Filthy Rags: Reflections

How does one write a summary of a multifaceted experience? I think it is impossible, but I am going to try to use my rambling words to give those of you who prayed for me and supported me a little glimpse of what God did in Russia and the things He taught me.

There were seemingly two parts to this internship. In one sense, I was there to serve and help wherever there was a need. I was there to support the missionaries and the local church by using whatever gifts God has given me to help with their summer ministries. This included planning and doing crafts, kayaking with teens, helping with games at camp, mopping floors and cleaning, partaking in informal hang-out events to draw youth in to the Church, and trying to live out and demonstrate the Gospel to the Russian people. The other part of the internship was being a student. I was there to learn by asking loads of questions, observing, reading, praying, and immersing myself in the culture. Dan and I spent a lot of time praying and talking about our future in Russia. We have been seeking out whether or not that is somewhere God wants us to be. Being in the position of a learner also meant God taught me a lot of lessons. Through various experiences like getting sick, getting lost, missing my Grandma's funeral, and being stuck in the Moscow airport for two extra days, God stretched me, guided me, comforted me, and restored me. I learned so much more about His faithfulness, love, and sovereignty over every situation.

It has been incredible to see how God took these two portions of the trip and used them with each other for His perfect plan. As He stretched me and took me out of my comfort zone, I was able to find out I could serve and survive in situations I never thought were possible. In this way, I was able to be a better helper. On the other hand, as I was trying to help more and serve, I continued learning lessons about myself, Russia, and God. There was a lot of conviction of pride, lack of trust, selfishness and fear that was mingled with gratitude for God's ability to teach me, grow me, and allow me to still serve despite those sins. God is a wonderful God who uses our filthy rags and turns them into something for His glory and kingdom. It has been an incredible journey to experience this and watch it happen.

Thank-you for your prayers and support. I definitely could not have done this trip had it not been for the people who financially supported me, encouraged me, and prayed for me. God is doing wonderful things in Russia. People were brought into the family of God, lives were changed, Christians were refreshed, and future plans for Dan and me were solidified even more. I ask that you continue to pray for the country of Russia and for the missionaries and believers there as they continue to do God's work.

As for Dan and I, we are now looking ahead to these next few years that hold marriage, graduate school, and perhaps some support raising to go the country we have fallen in love with :)