A girl named Sophia came and sat on my lap and began speaking Russian to me. I think she liked my nasty facial neard (neck beard) because she proceeded to pull on it while simultaneously poking my pronounced adam’s apple. Kids do this to my dad too. I believe the Salley men are able to draw small children to them simply by jutting out their adam’s apples which at the same time also deters our chances of dating. Also mine glows in the dark. Anywho, whatever Sophia was saying to me it didn’t really matter, I loved every minute of it. It’s hard being here, but it feels right.
I have a prayer journal that I rarely write in. Every now and again I look back in it to see how requests have been answered. I found one dated 1/29/09. It’s a disjointed thought that states, “where I am in life. wanting to go and do. but feeling stuck and complacent.” More than a year and a half ago I wanted to go. I put a check mark next to that note today feeling that my petition had been answered. I decided to add a note to it which simply says, “6/29/2010. I’m in Ukraine!”
I love that we can make appeals and be heard by God. That he gives us the desires of our hearts.
“But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth, he sends water upon the countryside. The lowly he sets on high. And those who mourn are lifted to safety. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.”
I stinkin love that verse. I love that Job writes it in present tense. That miracles and wonders are happening today. That the cries of injustice do not fall on deaf ears. I feel sorry for the Christian that no longer believes our God does miracles and would prefer to reason away an act of the Lord as happen-chance or circumstance. I think it’s a miracle I didn’t pass the medical part of the Peace Corp process. I think it’s a miracle that I have the chance to do the World Race.
I have a list of all of you that are supporting me financially and through prayer. I want you to know that I look at that list often and try to take time to appeal for you as well. Maybe I don’t know all of your specific requests but please know you are being lifted up and that God answers prayers.
Right now I still have about $4,800 to raise in support. If even five more people decided to give $20 monthly that would be a huge help.
Assistant-to-the-Regional Adventures in Missions CEO (Alex Cole)
