What a friend, and bad experiences in the WC

I went to Vilnius for the day to celebrate H's birthday. Here are some words I scribbled down in reflecting on the past week:

Sunday, October 23

On a bus from Vilnius to Klaipeda

I feel like today was somewhat redeeming.

The past few weeks have been hard,

and there's so much going on in my heart and mind that

it's hard not to be afraid, or anxious, or emotional,

but I'm seeing how the Lord is taking care of me, and that is what matters most.

This I believe.

Though a million things are out of my control,

I know that He has control over all things (Sovereign God, Almighty),

and for that I am unable to express my gratitude.

It was a day of ups and downs.

First, D and I walked safely to the bus station at 5am in the dark -

the work of the Lord's hand (this I believe).

Then our bus tickets cost 30L instead of the expected 68L

(Thank you Lord).

WHen we got to Vilnius we couldn;t find the girls

at either station, bus or train, so we decided to grab a pastry from the local grocery store

and sit tight.

Before that, we had an awful bathroom experience -

probably the worst in my life, and probably the closest I've come

to understanding life during the USSR occupation.

When we got in line, I realized that not only was it for a stall to open,

but also to get T.P.

That's right - toilet paper.

There were no TP dispensers in any of the stalls, just one for everyone

to pull from before you entered.

Then - and here comes the awful part - a stall opened up and D hurries over.

Before entering she gives me a concerned look which I thought

might be due to a dirty or stinky stall. I nodded an "okay" to her to go in....

little did I know...

WHen the next stall opened, I proceeded to it and upon opening the door

was horrified to see a hole in the ground.

Yep...a hole, surrounded by porcelain. No toilet, no seat. A hole.

I considered just going for it,

but then my better judgement got the best of me and I decided against it.

I couldn't. I just couldn't.

I can pee in a hole in the woods, but I couldn't do it in a Lithuanian train station.

And I don't regret it one bit.

Needless to say, this was a bad start to the day, but things got better.

Later at lunch, D and I shared this Indian dish that was delicious

except for the screwdriver I found in it.

The owner came over to apologize and said we wouldn't have to pay for the meal -

another unexpected gift from the Lord (this I believe) which saved me 18L.

I had many moments of wanting to burst into tears

whenever my mind got to thinking of things in the futurem

but moments that reveal His goodness, like those "I believe" mentioned above,

remind me to

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,

make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understandign will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

How fitting.

Till next time:

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,

what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

For reals sake, and other good things

Two in one day - I know. So crazy, but I felt that I should update the blog on more than a few words and a simple picture. This is from an email I sent to a group of people today, who hopefully didn't mind a random self-imposed update. I think I was lonely. Anyways:

-As of now, I am settled (kind of) into my new dorm room in Klaipeda, Lithuania at LCC International University and into my second day of classes. Lithuania is very different from what I expected, and the transition is very different from what I expected. Now, Lith is no Paris, but it definitely has it's own beauty. Scattered throughout the country are old soviet buildings - some still standing, and abandoned to the elements. Many of the houses are stone grey, with few windows and many doors, which is, I believe, "Soviet" style. That may not sound appealing to most of you because well...in fact, it isn't. It has very little incredibly beautiful architecture that you might find in Rome, nor does it have tourist-drawing sights like London or New York, but what it does have is history, a dark one at that, and re-growth. And there is the beauty: When I walk around the city, or chat with my roommate, I realize that these are a people moving out of that history (though not away from it) and into a more westernized civilization.To see a group of people enjoying their freedom, and rebuilding a nation and an identity, that is beautiful. Re-growth is beautiful. The food is strange and so is the language, but, since we're on the topic of history, many people before me have adjusted to such things. I've come to realize that adapting is a choice rather than a natural progression that just happens over time. Adapting to new situations takes conscious effort on the part of the person dealing with it, and if you can't adapt, can't broaden your perspective from the only, familiar, comfortable one you know, then living becomes much more difficult. Through the help of my mom, I've been learning much about Daniel: about the new situation he found himself in, and the choice he made to glorify God. When interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's vision (an outrageously daunting task) Daniel explained that this ability was given to him not because of some great wisdom he possessed that surpassed any man alive, but so that Neb could have understanding - peace at mind, you could say- concerning what the vision was. After the interpretation, we read that, as the vision points to the kingdom of God, the King fell before Daniel, praising God. So in choosing to adapt in a way the was pleasing to God (remember, he chose not to defile himself), Daniel had the opportunity of exposing the king to the glory of the Lord, and God's future plans. So my prayer now is that in choosing to adapt to this new place, in a manner that is most honoring to the Lord, that I too may be used for some great purpose. Knowing that God is good, faithful, and able to do exceedingly beyond what I could ever imagine, I expect great growth as a woman, a human being, a citizen of the world, and, most importantly, a child of God. I would ask that you keep me in your prayers - pray for strength to get through each day and each moment, pray for peace in an uncomfortable situation, pray that my mind would be Christ-centered instead of self-centered, and pray for opportunities to love and serve others. Though there hasn't been a day yet that I haven' fought back tears, I am exceedingly joyful knowing that God is with me and very thankful to have an opportunity and an experience such as this. Please feel free to write emails and letters, skype with me during the hours that we are both awake, and follow my blog. I think I've only put up one picture thus far, because I haven't taken too many, but keep checking back and hopefully I will get better at taking and posting pictures. Also, I will try to send email updates here and there, when I get the chance and remember to do so. Thank you all for your tremendous support through this time.-

I just wanna be OK

Dearest friends,

Excuse my long absence. The change has been hard. Klaipeda is hot, and days are long. But God is greatest and good, and I'm learning to trust Him, and to walk with Him day by day, moment by moment. As soon as I've snapped some worthwhile shots, I will be posting them. For now, please know that all is well in Lithuania. Keep this country, its people, and its latest additions from the states in your prayers!

Blessings 'till next time,

Hannah V.