I’m a Russian/Ukrainian/Israeli mutt that was born and raised in Portland OR. My parents escaped the Soviet Union just in time to pop me in the states. I was lucky enough to grow up in a large Russian community and feel as if I grew up back in my mother Russia. I didn’t know how to speak in English upon entering school…to this day English is not my forte.
Now with this wonderful Russian community, comes Russian culture and tradition. Oh I’m 22 and no husband? Your clock is tickin you old maid! So I rebelled and went to school to become a Physician’s Assistant. Oh gosh…growing up in two different cultures sure is hard…BUT FUN!
So back to Portland…
I take pride in my city, not because of its coffee and food, but because of how beautiful it is. Just half an hour away you get this!
and this…
Of course I can go on and keep showing off…
I grew up in a Russian conservative church and knew God all my life. But…I didn’t like Him. He seemed a bit boring to me. I dreaded Sundays and going to church. Sure I was Miss. Popular, I played piano for Sunday School, sang in choir, was in leadership positions for youth camps, kids camps etc. I got invited to all parties and events. Sure that made me feel good, but only to feed my pride.
As I stepped back and left church, God didn’t leave me.
As I battled through my issues, He didn’t leave me.
As I was thinking to take my life, He SAVED ME.
God gave me His heart and love to GO and show others what He had given me. It’s hard, but He never said it would be easy. Picking that cross daily takes an effort, but so so worth it.
I’ve opened my mind and life for the spirit to lead, regardless of what others may think or assume about me. I decided to live a life which never limits God and what He can do in us and through us. And I heard Him ask me to GO. Go make disciples, go heal the sick, and go teach of His love towards people.
Francis Chan accurately describes how my heart feels…
As for me, I am tired of talking about what we are going to do. I am sick of talking about helping people, of brainstorming and conferencing about ways we can be radical and make sacrifices. I don’t want to merely talk anymore. Life is too short. I don’t want to speak about Jesus; I want to know Jesus. I want to be Jesus to people. I don’t want just to write about the Holy Spirit; I want to experience His presence in my life in a profound way.
