My Brilliant Feat

And I can feel the power rushing through my veins

So how about the Magic, eh? You don't have to say anything, I know you're excited as excited as I am. The time difference meant I had to be up at 5 am to catch the second half, but as any Magic fan can tell you, we don't have a lot of chances to see our team this deep in the playoffs. And the Finals, no less. I realize this isn't a basketball blog, but I can't help myself. There is something thoroughly satisfying about watching your hometown heroes defying expectations and bringing home a win in definitive fashion.

I miss watching the Magic. I miss watching games with my dad. I miss going to the O-rena with Aunt Betty. I miss my mom pretending not to be interested in how the game is going. I miss seeing my nephew in his Dwight Howard jersey. I miss talking color commentating with my brother. I am thoroughly satisfied with where God has placed me, and I am overwhelmed with anticipation at what is going to happen next. But sometimes, there's no place like home. And there's no team like the Magic.

Think About It

We're talking about the issues, but we're keeping it funky

Yes. That is a Ukrainian dumpster with the words: "Recycle or Die" sprayed on the side.

Through Depths of Twilight

And the past it will decay, so sing goodbye to yesterday


One month ago today I arrived in Ukraine. Has it really been that long?

I really wish that I had the ability to neatly summarize the events of the last 30 days into something that would be both humorous as well as informative. But I just don't have the words. They should have sent a poet.

I'm still trying to figure things out, to find out my place in this country and with the ministry that is going on. There are times where I feel as though I am in way over my head, where I am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things that I don't know. There are times when I feel lost, without a direction, when I'm sitting in my apartment just trying to think of somewhere to go or something to do. I can easily find myself discouraged, and losing my passion.

But in all sincerity, I find those moments dominated in my mind by a very strong confirmation and sense of purpose. No matter how down on myself I can get, I know that this is where I am supposed to be. I may not know why yet, and I certainly don't know what the next 2 years will look like, but He does. When I remember that, it's hard to feel anything but gratitude for this amazing opportunity. I am so thankful to be here.

I had and still intend for this blog to be a little bit more informative as to what I actually do over here, and with a little effort, it will be. Remember me in your prayers. And pray for the people of Ukraine.

Always just beneath the dawn

I believe that Love is greater, never ceasing, always hoping

It's all happening so fast. It's difficult to believe that I've already been here for more than a week. And really, things have been going very well so far. It's going to take a while before I find myself truly acclimated to my new home, but as a famous psychiatrist once said: 'Baby steps.'

The best part of this week has been that I've been able to participate in some ministry activities. On Wednesday I had the opportunity to go with a portion of my team to travel about an hour outside of Kiev to the city of Volodarka. We did some work for a local church helping to till in their garden. There are some pictures on my Shutterfly account, and although you may find it hard to believe, I have had no professional tilling experience. Honestly. I promise.

I was also able to sit in on an English class at a church downtown. Our team is involved with a teaching ministry there a few nights a week, and I'll be getting to teach one this Monday. Makes me wish I had payed a bit more attention in ESL training at orientation.

It's been a good week, getting to meet some more of my colleagues in the area, as well as getting to interact with some Ukrainian nationals for the first time. I still don't know what the rest of my time here will look like, but I'm excited to find out. New opportunities, new ministries, new people to meet. Keep me in your prayers...it's going to get much more interesting from here.

Again, for the first time

Cause we`re moving on and on and on. We`ll head out towards the sun

After a lengthy journey, both figuratively and literally, I have arrived here in Kiev.

It's really very hard to describe how I'm feeling at this point. I don't think it's all sunk in just yet. Sitting in my apartment or walking around the city, it's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that this is the place I'm going to be spending the next 2 years of my life. It's all very new, as you can imagine. But with the help of my team, I have begun to acclimate myself to this new environment. I have gotten to meet many of my colleagues in the city, and they are slowly but surely introducing me to the many elements of my new home. These first few days have just been sort of a blur, traveling, meeting people, all the while battling that insidious fiend known as jet lag.

As I ride the metro around town, surrounded by a sea of humanity, it reminded me of why I'm here. It's not just to have a cool experience and to learn about a new culture. It's so these people can have a chance to hear the most important message of their lives. I feel very humbled, but extremely fortunate at the same time to be called to share the Gospel with those who might never hear it.

This post is really just an introduction...I'll be able to get into more detail later, and hopefully post some pictures of my new home. Please remember me and the people of Ukraine in your prayers.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! The purpose of my creating and updating this blog is to help keep friends and family informed about this amazing opportunity God has given me.

In April of ’09, I will be moving to Kiev, Ukraine for 2 years with the International Mission Board as a Journeyman. I will be a part of a ministry team that will be traveling throughout the country, doing anything that we can to energize the people of Ukraine for the Gospel and for the Kingdom of God.

If you’re interested in the ministry that I’m involved with, or would like to know how to pray for me and the people of Ukraine, please check back, as I will be updating regularly.