How Things Are Going

This blog is long overdue for an update. I apologize for that. There are a lot of things worth talking about and I will try to get to a few of them here.

First of all, I have started taking Russian lessons. This was the plan from the beginning. The part that wasn't exactly planned was taking them four days a week. But it looks like that's what it's going to take so that's what I'm doing. My teacher is excellent. My head gets foggy in class but she answers as many questions as I need to ask and overall it stays enjoyable. The classes are 2.5 hours per day and the travel time round trip is approximately the same. Add about two hours of homework per lesson and this is eating up some substantial time. The best part: these lessons are costing me about $4/hour. Can you believe that? We're talking about good lessons from a native Russian speaker in a class of exactly two people. Wow.

And the time is worth it. The biggest thing holding me back in the ministries I'm already involved in here is definitely the language barrier. Even when there is someone present who speaks English, it is impossible to translate every prayer and every discussion. Knowing the language will greatly aid my role as the music leader in the young adult worship team. One or two musicians who are able and willing to translate have been an invaluable resource but some Russian language skills will certainly streamline the process and allow me to get more involved on a personal level with my team.

I do have one prayer request in regards to the young adult worship team that I serve as musical director for: I am running into some difficulties with another guitar player. I have not completely negated myself from being part of the problem (ego can be a tricky little bugger) so I am trying to stay open to where I need to grow in this situation. The difficult part is that making him happy detracts from the team spirit and also musical integrity of the band. So far he seems too busy telling me what to do to realize that he could benefit from listening. I don't think he means things personally, but his quickness to become adamant about things without taking time to perceive a situation causes conflict. Anyway, that's some of what I see so far. I need God's help in accurately and patiently perceiving all the ins and outs of this situation and in knowing how to address it.

But aside from that, I am very pleased and encouraged with the way things are going with the worship team. We have some amazing co-leadership happening. One girl is the worship leader and main singer and another guy (a missionary from New Zealand) is overseeing the spiritual development of the team. The youth pastors and people in the congregation have had very supportive feedback and are excited about the atmosphere and sincerity of worship that has been present in the last month. I am very encouraged to be a part of this and it is spurring and motivating challenges for spiritual growth in my own life. God is good to allow me to feel this connection with him and with others in the work here.

And in general, life is going very well here. I enjoy it. I like the city. I am learning to get around from place to place rather than just from my apartment to a couple of church-related locations (separate office and meeting spaces). I still don't see all the reasons, but God has put me where he wants me and is undoubtedly blessing the support of all of you who are supporting me.