Daring to be....Me

It’s snowing here today. I’m in a different city. It hardly ever snows here in this particular place, but there seems to be a trend. Whenever I travel within this country… snow happens.

I’m not complaining. It has reminded me that it is still February. I just wish I wasn’t cramped into this small room and very bored with my 8 hour-a-day training. Uggh. Where’s Starbucks when you need it?

BUT apart from my lackluster training experience, I am enjoying seeing another part of this country. This city is what I would picture for a Central Asian nation, with a large influence coming in from its northern neighbor. The people look more Asian. Horses are used for the transportation of both goods and people. A delicious, round style of bread is sold on nearly every corner. And while I’ve only seen a small portion of this place, it's reminded me how incredibly diverse this country truly is.

It’s been a blessing to spend some time with some dear friends from my early days in Ktown who have been living in this city for a few years. They are always encouraging…always challenging…and great at asking good questions. I’m now praying that Dad will direct them to the Ancient City!

I’ve also been staying with a couple that, before now, I had only heard about from others. They are gentle spirits and hospitable beyond words. They are people who have lived through being held captive for 6 months, a massive attack of grenades and bombers, and the list could go on. Still they choose to live here. Still they choose to love the people who have caused them an infinite amount of pain and hardships. I’m humbled in the midst of these faithful saints and so very grateful for this time to learn from them.

Then on Thursday I’m hoping to go by road from here to Ktown with my Kazakh co-worker. There’s a bus that leaves early in the morning and depending on the weather and road conditions, we should arrive within 7-10 hours. I’ve heard it’s a beautiful trip and a fun little adventure. My thought: Why fly when you could have the possibility of being stuck in a snowed-in pass for several hours on a bus with hundreds of other nationals? Imagine the fun!

Stay tuned for more stories…