Can't Help Falling in Love

I really do have more Russia stories to tell.  I won't give you another list of excuses because who really cares about why?  I don't even really want to hear it.  So, I thought today I could tell you more of my story and how this trip has changed me. 

I fell in love with Russia.  I am sitting here trying to think of another way to phrase it because that sounds weird to me, but that is really how I feel.  I was nervous at first and although I felt like in my head I knew what to expect, I did not know how I would feel about everything.  I had butterfly moments and I had moments of pure joy. 

I was REALLY nervous about teaching.  Which STILL seems strange to me.  I do have a degree in Secondary Education.  I was trained to teach - 8 years ago - with little to no practical experience in the classroom in the last 7 years.  Unless you count teaching in the nursery at church, which I don't.  Anyway, the nerves got better the more I was in front of the classroom and by the second week I actually felt competent.  Yes, there are always things that happen that I wished would have gone differently, but overall, big picture, I really felt like I accomplished what I set out to do. 

I was also (although I didn't realize it at the time) nervous about meeting the teams Russian friends.  The people that have been in their lives for YEARS, and now I was the new girl (one of the new girls).  Not only was I new, but I was youngish (most, if not all are younger than me) and female and I had NO idea how they would react to me.  And let's face it, I am one of THOSE people that wants everybody to like her.  I always worry that I am more "in love" with someone than they are with me.  THAT was totally silly.  I think by day 4 or 5 Rachael and I had "girls nights" set up on two different nights! 

Girl's night
Photo by Rachael Wise - www.rachaelwisephotography.com

I also completely fell in love with my roomie, Rachael.  She has a heart of gold and we connected in a really powerful way while we were in Russia.  One night, once our bodies had finally adjusted to the time change, we stayed up talking to each other until 4AM (not our smartest move, but TOTALLY worth it.)
In the beginning we were almost always attached at the hip.  I am sure it was because we were both newbies and together we were able to remember almost everything (like directions).  We eventually got our bearings, but still spent a lot of time together because we became so close. 



My Sweet Roomie
Photo by Rachael Wise - www.rachaelwisephotography.com

I also completely fell in love with the students that we interacted with, but I will tell you more about that in a separate post. 

There were so many people that welcomed us into our lives unconditionally with completely open arms and that was a HUGE blessing.  One day I hope to tell you more about those people. 

Until then...

One of my favorite Bible passage about love:

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Top 10 Surprises

As you probably already know this was my first trip outside of the United States and it was also my first mission trip.  Many of the people that have previously gone on this trip did a great job preparing me for this journey.  I heard stories about every step of the trip, so I may struggle to find ten things that surprised me but here goes nothing....

10. We did not fly straight across the Atlantic, we flew along the east coast of the US, Canada, then across the Atlantic to Germany.  

9. After about 4 hours on an airplane I start to go stir crazy and I do better if I am sitting with someone I know.  

8.  Several of the girls that Rachael and I became instant friends with can quote Friends episodes as well as and often times better than we could.  (I have all 10 seasons on DVD.)  We had several quote/laugh sessions surrounding Friends episodes.  

7.  At the flat we stayed in there were rugs covering all the sofas and chairs.  I thought it was strange until we visited someone else's flat and they had something similar.  

6. Disposable dishes are really hard to find. If/when you do find them, they are really thin but surprisingly durable.  Russians often reuse their disposable dishes, but then again so did my grandmother.  

5. The toilet (or Water Closet) is often separate from the bathroom, and their toilets use very little water.  They also often have two buttons, one for small flushes and one for big flushes.  I thought this was pretty efficient.  

Street sign

4.  It was very difficult for me to learn how to navigate the city.  I am pretty good at navigation here at home, but I learn that is because I CAN READ.  When I cannot read, apparently it takes me much longer to get my bearings.  Although, in my defense, for the first couple of days I was working off of very little sleep.  But by the morning of day two Rachael and I were dipping our toes in navigation alone.  It took both of us, but between the two of us we could remember enough landmarks to navigate.  

3. I grew to really like tea.  Tea is a staple in Russian households and by the end of the trip I was completely hooked.  Now in the morning instead of coffee I have black tea.  I also REALLY enjoyed coconut cappuccino's there, but nothing is quite the same here.  They serve their coffee at a drinkable temperature, and I am certain there is something different with their milk.  It is probably less pasteurized and much fresher, so even though they used whole milk it did not upset my stomach at all.  

2. There are almost no preservatives in their food, so nothing keeps for more than a couple of days, but it tastes SO MUCH BETTER.  The produce was much tastier too.  

and the #1 surprise while in Russia....

1.  I felt the Holy Spirit's presence stronger during a church service where I could not understand a word than I do at home where I can understand every word.  It was a beautiful experience.  


That was actually easier than I expected.  I may even come up with a few more later.  

Can you find the surprise in this picture?

Where to Begin

I think I will take Maria von Trapp's suggestion from the Sound of Music and start at the very beginning because apparently, it's "a very good place to start."

My journey to Russia began in the fall of 2004 when our family looked like this:

Our Family - November 2004

We were newly married (July 24, 2004) and placed membership at Riverside in October of 2004.  I don't remember exactly when John Cooke first told our bible class about Russia, but I suspect it was November of 2004 after they returned from their October trip.  

John Cooke

John came into our bible class and told us about Russia and how they teach a character education class at the university there.  Honestly I don't remember many specifics of John's story today (sorry John), but what I will NEVER forget is the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit.  At the time I did not recognize the feeling for what it was, but I knew I wanted to hear more.  After class I approached John and asked a few more questions.  One of my questions was what does the trip cost?  In his wisdom, John didn't really answer me.  He told me that if/when I was ready to go finances would not be an obstacle, we would find a way to get me there.  I believe in that moment, John knew that I would one day make this journey with him.  I didn't know it then, but I think John did.  

In 2006 I started my job at the airport and one of the ladies I work with adopted one of her children from Russia.  Even then I knew that was not by accident.  I knew that God was continuing to affirm that nudge I received.  

Fast forward several years and, Mike Odle came and spoke to our bible class about Russia. Again, unfortunately I do not remember many of the details of his story (sorry Mike), but I remember his story had a slightly different take.  He had a Russian student live with him for the Summer.  Mike's first trip was April of 2008, that summer Kate came to live with him and he returned to Volgograd in October.  I distinctly remember him retelling a story of taking her to the grocery store (probably Wal-Mart) and she couldn't understand why we had so many food choices.  This was an example to me of the excess I take for granted here and I was curious to see what life is like in Volgograd.  

Mike Odle

Honestly there was not a great deal of talk in our house regarding my urge to go to Russia from 2004 to 2011.  I started my job at the airport in 2006 and this was the first place I worked where I earned vacation time.  We had Aaron in January of 2008 and Lydia in August of 2010 and it took some time to build my time off back up after having both kids.  However, every time the team left for Russia my heart tugged a little.  I got included on the email updates while they were gone and my heart tugged a little more.

In October of 2011 after the team returned and I heard more stories and the pull to Russia got stronger.  At that time Aaron was 3.5 and Lydia had just turned 1 and I was not sure how I would be able to leave the family for 17 days.  But my ever steady husband reassured me that he could handle it; he knew it would be difficult, but it would be worth it.  We agreed that it would set a good example for the kids and we both believed it was what God was calling us to.

So I checked my time off spreadsheet (yes, I keep a spreadsheet) to see how much time I would earn by October of 2012. I factored in trips and holiday and plans that we had already made, but I realized I would have enough time off to make the trip.  Ryan and I talked about it and decided that that time was right.  I couldn't wait to tell John!  I was able to tell him on Sunday, November 13th and he was really excited.  He was excited for me, for the students that I would reach, and for the people at the church in Volgograd.

A team left for Russia in April of 2012 and as soon as they returned we began making plans for the October trip.  We began having monthly meetings in June to bond as a team and prepare for the trip ahead.  I began fundraising in July and we left October 17, 2012. We took family photos the Saturday before I left.

Our Family - October 2012

This is just one of many posts about my trip to Russia.  I ask that you continue to pray for the next team that will make this trip in April.  In only a few short months they will begin to make preparations in getting their Visas and plane tickets.  I ask that you pray for Ryan and I as we are already struggling with when I should go back.  I was forever touched by this journey, but I know it is only the beginning.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Russia Excuses

I was very intentional in leaving my computer at home while I was in Russia.  My plan was to do everything possible to be fully present for my time there.  For my first trip I am extremely glad that I made that decision.  The drawback to that is it is going to take me a while to get all my Russia posts written and online.  So for now I leave you with a list of excuses why I haven't posted anything yet:

10. Jet lag - I still get really sleepy at about 3:00 PM, and can barely keep my eyes open at 8:00 PM after the kids go to bed.  

9.  I have a full time job that I had to go back to the Monday immediately following my Saturday return.

8. Jet lag - My brain still isn't fully functioning from the transition.  

7.  I have two children that want to spend every moment possible with their mommy and I try to honor that because one day it will be gone.  

6.  Jet lag - My body is really confused.  

5.  I have a sweet husband that has been doing everything since I left and I am trying desperately to jump back in and do my part.

4.  Jet lag - When I do sleep I have trouble staying asleep, but part of that problem is related to #7.

3.  I know that pictures will tell a lot of the story for me and after spending two and a half weeks with a professional photographer I need to do a little editing of my pictures before they are posted.  

2.  Jet lag.

and the #1 reason is......

1.  I am partially struggling with finding the right words to tell my story in a way that brings honor to God.  

Until I get some good rest and have some time to overcome those obstacles  here are a few pictures.  

You can also visit our church Russia mission blog to read Mike's posts about our journey.  He was able to do most of his blogging while we were there.  The up side is he writes for a living and his writing is beautiful.  My writing will probably feel more like a conversation with an old friend.  It will be grammatically incorrect.   

Paka!

~Love~

Julie

One Week

We leave for Russia in exactly one week!  

My emotions are all over the place.  I am so excited that this trip draws nearer and terrified at the same time.  Before anyone asks, what are you terrified of, or why, there is nothing specific.  This is a big journey for me beyond the flights to/from Russia.  This will be the longest time I have been away from my husband and kids ever.  

However, anytime the fear creeps in I remind myself that God is faithful and walks beside us.  I think of my favorite bible verse Romans 8:28, that God works in all things for the good of those who love him according to his purpose.  And I am quite certain that this trip is according to his purpose and that God will work in us, through us, and most likely at some point in spite of us.  I am also reminded of Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  The two key messages from this that I hold onto as we make this trip are "Therefore go...and teach" and "I am with you always."  Ok, maybe that's three key messages.  Go, Teach, and God is with you.  So simple yet so powerful.  

We got home yesterday from a trip down to Houston to visit my family, and before I had even finished unpacking from that trip I started packing for Russia.  My big suitcase and backpack are out and as I think of things that I will not need at home before we leave I put it in the suitcase.  A sweet friend of ours let me borrow the backpack and I LOVE it, I may never give it back.  It holds way more than it looks like it would and that is a very good thing considering the length of this trip. 

As always, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to pray for our team as we finalize our preparations.  Pray that we will find ways to keep our anxieties to a minimum, that we will remember to pack everything that is critical, that we will get good rest in these last few days leading up to our trip, that we will do everything we can to make this time a way easier on our families, that we will be able to wrap things up at our jobs to be gone for 2 1/2 weeks, that we ALWAYS remember who is in control, and anything else the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.  Thank you.



"Life is a journey, not a destination."
~Ralph Waldo Emmerson

6 Weeks To Go

Countdown:

Days: 41

Dollars $300

Wow, time really is flying.  May people have been very generous and I am nearly at my target amount to raise for my trip to Russia.  This last $300 that remains is basically the amount that I will need to cover the cost of my apartment for the time that we will be there. How great is that?  $300 for 16 days, you can't beat that.  

Well, that's about all I know for today.  Please continue to pray for the team as we prepare.  Please also pray that God is already preparing the ground ahead of us so that we can plant seeds while we are there.  We can only do this through Him, and we are blessed to have this opportunity. 

Until next time....

Paka!

Let the Countdown Begin

Count down:
Days: 55
Dollars: $550

Those numbers worked out nicely.  That was not intentional on my part, but it is pretty cool to me.  We had an anonymous donor take care of the fees for all of our visas.  What a blessing!  Mr./Mrs. Anonymous donor, we sincerely thank you for your generosity!  

Preparation updates:
I completed watching the video for Fairness and I get to do an interesting activity with the students.  I get to start off seemingly arbitrarily handing out pieces of candy to students while leaving others out.  Then we get to talk about how that made them feel and why it is important to treat people fairly.  I am trying to decide how I should go about doing this.  Should I have one of my co-teachers pass out the candy, one of the students?  Thoughts, suggestions?

Does anyone have any recent pop-culture references that would be good examples of Respect or Fairness?  

Over tax free weekend I purchased a new pair of athletic shoes and I made sure I got a pair that are mostly gray.  Apparently white athletic shoes are a dead giveaway that you are American.  Not that I have any hope of hiding that!  I also got a rain coat (that fits) to be able to layer with a sweater, if necessary.  I have travel adapters for the power outlets.   I am debating on purchasing a backpack that has built in security features to keep out wandering hands.   I am sure this is a little overboard, but we travel quite a bit and it would get good use.  

If it is not already obvious, I have never traveled out of the United States.  Any advice for newbie international travel?  

Until next time...

Paka

Big Decision

Several months ago my hubby and I made a big decision.  We decided that I would go to Russia with our church.  We have attended Riverside for seven years, and for seven years this is something that I have felt God calling me to do.  Thank goodness God is patient.  Until recently I have not had enough time off to make the trip.  They are gone for 16 days, that's right, 16 days, with about 3 of those days being travel.  We will then teach Character Education classes at Volgograd Pedagogical University for two weeks.  (more to come on that in another post) We will spend the weekend with our students and with members of the church that we support there.  


This past week I hit a milestone in my preparation for our Fall trip.  I received my passport in the mail!  This is my first passport EVER.  My first international trip is going to be to Volgograd, Russia.  It is very intimidating, exciting, and strangely fine all at the same time.  

I have talked with several people that have gone in years past and the one thing that stands out to me the most is their unconditional love for the people.  It reminds me of Jesus, and that is the underlying thread of why I press on.  Another reason is I have a degree in Secondary Education that I am not using.  Was that God's plan all along?  I don't know, but I do know that in ALL THINGS GOD WORKS!  He walks along side us and makes the most out of every decision that we make; what an example of love and grace.  


My plan is to post updates as I walk this journey.  The Spring team leaves for Russia in a few short weeks, and I know they eagerly anticipate their upcoming trip.  


Thank you for walking alongside me and this Big Decision.