I just stumbled across this letter I wrote to myself before I left Russia in July 2006. We were supposed to write ourselves a letter before we left, that Buckner (the agency I went with) would then send to us a year later, to remind ourselves of all we had learned on the trip. It is as much or more of a help to me reading it now, three and a half years later:
"Leigh,
Remember Russia? Have you learned to speak Russian fluently yet? I'm excited to see where God has brought me in a year. Today, as I write this only a few hours prior to leaving this amazing country, I'm thinking of how I want to remember this, and yet be able to move on to the new things God has in store too...
God taught me so much this month. I'm eager to get alone at home to just reflect on it all. I learned to pour out love - how hard it is. It hurts my heart so much. But I learned how important it is to pour out Christ's love (and not my own) without reserve, although it is risky. See, those kids have been so hurt that they are so afraid to love. But perfect love has no fear, and Christ loved us and has called us to love them with our all, in response to and imitation of Him.
You also learned to trust God with details. He takes care of every little thing. Money, others' hearts, your life. He'll take care of you wherever you are now.
You learned plenty about team life and work. And respecting other cultures, and being humble, forgiving. And God just blessed you graciously with beautiful friendships...
And finally, rely with all your heart on the grace of Jesus. He's everything you need..."
