We have been here in Kiev almost a week and still have no specific ministry contact. It has been a week full of prayer, ministering to each other in little ways, and seeking out opportunities to explore the city, get to know people, and do what we can to fill up our days!
This month, we are living in a flat with the other all girls team – BLING! That’s right…14 females in a 3 bedroom, one bathroom apartment. We are close to the metro, a grocery store, McDonald’s and many other interesting artifacts this city has to offer. Our flat is on the 10th floor of the Pozniaky Projects (well…let’s just say that we are surrounded by many other apartment buildings) and that fruit, flowers and vendors line the alley as we walk to and from our flat.
To be honest, it feels like home. Not just living in a flat and being surrounded by friends, but Kiev itself is very Americanized. It’s hard at times to not want to get comfortable and wish that we were indeed home, being able to get stylish rather than feeling under-dressed and wearing the same clothes we’ve been wearing majority of the year. People are everywhere. The metro’s are buzzing. Fast food, coffee shops, internet and shopping are at our fingertips. Yet, it’s NOT home!
I have come to be thankful that I am in Eastern Europe now….hoping and praying it will help make the transition home “easier” although knowing it is still going to be hard. There is so much I am going to miss about the race when I am home, even though right now, there are things about home that I am missing while I am gone. Will it ever come to an end!? Will I ever be satisfied!? Only in and through Christ’s strength!
This year, I have learned to live in community. I have gone from being a complete stranger to a friend to a sister. Each one of them has brought out the best and worst in me. We have laughed, loved, lived, cried and experienced so much together. Saying good-bye in a few short weeks will be one of the hardest parts of the race…yet the journey continues!
The unknown is here…still waiting on God to reveal His way for us this month, and even next month as we pray into not only our last month, but our ATL month. God knows. Waiting is still apart of this adventure, and sill always will be, no matter where I am. I am learning. I am growing. I am changing. I’m NOT who I was!
