Sunday, May 31, 2009

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. 

Thursday, May 28, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

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.