I'm back in Massachusetts until September.
Flying to a different continent doesn't really get easier, but there's nothing I haven't encountered before. It's always the same sequence of events: the packing, lines, security, sitting for hours, jet-lag, etc. But after the recent AirFrance tragedy (which occurred the same day), I don't think I have anything to complain about.
I had a different itinerary this time, and the jet-lag has felt different. Plus, it's summer. No strange wintery darkness to deal with. Just the adjustment to the different sights and sounds.
I've been staring at the computer screen for awhile, so I guess this post isn't going to get any longer...
Home, sweet home!
ReplyDeleteNow, try to forget everything that has happened in the last year or so, like a last night's horrible nightmare.
Good times are ahead of you. I, personally, think returning to Russia will be a mistake, but... it is your life and you will have to make your own choices. If I were you, however, I would cross that pagan place of Russ out of my mind. They will continue to dance around a tree or some kind of pagan statue for centuries yet.
They are the Galatians, only worse. You can bring them to Jesus and yet after a few months they will be pulled in every direction by all the pagan urges flowing in their pagan bodies.
I agree, flying is a scary thing. Every time I take a flight, I try to stay awake thinking that if I stay awake, somehow that will ensure the safety of the plane. Foolish, isn't it?
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI am a casual reader of the blog because I have had the idea of visiting Russia for the past year or so. I may travel in the fall with a service group. I am excited, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder what I'm doing going so far from home! Do you have any advice? You seem to have adapted to the language and Russian culture so well. I have a feeling I would be much less adept at such things.
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Kelli
Vitali, I would prefer not to "forget" the past year, as God has blessed me in many ways. I would prefer not to forget Russia, either. It is Russia where I have learned so much about the Lord's goodness. Much of the seed falls on bad soil or is prevented from growing...but that happens everywhere.
ReplyDeleteKelli, please email me at lizinstpete@gmail.com, and we'll see if I can answer some of your questions!
I think of the verse "Do not grow weary in doing good because at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up" Thank you Liz for not giving up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Mary!
ReplyDeleteWherever you go, you will be doing good things and living out the mission He has for you; I believe that.
ReplyDeleteOh, Vitali! Are Russians THAT pagan? Gosh, I hope not. "My" Russians are an interesting mix. My youngest son is a radiantly spiritual person. He sees everything with an eye to it being "of God" and he has a natural inclination to remember Bible stories, even quotes. Nastya and Ilya DO seem to be pagans. I am amazed to have these children on my hands - Anastasia will actually SAY "I love the Devil!" She's undoubtedly trying to get me going, but I don't like it nevertheless, and her brother seems to be sincerely and determinedly non-Christian/non-religious. Sergei is in the middle. He thinks about things, and I think the jury is still out as far as he's concerned.
So - here's the sort of question you like to ponder Liz.... When are those seeds planted? Is it genetic? Personality? Or, the result of very early experiences? My bio kids both "took" to not only "Church", but also to spirituality like ducks to water.... open, attentive, ready... Was that just "good fortune"? or was it the way I raised them from babies?
Annie, by "seeds" I was referring to the Gospel. And I suppose I meant "sown," not planted, since many of them don't take root at all. But I don't mean genes or personality, although I believe in election. I honestly remember hearing the Gospel when I was little. Others hear it but don't respond until later, or not at all. How can we know what is germinating in your bio children's hearts, or in the others'? It is still hidden. And it is a mystery whom God will use and how. But as long as there is hope, there are seeds to be sown.
ReplyDeleteYou see Annie, Americans, in general, have this weird tendency believing that if they say something with enough conviction or passion, it will eventually become true. Thus, there have been a lot of books written on the topic of "Believe and you will receive" in the last century or so - which I absolutely disregard. Most of them are a point-blank lie.
ReplyDeleteOther lies that are being espoused by the US:
The government now thinks they can reconcile the Islamic world with the rest of the world...
Really? I only laugh at that assumption. The current administration is full of themselves. Well, simply because they have been selected (as apposed to being elected) by the like-minded people they think they have all the power in the world to do whatever they want. At the end, they will fail. Let's face it.
American Christians, at least a vast majority of them, have taken upon themselves, a false assumption, that they are the light to the dark world. Really? Since when? I mean, sure you have the means (money) to accomplish certain things in the world, but what if the means are taken away from you, what will you accomplish in the world? How about evangelizing America, instead? Hundreds of people are dying without Christ here on a daily basis. Do you care? Probably, no.
American Christians, are so quick to use the Lord's name in vain. They often say something like: Just pray and the Lord will take care of it.
Really? Will he? Is he in your pocket or something?
Or they give these false encouragements to one another: The Lord is using you mightily! You are the apple of the Lord' eye! Etc.
Really?
The funny thing is, Annie, none of those things are true or work in anyone's life. Just because someone says something, it doesn't make it true. I can bring, probably, hundreds of other examples, regarding this, if you want me to.
Not to be offensive to you. Trust me, I am not trying to offend you, but I still have a question for you. Why would you not want to adopt an African American girl or boy, right here in the US? Or any girl or boy in the US? I bet there are thousands of kids in the US, waiting to be adopted. Why is no one taking care of them? It's somewhat cheaper.
As far as Russia being a pagan nation - of course it is! The thing is Russia has been dominated by some ruler (usually a very crazy one) for centuries, the majority of Russian people are still liked to be patronized. And so, when a missionary or some American businessman comes to Russia, it seems like he or she gets so much undue respect, when, the Russian people themselves, are capable of doing and accomplishing the same things even better. But because they have been enslaved by someone at the government level for centuries, they seem to not know what the freedom of choice is anymore. I also think paganism is genetic. If someone disagrees with me - think hard about this issue before saying something on it. The entire Russian orthodox faith is based on paganism. Nuff said.