Ok, so here are a few last thoughts on Russia… at least for now.

1. After much contemplating and praying and digging deep into my soul, I decided that however frustrating and discouraging things may get, I am actually thankful that my time here in Russia, although for sure filled with many joyful moments, has not at all been a walk in the park… Let me further explain. First, a little background. As I’m sure most of you know, at A&M, I LOVE hanging out with international students… I lead a conversation group with iHouse through a local church… our goal is this… we may be the only Christians some international students ever meet, and we do our best to love and help and build friendships with, and make them comfortable in a foreign country and let them join in our lives, in the hope that at the very least, they’ll leave the states associating Christians with the people who loved them in a new land. I love that the Lord has brought this little “ministry” if you will, into my life, because it’s what I love. I LOVE getting to know people that are different and sharing life together and I love doing my best to make people feel at home in a strange place.

Anyway, the point of all this is that, having been here in Russia, having not been an international student, I can so much better relate to my international friends at home… being in a new land, having a hard time connecting with and getting to know people, being frustrated and lonely, usually not knowing what’s going on. And I love that. I love that I know I can better relate to the people I love back home because now I’ve been there. And a few things I’ve come to realize;

A. It’s HUGE when I meet someone who will be patient with me as I speak this new language. When someone will listen patiently, despite long pauses sometimes, as I try to come up with the right words to say what I’m trying. When someone will, without acting annoyed, speak slower, or re-explain what they’ve said in other terminology when I don’t understand something. When someone will explain new words – even if it means using charades or pictures from Wikipedia.

B. It’s also HUGE to have a native of the foreign country invite you into their house for a meal.

C. It’s even HUGER to have someone invite you along to do something with them.

So, moral of this story, if you come across someone who doesn’t speak English very well and is from another country – be patient to hear them out even if it takes a while, and if you get the chance to know them a little more, cook for them or take em out to dinner… It really means so much more that you probably would ever think. At least it has for me here.

2. From Day 1, I’ve wondered if the reason I love it here is simply because it’s another country (i seem to feel the same excitement and love of every place i ever visit), a new adventure that my heart craves with new exciting things to learn and see, or if it’s really because I have a deep love for the country and people of Russia. I go back and forth. But the longer I’m here, the more I lean towards the first…

The more I’m here, the more I realize I’m drawn to people that are different from the norm… Here, I like Russians, but I’m more drawn to the people that stick out aka mostly foreigners (the first people I met here were Asian, and there’s a cool group of Nigerian students in the building next door). So, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if maybe I’m supposed to just stay in the US and welcome the international.

At the same time, if the Lord ever opens doors for me to live in another country again or in Russia, I’ll be there in an instant, I do love so much living among other cultures, but if not, my heart loves loving internationals in my own country.

I realize I still have a month left here. So my thoughts might change. But for now, part of me is completely ready to be home with everything I know and love, on the other side, I wish I could stay here (or somewhere else too) forever even if it means never being able to drink tap water again haha.

Well, there you have it. A complete update. Oh Russia. And, there’s so much here that I know I’ll never be able to explain with words or even pictures or even video. As much as I can try, there’s so much I know I won’t be able to convey. I wish I could transport you all here for even a week!!!

Ok, well. Have a lovely week…

I’m actually leaving tomorrow night for several days with Jessica… we’re going to Krakow and Auschwitz-Poland, Prague-Czech Republic, Stockholm-Sweden, and Riga-Latvia!!! So excited! But I’ll post again when I get back.

lauren