Thursday, December 25, 2008
Hello my fellow Homosapiens
Saturday, December 20, 2008
hello earthlings
Monday, December 15, 2008
life is crazy
Monday, December 8, 2008
A Full Update of All my Doings
Thursday, November 20, 2008
You know you have been in Russia long when...
...you have to think twice about throwing away an empty instant coffee jar.
...you carry a plastic shopping bag with you 'just in case'.
...you say he/she is 'on the meeting' (instead of 'at the' or 'in a' meeting).
...you answer the phone by saying 'allo, allo, allo' before giving the caller a chance to respond.
...you save table scraps for the cats living in the courtyard.
…when crossing the street, you sprint.
…in winter, you choose your route by determining which icicles are least likely to impale you in the head.
...you are impressed with the new model Lada or Volga car.
...you let the telephone ring at least 4 times before you pick it up because it is probably a misconnection or electrical fault.
...you hear the radio say it is zero degrees outside and you think it is a nice day for a change.
...you argue with a taxi driver about a fare of 30 rubles ($2) to go 2 kilometres in a blizzard.
...you win a shoving match with an old babushka for a place in line and you are proud of it.
...you are pleasantly surprised when there is toilet paper in the WC at work.
...you look at people's shoes to determine where they are from.
...you are pleasantly surprised when there is real wine in the bottle of Georgian Kinzamaruli you bought in a kiosk.
...you notice that his/her cell phone is smaller than yours and you're jealous.
...your day seems brighter after seeing that goon's Mercedes broadsides by a pensioner's Moskvich.
...you are thrown off guard when the doorman at the nightclub is happy to see you.
...you're not sure what to do when the GAI (traffic cop) only asks you to pay the official fine.
...you wonder what the tax inspector really wants when she says everything is in order.
...you give a 10% tip only if the waiter has been really exceptional.
...you plan your vacation around those times of the year when the hot water is turned off.
...you are relieved when the guy standing next to you on the bus actually uses a handkerchief.
...you are envious because your expatriate friend has smaller door keys than you do.
...you ask for no ice in your drink.
...you go mushroom and berry picking out of necessity instead of recreation.
...you develop a liking for beetroot.
...you know what Dostoyevsky's favourite colour was.
...you change into tapki (slippers) and wash your hands as soon as you walk into ...your apartment.
...you take a trip to Budapest and think you've been to heaven.
...you start thinking of black bread as a good chaser for vodka.
...you drink the brine from empty pickle jars.
...you can read barcodes, and you start shopping for products by their country of production.
...your coffee cups habitually smell of vodka.
...you know more than 60 Olgas.
...you wear a wool hat in the sauna.
...you put the empty bottle of wine on the floor in a restaurant.
...you are rude to people at the airport for no reason.
...you have to check your passport for an arrival-in-Russia date.
Remont (repair), pivo (beer) and nalivai (pour!) become integral parts of your vocabulary.
...you are curious as to when they might start exporting Baltika beer to your home country.
Cigarette smoke becomes 'tolerable'.
...you think metal doors are a necessity.
...you changed apartments 6 times in 6 months.
...you no longer feel like going to your 'home' country.
...you speak to other expats in your native language, but forget a few of the simplest words and throw in some Russian ones.
...you remember how many kilos you weigh - but forget how many pounds.
A gallon of gasoline or milk seems like a foreign concept.
...you no longer miss the foods you grew up with, and pass them up at foreign-owned supermarkets.
...you actually enjoy shopping at the rynok (market), and you think that Ramstore is the most advanced supermarket you've ever been to.
...you try to pay a traffic fine on the spot and get arrested for attempted bribery.
...you look for kvas and kefir in the supermarket, and ask to buy half a head of cabbage.
...you see a car behind you with flashing lights and think it's some politician.
...you don't feel guilty about not paying on the trolleybus.
...you can sleep through a hangover without curtains on your windows.
The elevator aroma seems reassuring somehow.
...you no longer think washing clothes in the bathtub is an inconvenience.
...you can heat water on the stove and shower with it in less than 10 minutes.
...you do not take off that silly sticker on the sunglasses that you just bought.
...your sister writes to you about the best prime rib she's ever had and you can't remember what it looks or tastes like.
The sellers at the rynok start calling you by your patronymic only.
...you have had your clothes ruined by all the so-called Western style dry cleaners and have to start the cycle over again.
...you bring your own scale and calculator to the market to make sure the amount you are charged is correct.
...you know the St. Peter Metro better than you know the subway system back home.
A weekend anywhere in the Baltics qualifies as a trip to the West.
...you start buying Russian toilet paper.
...you sit in silence with your eyes shut for a few moments before leaving on any long journey.
...you look in the mirror to turn away bad luck if you have to return home to pick up something you've forgotten.
...you catch yourself whistling indoors and feel guilty.
...you never smile in public when you're alone.
...you know the official at the metro station/airport/border post/post office/railway station etc. etc. is going to say nyet, but you argue anyway.
...you save tea bags of Yorkshire Tea brought over especially from home to use for a second cup later...
...you go back to England and notice how frosty, unemotional, unsentimental and cold the Brits are and long to return to the warm rush of the Russian dusha (soul).
…When that strange pungent mix of odours of stale sawdust, sweat and grime in the metro makes you feel safe and at home...
...you are in awe that after 3 days home your shoes are still clean.
...you get wildly offended when you are asked to pay at the coatcheck.
...you are afraid of offending someone by asking him or her what they do for a living.
…(For women) When you dress up in your best outfits for work and ride the metro.
When the word 'salad' ceases for you to have anything to do with lettuce.
When mayonnaise becomes your dressing of choice.
...you can recite in Russian all the words to all of tampon and chewing gum commercials.
…When you begin paying attention to peoples' floors and can distinguish the quality of linoleum and/or parquet, and thus determine social status, taste, and income e.g. embezzled, earned, pension, unpaid, etc.)
...you get excited when the dentist smiles and has all his own teeth.
...you can spark a debate by asking for a decent Mexican restaurant.
...you do all your shopping at kiosks.
...you voluntarily take a stroll in the park, Baltika beer in hand, on a sub-zero day.
...you pretend not to speak Russian when you walk in to a restaurant and ask to use their loo without buying anything.
...you are no longer surprised when your taxi driver tells you that before Perestroika he worked as a rocket scientist.
...you laugh at Russian jokes.
...you actually get these jokes.
...you actually spend time writing these jokes!
...you feel queasy when someone tries to shake ...your hand over a threshold.
...you continue to 'cross' the number 7 back at home.
...you think it's too hot, no matter what season ...you return home.
...you specify 'no gas' when asking for mineral water.
...you are dumbstruck back at home when high school or college students wait on ...you with a smile, reciting a 90 second spiel on the 'specials of the day' and display complete knowledge of the contents of each menu item...
...you realize that all the above is what you love about Russia, that you've been here long enough to feel at home, and wonder whether you'll ever able to fit back in the old country...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
wazzzzzzzzzzz up!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Hooray for mail!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
"LOVERS"
This is nothing special but an interesting observation.
Its 9am and the metro is packed. We scurry around seeking our station, fighting for a spot in line. This is the St. Petersburg metro station. Missions travel through here a day, including myself. I ride the metro at 9am and 4pm, the times I finish teaching class. Rarely have I ever seen the same person. With so many people it’s fun to people watch. Every kind of person is here. They all have their own identities but still seem like drones. No one talks, smiles, or wonders. They keep to themselves – why should they talk to a stranger? Smile? What is there to smile about? You must walk with a purpose, anything but that, and the militias have you in a headlock. You may ask me what makes all this so special, it’s not this, but rather but what this produces. The one simple action that spawns from the anonymity of using the metro. The kiss. A kiss can be defined as when lips from two people touch in an affectionate way. I stand there in amazement as I watch two lovers go at it as if it’s their last day together. Her arms around his waist. With one hand he might hold on to a bar to stabilize himself on the shaking metro. With the other hand, he holds her tight, maybe even a little fondling. Their eyes never part, locked together for all eternity. Furthermore, this is no ordinary kiss. This is the kiss, where you must take a break to breathe. Pause…smooch, smooch some more, pause…take a deep breath, smooch some more. They might wiggle their noses and play around a bit. He might start kissing her neck up and down, as she bites his ear. Why do they do this? Because they can. With such anonymity one can practically do anything, and no one will ever see you again or even remember. However, an interesting point that I must make is not about the lovers themselves, but rather the emotions that show themselves so clearly on each and every face around the lovers. I have found it fascinating to observe people’s reactions to such a kiss. From what I have seen the average Russian will hide his/her emotions to the common stranger. When you inject a small piece of emotional passion and love, the human body cannot help but react. Let’s first take the middle aged women. She seems to be unmarried yet very sophisticated. A little overweight, but that’s understandable as one grows older. From a few feet away her eyes bounce back and forth between her exit and the lovers. She looks at them out of the corner of her eye. Her eyes focus on their intimate love. She almost seems jealous and full of hatred as she scowls at them. Her lip quivers as a fist is made and her teeth clench together. She has never had such a feeling. What gives them the right to just flaunt their love? Next to her stands a man with a silly grin on his face. He just stares as his eyes dry out and he misses his stop. His jaw slightly ajar, he is a sight to behold. He simply stands there in appreciation as if he is watching some porno. A small boy sits on the bench nearby with his finger pointing at the lovers. His mother quickly tells him to shut up as he giggles and looks on in anticipation. The innocent anticipation for what might happen next. Where might he kiss her next? Will it be as gross as the last time? He sits there completely immersed in fascination with the unknown. And then there is the young lady. Not too far from where I am standing. She watches with a smile, yet sly smile. She is thinking of her own lover. She is going to him now. She admires this love, and thinks of times when she has done the same. She simply watches in admiration of their love. Lastly is the older man. I don’t know if he is married or not, it doesn’t really matter. He stands there with a solemn face almost as if he admires it. His shoulders relaxed and his toes wiggling, he tries to remember when he did the same. He misses the passion. Maybe his wife has died or that passionate flame has burnt out between them. Nevertheless, as a man, he still misses the touch of a woman’s love, and the invincibility of that relationship. He looks on – happy for the young couple, but at the same time yearning to be like them once more. And then there is me. I watch them kiss, and the reactions to it. I follow people’s eyes, and how they position their body. Is that person really happy? I try to smile, but the scowls are almost stifling. Day by day I see this happen. And day by day I realize how different this culture really is. This isn’t France, Australia, or Brazil, this is Russia. Whatever may happen, just remember….you’re in Russia now.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Privet!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The week hummmm
Financial Update
Thanks for your generous support, in prayer and/or financial donations. I do still need about $4278 in total support, and TeachOverseas has offered me a matching scholarship. They will match any donation dollar for dollar up to $500 for all donations that I receive by December 15th. Please prayerfully consider giving to me and the ministry to my Russian students. You can give securely online at http://www.teachoverseas.org/
Please keep me in your prayers...I need everyone of them. :)
petya
Monday, October 6, 2008
Another week at the office
Russia never seems to disappoint. Whether its the random drunks excited about Zenit, or the weird looks, Russia can always be unexpected. I made chocolate chip cookies for some of my students...first homemade chocolate chip cookies they had ever had...and with milk! Yes, it was fantastic. Furthermore, I also made them their first homemade hamburger. "Its so much bigger than McDonalds, are you sure you made it right?"....hahahaha....yes, this is a "true" hamburger. English Club was as interesting as usual, with about 16 people showing up. We all know that Russians can brave the cold like no one else, but when their winter coats come flying on in 40-50 F degree weather - sun shining - give me a break! They all seem to dress for 30 F degrees colder than it really is...jeeeez. I brought some of my students to a Mexican restaurant, for the first time...that was really fun! I might be starting some official Russian language lessons this week! Yepeee. We taught the students how to play baseball! They love it! Well, until next time...
Poka
petya
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Weekly Ramble - yada yada yada
The weather this week was really really warm, and seemed to cheer everyone up! I try to smile at everyone I can, with mixed results. Drunks on the midnight train can be exceptionally friendly, while random fights breakout on escalators. Simple chocolate in a nice package can be interesting, when your students then tell you that you bought them spiked candy. I have learned that lesson planning is 10% for the 90% of the class, and 90% for 10% of the class. Its amazing what you will eat when you are hungry, including 3 servings of peas. English Club is going great, with a variety of people interested. Sports night is awesome, however, students seem to be complaining about bruises the next day. Hanging out with students for hours on end, always makes me feel at home. I receive about a letter a week from my mommy, which always puts a smile on my face. The heat has turned on in the flat, and windows have flown open. Things I miss the most include Oreos, Mexican food, and my moms cooking. Oh, and macaroni and cheese. I am really starting to hate cigarette smoke, while almost 50% of my students smoke. My shower has a sense of humor as it likes to go from lukewarm to scalding hot within a tenth of a second, and then ice cold. I Feel naked and helpless outside, if somehow I forgot my "papers." To eat chocolate is like a little piece of heaven. I bought some raspberry jelly in anticipation of its counterpart. My English is slowly deteriorating as I always speak slow and simple to my students. I miss you all, as you all have a special place in my heart. With all my love, hugs and kisses.
pete
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A picture for the week
Another week
School-
Its going great. Teaching lots. I am constantly developing new lesson plans and new ideas for the students. They can be rowdy sometimes.
Relationships-
I am getting to know the students really well. Hanging out with a group almost every weekend now.
Sightseeing-
I went and saw Povlovska Palace on Saturday! That was really cool.
I don't know what I am going to see this weekend.
Ministry-
We had 21 people show up for english club last thursday. And 10 people for the bible study on friday. We have english club again this thursday, but sports-night this friday.
The city is really starting to grow on me, and the culture that surrounds it. I love it.
Please, I don't really know what you want to know.....just ask.
Finances-
I am still thousands short. Please do what you can and where the lord leads.
Miss you all!
pete
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Plethora of Fun
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
pictures!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2070931&l=10f8e&id=40305381
love ya
pete
LIfe is good...eternal life better!
I'll post some pics soon!
peoter samovich husmann
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PICTURES!!!!
Just paste this link in your toolbar! Or just click...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2070503&l=7ecb4&id=40305381
love ya all.
pete
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
update!
I am going to take pictures today...it took me long enough to find the batteries! jeez. Um, Monday I had a chance to go jogging and work out a bit. That was fun! Yesterday I went to this other school and helped unpack and move furniture around a good chunk of the day. Then I broke down and decided to do a good amount of shopping for food. I have been trying to get a feeling of what I need for food...nutrition, price, availability. I have made a list of the essentials, and as it solidifies, I will tell you. I have a feeling, I am going to be eating a lot of the same same same same stuff. :) Peanut butter would always be nice! :) This morning I got a cell phone. They pay as you go here...thats nice. I will rarely use that! hahaha. I ate a banana and oatmeal today. I really wanted to get some apples...but if you saw their apples....eek! No way. lol. Um, well I gotta go. Love ya all. miss ya.
peotor
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Church!
pete
Friday, August 22, 2008
A relaxing day
petey
Adventures in Europe!
I got to Russia about 2:00 am Friday morning. I was sooooo tired. Anyway...from the begining! I got up about 9 am Tuesday morning and finished packing. I have one bag 47 lbs, and another at 44. I hung out with friends all day until my flight that night. Well, kinda. We had to leave by 3:30 am, so, I didn't go to bed. We get to the airport just fine, and get everything checked in. I am on the flight with Carolina and Rachel...two girls that are also going to Russia. We fly 5 hours from LA to Chicago...then get a new boarding pass...run, what felt like 10 miles through the airport, and barely, I mean barely get on the plane...they were closing the doors. Yikes! Then a ten hour flight from Chicago to what was suppose to be Vienna. About half way through the flight, some guy in the back went crazy, and started becoming "unruly". Hhaha. 3 men held him down handcuffed him and locked him in a closet. Sooooo, we had to dispose of this guy. We landed the plane in Amsterdam, and cops swarmed the back of the plane, and dragged him off. It was pretty dang cool. The problem is that we were there for 2 hours....missing our next flight. We refueled and flew to Vienna, 1 hour late. We miss our flight! grrrr. So, we rescheduale the flight, for like 4 hours later. The airport was really nice, and bought us three a lunch. We flew out from Vienna to Munich, and then had a 6 hours layover there. Then from Munich to St. Petersburg. Wow, lots of flying! Jeeez. I never want to see another plane again. The flight from Munich to St. Pete, was really fun. It was full of these three Russian Sailors/fisherman. The other Russians were yelling at them to stop swearing...they were as drunk as could be! hahaha, fun times! Getting in Friday at 2 am...I took a shower and went straight to bed. The flat here is really nice. Its a three bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor. We have 10 ft ceilings, and some carpet. About as nice as my last apartment at University of Idaho. I will be living here with Joel, and Jeff. Two great guys. I just finished walking around down town, and the city is nice. Its very pretty, and dirty. Dust was always getting in my eyes, but LA was filthier. Not bad at all. I will tell you more, as I discover it. :) If you guys have any questions, just email! I would love to hear from you all! Peanut butter is always appreciated...as it doesn't exist here. :) Miss you all!
With all my love,
petey
Friday, August 15, 2008
It is finished!
We took our final exam yesterday...I blew right through that! And today/tonight was a talent show...the best day yet. It was a really really fun night. I wish you all could have came. With everything wrapping up, many family and friends are coming to visit (not mine). So, its always fun to see the other halves!....hahaha. I was awarded a conditional scholarship today! Since I am still really short funds...Teach Overseas told me that they will match dollar for dollar what ever I can raise now, up to $500 dollars. Please...I still need help...and this is a good opportunity for your buck to be twice the buck! Thanks so much for your support, and prayers...I really need them!
Many other organizations charge sooo much more ($50,000) for a full year of living, administration, training, plane tickets, and etc. I only need ($5,000).
I have sold most of what I have to pay for this, and trusting God that because he is sending me to be a representative of his word, he will provide. We can be a team in the body of Christ, each with our own part - please send others in your stead.
Also, please, due to lack of electronics, and resources, tell others about my mission and this blog. I want as many people as I can to join in on this blessing and journey with me in Russia. I miss you all so very much. God bless.
petey
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Best day of my life
Life is good down here. I leave next Wednesday at 4 am. yepeeee. Tomorrow is my last day teaching, and we aren't even teaching! Its a graduation party...and a party... with food! Awesome.
I have tried to make it a point to be starving for each meal...(need the food for physical exertion rather than just hungry). I try to go to bed MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY tired every night. And when I do....wowowow...do I sleep good! :) Anyway, I am still praying for God for to bring in all the money that I need - $4,000. Please pray also! Thanks. Miss you all.
pete
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A quick Note
1. It takes 2 weeks+ to get there...or forever
2. When stating what is in the box/envelope...ALWAYS say english books or something else not valuable
3. Make it look ugly....everything gets searched and opened...especially the new looking ones
4. Never send any cash or valuables...I'll never get another package again...as it will always be taken from then on
5. Small things at a time
6. Make a list of what is in the box...INSIDE cover of the box/envelope
Ok, here it is....
PETER HUSMANN
Baltic State Technical University (BSTU)
1, 1-st Krasnoarmeyskaya
St. Petersburg 198005
RUSSIA
thanks for reading...miss you all
pete
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A long time no say
pete
Friday, August 1, 2008
Wow, what a week!
Maybe I'll share some stuff that has been on my heart this week...since I don't know when I am going to talk to you again.
I thought it was really neat in 2 Corinthians 9-10 how we should rely on HIS strength, not ours. He did all the hard work for us...we are nothing!
"And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefor most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities (flaw, defect, weakness) that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my [flaws/defects/weaknesses], in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG."
I hope you all take this to heart.
I won't write everything out...but I would encourage you all to read some passages...
Read Galatians 3 and 2:19-21.
It discusses how you cannot be justified by the law, only faith in Christ. And how faith sets us free from the law, no longer bound. We should not tie ourselves up with the law, regulations, and rules. Our righteousness depends on, and ONLY on our faith with Christ. With faith in Christ comes obedience in the law. Our minds should be focused on Him, and no longer bound by the law or sin. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, by becoming a curse for us. He redeemed us, so that we may live by faith, in a relationship with him. I pray that we live our lives in awe of HIM, and what HE has done for us. That we may put all our faith and trust in HIM, and not of ourselves in the law. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I give HIM all the Glory!
I hope this hits home...it did for me.
Keep in touch. God bless.
pete
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Sabbath PART 2
pete
The Sabbath
"Gods purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious." -Oswald Chambers
In this quote Chambers talks about God's purpose for me. We should never think that our dreams of success are God's purpose for us, but it might be just the opposite. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself. God is not working toward a particular finish, His purpose is the process itself. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
I was reading Job today, and some of it tied right into this beautifully. For a while in Job, God allows Job to become completely "destroyed". Throughout all this Job wonders why God is doing this? Is there a reason? Is there a reason to all this madness? Why me? But he always seems to have a good outlook on the situation.
"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but he binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole."
I read this today, and "Almighty" really stuck out. Who are we to despise anything the ALMIGHTY has to say. He created us, he knows best. All powerful - all mighty - all knowing - beginning and the end - Jesus - Savior - God - THE ALMIGHTY. There is so much power in that word. Wow. Sometimes I get worried about the troubles and challenges of going to Russia. Finances, visas, travel, packing, teaching, and ministry. But in Job....it says later in that same chapter...
"...and you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. You shall laugh at destruction and famine. And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth...you shall know that your tent is in peace; you shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss."
As God prepares and molds me for my trip overseas I pray for him to keep me humble and focused on what God has called me to do.
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." - Ephesians 4:1
Yes, I have almost 5 weeks of training here. Many of you have criticized or questioned what I am doing here. Ephesians 4:12-15 says it well.
"for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ "
I am here for His Glory. A man said once "I am a slave of Christ by choice." I firmly believe that. I will cast all worries onto him. Give up all my possessions, and become a slave. Becoming a slave means doing stuff that you don't necessarily want to do. But because of my commitment, I have given God full permission to guide my path, because he knows best, and make me do whatever he wants...whether I like it or not. This is a choice that I have made to BE HIS. To be owned by him, and fully taken care of. I put all my trust in him, and only him. A Slave of Christ by Choice....think about it.
As I go through this day, I reflect on the week. The good and the bad and the funny and the serious. In my feeble mind, I might only see an end goal or product. God sees the whole picture and is molding me through this process. He is the ALMIGHTY - Prince of Peace - Our Deliverer - Lamb of God - and my all in all. I give my Lord all the Honor, the Glory, and the Praise. Thanks for reading! God bless.
pete
Saturday, July 26, 2008
the excursion of Pasadena
pete
Friday, July 25, 2008
"a slave of christ by choice"
pete
Thursday, July 24, 2008
First day of Teaching - and of discovery!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
pete
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
July 22, 2008
pete
Monday, July 21, 2008
The day of Introductions - Tuesday, July 21, 2008
Family and Friends,
Isn’t God great? I give my Lord all the Glory!
In the past couple of months, the Lord has been working on my heart. As many of you know, I was involved in a few life-threatening accidents. Through these, God has set some new things on my heart. But first, allow me to take you all back to the beginning.
As most of you know, I was born and raised in a great Christian home. I went to church and read the bible. As any young boy dreams, I wanted to join the military. My father had been in the Air Force, my mother in the Army, and my Grandfather in the Navy. Therefore, I saw it my duty, to also join. Soon, the Navy was all I thought about – the military life, the glory, the action, and the education. How could it get better?
At the age of 10, as I sat doing my devotions one midsummer day, I asked the Lord to help me join the military some day, because that’s what I wanted to do. But, unlike the other times I had prayed, I received a response. God told me, as clear as day, not to join the military. I begin to bawl. “Why not? Was this really God?” I was confused. Years passed by and I soon disregarded that message. I kept telling myself, “It must have been the devil – I was just hearing things – it was nothing.”
At the age of 17, I was still on track to join the military. I had just sent in an application to the United States Naval Academy. I aspired to be a mechanical engineer. Nothing could stop me. Because I was saving up to buy a car, I got a job as a janitor. Every night, I would mop floors for hours on end. In doing so, I would pray. What could be better to do while I stood staring at the dirty floor for hours? One quiet night, I just asked the Lord,” Lord, I am in the process of joining the military, is this what you want me to do? I remember what you said 7 years ago, but was that really you? I just need to know.” And I fell to my knees as God said, “You will not join the military. You will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, and then go and live in Russia. In Russia, I want you to give a Church-building to a pastor who needs one.” I was horrified. My dreams were crushed. However, I knew this was God, and if God wanted me to do this, I would. But, wait. It gets better.
I wanted confirmation. I wanted to be sure. At the time, my dad was in Iraq, and had given me a number to call him. I immediately called him, and left a message stating, “ Dad, God just spoke to me, and I want you to tell me what He just said.” He called back the next day, saying he would pray. Later that day, he called me and told me that God told him that I was to go to Russia. I was amazed. Wow, God went along with that! I tested Him, and it worked. Wow. But, it still wasn’t enough for me.
My family and I had recently been attending a new church, and I saw this as another opportunity to test God. I told God, “God, if this is really you telling me to do this, then I want this pastor, who does not even know me, to tell me what you said.” That Sunday, as I sat there in the pew, the pastor walked up to me. My heart was racing at a thousand miles an hour when he said that he wanted to talk to me. I followed him back to his office. As we walked back, he said, “I don’t think I have met you yet, I’m Mike Walker, what is your name?” I thought to myself, “He doesn’t even know my name, this can’t be happening.” In his office, he asked me if I needed to tell him something. I said, “No, do you?” “Yep, the Lord told me this morning that you are going to start a ministry in Russia.” I almost fell out of my chair. How was this happening? God had just told me 4 days earlier. Wow, God spreads the word fast! At that moment, I knew. I knew that I had to go.
Finally, I was willing to go along with what I was told, and began pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at University of Idaho. At the end of my sophomore year, I signed up for a one-month mission’s trip to Russia with New Tribes Missions. Soon after signing up, the trip was canceled. Russian President Putin had signed a bill ordering all non-profit organizations originating outside the country, to leave the country. So instead, I took a trip down to the Amazon River in Brazil.
In Brazil, I had a phenomenal time. I had the opportunity to assist missionaries with an awesome group of people. We built a school building for this very primitive tribe in the jungle and painted a boarding house for young missionaries. On the trip, I learned so much. I quickly realized that I could never live in the United States while doing nothing about overseas missions. I would look at the tribal children and it would break my heart, just to know that there are so many others that need to know the Lord. In America, we are blessed with a Church on every corner, but in other countries, there might not be a Church for a thousand miles. God gave us a purpose to go out and minister. What use are we, as Christians, if we are always huddled up in the safety of our Church? We should always be ministering to others, or sending others in our stead. Did you know that South Korea sends out more missionaries to the United States, than the United States sends out to other countries?
At the end of my junior year in college, I decided to turn down various summer jobs so that I could study the Russian language. I felt God wanted to tell me something through the language I was studying, or just in my daily devotions. After about one week, everything changed.
It had been a long day, May 19, and I had been studying Russian all day. I had just finished dinner, and I sat down to watch a good movie. Around 11 pm, I heard a ring of gunshots break the quiet night air. I knew by the sound that it was a high-powered rifle just down a few blocks, possibly near the high school. I knew someone was hurt, or someone had to be taken out. I grabbed my .45 pistol and jumped on my bike. When I arrived at the scene, I didn’t see or hear anyone. After about 2 minutes, I turned my back, and began to leave. An automatic rifle rang off into the night, and I began running.
Immediately, a bullet struck my back tearing through my rib, lung, liver, diaphragm, and taking out another rib. I collapsed there on road. My lung had collapsed and I had a hard time breathing. I looked side to side, and saw no one. Looking up and back, I could see the muzzle flash of the deranged man firing more shots at me from a church window. I looked down and saw myself covered in blood, and thought, I just might be able to get out of this alive. It was still unreal to me that I had just been shot by an Ak-47. Just then, another round tore through my upper right leg (quad). A few seconds later, a bullet tore through the front of my neck, skimming my collarbone. Another bullet hit my right shoulder tearing a huge hole through the front. I looked at myself bleeding all over the road, as bullets hit the concrete and cars near by, and wondered. “Lord, I thought you had wanted me to go to Russia.”
A lot of thoughts went through my head, as I lay there. Seeing that I was hit in many critical areas, I thought I was going to die. I was confused. I laid there alone, bleeding my life away, confused. Did I do something wrong? I appreciated life enough that I was scared to die, but at the same time ready to die. I cried out at the top of my lungs, “Lord help me, Lord help me.” The police officers one hundred yards away could hear me screaming. I just closed my eyes and prayed, “Lord I don’t know why the change of plans, maybe to get my attention, maybe not. But, whatever it may be, I love you Lord, and you will always be my Savior. Lord I can feel myself getting really weak – I’m coming home. Lord, I did my best, here I come.” I then closed my eyes, and everything went silent. I just lay there, repeating my prayer.
Suddenly my eyes popped open, and I felt a new strength. I looked over at my shoulder, and it looked like hamburger. My chest was drowned in blood, and my leg had a muscle hanging out. However, I felt like I could run. I looked down through the parking lot, and saw cover, behind the cars. I quickly stood up, and ran as fast as I could weaving through the cars, for about sixty yards, until I got behind a large command trailer. Upon arriving there, I lay down, and soon sought help from nearby civilians. Thirty minutes later I was at the hospital.
The entire shooting ordeal taught me many things. First off, I am bullet proof, until God is done with me. Second, I give God all the glory. For everything that I have, and will do, God is my sole provider, and I give him all the glory, honor, and praise. As I approach my last year of college many things have come to mind. How am I going to get to Russia? Who will I go with? How will I get the funds? And constantly I have to remind myself, that God is my provider, and I have no need to worry.
Haha, I see this is going to be a long post. Well, just bare with me, it'll be worth it. I pray that today you will see God's vision for me, and who I'll be working with.
The other people in my group had awesome testimonies, and it was just so cool to see so many other people having these "callings" to Russia like me. Wow, I am lucky to be with such a great group. We then all got together and learned the history of Teach Overseas/ESI. Real quick - They have been around for I think like 37 years teaching english and various other subjects in many asian countries that I mentioned before. This four week course here in Pasadena, CA is here to equip us and disciple us in preparation for our training. Over the next four weeks we will have a crash course on the Russian language, Russian Culture, how to adjust to Russian living, how to teach effectivly, English grammar knowledge, and devloping close relationships with our teammates. I will be teaching at St. Petersburg University, to about 20 college age students. I can't wait! The philosophy here is that in teaching English we develop close relationships with our students, and invite them to church, bible studies, and/or just let God shine through us in our servant-like actions. After this, we discussed some Russian culture then ate dinner. We then had a chance to meet our FIRST students! Over the next four weeks we will be partnering with local churches in teaching English as a second language to anyone that wants it. Around 7 pm we arrived at the church. I believe there were about 35 Chinese immigrants there. We then spent the next hour interviewing them individually and rating their English level. Tomorrow we begin classes from 7-9 pm. I can't wait. We had a chance to talk to "Bob", the Chinese pastor, of this church, and the one who started this group. He told us of times when he lived back in China. The Chinese government had employed him to oversee and spie on English teachers from America and report them of any wrong doing or witnessing of Christ. (this was before he was a Christian). Now he is a pastor here in Pasadena, and is working with English teachers. WOW, isn't God amazing? Reminds me of Paul! Kinda neat. We just had a late night discussion with my group on how the day went. And now I am back in my room...hungry...yet again. I am so excited for what God is doing here, and that I have this chance to serve him in helping others. Please pray for me for the strength every morning to do my devotions, and have a cheerful heart. Sorry if this is really long, but its alot of info that you probably want to know! So there! Well, thanks for reading. God bless.