It’s amazing what happens to a city in the springtime. All of the sudden, there are people—everywhere, and they seem to have a new energy! Little bursts of color begin popping out of the ground and on the bare tree branches, giving the view a whole new look. It’s just exciting to be outside, especially without a heavy coat on!
Unfortunately, being at the end of the semester with so many wonderful things that need to be done by the deadline, I’ve been spending my time watching everyone else enjoy the explosion of spring. Homework would be so much more fun outside, but not nearly as efficient…so I’m inside—watching Chicago wake up after a very long winter.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
God is Good...Always
I get caught up in stressful details of my day...
I focus on the ways that people could have done things better...
I try to attain perfection...
I don't take the time to enjoy the small things...
I doubt that I'll have everything that I'll need...
I allow myself to be controlled by the opinions of others...
I place value on things that really don't matter that much...
I put tasks before people...
I allow myself to get overwhelmed and flustered when things don't go perfectly...
I'm focused on myself and not what God's doing around me...
...And through all of this, I miss out on the greatest thing of all--the goodness of God.
Thank you, heavenly Father, for You abundant goodness that is new every morning and yet never changes.
"Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!" Ps. 31:19
I focus on the ways that people could have done things better...
I try to attain perfection...
I don't take the time to enjoy the small things...
I doubt that I'll have everything that I'll need...
I allow myself to be controlled by the opinions of others...
I place value on things that really don't matter that much...
I put tasks before people...
I allow myself to get overwhelmed and flustered when things don't go perfectly...
I'm focused on myself and not what God's doing around me...
...And through all of this, I miss out on the greatest thing of all--the goodness of God.
Thank you, heavenly Father, for You abundant goodness that is new every morning and yet never changes.
"Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!" Ps. 31:19
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
So…why is Emily on the go?
From the time I was very little, I loved to travel. So far in my life, I’ve had the privilege to visit France, the Dominican Republic, Russia, England, Ecuador, and China. Other countries, cultures and languages have always fascinated me and I’ve wanted to live in another country for as long as I can remember. When I think about how amazingly diverse the world is, it blows me away. Ever new place I see just makes me hungry to see more of the world and the wonderful people God has placed in it.
I believe that God has burdened my heart to work with people in the former Soviet Union. I have studied their culture and language and would love to get to know the people of this region of the world better. I enjoy reading to learn about history and culture, but my favorite way to learn about people is talking to them. My mother will testify to the fact that from the time I was very young, I loved to talk to people, and to this day, relationships are one of the most important things in my life. I especially love building relationships with people from other cultures.
So right now I am working towards someday living and working in either Russia or Ukraine on a long-term basis. I am currently in grad school being further trained to teach, both English and the Bible, in a cross-cultural setting. Along with my studies, I have two part-time jobs, church activities, and lots of friends to keep me busy…I’m always on the go! I find that I’m more productive when I’m really busy, so whether I plan it or not, I’m usually super swamped with things to do, places to go, and people to see!
This summer, I am planning to spend 10 weeks in central Ukraine fulfilling the requirements of my internship, learning more about the Ukrainian people and building relationships. I am greatly looking forward to this amazing opportunity. I plan to keep my blog updated with what I am doing—I will be posting stories and pictures, and I hope that you will join me in my trip via my blog!
Here we go, people…we are on a mission!
I believe that God has burdened my heart to work with people in the former Soviet Union. I have studied their culture and language and would love to get to know the people of this region of the world better. I enjoy reading to learn about history and culture, but my favorite way to learn about people is talking to them. My mother will testify to the fact that from the time I was very young, I loved to talk to people, and to this day, relationships are one of the most important things in my life. I especially love building relationships with people from other cultures.
So right now I am working towards someday living and working in either Russia or Ukraine on a long-term basis. I am currently in grad school being further trained to teach, both English and the Bible, in a cross-cultural setting. Along with my studies, I have two part-time jobs, church activities, and lots of friends to keep me busy…I’m always on the go! I find that I’m more productive when I’m really busy, so whether I plan it or not, I’m usually super swamped with things to do, places to go, and people to see!
This summer, I am planning to spend 10 weeks in central Ukraine fulfilling the requirements of my internship, learning more about the Ukrainian people and building relationships. I am greatly looking forward to this amazing opportunity. I plan to keep my blog updated with what I am doing—I will be posting stories and pictures, and I hope that you will join me in my trip via my blog!
Here we go, people…we are on a mission!
I'll look to Him who hears me
God has been teaching me to trust Him. I am going through quite a few important choices pertaining to my future and many components of these decisions, I don’t understand. In my confusion, my nature is to take control and figure out the best option.
But I don’t want my best option, I want God’s perfect will. I am learning to cling to God and His promise of hope. It is so easy to fall into the habit of leaning on my own understanding, but whenever I do this, I always end up stressed out. But if I don’t handle it myself, I must allow God to have complete control. I must learn to take rest in the perfect peace of God. His peace passes any understanding of the human mind and heart.
These are the words to a song that has brought me a lot of truth and comfort:
My soul finds rest in God alone, my rock and my salvation
A fortress strong against my foes, and I will not be shaken
Though lips may bless, and hearts may curse,
And lies, like arrows pierce me,
I’ll fix my heart on righteousness;
I’ll look to Him who hears me.
O praise Him, hallelujah,
My Delight and my Reward
Everlasting, never failing;
My Redeemer, my God.
Find rest my soul in God alone, a mid the world’s temptations.
When evil seeks to take a hold, I’ll cling to my salvation.
Though riches come, and riches go,
Don’t set your heart upon them.
The fields of hope in which I sow
Are harvested in heaven.
I’ll set my gaze on God alone, and trust in Him completely.
With ev’ry day pour out my soul; and He will prove His mercy
Though life is but a fleeting breath,
A sigh too deep to measure,
My King has crushed the curse of death
And I am His forever.
But I don’t want my best option, I want God’s perfect will. I am learning to cling to God and His promise of hope. It is so easy to fall into the habit of leaning on my own understanding, but whenever I do this, I always end up stressed out. But if I don’t handle it myself, I must allow God to have complete control. I must learn to take rest in the perfect peace of God. His peace passes any understanding of the human mind and heart.
These are the words to a song that has brought me a lot of truth and comfort:
My soul finds rest in God alone, my rock and my salvation
A fortress strong against my foes, and I will not be shaken
Though lips may bless, and hearts may curse,
And lies, like arrows pierce me,
I’ll fix my heart on righteousness;
I’ll look to Him who hears me.
O praise Him, hallelujah,
My Delight and my Reward
Everlasting, never failing;
My Redeemer, my God.
Find rest my soul in God alone, a mid the world’s temptations.
When evil seeks to take a hold, I’ll cling to my salvation.
Though riches come, and riches go,
Don’t set your heart upon them.
The fields of hope in which I sow
Are harvested in heaven.
I’ll set my gaze on God alone, and trust in Him completely.
With ev’ry day pour out my soul; and He will prove His mercy
Though life is but a fleeting breath,
A sigh too deep to measure,
My King has crushed the curse of death
And I am His forever.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"No, don't drink the water...just drink the vodka."
So I had a really amazing experience today. I am trying to learn more about the Ukrainian people before spending time there this summer. So today I took a little field trip to the Ukrainian Village in Chicago. I began my trip at the Ukrainian National Museum. I found out that they were going to host a special talk given by Ukrainian immigrant, historian and author Dr. Myron B. Kuropas. Since I had about four hours to kill, I went and had some dinner at a Ukrainian restaurant (the soup was wonderful!) and did some homework. It was also a wonderful place to people watch.
I still had some time to walk around the village. They have some beautiful churches in the village…I can’t wait to see the ones in Ukraine. I also walked through a few stores. One of the store clerks talked to me in Ukrainian as I was checking out and I got the main gist of her meaning even though I really didn’t understand a word she said. At the end, I said thank you in English. She looked really surprised and said, “O, you don’t speak Ukrainian? But I thought you understood me…you look Ukrainian.”
After that, I went back to the museum. I was warmly welcomed by a fairly large gathering of people from the Ukrainian community. I found out that this group of people seemed to be a close-knit community. There were probably around 40 people there tonight to hear what Dr. Kuropas had to say about Roosevelt, Stalin, Hollywood and Ukrainian Americans. His main emphasis was that once FDR came to power, there was a huge surge in pro-Soviet films. They portrayed a very inaccurate way of Russian life to the American people and painted Stalin as a benevolent and loved leader. He also talked about how communist in the U.S. were able to influence some people in power at that time. We watched part of a film called North Star, made in the 1940’s, that was supposed to help with promoting the Russian image needed to keep them as allies. Dr. Kuropas used a mixture of both English and Ukrainian in his talk, so some parts I did not understand, but it was a very fascinating talk.
I was given the opportunity to speak with some of the Ukrainian people present at the event tonight, and my time there was such a blessing. They were very welcoming and answered all my questions. I’m excited to learn more. We had some very interesting conversations about Ukraine, Russian, immigration, Ukrainians in Chicago, language and…vodka. One of the most interesting discussions of the night was in reference to moonshine (Ukrainian style, of course) and other forms of fine Ukrainian beverages. Hence the exchange between three friends occurred as they debated what I should drink while I am in Ukraine.
“Make sure you don’t drink the water…it’s horrible.”
“The water is good—what are you talking about?”
“Not for her. She will get sick!”
“No, she’ll be fine…drink the water.”
“No, don’t drink the water…just drink the vodka.”
“Ah, yes, vodka, vodka is wonderful there. You’ll like it.”
“Maybe she doesn’t drink…”
“Doesn’t drink? Who doesn’t drink?”
“Oh, the vodka, you will love it!”
Yes, I was educated, entertained and enlightened during my time in the Ukrainian Village today.
I still had some time to walk around the village. They have some beautiful churches in the village…I can’t wait to see the ones in Ukraine. I also walked through a few stores. One of the store clerks talked to me in Ukrainian as I was checking out and I got the main gist of her meaning even though I really didn’t understand a word she said. At the end, I said thank you in English. She looked really surprised and said, “O, you don’t speak Ukrainian? But I thought you understood me…you look Ukrainian.”
After that, I went back to the museum. I was warmly welcomed by a fairly large gathering of people from the Ukrainian community. I found out that this group of people seemed to be a close-knit community. There were probably around 40 people there tonight to hear what Dr. Kuropas had to say about Roosevelt, Stalin, Hollywood and Ukrainian Americans. His main emphasis was that once FDR came to power, there was a huge surge in pro-Soviet films. They portrayed a very inaccurate way of Russian life to the American people and painted Stalin as a benevolent and loved leader. He also talked about how communist in the U.S. were able to influence some people in power at that time. We watched part of a film called North Star, made in the 1940’s, that was supposed to help with promoting the Russian image needed to keep them as allies. Dr. Kuropas used a mixture of both English and Ukrainian in his talk, so some parts I did not understand, but it was a very fascinating talk.
I was given the opportunity to speak with some of the Ukrainian people present at the event tonight, and my time there was such a blessing. They were very welcoming and answered all my questions. I’m excited to learn more. We had some very interesting conversations about Ukraine, Russian, immigration, Ukrainians in Chicago, language and…vodka. One of the most interesting discussions of the night was in reference to moonshine (Ukrainian style, of course) and other forms of fine Ukrainian beverages. Hence the exchange between three friends occurred as they debated what I should drink while I am in Ukraine.
“Make sure you don’t drink the water…it’s horrible.”
“The water is good—what are you talking about?”
“Not for her. She will get sick!”
“No, she’ll be fine…drink the water.”
“No, don’t drink the water…just drink the vodka.”
“Ah, yes, vodka, vodka is wonderful there. You’ll like it.”
“Maybe she doesn’t drink…”
“Doesn’t drink? Who doesn’t drink?”
“Oh, the vodka, you will love it!”
Yes, I was educated, entertained and enlightened during my time in the Ukrainian Village today.
Just some random bits about me...
1. I hate not achieving my goals, and my answer to this is to usually not set them. However, one goal I do have is to travel to all of the continents by the time I am 30.
2. I am fascinated by languages, and wish I spoke at least three; but I have a hard time learning them. Why was I not born a European?
3. My favorite color has changed….I don’t even know how many times in my life. The important thing is that I ALWAYS love purple, regardless of what other colors I like. Currently I’m really into the bright, cranberry red that is really popular right now. However, I’m a huge fan of black and white.
4. I was a ballerina for 12 years growing up and a dance teacher for seven of those years. Dancing on pointe was wonderful, but what I miss the most is teaching the little dancers!!!
5. One of my favorite desserts is tiramisu, and the best I’ve found is at Carino’s. I miss it so badly…and if you want to hear about my tiramisu adventure, you’ll have to ask.
6. In February of 2000, I stood on the Greenwich Meridian, in 2001, I straddled the Equator, and in August of 2008, I sat on the floor of the plane as we flew over the International Date Line. Pretty exciting stuff.
7. I have smashed ears, thanks to a wonderful recessive gene on my mom’s side…thanks mom!
8. I love getting dressed up for special occasions, but I love my jeans and sweatshirts, too…I’m very guided by my moods…in so many ways.
9. I love most music and don’t know how I lived before I got my iPod. Total craziness to think that music was so STATIONARY and LIMITED! I can’t tell you what my favorite song is because it changes almost on an hourly basis.
10. While I don’t really love the cold, I found living in Texas that I miss the seasons (there, the seasons are hot and hotter). So, now that I’m in Chicago, I am really enjoying winter…strange.
11. Maps get me really excited. I particularly love old maps, you know the ones with the beige color theme and the strangely shaped countries, since they didn’t have Google satellite views! I can waste so much time on Google Earth, it’s not even funny.
12. I love living in a big city and I hope that God lets me live in big cities in other countries at some point in my life…that would be totally awesome!
13. Reading is one of my favorite things to do (right up there with creative writing); but I don’t get to do much of either of those at this point in my life, since I am reading textbooks (really, really good ones, btw) and writing papers, not stories. One day…maybe. My favorite genre is historical fiction…oh, the plots I’m missing out on right now!!!
14. One thing I do to relax is to take my iPod and go walking. I get to watch people, breathe “fresh” air, and find new, interesting places. My favorite place to walk in Chicago is along Lake Michigan. However, with the wind-chill, it’s almost suicide to walk along there right now; the wind may take your breath away and never give it back!
15. I have a plant in my apartment that my dad gave to me the day I was born (or the day after…whatever). It’s still alive, amazingly enough--one of the only plants I own that I have not killed, and it’s called the Emily plant. Yes, I know, I could have been a little more creative than that, but oh well…on to bigger and better things.
16. I am not a morning person. End of story.
17. I love photos. I love taking pictures, sharing them with friends and scrapbooking. Photos are pretty much amazing.
18. White roses and white calla lilies are my favorite flowers. Most of the other ones make me sneeze.
19. I lived in Quito, Ecuador for six months right after high school and was amazed by the mountains. The view is astonishing, and I don’t know how people can ignore that there is a God when He figured out a way to put a snowcap on the equator.
20. I’ve been bitten by the anthropology bug. Once it bites you, there’s no turning back. I’ve always enjoyed relating to people (my mom called it “talking someone’s ear off”, but I never saw anyone missing an ear, so…) but now I’m trained and certified (I have the diploma to prove it). But I do love learning about the cultures and heritages of others. It inspires me and causes me to re-evaluate how/why I think something. It’s really fascinating.
21. Wow…25 things is more than I thought it was going to be. Well, let’s see…I love, love, love pedicures and the head massages they give you when you are at the salon getting your hear washed. My theory is that if you can relax the head and the feet, everything in between feels better, too. And I’ve proven myself right…what do you think?
22. The sound of water is my favorite. I am a huge fan of waterfalls and rain, but my fav of all time is waves…not much better than that, especially if there’s a sunset, too.
23. Have you noticed that I hate being wrong and failing? I’m having to work on this.
24. Teddy bears are one of my very most favorite things. I collect them and enjoy giving them to others, too. Last year when I was in China, I was in the panda bear capital of the world, and did not get to see any of the pandas there. So bummed about that, but I’ll probably live.
25. Out the window of my apartment, I can see the Sears Tower, the John Hancock, the Trump Building, and the Moody campus. I see them all lit up at night before I go to bed, and this makes me very happy. I love Chicago and I can’t believe that this is what I get to wake up to every morning. God has been very good to me.
Any questions? There will be a quiz.
2. I am fascinated by languages, and wish I spoke at least three; but I have a hard time learning them. Why was I not born a European?
3. My favorite color has changed….I don’t even know how many times in my life. The important thing is that I ALWAYS love purple, regardless of what other colors I like. Currently I’m really into the bright, cranberry red that is really popular right now. However, I’m a huge fan of black and white.
4. I was a ballerina for 12 years growing up and a dance teacher for seven of those years. Dancing on pointe was wonderful, but what I miss the most is teaching the little dancers!!!
5. One of my favorite desserts is tiramisu, and the best I’ve found is at Carino’s. I miss it so badly…and if you want to hear about my tiramisu adventure, you’ll have to ask.
6. In February of 2000, I stood on the Greenwich Meridian, in 2001, I straddled the Equator, and in August of 2008, I sat on the floor of the plane as we flew over the International Date Line. Pretty exciting stuff.
7. I have smashed ears, thanks to a wonderful recessive gene on my mom’s side…thanks mom!
8. I love getting dressed up for special occasions, but I love my jeans and sweatshirts, too…I’m very guided by my moods…in so many ways.
9. I love most music and don’t know how I lived before I got my iPod. Total craziness to think that music was so STATIONARY and LIMITED! I can’t tell you what my favorite song is because it changes almost on an hourly basis.
10. While I don’t really love the cold, I found living in Texas that I miss the seasons (there, the seasons are hot and hotter). So, now that I’m in Chicago, I am really enjoying winter…strange.
11. Maps get me really excited. I particularly love old maps, you know the ones with the beige color theme and the strangely shaped countries, since they didn’t have Google satellite views! I can waste so much time on Google Earth, it’s not even funny.
12. I love living in a big city and I hope that God lets me live in big cities in other countries at some point in my life…that would be totally awesome!
13. Reading is one of my favorite things to do (right up there with creative writing); but I don’t get to do much of either of those at this point in my life, since I am reading textbooks (really, really good ones, btw) and writing papers, not stories. One day…maybe. My favorite genre is historical fiction…oh, the plots I’m missing out on right now!!!
14. One thing I do to relax is to take my iPod and go walking. I get to watch people, breathe “fresh” air, and find new, interesting places. My favorite place to walk in Chicago is along Lake Michigan. However, with the wind-chill, it’s almost suicide to walk along there right now; the wind may take your breath away and never give it back!
15. I have a plant in my apartment that my dad gave to me the day I was born (or the day after…whatever). It’s still alive, amazingly enough--one of the only plants I own that I have not killed, and it’s called the Emily plant. Yes, I know, I could have been a little more creative than that, but oh well…on to bigger and better things.
16. I am not a morning person. End of story.
17. I love photos. I love taking pictures, sharing them with friends and scrapbooking. Photos are pretty much amazing.
18. White roses and white calla lilies are my favorite flowers. Most of the other ones make me sneeze.
19. I lived in Quito, Ecuador for six months right after high school and was amazed by the mountains. The view is astonishing, and I don’t know how people can ignore that there is a God when He figured out a way to put a snowcap on the equator.
20. I’ve been bitten by the anthropology bug. Once it bites you, there’s no turning back. I’ve always enjoyed relating to people (my mom called it “talking someone’s ear off”, but I never saw anyone missing an ear, so…) but now I’m trained and certified (I have the diploma to prove it). But I do love learning about the cultures and heritages of others. It inspires me and causes me to re-evaluate how/why I think something. It’s really fascinating.
21. Wow…25 things is more than I thought it was going to be. Well, let’s see…I love, love, love pedicures and the head massages they give you when you are at the salon getting your hear washed. My theory is that if you can relax the head and the feet, everything in between feels better, too. And I’ve proven myself right…what do you think?
22. The sound of water is my favorite. I am a huge fan of waterfalls and rain, but my fav of all time is waves…not much better than that, especially if there’s a sunset, too.
23. Have you noticed that I hate being wrong and failing? I’m having to work on this.
24. Teddy bears are one of my very most favorite things. I collect them and enjoy giving them to others, too. Last year when I was in China, I was in the panda bear capital of the world, and did not get to see any of the pandas there. So bummed about that, but I’ll probably live.
25. Out the window of my apartment, I can see the Sears Tower, the John Hancock, the Trump Building, and the Moody campus. I see them all lit up at night before I go to bed, and this makes me very happy. I love Chicago and I can’t believe that this is what I get to wake up to every morning. God has been very good to me.
Any questions? There will be a quiz.
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