www.amyrichey.blogspot.com

Thanks to many who have read...  I am going to randomly post on this blog, but will focus much of my attention on http://www.amyrichey.blogspot.com/  I thought that address would be easier for many to remember! 

So, if you are inclined, please continue to read...

Geography IS irrelevant!

Tonight as we started our conference with a time of singing and praising together, for a minute I didn't know where I was. I was looking up at a plaster ceiling with a light hanging down and it dawned on me that geography is irrelevant! I did not care where I was or what country I was in, I was just caught up in the moment pouring my heart out to God. I was surrounded by people who share the same passion for people in different parts of the world and we were singing with one voice to bring God praise! I will remember that moment for a very, very long time.

From Sunday to Wednesday I have been in 4 countries and have traveled in planes, cars, trains and a bus to get here. It is a sweet time. Tomorrow we spend the day as a group, in our teams and individually praying and fasting. Please pray for all of us to seek God's face and to listen to His voice.

I'm in Wisla, Poland for the European ReachGlobal conference with the Kyiv, Ukraine team and next week I will be back in Ukraine for a few days to touch base with ministry partners, look at some apartments and talk with the language school about this fall's schedule.

Thanks for walking this journey with me!

"Stuff"

Where did the word 'stuff' come from? It's so all encompassing... Several years ago when I was in Ukraine on a short term trip I realized how often we said 'stuff' and how concerned we were with our 'stuff'. It was always, bring that stuff, leave that stuff, we'll get that stuff later and make sure we get rid of that stuff before we leave.

Is it based in our American-ness? We have telvision shows that run entire seasons on several networks focused on cleaning up and throwing out stuff that people accumulate. As affluence comes to a country or a region, do they get consumed with stuff too? And, is it difficult or freeing to get rid of stuff?

As I prepare to go on one last visit to Ukraine before moving there in October/November, I am getting rid of stuff. LOTS of stuff. I went through my clothes once and donated about 75% of what I own, but I realize I will need to do it again one last time so that I only take what I really want and need.

My task in my house is to pull anything that I am shipping to Ukraine in my bedroom. (This is not much...) And, pack up whatever I think I'll get excited about opening a box and finding several years from now... also quickly narrows things down when you think about it in that light. And, simply leave the rest to be sold in a moving/estate sale while I am overseas for 2 weeks.

It's not letting go that is difficult. In fact, more often than not, it is quite liberating. But, the ambiguity of where am I going to live in Kiev is sometimes the hardest thing to grasp. Hopefully I will find an apartment during my visit to squelch my nerves!

Torn between 2 countries...

So... tonight I'm riding my bike on the White Pine Trail. One of my favorite things to do on a gorgeous Michigan summer evening and I'm thinking about stuff... I'm wondering how do I adequately explain to people here that there is always a longing in my heart to go to Ukraine but that I still love people and things here too.

This hits really hard sometimes. Especially with my niece and nephew. Do they know how much I love them even though every part of my being is compelled to go across the ocean? Do they understand that I long to hear their voices in person and not always on a broken phone line but that I need to go... That I treasure the memories of birthdays and holidays spent together, but that I am happy and have peace when I am gone too.

And, even others. Friends and family in both the US and Ukraine. Do they all understand that I miss the ones I am not with? Maybe some do, but I think many struggle with this...

I cannot think too long about this. I simply pray for understanding and that I'll make the most of every moment that I have, both here and in Ukraine.

Saying goodbye

Tonight I walked to the store to buy last minute stashes of Ukrainian chocolate and tea. As I walked through the streets, it was a wonderful opportunity to pray for my many friends here and for millions I do not know. It was a great way for me to say goodbye for now to a place that I love dearly.

I never dreamed you could love two countries that are so differant this much. The picture is the view from my friend's balcony. This is one of the first nights here that has been clear enough to see the lights across the Dnieper River.

My meetings all went very well today. Thank you for your continued prayers as I travel back to the States tomorrow.

meetings, meetings, and more meetings!!

Please pray for me! I have one more day in Kyiv and it will be a busy one. I start out meeting with the USAID office to gather some information, then meet with a friend who is going through a difficult time and run to meet a team leader.

Pray that the timing works. Public transportation is always a bit of a gamble! And, my ability to navigate maps and directions in Russian always plays a part as well... My time here has been busy but so, so profitable. As I reflect on the past several days I am amazed at God's hand and timing.

It's hard to believe that I leave on Wednesday morning already. Kyiv continues to be rainy and fairly warm for this time of the year. (About 38 degrees today) I cannot say thank you enough to those who helped financially and for the many who continue to pray for me on this journey. I could not do this alone. Together, we are God's army!!

I have posted a few pictures from this weekend. My Ukrainian friends at Richards home Saturday night when he cooked chili for us all! And, the house church I attended on Sunday where we celebrated a young woman's birthday. And, my friends Sasha and Natasha on Sunday night when we had a chance to catch up.

This morning I woke up to a fresh blanket of snow in Kyiv. It was very pretty. Fresh snow always reminds me that God's grace makes me appear to be white as snow. Just like the snow today makes everything a little brighter and definitely cleaner, so do our lives become fresh and clean because of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection!

I had another meeting today that went well and spent some time working on my Russian! Marina, you will be happy to hear that many have commented on my clear pronunciation. Then I had the chance to spend the evening with a friend who works in Kyiv at the embassy. It was fun to catch up!

Tomorrow I have a meeting with another organization, ReachGlobal. I will talk with their Kyiv director and his wife. Please continue to pray for guidance and insight as I meet with many about long term ministry opportunities. I will then have lunch with a Ukrainian friend and end the day with missionaries I've been friends with for many years!

Thanks for you continued prayers!

Still Cold, but no wandering today!

My meeting today went well with the GCM team. I love to hear how God empowers and equips people to do ministry all over the world. So often it is personal relationships that motivate and challenge us to carry out God's plan. The apartment that we met in was in an area where the buildings are only about 3 - 5 stories high. It felt like we were in Europe or way outside of Kyiv, not just a few minutes walk from the metro station. I'm so glad to be part of the body of Christ!

And, I am happy to report that I had no issues tonight with walking in the right direction and getting on the right bus (mashrutka) to come home. It is still pretty cold out, although much warmer than last night, and continuing to warm up for tomorrow as well! Yipee!

I started reading through the Bible this year. While reading through Genesis 16 about Hagar it struck me that when God told her to go back to Abraham and Sarah's house she obeyed and went. It had to be very difficult. But she encounters God. God saw her situation, just as He sees each of our situations too. God had perfect clarity about what was going on in her life. It also reminds me that I am the object of God's gracious attention. I have written in my Bible: turn to God, Submit to God, Trust God to work out His plan.

As I read this passage, it was a great reminder for me as I'm in Ukraine to continue to turn to Him, submit and then trust Him.

Old Friends and New Sights

This is the view from the kitchen window where I am staying. It's a great example of the many apartments - both new and old with a view of the old city across the river.

Today I had a few hours to spend with my dear translator (when I taught here in Kyiv). It was a wonderful time of catching up. We laughed and cried and laughed some more. We walked down Kreshatic street arm in arm. You can see vivid effects of the financial crisis here. Stores actually have merchandise on sale - a very rare thing to find here - and many fewer cars on the roads. They are warning that the worst is yet to come. Apparently they have been given a March date of some very hard times.

The time came for us to part ways and I began my journey home. I got this great idea that instead of taking the bus from the subway station I should walk. That didn't last long because it is VERY cold here today. So then I began looking for my bus, and looking, and looking... To make a long story short, I took a very scenic way back tonight. Always an adventure I suppose. Thankfully, I recognized some landmarks and metro stops and was able to circle back without much trouble. The other good news is that I hit a new record on my pedometer today. LOL! It is just a little different to be in cold weather when you are running from a store or building into a car and then into another building... somehow hitting a milestone on a pedometer in 0 degree weather changes your perspective on what being cold means!

Tomorrow I get to spend some time with the folks from Great Commission Ministries. I will hear more about their ministries here and how God has brought them here and continues to lead them. I am looking forward to this immensely!

I am also extremely grateful for my sister-in-law's positive report from the doctor today! God is good, all the time... All the time, God is good.

"be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

One of the things I am learning is that even though I feel so strongly that God has called me to Ukraine, He doesn't need me to accomplish what He is doing here. He will be exalted here. He will be exalted on the earth! I need to be still and know that He is God and that He will put me here when He wants and when he has prepared me.

Please pray for safety, direction and peace while I am in Ukraine. (Oh, also, it would be GREAT if there was no snow or ice either!)

Tonight as I sit in my friend's apartment in Kyiv I have the wonderful feeling of being home, even though I am several thousand miles away from so many. Thank you to all who played a part in letting me be here today.

There is no snow on the ground! And 32ish weather seems balmy compared to Grand Rapids.

Even with the flight delays due to snow in Grand Rapids and Detroit, I (and my luggage!) safely arrived earlier today. Now I am anxious to relax, get a good nights sleep and start meeting up with everyone on Saturday!