It has been a little over 2 months since our team first arrived in Kyrgyzstan. This was such a beautiful country, with its rolling mountains, wild horses and vibrant blue waters. Reminding me a bit of Alaska.
Amongst all of the natural beauty, was a culture of hospitable people, delicious foods (bring on potatoes and meat!) and the best markets. Which made many memorable experiences. Kyrgyzstan was one of my favorite countries. We bonded so much as a team (SheBrews) and I grew a lot in my leadership role.
But, it was also one of my toughest months. During our time in Bishkek, I heard the news that my uncle’s battle with cancer was coming to an end. He was fighting so hard, such a man of strength and endurance. But, it was his time to go Home. He was ready to join our Heavenly Father. From hearing this initial news, I was devastated. I spent many days in wrestling prayer with God, confused and hurting. I wanted to go home so bad. I wanted to see my uncle and my family.
Through these prayers, the Lord gave me peace. Peace to stay on the Race. He provided working Wifi/data to communicate with my family constantly. Being able to pray with them, share stories, cry, laugh. He gave me a strong family of sisters, my team. Who were there in support, prayer and love.
My uncle passed away on August 4th. This was hard.
But, through the love of Jesus I had immeasurable amounts of peace and comfort, in a time that I couldn’t understand. I wouldn’t be where I am at without Him, as I know is also true for my family.
Yes, some days are tough and I can’t wait to be home and embrace my family. But, that day will come. As of now I am continuing the Race that He called me to. The Lord is my constant, no matter where I am or what I am doing. Always there.
Here is the letter that I wrote to my uncle and wanted to share with you all.
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Dear Uncle Brent,
I don’t even know all what to write to you, so I guess I will begin with what’s been going on with me across the world.
I am currently sitting in the comfiest chair I have sat on in many months. Not on the floor, folding chair or bench, as per usual. I love that with how much travelling I’ve been doing and being away from home this long, a chair brings me so much joy. Being thankful for the little things.
Side note, in case you wanted more description; It’s a nice green lounger, soft, and kind of reminds me of the old carpet we had in the basement of my house. Remember that beautiful green?
Anyway, other than that my team and I are staying in a pretty large house for the seven of us. It has been so nice to have an actual bed, kitchen, and space to move around in. Feels like I am in America until you step through the gates and hear Russian spoken everywhere, haha.
I have absolutely loved our time in Kyrgyzstan! We have been able to travel to the cities Osh, Karakol and now Bishkek.
With our time in Osh we were able to build different relationships with the locals, whether at a coffee shop, our hostel or local market. The Kyrgyz people are so friendly and hospitable. I especially loved the day a couple of us on the team were able to go on an adventure with our fruit stand friend, Chika, along with her two sons and brother. We spent the day swimming in the lake, picnicking in the park (meat, potatoes, naan and watermelon, YUM!) and playing volleyball. Even though she was the only one that could communicate with us, knowing English, we had such a fun time with them all! Her little boys are so cute! Towards the end of our day, as we were walking back to the car, we also had the chance to share the Gospel with her. Which she then translated what we were talking about to her brother. As a Muslim, she has heard of some of the things we were talking about, but I loved being able to share more about the hope and life of Jesus.
After a week in Osh, we then made our way to Karakol. One of the larger tourist cities, where people can go horseback riding, Yurt camping and hiking. It was such a beautiful place near the mountains. We spent around a week there seeing some of the sites, adventuring around, horseback riding and catching up with other tourists at the hostel. We also did our version of Yurt camping, glam style in the backyard of a hostel 😉 Our horseback riding reminded me of the many times Rach and I did that at camp. Such funny times!
Once we left Karakol, we headed to Bishkek to join up with our ministry for the next two and a half weeks. That is where I am currently at and two amazing weeks have gone by! Some of our team helped with a kids camp at the local church last week, enjoying playing games with them and teaching English. It was pretty much like an extended version of VBS back at home, this camp lasting a total of four weeks! The rest of us have been teaching English with students ages 10 to 21, of all English speaking abilities. I have loved the mix of being able to have deeper intentional conversations with the older University students as well as teaching cute little kids the basics.
Outside of our classes, we have been able to build relationships with a couple of the students. We have been able to go to the movies, dinners, local markets and parks with them. Through our time hanging out, we have been able to have so many conversations with them and continue to encourage them in their English.
So one fun story I’d like to share with you about yesterday. A couple of us went to a small amusement park in the middle of the city and went on one of the jankiest rides I have ever been on…. It cost less a dollar and spun you upside-down over and over again for a time that felt like forever, haha. I was kinda concerned about the mechanics of the whole thing before going on as well as after. But when in Kyrgyzstan, why not!? After the ride I had the one of the biggest blood rushes to the head that I have ever experienced and I am definitely not going to be doing that ride anytime soon. But we thought it was absolutely hilarious!
I hope Brent that you are able to hear about all of these crazy adventures across the world! If only there was more time, I would have loved to share all of my stories with you. But, I know we will be able to catch up and laugh about those another time. God has absolutely changed me on this trip. I have been able to experience more freedom, love, joy and trust in in Him. I have seen Him heal with His mighty power and I have seen Him come humbly and full of grace.
We have such a wonderful Father, don’t we? It brings me such joy, peace and comfort knowing how much He has had you in His hand from the day you were born to right now. The Father LOVES you so much.
I am sorry to hear how much this cancer has taken from you. How it has weakened your body, made you endure much pain, stress, and uncertainty. How it has limited your time on this earth with loved ones, your active lifestyle, your energy and your words.
But, I am so thankful for the impact you have made on me, your family, friends and everyone around you. You have shared so much faith, wisdom, strength, love and gratitude. I find joy and peace knowing that no matter what happens to your physical body, your spiritual one is being made new right now. The Father is so excited to welcome you home into His Kingdom. His Eternal Life. Full of Hope. Love. Joy.
I will see you soon.
LOVE you oh so much and I will miss you,
Love Leah <3
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Below are a couple of songs and verses that the Lord was speaking to me during this time. Hope they give you as much encouragement as they did for me.
*PEACE, by Bethel Music*
“I will stand tall on each promise you made. Let the rest fade away…
There’s a peace far beyond all understanding. May it ever set my heart at ease. Dare anxiety come, I’ll remember.
That peace is the promise You keep. Peace is a promise You keep…
I will be still for I’ve known all along. My Jehovah Shalom… Jesus the Keeper of Peace. “
*Yes and Amen, by Housefires*
That even in times we are faithless, our Father is always Faithful.
“Father of kindness. You have poured out of grace.
You have brought me out of darkness. You have filled me with peace.
Giver of mercy. You’re my help in tie of need.
Lord, I can’t help but sing.
Faithful you are.
Faithful forever you will be.
Faithful you are.
All your promises are yes and Amen. All your promises are yes and Amen.
Beautiful Savior. You have brought me near.
You pulled me from the ashes. You have broken every curse.
Blessed redeemer. You have set this captive free.
Lord I can’t help but sing.
I will rest in your promises. My confidence is your faithfulness.”
*PSALM 11*
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my
whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the
Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful
deeds;
the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear
him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of
his works,
in giving them the heritage of the
The works of his hands are faithful and
just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and
ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and
uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant
forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praises endure forever.
