Time for an Update

As of today, I am half way through my stay in Ukraine. Things have been crazy, overwhelming, exciting, fun, and depressing. It all depends on the day or even the hour. It's humbling to be this out of control and this needy. I can't take the subway or the buses by myself so I am dependent on friends to get me where I need to go. Thankfully, some of the friends I made over the summer have been true to their promises to help me while I am here.

I am staying right now with the American intern who works for New Life Church. He is actually a pastor rather than an intern at this point. After nearly five years in Ukraine, he has a good grasp of the language and culture and even after only one night spent with him so far, he has given me valuable insight into living in Ukraine. He is a servant at heart. I will learn from him in a lot of areas over the next four days.

Today was my first time playing guitar for one of New Life's services. This time was the "youth" service, which in Ukraine is actually a service for young adults in their late teens thru mid 20's. I am happy to have been a part of something--a part of God's work--but with the language barrier it is hard to grasp exactly what I am being a part of. I was able to catch a good bit of the sermon through a translator and respected the boldness and intentionality of the message. There is definitely a need here for what I am doing and the people I get to work with are happier for having me. It is nice to be able to fit into things in that way and serve them and serve God.

God has blessed me with some great friends here already who, if I do make the move to Ukraine, will be an amazing foundation to make my life here possible. I have a lot of things to figure out still. I wish I already felt that I had a clear answer about moving here. But I suspect God is moving the puzzle pieces through my experiences so far and through those to come. He is showing me one moment at a time, allowing me to live in it even while I don't know how it fits in yet. Please continue praying that I will see where this all leads when the time comes.

Thank you! I hope you all are well.

Josh