Archives

Eid.

This past Sunday and Monday were very important days here, as Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha, which is one of the two largest Eid festivals on the Muslim calendar.  This specific festival celebrates “the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah” and often involves the slaughter of a […]

(In)dependence

Leading up to my departure, there were often many unknowns and many unanswered questions.  Some of these unknowns were where I would be living, the various opportunities I would be involved in, how communication would work with people back home, how “church” was structured, or what would holidays be like apart from family and friends.  Initially, […]

UNREACHED.

Monday will forever be etched in my mind and pressed upon my heart.  It took 3 separate bus rides, first travelling through the hustle and bustle of the city, then, along dirt roads ruined with potholes, each one felt as our heads hit the roof of the “taxi”.  We took a short walk along a […]

TEN THINGS I LEARNED MY FIRST WEEK IN CENTRAL ASIA

  1. “Hands free” driving techniques come in all shapes and sizes.  I snapped this picture quickly while in a taxi, which costs about 0.60 cents USD per ride.  There is also cheaper option, which is about 0.20 USD. 2. I now buy fabric, not clothes.  And finding a good seamstress is very important.  Technically, I […]

MY WEEK IN REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 21-26

It is hard to believe that only a week ago I was saying goodbye to dear friends, and giving final hugs to my family at the airport, before walking through the security gate and embarking on this new chapter of my life.  I had rehearsed the above airport scene in my head countless times before […]

Arrival

The Lord certainly heard the prayers of His children, and I am pleased to report He has safely delivered me to my destination here in Central Asia. With many hours of travel, three separate flights, and excess luggage in tow, there were plenty of opportunities for things to have “gone wrong”, but God is so […]

My Biggest Reason to Stay, but also, to GO.

For seven years, I have had the privilege of serving in the youth ministry at my church.  And yes, I really do mean, the privilege of serving.  It has been a privilege having girls open up their lives to me, choosing to be vulnerable, teachable, committed, forgiving, patient, and loving.  Getting to glimpse into the […]

Praying for the ALL the Nations

Operation World provides an excellent definitive prayer guide for every nation. Each day, the site features a different nation, provides a brief country profile, and gives a snapshot of prayer needs for that country. Often, there is also a short video, about 2 minutes in length, you may find helpful. Today, the featured nation is […]

A First in 25 YEARS

Today marks another “first” for me. When I woke up this morning, I did not run off to elementary school, high school, university, teachers college, or work, as I have done for the past 25 years after the Labour Day long weekend.  Instead, I found myself on Skype, talking with the family I will be working […]