A lot of first for me…11 in fact.
I know right? You are thinking, “She’s on month 8 and has been to 11 different countries already, how can she have so many first’s?!”. It could also be that I haven’t updated you in a month, my fault. Soooo sorry! Traveled 11 days and that got me good!
Ok, lets get this show in the road
- First time on a cargo ship. 27 hours on this bad boy across the Caspian sea.
- First time on the Caspian Sea.
- First time in Kazakstan. It is so beautiful! The mountains are breath taking!
- First time to go INSIDE a Mosk, a Mosk that is active… very active.
- First time to show the love of Jesus INSIDE a Mosk and exchange numbers with a Muslim women inside the Mosk! Wait… what?!
- First time to see a church planted and open in a closed country #Miracle. First church planted in Kazakstan in several years. The church’s here have been shutting down due to the government. Please be praying for this church specifically as they have to complete A LOT of paper work.
- First time to eat horse. Even writing this is unimaginable. I would never lie to you so here it is… it was so good!
- First time working out in a gym in another country. What en experience, especially when it came to joining the classes. I did not understand one word the instructor was saying but it was FUN!
- First time to see a healing right before my eyes. Praise him!
- First time to see a large body of unbelievers in a closed country come to know the one true king.
- First time having a birthday in another country. And I must say, it was truly amazing and I was totally spoiled by my little family here.
Last month, in Armenia was the best month yet! We were so busy and saw God’s hand on that nation. Young adults, college, youth, orphans and english club are a few things we were able to help with. I wrote a blog about it. read it!
Traveled and arrived in Kazakstan to find it was TOTALLY different from what I thought. Which has happened every stinkin’ month, not sure why I was surprised. I’m in Asia now, so there are Asians Surprise. Very heavy Muslim culture but not like Jordan or Morocco. No head coverings and very open but you can’t evangelize. So, I’m having a lot of tea and coffee dates!
One story that has happened this month:
We were gathering in a small apartment with believers. They meet once a week. We started off with worship. A man got his guitar and started playing softly, quickly remind us, “Please do not sing loud because we have neighbors and we don’t want them hearing our words. God knows our hearts so please worship within.” Reality hit quickly and as the night went on they shared the parable of the Vineyard Workers and broke it down in a totally different way. To keep this short I will skip it but was so good! As we were getting to leave, one of my teammates exited the apartment and forgot to shut the door behind him. When one of the Kazak believers saw that the door had been open and not shut, he rushed to the door swiftly and closed it. We were told immediately to not leave the door open. They were scared for a moment that someone would see them in there. Be blessed that you can live in a country where it is ok to believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Speak to someone about him today. Choose freedom in your belief and say His name! The name above any other name and sets captives free from the bondage of this cruel world.
Some of My Favorite moments from this month:
“Winter over, it won’t snow and if it does… it won’t stick” they said!
Meet Rashada. This girl stole my heart from the first time I met her. She is my age and her brithday is August 18. She is perfect. We helped out at a special needs program once a week. They sing, dance, paint, draw and teach english to these wonderful human beings.
Before coming into Kazak, I researched orphanages because last month our team enjoyed it so much. I came upon some information that the government shut down all orphanages in Kazak. They decided that foster care was better. However, God had other plans. One day I received a call from a contact saying there was an orphanage in the mountains and that I was able to go and visit if I would like. OF COURSE I DID! I travled about an hour and half outside the city and came upon this treasure. Non- profit orphanage that has been ran by this elderly couple for the past 20 years. So precious! They take in orphans who have experienced tragic sudden loss. They are supported only by people who give. I am proud to say that I have supporters back home that give on a monthly bases to me through my mom and they were able to give $100 to this orphanage. Thank you for your support!
I couldn’t let this one out of my sight. She is the one I am holding above in the other picture as well. Those dimples though! oh my!
After we played with the kids, the thing to do in Kazak is to ALWAYS feed your guest and never let them leave hungry. So, this was the feast we had made for us before we left. Everything was HAND MADE! They have the best food in Kazak hands down better than any other country.
The first week we were here we hit the ground running and these are our people. We went to Hark Rock cafe… That’s right they have a Hard Rick here and we heard a band from NASHVILLE TENNESSEE!?! We danced, laughed and enjoyed the company.
Last but not least, this is Mary. She will put a smile on your face no matter what mood you are in. Here energy is positive and caring! So much fun!
Thank you for reading and sorry it has been so long. I love that all of you follow my journey and God’s story through my life. We will be leaving here in 7 days and headed to the next country. Please be praying that in these last 7 days here more seeds are planted. Please be praying that it is received well and MORE people come to know the person who made them uniquely and wonderful. Also for this next coming travel day. Love you all!
