Serve 2009

God has been doing some exciting things in my life recently.  Although it is extremely difficult to not be in Kazakhstan, God is continuing to make it clear that I am supposed to be in Muncie right now.  I have the opportunity to house sit for someone starting in August 2009 and going through July 2010.  It is fun to see the way that He provides.  I will be making a three week trip to Kazakhstan this summer to help with a delegation and make sure things are taken care of while I am not there.   Also, He is giving me things to look forward to in the Muncie area.  One of those things took place last week.  

I got a chance to be a part of Serve 2009.  I spent last week working with 10 youth that were part of over 200 kids and youth that were doing community service projects throughout Muncie.  I had such a great time.  It was fun to work with youth again and not have to deal with a language barrier of any type. 

Our group worked with a local group called Blood and Fire.  We did work around the community for those that couldn't do the work for themselves.  We also cleaned up a neighborhood park.  We spent two afternoons hanging out with kids from the community center at the pool. 

Although it was a very tiring week (sleep at 12pm, waking up at 6 am and hard work in between) I had such a blast.  I thoroughly enjoyed being able to serve alongside some amazingly hard working youth.  We had a lot of fun as we worked, which made the time go more quickly.  The week gave me energy despite the grueling schedule. 

I think my favorite part of the week was being able to clean off an entire sidewalk that had been overgrown.  We were originally only planning to do a part of it, but we got done with more than we originally expected and were able to complete the entire sidewalk.  We filled up two pick-up trucks with the dirt and grass that we removed from the sidewalk.  It was extremely tiring work, but very rewarding. 

Conner Prairie

Today I got to go to Conner Prairie with some friends from my small group.  We had a fun time together as we traveled back in time.  There was a hot air balloon, a whole prairie town set in 1886, a stable, and some fun science stuff.  It was fun to just be able to hang out and spend time with friends while catching a glimpse of life in the past. 

I am really looking forward to this next week.  I will be spending time with a group of 10 youth that are a part of over 150 youth here in Muncie that will be spending the week doing work projects in the community.  I can't wait to work with these youth in order to help our neighbors. 

 

Where will I be Living?

A lot of people have asked me where I will be living.  I do plan to stay in Muncie for now.  I have gotten involved with a great small group and am building good friendships here (as well as continuing old ones).  Being in Muncie will also allow me to be a part of Stateside operations related to Interlink. 

During the last few months, I have been staying with a couple that went on my first trip to Kazakhstan.  I am so thankful for the way that they have opened their home up to me.  It has been such a blessing and encouragement. 

Right now I am looking for an apartment that I can move into starting in July.  Since I am looking at taking some classes and am processing through a lot right now, I am looking at finding a place where I can live on my own for the time being.  If anyone knows of an apartment for rent that is a reasonable price in Muncie please let me know.  I have looked at a couple places, but am still waiting to see what God has for me. 

Update

I wanted to give you a quick update on me.  Some of this is fairly new, so I am still working out the details, but I wanted to keep you posted as I go forward.  As many of you know, this last 3 years in Kazakhstan was difficult for me.  I love Kazakhstan and feel that it is my home.  I did however get to a point of being burnt out and overwhelmed, not specifically by my work with orphans, but with a lot of the other changes that were going on around me.  As a result, I returned to the States tired and exhausted. 

As many of you know, I have finished my initial 5-year commitment to Interlink in Kazakhstan.  I  have fallen in love with the people and truly consider Kazakhstan home.  Even so, I felt God asking me to evaluate whether or not I was supposed to return for a longer period of time.  I feel that God has clearly impressed on my heart that I am.  Even so, He has made it just as clear that right now is not the right time.   

About three weeks ago I made the decision that I am currently not ready to return to Kazakhstan for many different reasons.  I feel that God is asking me to take some more time here in the States so that when I return to Kazakhstan I am better able to thrive.  It was difficult to make this decision, especially because I am leaving my team short-handed.  Even so, I still have complete peace as I look at the near (and far) future.  

During my time here, I plan to continue meeting with wise people who can help guide me through this time.   I plan to work for Interlink here in the States to shore up some of the details related to Kids Connection.  I am also looking into the option of furthering my eduction in order to be better equipped for my continued work in Kazakhstan.

A Giant Surprise!

I traveled up to Ohio this weekend to surprise my mommy for mother's day.  Dad and I were able to pull it off - mom had no idea it was coming.  I think she really liked the surprise.  I have had fun hanging out with them and two of the girls that they care for.  Today we went to an art exhibition, decorated flip-flops, and went to the zoo.  I will travel back to Indiana on Sunday afternoon.  Here are some pictures from the day.