"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
JEREMIAH 1:5
Today marked the beginning of a long, long mission. What do you expect on trips like this? What can you expect? Besides day trips to Mexico, this is a first to be remembered forever.
With so much racing and raging on in my head this morning I had to start it all off with a prayer of repentance - the last thing I needed was extra baggage. I arrived in Boston, Mass. with little trouble, studied the subway map for thirty minutes Michael-Scofield style (the "T" is pretty complex!) and then got right onboard and headed inbound to the church for Orientation.
My team of seven: Van-Kim, Eva, Tim, Joyce, Chi, Jocelyn, and I stumbled upon each other one-by-one at starbuckses and on the streets, and all made it in on time at Noon to be led by our fearless leader Kurt Morrill. We spent our first moments introducing ourselves but by this time had already known each other and found out we're from all over the states, and one of us from Canada. The canadian accent is pretty distinct.
Amidst the intros and logistics, learning a little russian phrases and eatin' Indian buffet and thai food, we were told we will be spendin' the rest of the week here in Boston and then flyin' out to Kyrgyzstan this weekend. This week we'll just be continually discussing Islam, how to effectively share the Gospel, the history and dymanics of the Kyrgyzstan country and everything inbetween all these.
Sorry. I'm sitting here trying to write something more creative but after one full day of bustling about and lugging bags and being attentive and staying awake with a seemingly infinite nosebleed I find myself speechless. I'm currently cramped up sitting next to my sleeping teammate Tim and kyrgyzstan team alumni Josiah and six other roommates of his on the third floor of a tiny boston apartment, typing with a keyboard on my lap, monitor on a mini-fridge and mouse on the floor. Perhaps after I get acclimated to the 90mph days and 90 square cm space I'll find some time to reflect, pray, and then (of course) write something more creative.
Just pray for me that I can remain sane and focused. This is an operation the King has called me on, and the last thing i'd want is to miss the purpose. He's already teaching me to stretch. Or, I guess, shrink. Perhaps this is Step 1.
