Living: I am living in the new M center. It has just been completely remodeled. On the first floor there is places for meetings, medical care perhaps, a kitchen, and offices. On the second floor there is a "guest house" with rooms, bathrooms, and a small kitchen. This is where I live. The kitchen has a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer (no dryer). There is also a sitting room with a TV (i get CNN) and a DVD player. I don't have internet right now.
Time: Nothing here really happens before 10am. Planning ahead doesnt happen either. So, Americans like me who are used to having every hour planned are a little thrown off! As much as I enjoy sleeping in, it's really hard to get used to. Also, the world wide web is very slow here. This is a constant prayer for me to have patience with this since it's my line back to those I love in the US.
Food: Bread, bread, bread, and more bread. A certain kind they use a lot is called "lavash" (la-VASH) They put cheese, meat, or greens in it. The fruit here is wonderful and there are also lots of good juices. The coffee is served in tiny cups because it's really strong. So far, I've tried a lot of new things and they have been good. I even ate fish!!! There is a grocery store near my house called "star" and it's the closest thing to Walmart I will ever see. It's nice and new and my supervisor said she cried when they built it!!
Work: Right now i'm just getting situated. My work in the city and in the villages will mainly consist of teaching english to those who want to learn more and need conversational practice. This will give me opportunities to make friends and share with them. I have been to 4 villages since I got here and I really liked going. They are very poor, but very hospitable. I learned to pace myself because at every house they offer you food and coffee. We went to follow up with families who are interested. Some invited us back to study with them.
Language: Soon I will begin learning with a tutor (How soon? who knows! refer back to "time" section) The language is difficult for me and the sounds are rough....like you're coughing a lot! :)
Learning: I am learning so much right now about patience, faith, prayer, and perserverance. Continue to remember me concerning these things. There are moments I wonder how I will make it though my term here, but I am reminded that it its only by HIS strength. Keeping faith even when I can't see all the whys, whats, and hows. I also cling to the promise that those who leave their home for His sake will be blessed.
5 comments:
Exciting stuff!!
Looks like things are going well. I look forward to seeing some pictures of all these cool things. It's good that you're enjoying everything. The food sounds interesting. The bread things sound kinda like Armenian Hot Pockets or sandwiches. Sorry, I hope I didn't ruin them by calling them sandwiches. :)
Take care and keep us all posted.
-Berrik
I have the coolest sister ever!!! You rock....Just wanted to let you know how much I love you and that we are all praying for you and are encouraged to go outside of our comfort zones because of your faithfulness. Pray for lil'Gus and son's desire to share Jesus with everyone in his class! Loving you!
I enjoyed reading all about your experience so far! And, I am so glad that it is going well!! I must tell you there are moments when I think, "oh, I'm going to call Jac"...but, we all know what I think next :).....Dear, I am so blessed by you and can't wait to hear more about your journey! :)
Spunds like you are slowly but surely experiencing a totally new culture. Is the bread hard like in Europe or more like our bread? Taking it slow will give the people time to trust you and your one true God. Hopefully you'll get chances to sing for them and even play your guitar for them. Remember, music is a universal language. Love, MOM
Hey girl, it's exciting to hear what's going on. You're in my prayers, we miss you.
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