I have not been as good at keeping you updated as I intended to be. So often my intentions are better than what actually ends up happening. Such is life. My own journal doesnt get written in as much as I would like either. But I think its because I am more of a talker. I like the verbal processing and give and take of a conversation. Alas, no more excuses....
It is a beautiful 75 (24 c) degree day. I took a walk while listening to some music on my ipod that makes me feel like everything is alright in the world after going to a modern art gallary with my friend Nastya. Im reading Jeremiah and John right now. Im contemplating how I run to broken cisterns day in and day out when the living well is there for me moment in and moment out. Even good things like; sermons, going to church, more spiritually mature believers, books by well known authors, songs, serving,....and the list could go on....if I come to depend on those things to fill me up, I will still remain empty. If I think thats where I will find the answers...the answer will always elude me. I know. Yet I still run to other things.
So... May 1st was Labor Day. International I might add. I hope you took work off too. I travelled with Brighid and our student Alex (and his wife) to a couple towns about 120 km away. We went to see one of the oldest and largest monasterys in the region. Kirelov was amazingly beautiful...and the blue sky and brilliant sun helped me to see it in its glory all the more. We went to a much smaller one in Ferpontov as well, which holds some of the oldest icons. I could try to talk to you about the places, but once again, the pictures speak more eloquently than I.
After our touring of the towns, we ventured into the forest, made a fire...and waited...and watched the fire...and waited....and I kept putting on more wood because I was worried it would burn out, and Alex didnt seem to be in any hurry to put the meat on. He just sat and watched the fire burn and burn. And we sat for a while maybe a half hour or more, with the meat ready to go (for shish kabob) and I didnt really understand the waiting. And I didnt want to ask, because I thought it would be rude. But then he started taking off the big pieces of wood, and stamping out the fire. I then saw what he was doing. He wanted hot coals. Long process....for what would have taken a small grill and a couple coals at home. But it was the best shish kabob pork Ive ever had!
Only a couple more weeks here. Im starting to see the end. And as one would imagine, it is a mix of emotions. One of the things I am most looking forward to is seeing you.
Love. Peace. XO.
