geography is irrelevant

www.amyrichey.blogspot.com

2009-10-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-08-12T17:07:00.001-04:00

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"

2009-08-01T09:03:00.001-04:00

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...

2009-07-03T20:41:00.002-04:00

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

2009-02-10T15:55:00.002-05:00

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!!

2009-02-09T14:38:00.004-05:00

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.

2009-02-04T16:16:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-02-03T12:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-02T13:46:00.005-05:00

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.

2009-02-01T12:17:00.003-05:00

"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!)

2009-01-30T15:11:00.002-05:00

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!

complete and utter dependence

2008-12-31T15:41:00.003-05:00

I am finding myself in a place that is hard to be, but a good and necessary place. As I look at 2009 I realize my complete and utter dependence on God. So often it is easy to feel self-reliant and 'in control' in our culture. But, today as I look back I see God' provision and His direction. I am grateful in His protection and His discipline - both for things I understand and things I do not.

For many who are praying for my upcoming trip to Ukraine, I have postponed my departure by a couple of weeks to allow friends traveling to return, additional funds to be raised and finalizing travel plans. I am hoping to leave the last week of January. Please pray with me for God's continued provision as well as His perfect timing.

Wishing you many blessings in 2009!

Sticks and stones my break my bones, but words... they REALLY hurt!

2008-12-29T12:31:00.003-05:00

James, Chapter 3 from The Message says,

When You Open Your Mouth
1-2Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.
3-5A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
5-6It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
7-10This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!
10-12My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?
Live Well, Live Wisely 13-16Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
17-18Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Today I am wondering if my words encourage and build people up. When I'm thinking about it, focusing on my words and their impact, it's a little easier. But what about when I am discouraged, tired or rushed? How do I speak to people?

I just spent the weekend with my niece and nephew who happen to be 2 of the coolest little humans on earth. I thought a lot about words because they are like sponges. They repeat everything I say. I need to remember this when there is seemingly no one around to repeat my every word too.

Prayer for our Country

2008-12-18T15:53:00.002-05:00

Today I expressed my dismay with the proposed abortion bailout with a friend. And she started crying... I became ashamed that it hadn't brought tears to my eyes today. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives and circumstances that we forget that there's a lot going on... that does effect our everyday lives.

So, friends, I ask you to pray for our country; for our current president and the president elect. And, I would also request that you take a look at www.sba-list.org or www.catholicnewsagency.com to learn more about the 50 page proposal put together by abortion groups asking for tax payer dollars of over $1.5 billion to fund the abortion industry.

There are Legislative Action Alerts on the bottom third of the Susan B. Anthony List website which allow you to learn more and also help to keep tax dollars out of the abortion industry.

I have been silent since the election. I simply cannot be silent today. The unborn babies need a voice. They need your voice too.

A-E-I-O-U and sometimes Y

2008-11-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

This week and next I am at Language Acquisition School in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Missions Training International (MTI) runs a two week school to help prepare missionaries heading all over the world to learn other languages.

It has been fun to get to know people with similar passion and heart for a lost world. There are families and other single adults, all getting ready to leave the comfortable and step out into new adventures. Part of the comfortableness that we are leaving is the tones and sounds that we are familiar with in the English language. There is a sound box of 44 sounds in English. For the past 3 days, and for the next 9, my mouth and tongue have been twisted into new contortions to make noises that I didn't think were possible. They challenge us to be conscious of what our mouth and tongue are doing when we make any sound - both familiar and new.

Honestly, I wondered what in the world we were going to do for two weeks. But, the time has been refreshing, challenging and going bye very, very quickly. The split us up into groups and help us learn a language that we will not be using per se, but to teach us methodology and give us tools for learning. Yesterday morning and today, I will be working on learning French. We've also comprehended a little of a tribal language from South Vietnam from the couple who began this training years ago.

I am encouraged in the necessity of learning Russian. Realizing that I am very blessed to have Marina help me with Russian while I am in the states and looking forward to soon being immersed in the culture and language in Ukraine. Thank you for your prayers as I continue through this training. Please pray that all of us remain healthy. Some of the children have started passing 'bugs' around.

(The pictures are the views from the front and back of our facility here in Palmer Lake)

Hope

2008-09-22T09:38:00.004-04:00

The past year, as in no other time of my life, I continue to learn to be dependent on God as He provides. As I watch news clips and hear reports of a multi billion dollar bailout by the US Government for our banking industry I am reminded of so much scripture where Jesus warns us not to store up earthly treasure, but reminding us that our hope is eternal.

I am not saying we should be irresponsible or encouraging people to not plan ahead, but just want to remind us all, myself included, that Jesus never fails. His world interest and love for mankind is here to stay. Period.

All of this coupled with a great sermon yesterday reminding us that the "I AM" who sent Moses to Pharaoh so that the Israelites would be freed is the same today that He was then. He is our redeemer, our sustenance, our life, our love, our salvation, our stronghold, our breath... the list goes on and on.

Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about you body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Gather feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labot or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

What are you afraid of?

2008-09-10T20:06:00.000-04:00

This summer my family spent a week together in a cabin on Strawberry Lake. It was right after my niece and nephew got out of school, so the weather was a bit tenuous. Most mornings provided a cool, flat lake for peaceful kayaking and canoeing. A few of the days proved to be a little cool for actual swimming, but we filled our time with playing on the swing set and evening walks around the lake looking for deer, fox and wild turkeys.

My nephews favorite few minutes of the stay was when I dumped into the lake in a kayak. Most days we could coax him to the dock by announcing that Aunt Amy was getting in a boat. He would demand 'do it again Aunt Amy, do it again' and giggle while he waited and I was unwilling to oblige.

Our enticement to bring him down to the dock became more difficult on a particularly warm, sunny day. We pleaded for him to come join us in and by the water, but he wanted to stay in the loft and look on at the water. For whatever reason he was convinced that it was going to rain, which bothers him GREATLY. For most of the warmest day, he was inside looking out. We wanted him to experience the joy of the day, but were unable to allay his fears of 'pending rain' and he missed out.

What am I afraid of? When is God pleading me to enjoy the day while I am obsessed with something so ridiculous that all standing by realize that the chances of my fear becoming reality is slim to none? When do I need to experience the joy of the day instead of watching out the window? God promises us 'more than we can ask or imagine'!

Refined as Gold

2008-08-12T12:53:00.000-04:00

Job 23:8-10 says, "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

I've been thinking about making God smile this week... What makes God smile? Often we think of very grand things. Maybe it is the simple. When I go through the fire, do I come out as gold? That certainly would make God smile. We are so task oriented that we focus on the end of the journey. Maybe it's the journey that we should focus on. Does God smile when he sees my everyday, normal, behind closed doors life?

Sunshine and Rain

2008-08-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

Today in Grand Rapids we experienced a rainy, overcast morning. My grass and flowers were parched and thirsty. You could see the effects of our dry hot weather in my yard. I am reminded that just like the grass and flowers, my life needs to experience the rain sometimes too. My spirits today matched the weather here. My soul is crying out because of a pending delay in my departure to Ukraine. Realizing that a few months is a drop in the bucket in light of eternity does not always 'feel' better...

So I spend time on my knees. Begging for peace and continued direction.

Kyiv

2008-03-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

I arrived safe and sound. This visit my internet access is not as easy as it has been in the past, but I will do my best to keep you updated.

As I was walking this morning, I was thinking of the irony that I travel here alone but when in the US never go anywhere without someone. Perhaps this is traveling, but it feels like everyday life. Not really sure. And, here I cannot just blurt things out to strangers when I feel the need to talk. Well, I could but they would just look at me oddly.

Today is busy with planning and trying to get the rest of my time here organized. It's good to see friends. I spent the day Sunday at church and at a woman's birthday party. The token American who stopped on the way to buy flowers... it will get you in the door of almost any Ukrainian!

Got to run. More plans to arrange.

no 2 alike

2008-03-06T17:43:00.000-05:00

Every time I travel I am amazed at the diversity of the human race. This last week I presented 'How to Teach Creatively with Music' and we talked about how our God is so amazingly creative...

When you look at 20 people walking by in an airport, or maybe even 2 people passing by, you can't help but be amazed at the fact that no 2 humans on the face of the earth are identical.And, each of us has been uniquely gifted. So, the fact that I am thrilled to go back to Ukraine today and meet with churches with active drug rehab programs and learn about how they are challenged with the issues of the disease on a daily basis would send chills up and down some others spines. Hmm.

Be thankful for who you are and what God has in store!I'll keep you posted. Stay tuned. No 2 alike.

The Chaos of Fall

2007-08-28T23:04:00.000-04:00

I love autumn. Maybe because I look forward to the order that comes. The weather has specific patterns, at least in a perfect world. Michigan has cool sunny days and cooler nights, right? ;) The crispness of the air is intensified as the leaves turn and fall.

Then, you have a school schedule. Elementary through doctoral programs all have a certain rule and order to them. I like order.

But, why does it have to be such a shock to the system to fall into order? I started my seminary classes today. I'm thrilled because, Lord willing, I will graduate in May! Hooray!!!! At the same time, I just don't quite feel ready and willing to let go of my summer break just yet.

For everyone fighting the chaos of fall... Hang on! Soon we will all settle in and appreciate the normalcy of life. Just in time for the mayhem of the holiday season. Ha ha ha. Just to encourage you!

How do I see people?

2007-08-08T14:49:00.000-04:00

I received an email today that reminded me that God sees me clothed in the robes of His righteousness (II Corinthians 5:21) and a saint (I Peter 2:9) even though most people think I am a sinner. (Romans 3:23)

He saw Simon, an overzealous, overtalker as Peter and Saul, the despised persecutor as Paul -- both beloved disciples.

All of this reminded me of what a different perspective I have on life and on people when I attempt to see others and my circumstances through Jesus' eyes. It's all too easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day and react to my situation in my own strength and humanity, when I really need to sit back, take a deep breath and pray for God to show me His strength and His will and His perspective.

"Lord, help me to see people as you see them."

Count your blessings...

2007-07-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

name them one by one
...see what God has done...

I never realized how fast that song is until I tried to sing along in Ukrainian. LOL Just think about it for a minute, you'll see what I mean.

Last night I talked on the phone with a friend in Mexico and today I got an email from friends in Ukraine, visited with a friend in Grand Rapids and talked with many others here as well. I am so glad that God has given me the opportunity to have so many good friends. Even if I don't say it very often, you, my dear friends are a HUGE blessing to me everyday!

Just for kicks, see how fast you can sing the song! If you know another language, sing it in another tongue just for grins and giggles!

inspiration

2007-07-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

A few of my friends have inspired me to start blogging again...

It's very cathartic for me, and I guess if you don't want to hear my ramblings then you don't have to log on.

I wrote the following in Ukraine last winter: (it kind of explains the origins of 'geography is irrelevant')

My screen saver on my laptop is ‘As you are going’. As it bounces around on my screen everyday, I am reminded of the commission given broadly to believers by Jesus just before His ascent to heaven. I remember understanding while preparing to speak to a group of high school students last year the vast command and the specific implications in my life. Every time someone in Ukraine introduces me as a missionary from Michigan I smile. Even though I have always tried to live out my faith deliberately with those that God places in my path, living oversees for a semester has definitely brought a new perspective to making disciples as I am going or as I am living my life. This is perhaps the starkest revelation to me in Ukraine is simply that I am living life. Different location, similar daily struggles, similar day to day annoyances, and similar joys and triumphs. In Retreat with the Psalms, the authors speak of a woman who spends time in a monastery. She reflects that you can’t dress perfectly either outwardly or inwardly when you go to church numerous times everyday. It is the realness of life with a God who knows all of my strengths, weaknesses, challenges and triumphs before they even happen. It is about the sincerity of my heart before a Holy God as I struggle to live out His Kingdom while learning a different culture. It is about learning some new aspects of how I am created as I live outside of my comfort zone and appreciate some of our cultural differences.

THINK OF ME

2007-07-12T20:03:00.001-04:00

This speaks for itself.