A View from the Top

– Written by a Teacher in Russia –

Since coming to Russia, I have found myself hooked to the television show, “Criminal Minds.” We have all four seasons on DVD and it has become a nightly routine to make dinner and watch a couple episodes. I highly recommend this show, but let me warn you…it goes to your head. I have had several dreams where I am tracking down bad guys or caught in a crossfire. One night we were walking to the guys’ flat and we saw a laser pointer shining on the wall in front of us and I was sure it was a sniper. My heart literally started beating faster and I prayed that God would protect us. Just on Monday there was a man working on the roof of the building across from us, and I thought I should get a good look at his face so I could describe him to the police in case he was actually planting bombs up there. Ridiculous.

But the other night I made a startling realization. As I was sitting in my green chair, enjoying the show, a bit of dread started to creep up on me as I thought of the long day of teaching that awaited me in the morning. So I told myself, “Don’t worry. You just need to make it through the day and by this time tomorrow you will be back in this chair.” Whoa. That is a scary way of thinking. Snap out of it, girlfriend.

Here is the problem. I didn’t move to Russia to sit in a green chair and watch American television.
I’ve been here a month and only now am I really starting to experience moments of homesickness. And this homesickness… it’s not even a feeling of wanting to return home, it’s just a feeling of wanting things to feel comfortable and normal. I so admire people who thrive in the face of change, adventure, and the unknown. I am not one of these people. I can continue on, but I am aware of the effort it takes to advance each step of the journey. Unfortunately, transitions and change are not easy roads for me.

Currently, I am missing fall in the northwest. I miss changing leaves, scarves, friends, family, and coffee shop chats. I find I am craving all things cozy. More than that, I am craving things that seem familiar, comfortable, and safe. I want to be in a place where I can understand and be understood…the first time. I long to not worry about getting lost, or doing the wrong thing, or making a fool of myself. Truth is, I don’t consciously worry about these things but I feel my mind and soul relax the moment I walk through the door of my flat and I can stop trying so hard. Perhaps that is why my green chair and “Criminal Minds” have become my place of refuge. It’s on days like these when things seem too difficult, I find myself longing for home; for time spent with family and friends, perhaps over a cup of coffee in familiar surroundings. I long for such things not because they seem better, but sometimes when you’re tired, and cold, and a little bit lonely, they just seem easier.

I guess such obstacles are to be expected and hear me out-I’m not complaining. What good is an easy adventure? Where are the lessons, sense of accomplishment, and growth in walking a paved, flat, clearly marked trail? I’m not asking for easy. Give me a mountain and let me climb. Let me work, and try, and sweat, and cry, just so long as I know there is purpose in the pain and effort. And I know there is. I suspect the view from the top will be the most beautiful I’ve witnessed so far. So thank you, God for this mountain. Give me strength to continue to climb when all I want is a break from the trying. And when I fall, help me to fall back on you.

I’m a Teacher!

—Written by a teacher in Czech Republic—

I made it through the first two weeks of teaching!
This picture is of the “House Sorting Ceremony.” It’s just like Harry Potter for little kids! (Ok… maybe not just like Harry Potter–there’s no sorting hat.)

I’m really enjoying my students and the school. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to teach little kids, but I kind of fell into it (God knows the course of our lives so much better than we do, huh?) I can’t even describe how much of a blessing it’s been to work where I am!

God’s been teaching me so much about His heart lately. He’s woken me up in the middle of the night almost every night for the past two weeks with new aspects of His character. Tonight He woke me up teaching me about truly praising and worshiping Him. Then I had a dream of Him pointing me to Matthew 12. So, I got up and read it. I came across the same verse I had been pondering on all day, except it was in a different place in the Bible! G-d is so good!
“I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices”
Matthew 12:7; Hosea 6:6
I don’t need to feel guilty because I’m not “doing enough” for God’s kingdom here. My job is not to “save the world.” (These quotes are my own thoughts of inadequacy) I’m just to honor God, obey Him, and love Him. He’ll lead me to the people that need to hear His word and the places where I should go. I need to be less worried about the sacrifices and the works, and more focused on seeking after Him first.

Things are definitely starting to pick up and I’m meeting new people-Czech, American, Hungarian, etc.! I know I’ve been here over a month, but it feels like just a blink of an eye!
Winter’s around the corner, so keep me in your prayers! I’m just a Georgia Peach!

Christmas Miracles

– Written by a Teacher in Hungary –

My 10D English class

So… continues my journey here. Between all the people I’m meeting here, and new relationships, I’ve been a bit distracted by all the fun, trips and parties, especially at Christmastime, from what I came over here to do. And, I continue to ask God daily, if He’ll work through me inspite of myself, and my lack of focus. And this is what He is doing:
I have a class of all girls, that I truly believe to be a handpicked group from God. These girls go CRAZY when they see me, and class always ends up being photo with Miss Teacher time. I have no idea what I did to get them to like me so much, but they do. So, a few weeks ago, these two twins did not show up. And when I asked their friends where they were, they said, “oh, at home, bad family.” Come to learn, their mom is an alcoholic and there’s a lot going on there. So, I wrote them a little card, my friend translated it, telling them I was praying for them and their family, reminding them that God loved them. And when they came back they had their own card, thanking me for the prayers, as “this all feels good to us and helps us in our faith”. Wow. Then, the girls of the class ended up giving me a pillowcase with a huge blown up picture of me and the girls, saying, “Love 4ever” That was the bomb.
Then there’s Briggi. Briggi came to me for extra help in English, and I agreed to tutor her. As we were talking about the holidays, I came to found out that she was struggling with some issues that I had a lot of experience dealing with. I told her if she ever wanted to talk, that I would listen, cause I really do understand. And she said, thanks, and Merry Christmas, and I went on my way. A few minutes later, she stopped by the teacher room, and asked if we could go to lunch after we get back from the break.
God is great. He is moving, and calling His people back to Him. He is just pouring girls into my lap, and I am asking for your prayers, that I would be able to be Jesus to them. I am praying, that God, inspite of my problems and lack of discipline, can still use me. And if not, that He would use somebody. I think it’s so great, how He sets up ministry appointments in the times that are the least likely. I know that that’s how God works, but I am surprised everytime.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

– Written by a Teacher in Czech Republic –

I have to say it really is shocking to me how Christmas suddenly snuck up on me. For some reason it seems to have arrived really quickly. I thought I was doing okay for time, and then realized that it was already too late for me to send packages that would arrive to the states before the actual holiday. Now we’re down to one week to the Christmas party, and then the holiday will be upon me.
The snow showed up out of nowhere too. Yesterday on my way in to work there were a few random flakes falling and by the time I got to work they were absolutely huge. It snowed on and off yesterday, leaving us with a fluffy glaze all over everything. I didn’t get pictures of it, but the manger scene is looking very festive with it’s covering of snow. Here’s a shot of it pre-snow last week.

I’m really quite impressed that they have real sheep, but must confess I feel really bad for them as they’re just sleeping in that little house all night long. It can’t be more than 4′ square if even that. They don’t seem overly perturbed, but I don’t think I’d be too thrilled by those dimensions.
The little market in Cheb continues to run in front of the sheep pen. There are about a dozen little huts set up, and they rotate their goods on a daily basis. I keep walking through to check things out, but have managed not to spend much money there. It’s just nice to have around. Makes everything feel a bit more festive.
So this entry isn’t really going to be about a whole lot. It’s the end of another week, and I just felt like I should post something as Christmas is so rapidly approaching. Laura has been sick all week. I feel really bad for her. Fortunately she works at a well staffed school, and was therefore able to stay home and get the rest she needs to get healthy.
I’m going to close this tonight with some pictures I took on my walk back from work this evening. Cheb really can be pretty spectacular every now and again. Good to remember that.

Nine weeks in…

– Written by a Teacher in Russia –

It has been NINE WEEKS since I arrived in St. Petersburg.  This milestone has special meaning to me.  It marks the longest time that I have been outside the USA.  The last time I was out of the country for more than a couple of weeks was the summer of 1986.  I spent seven weeks in Amsterdam and one week in Frankfurt during a college summer missions trip.

A lot has changed in nine weeks.  Today, dawn was at 8:15 AM with darkness by 7:00 PM.  In eight more weeks it will be dawn at 9:15 AM and dusk or dark no later than 4:50 PM.  Think Alaska!

Sunshine is scarce and it rains a lot.  It is also humid/damp here with humidity always above 80%, usually above 90%.  Think Seattle or Portland, but in a few weeks it will be MUCH colder.

A couple of weeks ago, six girls from one of my management classes took me to the Russian Museum.  The paintings and sculpture are spectacular!  I plan on a minimum of one monthly trip  to the Hermitage beginning in November as well as going on other museum adventures.  There are so many to visit.

I am still settling in.  Teaching is becoming enjoyable and I am looking forward to many more opportunities to spend time with my students outside of the classroom.

The Internet is FINALLY available consistently and I am keeping up with all of the US election and economic news.  The silver lining for me is that the dollar is substantially stronger against the Ruble and the Euro than when I arrived.

The Salt Lake Tribune, NPR, CNN and FOX are never far away.  I am also keeping up with college football.  Go UTES!

God working through Teachers

– Written by a Teacher in Hungary –

So, just for the record, this past week has been really great. Lots of affirming people have come my way, as well as those from the States…. it’s actually been quite fun! I met some new people, and am getting to know them… it’s been great! yesterday, I was off, and enjoyed sleeping in, and cleaning my room!

Well, today, i got to school, and was quite tired… However, I went through the motions in my first few classes, especially after being told I was getting more classes ( I don’t mind at all, it’s just the fact that I was simply being stuck in made up teaching slots, with more beginners… as well as a few made classes, simply to put on paper that I’m teaching enough… Hungary…)

Anywho, I went to my last class of the day, a rather advanced class… We were going over an article on women’s roles, etc., and one of the vocab words that came up was “residential”. I explained what residential meant, and explained that my neighborhood is residential. This, for some reason, sparked a question from a student, who asked, “How is it living here?” I vaguely answered, “it’s good”. To which he asked, “is it true that teachers in America make 10 times as much as teachers here in Hungary?” I told him that I was paid less than a teacher at my last job, and I was paid 7 times as much in the states than I am in Hungary. They all were like “Whoa! Why did you come here?!”

I paused. I almost gave the blanket answer “cause money is not important to me.” and I got really nervous, cause I knew that they might not understand what I was gonna say, but that I came all the way over here for an opportunity like this…

So I told them. “First off, I’m a Christian. And being a Christian means that my life is about God. Whatever He wants.” And I proceeded to tell them that I prayed, and felt God telling me to move over here… I explained that it’s not about money, and that as a Christian, I felt called to go where others didn’t want to go, and to help those who needed it, not always those who could afford it. I mean, I didn’t get into the Roman Road or anything… there was no altar call at the end to “just as I am”, nor did I draw on the board a stick figure of me, across a chasm from God, with JESUS as the bridge…. but it was awesome that I got to tell them just Who I belong to and why I do the things I do. I thank God, that these things do come up…it’s all Him, and it’s all an answer to prayer. Please pray for that class, 12A, that God will use today to plant a seed, a seed of curiosity or hope, and will continue to water that seed to fruition…. Pray for [my students], that what they heard today is the beginning of something new in their lives. This class, actually, I’ve gotten papers back from them, on themselves and their family, and learned that most of them do not believe in God, if any. So, I thank God that this came up in this class….

pray that this continues to come up in this class, as well as other classes. Pray for teachable moments, and seeds to be planted and watered…. God is Good!!! In the midst of a school that frustrates me with their insane policies, God is working. PTL.

Top 10 Questions Asked of a Current Teacher

– Written by a Teacher in Slovakia –

1. Did you graduate yet?

No. I wore a cap and gown and walked across a stage this summer in good faith that the work I complete this semester will be satisfactory to finish with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages by Christmas. Twice monthly until then I will submit chapters of a final language program design project. It’s a good way for me to articulate what I’m actually designing and teaching, and at the same time provide a workable product for the school to continue to modify and change in the future. Azusa Pacific University was something that I did in addition to my TeachOverseas contract, so even though my studies will be coming to an end in December, I will still continue to teach under TeachOverseas at my school.

2. Do you still raise support?

Yes. With my returning teacher discount for this year plus the remaining balance from last year, I need to raise a total of $3100 plus airfares (which are usually in the $1200-$1500 range for round trips). You can help me stay here by giving at http://teachoverseas.org/contribute.php . One time gifts are greatly appreciated, as are commitments to give $20 or $50 monthly for 10 months, or until June 2009.

3. Are you going to live in Slovakia forever?

Maybe. But right now I’m just committing to serve my school for one year at a time. Exciting news: as of this month, I have a work visa that’s good until the summer of 2010! Pray for me as I think about the future.

4. What does your ministry look like? This summer someone commented that I was “not a real missionary” in the classic sense of the word. I would agree in that I call myself a teacher first. However, some of my best conversations with students have come out of class discussions. Teaching Literature and Writing is a great way to get teenagers to really think, form and support opinions about meaningful themes. For example, once, after reading Edgar Allen Poe’s The Telltale Heart, students moved to different parts of the room based on how strongly they felt about statements about having a conscience, committing crimes, and experiencing guilt, grace, and forgiveness. One girl stayed afterwards to find out what I really felt, and I was able to share about Jesus in my own life! This year I’m excited to strengthen relationships with students, some of whom I’ve interacted with on an almost daily basis for 2 years now.

One way to do this is to continue the “coffee-time chats” that my former teammate Katie and I tried a few times last year. We announce the time and place in advance, and see who shows up for English conversation in a more informal, non-school setting. My goal is to organize one at least once a month, maybe even weekly as everybody gets into a regular schedule.

Also, most of my students are my “friends” on Facebook, which is a great way for me to be transparent about my life and faith as well as keep conversations going. Once I updated my status in Slovak and was surprised by the number of comments I got from students. So I know they’re watching me and will read whatever I write or look at whatever picture I post.

5. What do you actually teach?

This year I’m teaching freshmen General Literature and Writing, sophomore American Literature, junior British Literature, senior Elective Academic Writing, and super senior Advanced Literature for English Maturita and State Exams. The last two classes have never been taught before, as this is the first year that the school will be functioning as a complete 5-year bilingual program. So it’s still kind of crazy, but I get to be creative, and I like it. I have the coolest job.

6. How can we pray for you?

More and more I’m recognizing a theme among my friends and colleagues, in my students, and in the people I see in my neighborhood and around town. It’s simply this: they have no idea that they are known and loved by God, and they try to fill up their lives with beautiful clothes, thermal spas and perfect holidays, alcohol, a great education, a boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. Living here, it’s easy for me to get sucked into the same mindset, even when I know better. Pray that my life would reflect the truth and freedom I know in Christ, and that I would open my mouth to tell about it.

7. What’s your TeachOverseas team like this year?

This will be my third year teaching in Slovakia with Educational Services International(or anywhere). I still live with my two original roommates – Karin and Jenni – my good friends, closest encouragers, and accountability partners. The larger Slovakia team includes Vic, Darla, Anna and Dominik (a family), plus an additional team of three new women (Katie, Kate, and Kim).

8. Did you go home this summer?

I WAS home (meaning western NY) for a quick few days at the beginning of July before heading out to CA for 2 ½ weeks to study. Then I was home again for 2 ½ weeks before flying back here in mid-August. Pray for my family.

9. How’s your Slovak?

Pretty good! I’m at the fun stage where I can piece together meaning during sermons and staff meetings when I know the context. I can eavesdrop on buses and students, and I can read signs and children’s books. I can carry on simple conversations with my friends and the old lady whose house we stayed at this past weekend. Slovaks are very complimenting and encouraging when they see that an American is trying to speak their heart language, which makes it very motivating for me to try. And today I ordered postage stamps to the US in the plural form with the correct grammatical declensions at the ends of 4 different words(with the help of my friend, but still, now I know how to do it). Great success!

10. Were there any Slovaks in the Beijing Olympics?

Yes, and they won 3 medals in canoeing/kayaking, 1 medal in shooting, and 1 medal in wrestling. Woohoo!

Greeting Day

– Written by a Teacher in China (TIP) –

It is the morning of the Greeting, a Friday, the day the students arrive. We have been told to expect close to 100 English teachers and also reminded that often fewer than projected show up. Except when there are significantly more.

At 8:45 a.m., I see the colleague I am scheduled to relieve at 9 a.m. of her “greeting students” duties; she is returning early to our dorm. She walks slowly, concentrating on a handful of breakfast. I finish with my tie and head out to ask her what is going on, but the halls are still dark and quiet and I can’t find her anywhere. We had been warned that the students often arrive later than scheduled, unless they arrive much earlier. They could be coming from anywhere in China, though today we have a rough idea of who is expected. About 40 of the students are coming from the Beijing area, so they are likely to be earlier or later than expected, as they do not have far to travel. There are some 20 students in route from Tibet. We were told their arrangements were finalized Sunday night and that they began their 3-day train trip sometime on Monday. As they had little forewarning about their journey and were coming from far away, it was hard to guess their schedule. The remaining students will be from a rural district in Gansu Province and their schedule is even less certain.

At the student dorm, I meet three or four people who agree they are students but do not seem to understand English. The building manager is giving them some sort of directions in Chinese. They laugh a lot when they look at me.

I sit on a stool outside the building and enjoy the cool morning. The sky is clear and the leaves on the trees are starting to show the first colors of fall. There are several cats and small dogs lazing around the perimeter of the courtyard. I again mistake one of the women who work on campus for a student as she walks by because her English is so good. It is difficult to place her when she isn’t wearing her cap and apron.

The woman with the stick broom is sweeping dead leaves into a pile. We exchange the first of the many hellos we will share today. It is the full extent of our relationship with numerous workers on campus. Yesterday, a man who we exchange helloes with several times a week insisted on helping us carry some very heavy containers of magazines up two flights of stairs. He is our friend, but he only made the mistake of offering to help once. We’d spent the entire afternoon hauling all of our materials from one building to another building on the other side of campus using our rolling suitcases. Every bit of help was appreciated as we labored at making the unexpected and ill-planned move. After Sunday services at the Haidian Church in Beijing, we’d taken a taxi to the airport to pick up a new teacher. On the long, confusing taxi ride home (are we there YET? are we still in China?) we’d been cavalier as we briefed our new colleague about the constant need for flexibility as things often change dramatically with little warning.

The little boy from the fruit stand next to the cafeteria rolls slowly past my post outside the student dorm in his electric racecar as his mother follows behind talking on her cell phone. They both wave and the little boy yells “hellooo.” He is very conscientious about his greetings unless distracted by a snack or the functioning of his spilt pants. As today will be a very busy day for us conducting placement interviews with the new students, planning next week’s lessons (both Krista and I will have our own class) and sorting through the jumble stuff that just sort of accumulated during our break, I am trying to remember to enjoy the calm of the moment and rest in God’s hand.

A couple of women carrying TIP materials wander up and smile and nod when I ask if they are students. They don’t seem to be able to tell me anything in English, however they do give me an enthusiastic explanation in Chinese. I can understand wanting to use your native tongue as our efforts to learn Chinese earlier in the week included 12 straight hours of Chinese speaking, writing and listening only… with no English allowed. We spent the better part of the day straining to explain to our Chinese friends why we couldn’t speak at all. Only so much information can be conveyed by saying, “my name is,” “hello” and “you can do it!”

We are well rested and ready for the students whenever they arrive. To celebrate the beginning of the new session we all chipped in to concoct the Great American Potluck – hamburgers on the grill, potato salad, coleslaw and ice cream! Thank you for joining us as in prayer that we are continually filled with the Spirit and show Christ’s love to our students and teammates without ceasing. It is not about us, it is all for His glory.

Oh yeah…. school

– Written by a Teacher in Hungary –

Well, I’m finally feeling sort of settled in. That’s nice because I’m getting tired of thinking about myself all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I still will think of myself most of the time, but I’m beginning to think about others too. Specifically, I’m thinking about how I can be more intentional in showing the love of Christ with fellow teachers and students.I’m definitely enjoying teaching and getting to know the students. I find that teenagers are teenagers. Besides a few minor cultural differences, the high schoolers here don’t seem too different from the high schoolers in America. Some want to learn, some don’t care. Some are bullies, some are victims. Most just try to enjoy the day while doing what they know they have to do. As in America, I mostly teach the youngest and oldest (9th grade, 12th grade, 13th grade), and I enjoy the differences. The 9th graders are squirrely and goofy and sincere and forgiving. The older students are a little more mature and skeptical and subtle and adult-like. All of them are pretty respectful and willing to go along with the program.

Speaking of the program, several people have wanted to hear more details about the teaching, etc…so here goes. There are some differences, but also several similarities to teaching in America. As I said, students are very similar. But the whole schedule is quite different. At my school, students can choose a bilingual track and, if they do, end up taking many 9th grade hours studying English. My role is “conversational English”, which means mainly listening, reading, and speaking. Part of my job is to prepare students for a final exam that they must pass in order to advance and graduate.

I teach 22 hours per week (as opposed to last year’s 30). My schedule varies quite a bit. For example, Mondays I have only two classes starting at 10 and ending at 11:40 (nice), while Tuesday I have 7 straight classes starting at 8 (not so nice). There is no lunch break, but there are 10 or 15 minutes between the 45 minute classes. Teachers don’t have their own classrooms but change each period.

A big difference is the attitude. American schools are very student-focused (maybe to a fault), but Hungarian schools place a high value on respecting the teacher. The teacher arrives after the bell rings while the students are waiting by the door. After unlocking the door (sometimes with a sweet skeleton key), the students enter and remain standing until the teacher allows them to sit. Often class begins 3-7 minutes after the bell rings, thus shortening the classes even further.

Overall, I really enjoy the school and life here. I’m excited about further opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ but also to verbally share how He has changed my life. I appreciate your continued prayers. I also welcome any communication. Actually, I have way more of a social life here than in La Conner (probably not hard to believe), but still miss people from home. In addition, if God puts it on your heart, there is an opportunity to give financially. Let me know if that’s something you want to do…or just go to the teachoverseas.org website. I’d just prefer you didn’t give any stock at this point.

Oh, [I had the opportunity to play] paintball with some 13th grade students. We played at an old Russian army base in the woods and in old decrepit buildings. It was an American lawsuit waiting to happen, but what does Hungary care? It felt like WWII and was possibly the coolest thing I’ve ever done. We started off using the friendly fire signs “flash” and “thunder” like they did in Normandy (students’ idea), but then switched to “hey” and “you” for accent purposes. Those same students asked me if I wanted to do a “Band of Brothers” marathon day…and also if I like chocolate fondue. Umm, yes and yes.

The 3 pictures are in my communist “flat” and are my living room, kitchen, and bedroom, respectively. Not too bad.

4th week of teaching

– Written by a Teacher in Kazakhstan –

On Thursday before class I was standing in front of my classroom door with some of the other teachers. None of my students were in the classroom, and usually about half the class arrives at least 15 minutes before class starts. Then, we looked and saw a herd of people coming at us down the hallway. This mob was most of our students from our 4:30 classes, and they came bearing gifts. Saturday or Sunday is teacher day here in Kazakhstan, so the students surprised with some small gifts. It was a wonderful surprise. And like good students, each class gave us an apple – and some chocolate along with some other things!

Also, in my class we had a small celebration at the end of class time to celebrate Ait, or Eid which is a three day celebration at the end of Ramadan. It is traditionally a time to celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast where families will cook big meals and dine with relatives and neighbors. In class I brought some sweats and one of my students, a business woman, brought in 3 different kinds of traditional bread with yogurt to share with the class. It was awesome and delicious! We had a good time enjoying each others company, and I loved being able to celebrate a traditional holiday with my students.

The weather here in Karaganda has been absolutely beautiful the last few days. It’s been in the high 50s to mid 60s during the day and the skies have been a peaceful shade of blue. Many of the trees are turning or have turned and fall seems to definitely be in fall swing. I hear that by the end of the month it could start to get pretty cold. I’m excited about experiencing some intense cold. However, I’m sure I’ll be singing a much different tune in the midst of lifeless winter when I have to wait 20 minutes outside for the bus. But regardless it will be fun to “endure” winter in another part of our glorious world.

And I do truly believe that this world is glorious. And I believe that our Father wants us to believe this and act like it. Heaven – a far away by-and-by in the sky – as some people define it, is not and will never be my home. The Prince of Peace prayed to his Father that his kingdom (the kingdom of heaven) would be on earth as it is in heaven. Heaven’s kingdom was inaugurated by a descending dove when our Lord was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Heaven has come, it is coming, and it will continue to come. Heaven is here and now, and it will continue on into the eternal future. And as believers it is our divine commission to aid in this process; shining the light of heaven’s glorious possibilities and transformation into situations of deep and saturating darkness.

Just as heaven is here and now, so is hell. There are places in this world that are suffering hellish oppression, injustice, torture, slavery, persecution, genocide, poverty, malnutrition, etc. And as citizens of one of the richest, fattest, most polluted, biggest resource consuming nations on the planet we must consider that we, each of us, could be partially responsible for this hell that over a third of the world is burning in. Hell isn’t always run by demons and devils; sometimes they have help from us who are indifferent, gluttonous, greedy, and squanders of God’s good creation.

Which kingdom are we helping to establish? Is it one of gated mansions, infinite wardrobes, manicured gardens, oil rigs, mega-buildings – things that appear to be heaven for some, but most definitely mean hell for most others. Or are we establishing an entirely different kingdom, which at its very heart beats the rhythm of heaven and pumps the blood of heaven – blood that was shed to save us from ourselves and save the world from the sins of greed, pride, violence, lust, and gluttony which bestow their hellish wages to everyone?

May it be said of me that I denied power and glory to the powers of hell and that instead, I took part in the holy communion of heaven.

May our Father have mercy on us for we are all sinners.

May Mercy make right

The things that we have made wrong

May It look into our hearts and minds

And find Itself not too far gone