I’ve been getting on the same bus almost every day for the past month. I have become very familiar with the buildings, landmarks and signs that are along my routes so that I can tell where I am, how far I have left to go and when my stop in approaching. This is a blessing because the first week I was a bit of a wreck being uncertain of my stops. Also, the Marchutkas don’t have heat in them so the widows get steamed up because the heat from the people inside comes in contact with the glass and the very cold air outside. When you first get on the bus, you can see perfectly well, but 5 minutes into the ride you can see nothing at all unless you take your hand and clear a space in the window. Well, this week makes one month since I have been here and so I have become pretty confident about my travels to and from language school. This morning shattered that confidence. I decided to read a little while riding. I looked up periodically to check our progress. About half way into our journey, I looked up and did not recognize a thing. I had no idea where I was or where we were going. At this point I became a little concerned. I put the book away and tried to check for the bus number to make sure I didn’t get on the wrong bus and was in some other part of the city. I could not find the number. I normally ride this Marchutka to the last stop. At one point the bus stopped and it looked like everyone was getting off and this was not the usual last stop. It seemed like everyone know where we were and what was going on but me. I really began to panic inside because it is still difficult for me to ask things that are not simple or scripted in advance. I was at the edge of my seat so I could jump off the bus and figure out what to do if this was the last stop. I looked around and there were about four people still sitting down. I remained seated and began to pray. The doors close we rode look the street and one turn later we were on a familiar street and on our way to the final stop (where I needed to be). I was grateful! Now a couple of things could have happened today. I could have gotten on the bus at a particular time and this was the normal route for that bus at that time, or there could have been an announcement about the route changing (I would not have understood it anyway). This experience has taught be one huge lesson: Never be too confident about what you think you know especially in a new culture.
18 responses so far ↓
1 Sheryl Campbell // Feb 25, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Well Tania I am happy that everything is going ok with you. Remember God is always looking out for you. I am praying for you.
God Bless
Sheryl
2 Minister Tilla // Feb 25, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Well, the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever! It is really good to hear how well you are adapting to the environment and know that the Lord is with you and so are my prayers. Like Ma Gentry, I look forward to seeing pictures soon. I LOVE YOU!
3 Christina M. Harris // Feb 25, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I am glad to hear all is well with you.
Love You!!
4 Simone E. Engram // Feb 25, 2009 at 4:49 pm
What a good lesson to be reminded of. I’m glad things are progressing nicely thus far. I will continue to keep you lifted as always.
5 Jeffrey Simms // Feb 25, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hey Tania. I see that you are really getting use to being in the Ukraine. I am really proud of your obedience. Love and miss you. Jeff
6 Minister Sylvia Taylor // Feb 25, 2009 at 5:25 pm
The prevailing power of prayer. One month under your belt and all is well. Watch and pray continually. You are right. Do not become over confident or secure. God bless you in your travels and training.
Minister Taylor
7 Brenda Jordan // Feb 25, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Hi tania,
I’m glad you found your way.With the help of
the Lord. That’s a good lesson for us all.So,I’m
thinking that God allowed that to happen to you so you could pass it on to others. Keep up the
good work for Jesus.
Love You,
Ms. Brenda
8 Donna Sahlin // Feb 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I will be in Ukraine from the 19-29 of March. I would love to see you. I will be in Cherkassy from the 19-23, and in Chernivtsi from 24-28.
Praying for you,
Donna
9 Dan Cook // Feb 25, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Your story about the bus was surely a big faith venture for you. It is easy for me to say the following verse in familiar surroundings, but hopefully this promise will go with you the next time “unfamiliarity” surfaces. Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Point: When your lost – He is not and He will “teach you in the way you should go”.
10 Pam Johnson // Feb 25, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Oh my, Tania! We should have had a simulation of a bus ride at MTI. I love your reaction….to pray. Way to go my friend! Pam
11 Corrine Davis // Feb 25, 2009 at 8:06 pm
What would we do without the Lord. God is always with you. You have only been there a month. Give yourself time to realy be sure of where you are going. I am happy everything turned out alright for you. When you don’t know which way to go call on Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit direct you.
12 Ma Gentry // Feb 25, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Tania, that was the time to pray indeed. I am so glad that Pappa God hears us and answers us. I am glad that you learned a good lesson as well. Keep us up to date on things with you. Wow, one month–it went by so fast. We miss you and am praying for you.
Poka,
Ma
13 Carolyn R. O'Bryant // Feb 26, 2009 at 8:42 am
Wow, I can’t believe its been a month already. Time sure flies when your kingdom building. One thing for sure – you know your heavenly Father hears your prayers.
Love YA!
Carolyn
14 Diana Brown // Feb 26, 2009 at 10:39 am
Tania you did the right thing when you prayed. Prayer has the ability to calm you and give you hope that things will work out. I’ve been lost several times in my car [pre-GPS/ MapQuest days ] because I was driving in an unfamiliar area. True, I had a map, but often the streets I encountered were not the ones I had outlined, and it didn’t help that I am very directionally challenged. I called on the Lord, and He answered, every time! Praise be His name forever for ordering our steps! Thanks for the updates. Blessings to you!
Smiles all around,
Diana
15 Melanie // Feb 26, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Wow, one month already! Praise the Lord for your prayer response instead of a panic response. I pray that the peace of God will continue to surround you at all times. Continue to be filled with the Spirit and calling on the Lord in prayer in every circumstance. He’s got you in the palm of His hand and His angels are watching over you as well. Keep your confidence in Him as you progress in your new culture.
Melanie
16 Dick Dickinson // Feb 26, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Tania,
I’m directionally challenged.. Every time I get lost in Belgium I’ll pray for you!
Dick
17 Enit Curry // Feb 26, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Tania, I was scared for a moment. God is so good, I’m glad that everything worked out. My prayers are with you. Take care and God Bless!!!
18 Keisha // Mar 3, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Tania, Tania, Tania! I completely empathsize with you! I get lost very easily. One minute “singing in the rain” enjoying life, next moment scared to death cause I’m in unfamiliar territory. haha I am so happy you found your bearings. Stay blessed and highly favored in Him. Love. Keisha
Leave a Comment