A rainy weekend...

My last weekend before I enter the real work world again. It was a joyous time to be a nanny for my niece the first 5 1/2 years of her life. I have to say it has been my best job ever. I will always be grateful for that time I had with her. Thankfully, I still can see her often even though it seems that those years just quickly went by. Am I really encroaching upon 40?
This weekend we went consignment store shopping together and picked up some random items. I found a 50 cent copy of 201 Russian Verbs. This was a great tool for me while in Russia. I had borrowed a newer copy from a library there. It conjugates common verbs in Russian. Remembering all the conjugations can be a daunting task so now I have my own copy to help in time of need. My niece ended up with a phonics game and an Orioles baseball cap.
For those with an interest in Russia, I would recommend reading the latest edition of National Geographic magazine. There is an informative and interesting article entitled, "New Faith in Russia" by Serge Schmemann, which focuses on the Russian Orthodox church. Thanks to my father for bringing it to my attention.

Christian community

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."(Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

I've been thinking a lot about Christian community over the past several years and even more in these months since I've come home. Before going overseas, I have wondered what it is supposed to look like because I don't think I've really encountered it in the U.S. I believe that Christian community has to be more than just going to church services. It is hard to really know people by just attending services. Plus, I find it empty and not fulfilling to live this way.

I think I experienced community when I lived in Russia. I lived with a family who were part of a ministry involving 2 other families and single individuals. We all went to different churches but amazingly stayed connected. During the week, the ladies met for prayer and fellowship. (Although, most of the time it was in Russian so I didn't have a clue what was being said) We got together for times of fellowship over meals and parties, even going on a weekend retreat. We worked together visiting orphanages and teaching English. It made me feel like I was part of a bigger family and they weren't strangers to me like many in the church here are. Back home, I see how we can learn from their example; how they make time for each other. They aren't just consumed by their own lives but make it a priority to sit down and have tea with a friend.

It took me awhile to adjust when I first arrived in Russia. One of the things was learning how to slow down and enjoy the moment with people. That could mean just sitting around the table, drinking tea and talking for a few hours. Also, I learned to not be so work focused, trying to accomplish something important, but to live in the moment with the people around me.

So what do I miss about Russia? The biggest thing I miss is that sense of community. I hope one day the church here will get it.

Some thoughts on job fishing

Well I've been back in the country for 3 months now and just seriously got into job hunting the last month. With the holidays, traveling, and then helping family members, I got derailed from doing a serious job search. Now, I am in the swing of things. Job hunting should really be called job fishing because it is like you are casting your fishing line out into the water hoping for a bite. You might have to cast your line out several times, wait for several hours or change your bait and come back another day. Yes, to me it should be called job fishing. Let's hope I get a bite on my line soon.
Here are some photos taken of me by someone in my group last fall while we were visiting disabled orphans. Thanks Martin for taking these pictures to help me remember.
I can't remember each particular child there but I tried to reach out and give each one a touch, praying that God's angels would surround and minister to them.
This little girl was blind and possibly deaf but she responded to our swinging arms together.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Can you see the wind swirling the snow around in a circular motion?

The weather outside isn't frightful for me. I've been wishing for a good snowfall all winter and it finally came true. There is something about snow that makes me think of spiritual things. Snow reminds me that though my sins were as scarlet they shall be as white as snow. Snow makes the ugly look beautiful by covering it up with white perfection. Watching the snowfall, makes me feel peaceful and at rest because the world around me slows down. Maybe this is a sign from God, like rainbows, to remind us all of spiritual realities. So, have a happy snow day all you who live on the east coast!