It's All About the Timing

Well, I received an email from the Regional Office today, letting me know that I will need to come home after training for about two weeks. I hadn't planned on this, and I wanted to leave directly from VA to Russia, but it looks like it's not going to work that way. The reason for this is that out of all of the countries I could work with, Russia is usually the one that is the slowest in returning the passports and visas. The last couple of groups the company sent to Russia, had to wait about two weeks after training for their visas to come in.

So with all of that being stated, my plans have changed. But does my plans really matter? Our Father, knows what's best for me! He has it all planned out, I just need to sit back and enjoy the ride, and that's exactly what I've decided to do from now on!

By the way, I received photos of my new apartment, obviously for those are the pics up above. For the most part, I expected it to look this way, but the toilet situation is a little weird. But to tell you the truth, I have lived in weirder situations than this(Don't believe me, ask me about Guatemala)!

Coldness

I was curious about the weather this week in K-Town, so I googled it. This week is was pretty cold, well cold at least for a Texas girl like me! The high today is 0 degrees with a windchill at -13! I know the coldness is something I will have to adjust to, but I am ready for snow!

I spoke with Jen, she is in K-town now, and I will be living in her apartment when she leaves. She has a ton of photos from her two years and she will be sending me pics of the apartment. The photos help me know what to expect, how the locals dress, and what the town looks like, and that makes it easier for me to pack! Out of all the things that I should be concerned about, I'm just worried that I'll bring the wrong clothes, not that I'll get lost and won't know how to communicate, or will have problems getting a visa or anything like that. I guess I'm a typical girl, but hey, when the weather gets below zero, a Texas girl has to figure out how to dress for that!

It's Official!!

I have been accepted and am going for sure to Russia!! After I got my acceptance letter, I thought back to the time when I first read about this job opening. Our Father is so faithful and loving, and He knew back, almost 6 months ago, that this was the perfect job for me (I'm just glad that the company agrees). Father even knew back then that I would need a roommate while there, and he provided an amazing sister who is totally ready to serve Him.

I was talking with a friend last night telling her how I can't wait to get over there, and she responded by saying, "I know, it's in your eyes. They sparkle when you talk about it." I didn't know that my eyes sparkle when talking about Russia, but I do know that I am called to this people group and culture...I think I might have a little Russian in my blood! :)

Yes, I know that I will be challenged, especially by the opposition, but I know that Father will be with me every step of the way!

Okay things you need to know/pray about:
-I'm leaving late January for training for two months and then will leave straight from VA for Russia around April 6th.
-Pray that I will pack everything that I need...packing for two years is a very daunting task!!
-Pray for my roommate Julie and I, that our Father will be in the middle of it, and that we will be used in many amazing ways.
-Pray for training...I'm kinda nervous about it, and I feel like I'm going back to school again...yuck!

THANK YOU everyone for your thoughts on my behalf! Oh, and I should be speaking to the company before I leave, so you'll want to be there for that!

Much much love!!
Your Russian Chick

Winding Down

Okay, now that I've had time to wind down from that fast paced, life changing week, I've come to realize that I continue to have such a peace about my decision. That's definitely a sign, another confirmation for me, and now I can't wait to get over there! I still haven't heard back from the Company about whether or not I got my top choice, but I should know within the next two weeks or so. On November 26th, the Company is meeting to finalize the choices on all the applicants, and after that day, they will send out the letters of the final job placements. So, keep that day in your prayers!

Thank you again everyone for your support and love! It really means a lot to me! Oh btw, I'm planning on having a PARTY before I leave in January. I'll let you all know within the next month or so when that is!

I Have Direction

Thank you so much everyone for the prayers!! I have felt them tremendously! Well, it's been hard because there are so many great choices, and that can become a distraction on picking the place the Boss wants you to be. Anyway, today I made my decision, and I have such a peace about it. I know that the Boss is calling me to Russia, and I will be serving in Far East Russia. Well, I'm about 99% sure, but I still have to have final approval.

I am very excited, yet kinda overwhelmed at the same time, because I now know the task in front of me, and it's a pretty big task. Right now, I'm off to an interview. AAAHHH that makes me scared! Well, not necessarily scared, but nervous. I know that He will be directing it so that's okay, but I'm still a little nervous.

Keep the prayers coming!

Oh and Shout Out to PAUL!!!!

ILC Conference

Hi Everyone,

Let's just say that He is calling me to Eastern Europe, but I'm not exactly sure where I'll be just yet. I have several options and I am praying about each of them, but you can help me with that by praying for clarity and guidance- that I will know without a doubt where our Father wants me to serve, and that I will be prepared to work with my team overseas for Him.

BTW, I got to take a mugshot today...well not exactly a mugshot, but it felt like one. I didn't get to smile so it felt like I was unhappy in the pic...I felt something along the lines of how I would if it really was a mugshot! Haha!

Okay, much love to everyone and keep the prayers going up on my behalf- I need them!!
:D

Virginia Here I Come!!!

I got my official papers in the mail and I am flying out to Virginia for Conference on Tuesday, November 4th at 10:15 am.

By the last day of Conference, I'll need to turn in my top 3 choices. I still feel like He is calling me to Russia, Ukraine, or somewhere else in Europe. There are so many possibilities, but I know that our Father is calling me to work with teens and college-aged kids.

Please keep me in your p ryers, and ask the Man to continue to draw me to Him, and for Him to give me a desire to seek Him and His will.

Thank you everyone for your p ryers, and I'll make sure and keep you posted!!

Much Love and Many Blessings

November Conference

I just sent in my email of acceptance to the company and I will be going to the November Conference like I had originally planned! The boss man is so good! For a while I started to doubt whether or not He had called me to go through the teaching program.

This past weekend I took a group of girls to Revolve, and while there I saw a video from World Vision, and I decided that on Monday I would start applying to other companies if I didn't hear from the boss soon. Little did I know that I had my acceptance letter from the compnay was at home awaiting me in the mailbox since Friday afternoon.

He is so good.

I am still not 100% sure where I am going to end up overseas, but I am claiming the promises that He gave Habakkuk when He said, "Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." I want Him to have plans like that for me on my teaching position! I know that I will probably face a little of what Habakkuk faced in Judah, but I know that I too can be like him. For Habakkuk went to the Father on behalf of the people, he went to Him for people who were fully corrupted, even to the point of sacrificing their children to idols. I know that I cannot even comprehend the task ahead of me, but I know I will be able to withstand the task because I have a faithful Boss on my side.

"I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds... Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk

Hello All!

Well, I wanted to give everyone a way to keep up with the whole process, and then when I get over there, hopefully, I will have decent internet access so I can update this thing!

Where I'm Currently At In The Process:
I turned in all of my required things, but THA (Travel Health America) has decided to take their time going over my paper work. Actually, I learned that they are behind on reviewing the files, so I missed this deadline. The next deadline is October 28th and since I should have everything turned in, even the THA complete, I will be able to make this deadline. If the company accepts me, then I will be invited to Conference, which will be January 20-23. After Conference, I would leave somewhere between April-June of 2009.

Conference is where I decide where I will be going for the next two years of my life. I already feel called to work with Russian speaking people or in Eastern Europe. I will have a better idea of what jobs are available after I attend Conference.

I will keep everyone posted, and when I have something new I will update!
Much love to everyone, and thank you again for your p ryers and support!

Many Blessings,
Alexa