hit the ground running.

So, here it is. my first blog posts from Ukraine.
It's kind of weird to think that little more than a week ago i was in Canada. Surprisingly quickly i have become really accustomed to the sights, smells and sounds of living in Zaporozhye. I was really expected to be fully and completely in a state of culture shock right about now, but instead life has continued on... just on the other side of the world. My first day in Ukraine (actually during my layover in the Kyiv airport) the full realization that I was on the other side of the world from everything and anything that felt like home sank in. I just thought, "God, why do you even want me here? I don't understand this."
And sitting there, in the airport, waiting to get onto my flight taking me closer to the place I will learn to see as my Ukrainian home, I cried. My first few moments here were honestly feeling more helpless and pathetic than I can remember feeling in a long time. Right then and there I reached the end of my rope, I realized my inadequacy and that God was the one who needs to carry me through this time here, because I sure cannot walk through it on my own. 
Since then... I haven't looked back.
Sure there are things I am missing about Canada,
I miss people who speak English
I miss being a phone call away from everyone I love
I miss solitude.
But all the while, I am loving Ukraine, garbage and all.
There is a lot of sadness here, alcoholism, government corruption and people who are just dirt poor.
But the people are just amazing, honestly just some of the friendliest people I have ever had the joy of being with. We have been invited to teach in three local schools (I'm teaching somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 classes a week, talk about feeling underqualified) and the teachers make us feel so welcome and appreciated.
I get the feeling I'm going to be making some really good friends here.
This is the outset, I feel possibilites, wonder and excitement.
It's interesting to think what things will be like in three months.

love.

actually really leaving...

so, my bags are packed...
and no, this is not the time to break out into another chorus of 
'leaving on a jet plane' (however tempting it may be).
the last week of training is done. all sessions are complete,
we have been fed with so many speakers, practical sessions,
books and insights it feels like it's time to just get on a plane and leave.
in a couple of hours, we are going to be commissioned.
and then one by one, our teams will leave. i still have another 8 hours before i have to leave
the place i've called home for the last 8 weeks.
also, within the hour i shall see my family again, which is strange and wonderful all at the
same time.
all i can say right now is, i'm excited for whatever adventure the next few hours brings.

love