would lead us.

Ode to a piano

Hi there, Yes I am possibly the most pathetic blogger amongst you. So since I've last blogged, I have eaten dog at a Korean restaurant, filmed a short movie for the Chernigov church in which I was very silly, nearly broke my tooth on a huge rock that was in the beans I cooked and shopped for pianos. Shopping for anything makes my head hurt, but shopping for a piano is especially difficult. First there is tracking down the pianos in ads and such, then the phone calls and then the visits. Maybe it could be compared to buying a car except that once you buy a car you can drive away with it and don't have to coordinate 5 of your strongest friends to help lug the item up three flights of stairs. Anyway, I remembered my good ol' piano in Chernigov - pictured here. Jake and Anya, I hope you are using it and letting Maia and Gavin play it :)

Since I'm actually posting, I just want to take the time to say to my friends in Ukraine that I really miss you and love you all. Pray that I can visit in May/June. Also, pray that I can get a new piano soon. 

Inductive Bible Study Seminars

 Last week, we had some guests from Russia come to teach the inductive Bible study method to the church. It was a great encouragement to see people growing throughout the week in their desire to read and study God's Word.  The main teacher, Igor, emphasized the goal of drawing close to God and hearing from Him through His Word. In conversations with people during and after the seminars, it was clear that they have a new excitement about the Bible. Many people come from churches where they made outlines of Sunday sermons and yet never read the Bible themselves. Starting this Wednesday evening, people will have an opportunity to practice what they've learned by teaching for 15 minutes through a section of scripture. Pray for our church as they grow in the Word, that they would rely upon Jesus, His Word and the Holy Spirit. 

Conference

                 

Hey All, 

I've been positively delinquent about keeping up my blog this summer. Here's a new post finally. Our church had it's first conference at the end of this month. It was a lot of fun to fellowship with people and get to know them better. I was greatly encouraged as I saw God changing people through His Word and His Spirit. A large group of people in the church are coming out of a different church which left them hurting and confused by bad leadership and legalistic doctrine. The time at the conference proved to be healing and freeing for many. This last Sunday service, I really sensed a difference in our church. The love of Christ and freedom of the Spirit was evident. Praise God for how He generously and actively works in our hearts. I feel privileged to be a part of it all. 

Youth Group Birthday Trip

It's true, I chaperoned a youth group trip to the mountains on my birthday. It was a lot of fun and will remain one of my more memorable birthdays for sure. Thanks to Katie and Jonathan for asking me to come along. Here are a few pics and a video of some of the kids trying to put Romans 8:1-2 to the tune of Happy Birthday (which had nothing to do with my birthday.) 

Cold Gas Water in Bishkek

I could really do a series of posts on the interesting drink stands here in Bishkek. Most of the street vendor beverages are of the fermented milk variety and are just in cooler jugs with taps. The cold gas water stand however is more exciting. I saw a lady go to her stand in the morning, unlock the side of the gas water box, hang her purse up inside it and then get the glasses out to set up for business. Wow. Here's a little video of the gas water machine in action. Notice that she "washes" the glass before getting it ready for the next customer. I should also add that you can have different flavors of syrup in your gas water, but this particular machine only offers orange flavor. Yum Yum. Look for my next post on marshrutka life here. I need to get brave enough to get a photo of that one before I post about it.  

What did Dorthy say when she landed in Oz?

I can't remember that line - something like "we're not in Kansas anymore." Well, I'm definitely not in Ukraine anymore. It's so different here. There are mountains, there are lots of diverse faces all around me, there is extremely crowed public transportation, there is HOT weather, there is amazing food and there are tons of people who don't know about Jesus. SO far the transition here has been good. I hit the ground running and have been involved in kid's ministry, worship and a Bible study at a women's rehab center for former prostitutes. We've also been hit with various colds and German measles (Melanie's boys). It's good to lift one another up in prayer. I need it and my need for it reminds me to pray for you! Oh, I'm taking Kyrgyz lessons too. I can't believe how long the words are here! Singing Kyrgyz songs at church is quite a challenge at this point.

Well, I'll try to post a little video of the local mosque here. This is about a 10 minute walk from my apartment. 

10 days

In 10 days, my flight leaves for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Obviously, my heart is full of various emotions. If God so leads you, please pray for this transition time. I was looking through a poetry book and was encouraged by this excerpt by the English believer William W. Walford (1772-1850) which has been turned into a hymn. May these words move you to prayer for all that concerns you and strengthen you as you think upon His faithfulness and grace.

Sweet Hour of Prayer (stanza 3)

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!

Thy wings shall my petition bear

To Him whose truth and faithfulness

Engage the waiting soul to bless;

And since He bids me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I'll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

My mom is home

Hey All,

 Thanks for praying for my mom. She is home from the hospital as of today. I'm thankful. Thanks again!

My mom's surgery

Hey all, I have been delinquent in blogging. Other things have taken precedence. I wanted to ask you guys to pray for my mom, Rita. She is scheduled for exploratory surgery on Thursday the 20th. The doctors aren't sure what or where the problem is exactly. All they know is that there is a growth (possibly around her appendix). So, please pray. There are so many near and dear ones to pray for. I'm thankful that God hears our prayers and always answers in His wisdom. My mom will probably not be happy that I selected this photo- but I'll risk her wrath and comfort myself with knowing that you all are praying :) I'll post when I know more. Thanks for your friendship and prayers. 

My Kind of Town

There is a song about Chicago that includes the lyrics "my kind of town." I love diversity and in particular, I love the diveristy of Chicago. Obama pop art, Chinese New Year's celebrations and Ash Wednesday worshippers were all featured in this morning's paper. Sure, there are lots of other American cities that showcase and celebrate their diversity, but none that hold the same affection in my heart. Why does diversity make me so happy? I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe because it ultimately points to the manifest wisdom and beauty of our Creator God who also delights in our varied forms of expression. May we honor God in our lives and delight in the way others do so as well.

Visit to Kyrgyzstan

Recently, I went to visit my missionary friends who are church planting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I left on the 10th of January, thinking that I was just going to see my friends and the work that God is doing there. I returned on the 17th with a confidence that the Lord is calling me to join the work there. Throughout the week, my heart changed and for many reasons, I see that God is leading me to move there sometime this year. It will be difficult to leave my brothers and sisters in Christ here in Ukraine, but it's my prayer to see the family of Christ grow as I participate in God's work to transform lives in Kyrgyzstan. I consider it a great privilege to be able to share the name of Jesus with people who have never heard it, in hopes that they would know the Joy that He is. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. May the day of salvation come quickly for those in Kyrgyzstan who do not yet know His name.

Looking Backward, Looking Forward

Someone told me that the month of January was named after the two-faced Roman god, Janus. Sure enough, they were right. As we will soon be in the month of January and beginning a new year, I began to reflect upon what has been and what will be. I’m thankful that my past, present and future are in the hands of God and that there is meaning and purpose in everything, even if I don’t see it. So, if you do some thinking back and looking forward at this time of year, keep in mind that God’s wisdom has higher plans than we can see, that His power can redeem any tragedy, that His love can comfort our pains, that His Spirit can transform us that His peace passes understanding and that He will ultimately be glorified in it all. May we look back and forward with eyes of faith, believing in His holiness and goodness, finding our peace and satisfaction in Him. Wishing you all a Happy New Year of trusting Jesus.
Rom. 11:33-6
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.