Geese lessons

It was raining both ways on my recent travels to Delaware. As I tried to make the most of my dwindling days of driving alone by listening to all my favorite songs (and yes, I sang along… loudly), the geese got me thinking. Every time the rain broke, geese could be seen, heading for the warmer south as the temperatures have dropped.

I’ve seen them every year for the past 27 years, but this year something about their journey moved me, most likely as I am about to make a journey of my own. Untrained and uneducated, geese fly in a V formation for the best aerodynamics and switch frontrunners so no one goose is too tired. They didn’t take flight 101 or hold a town meeting to decide on the best time to go and the best way to travel. They don’t have Mapquest to inform them of the detours and they certainly don’t have a GPS navigation system with a pleasant voice to sooth and direct them when a highway covers their traditional rest stop. It’s something “other,” that drives them.
Looking back much of my journey been driven by a sources not fully understood by even me. I can look at family history, friends & mentors, education & work, but looking at those things makes it even more evident that a greater power is at work orchestrating all these things so perfectly. Seeing that, even in the lives of geese, is a sweet comfort…because as thrilled as I am to be getting on an airplane in two weeks, the leaving is much more difficult that I thought. Some people I may never see again. Others I will surely see but it won’t be the same as hugs or coffee every day or every week. It’s good that it’s hard because it’s a testimony to how wonderful life has been these past years in Lynchburg, but it’s still hard at the end of the day to truly do the proverbial “letting go.”

And all those thoughts came together in a passage of Isaiah that I read last night: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts that your thoughts. As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (55) So good to know there’s a purpose, a plan, and a Guide.

In lighter news, my niece is simply…AMAZING! Seriously. I cannot tell you what a joy it is to spend time with her and the rest of my family this Christmas. Now with all that comfort and joy (see below), I’m going to buckle down this week to get my house cleaned and packed! After all, I only have 13 days left. HAPPY NEW YEARS!

A penny for your trip?

It's all in! My support raising is complete! :) If you want to give towards my work you are still welcome to, but I've met the goals as determined by Interlink! THANK YOU!!!!!

25 dollars 25 days

I need $25 a month and I am finished with support. I have 25 days left in the U.S.! Many of you may wonder what's going through my head right now with the dealine for departure so close? Well, I'm back to primary school trying to answer some basic questions such as: WHAT am I supposed to remember before I leave? Like Santa, I'm making a list and checking it twice! WHO do I need to make sure I talk to before I leave? WHEN am I supposed to pack, clean, shop, hang out, and sleep? WHERE is my hairbrush? Oh where is my hairbrush? WHY oh why does saying goodbye have to be some final sometimes? HOW far am I from sanity?


No truly... even with the craze, I'm trying to maintain the perspective in that I will be back in a year, that if I forget something it's likely there's some way to creatively cope when I arrive in KZ, and that I need to show myself as much grace as I would offer someone else. I'm far from perfect a (fact which is becoming increasingly obvious as pressure builds) and this is a good reminder to me though that I'm not going to KZ to teach or fix but to learn and share with humility and graciousness for myself and others.

PS: The adorable girl sharing my craziness in the photograph is my niece Kurin. :) I think she's like her Aunty Em in more ways than one! What do you think? ;)

Saying goodbye, arevderchi, ciao, ta ta, paka, adios, bayadanki...

Somehow through all of my travels, I've learned a couple of truths. One, I'll make new friends. Two, old friends will be okay without me. Sounds pretty abrupt, but both truths hinge on the faithfulness of the Creator. So I'm trusting that if I greet new people with an open heart and release my loved ones to God's care, there will be blessings to follow.

For me, this week, the final week of the semester at the university, has been a week of goodbyes as my international students fly, drive, and walk all over the globe for their holidays. I have been incredibly priviledged to meet some of the most amazing people through my job. Here's a few pictures from my student goodbye party!

I Have the Golden Ticket!!

HURRAH! I just got a copy of my itinerary yesterday! I leave January 14th around 7:00 in the evening from Dulles airport in DC. I guess this means that I will need to leave from Lynchburg by 2:00 in the morning to make it through airport security in time! Just kidding! Seriously though since I am flying internationally perhaps I should show up a few days in advance. That way all the liquids would have time to evaporate and the security officers (aka oompa loompas) could make it through my very threatening crates of thermal underpants, the overwhelming multitude of shoes, and not to forget the dangers of bulk shampoo. Oh my!

True story: On the last trip to KZ Frank, Vicki, and I (VA delegates) were pulled out of line for a special search. I guess Kazakhstan isn't so low risk you don't get noticed, but not so high risk that the security officers actually knew where we were going!

Getting my itinerary has been BIG moment for me. I think the next will have to be the day that I finish my support and/or when I clean out my office at work, whichever comes first! As for support, I am still in need of $112 per month. As for my office, well if you would like to come shovel out my drawer or help me haul a ton of decorations home, you're welcome to join in!!! :)

Please note, there's still time to support me! Donation buttons are to the right!

Thanksgiving and thankfulness...

I cried for joy a bit this morning because when I opened up my email there were two letters (translated via email) from "my" kids in Kazakhstan! Here is a little snippet:

"I waited for your letter very much because I wanted to know how you are. I am fine. I study in Shu; I will be a railway worker. I think I can....I wanted you to return."

"I don’t know why, but the first thing what I want to say to you are: “I love you very much”. I was very happy when you wrote that you would come in Taraz. I will also pray God to help you to come here. If you come I will see you and we can talk about everything."

See, when I first went to KZ 3 years ago, I wanted to work with the cute little kids who would call me "mama" and give me sticky kisses. Instead I was assigned the group of 14 year olds. (Teenagers! Agh! Anything but teenagers!) This one class became so close to my heart. I don't know what motherhood feels like, but now I know how a child can crawl into your heart and take your breath away. Imagine how hard it was to leave.

My 2nd year in Kazakhstan I began to wonder what would happen to these children after they "graduated" from the orphanage. The "technical schools" offer basic labor skills only, the living conditions not so great, and support system nonexistent. Sometimes the kids choose street life, crime, and/or substance abuse because of the hopelessness. In response to this need, Interlink created the YOUTH IMPACT program. This initiative is a series of weekly classes in small groups intended to teach the children life skills for success. I'm so excited to serve in this program next year!

(Quick update. They are purchasing tickets as we speak, but I am still urgently in need of $320/month. See the right to make a donation!)

The Cheapest Way to Fly...Really!

In trying to be frugal, you know, a good steward and such, my coworker and I found the absolute cheapest way to get me to KZ!

The good news is that there's plenty of room for luggage in there. The service might not be as good but at least I can take my sharpened items and a bottle of water! I think the airtank and blankets might make it too...seeing as how I'll be flying over Russian mid January! Thanks Derek for your ingenious ideas!

Want to help me get there in style? I'm still in need of about $380/month so feel free to donate!

Reliance, shackles, and pennies...

In my first post I wrote that I couldn't wait to "throw off the shackles of self reliance." It was a sincere statement, but what was I thinking?! This week I have to laugh at myself as I look down (somehow surprised) to find myself tightly shackled to "my" little piece of world. The reality of handing over a checkbook, a power of attorney, and belongings into someone else's care...well, you try it! Thankfully a dear friend pointed out that my struggle is the dying of self and I can do it joyfully or grudgingly...pray that I have joy!

I'm still in need of about $480 per month in support or $5,760 in one time gifts. I truly and deeply believe that financial investment is an outpouring of the heart and a reflection of God working through man in all his facets. Raising support for this next year requires me to rely on the Giver of all good things.

At this time I do need to very humbly and directly ask that if you are considering investing in my time in Kazakhstan that you would do so as soon as possible. One reality that I am facing is that I cannot purchase tickets until I have at least 50% ($1,000 more than what I have now). You can use the links on the right to donate now OR you can mail checks (written to Interlink Resources) to Interlink Resources at 4630 North Broadway Ave.Muncie, IN 47303. Feel free to email me with more questions.

Smells like Kazakhstan

As of November 10th, there are at least 50 more people in the world who know what plov, olivia salad, halva, and tarragon soad are! I think the world's a better place because of it! ...Here are pictures from last Saturday's traditional Kazakh meal at my home. The best comment I got all evening was from the several people who said they could "smell Kazakhstan" from the street outside of my house! Thank you so much to those of you who helped shop, chop, cook, and eat! Thanks also to my photographers and even to those who just showed up and made amusing comments about the food (Michelle this would be you!).

A car, a boat, a plane... a camel?

Wonder of wonders, miracles of miracles... I have enough money for my plane tickets, visa, and other travel expenses!! I should know by next week my schedule for travel and what date exactly that I am leaving in January.

So this is it. This is the week I submit my resignation at work and put my name on a seat (or several seats...none of them on a camel!) that will carry me halfway across the world. And you know what? Even though I've done this before (lived overseas for a year) and even though I've been there before, it's still butterflies-in-stomach exciting!

Thank you so much for all who have given to make this possible. Without your generosity, this wouldn't be happening! I'm still in need of about $700/month for next year, so please consider supporting the work in KZ. Donation buttons are on the right!

Photo courtesy of Victoria Charbonneau.

Embracing the Unexpected

Did you ever get to a point in life and wonder how you got there?

When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a teacher like my parents. At 10 I decided that being a librarian and getting to read all the new books and Dance to the Oldies with the other plump teachers was the way to go. By high school I thought I knew everything and was ready to rule the world as the first honest politician! Then, realizing inherent contradiction in those two terms, I decided to be a journalist who dedicated her life to revealing truth to the masses. I went to college for journalism... and everything changed.

Somehow I ended up in an African politics class, moved to England for a year, and spent some time in a war zone in the Congo. What?! This was not a part of the plan! After graduating and trading off the academic world for "real life" I've found I've spent the better part of the past six years in university! I recently finished a masters in special education and am amazed to realize that I knew more about myself at six than at sixteen! Having planned to go back to East Africa since 2001 I am surprised to find that in about two and a half months, I'm going to move to Taraz, Kazakhstan to work for Interlink Resources, Inc. for one year.

In "becoming a grown up" I've watched my dreams crash and burn and pass away. Sometimes, to be honest, I still mourn the loss. But it has been incredible to be lead by my Creator on a thrilling journey that I could never have imagined. I leap for joy when I think about the people I have met, the places I have been, the things I've learned about myself and God, and even for the unknowns the future holds. This next year is not going to be easy by any means, but I can't wait to throw off the shackles of my individuality and self-reliance and plunge into a sea of challenges where I'm sure there will be lots of refining and perhaps some new revelations that will lead to wisdom and knowledge!

So here I am, Ember Mumaw, making my fourth trip to Kazakhstan, the place where I lost my heart to a lot of special orphan children and where I will be serving for 2008. I've created this blog to keep in touch with family & friends & to make it easier to give to Interlink (see the buttons on the right). I hope, that like me, this blog can include great stories, good conversations, and a lot of laughter!

Kazakhstan is a HUGE country. But where in the world is it? Part of the former USSR, Kazakhstan forms a border between Russia and Middle East. The area is termed "East Asia" and like America, everything there is made in China! I will be spending most of my time on the southern border of KZ in the Taraz and Shymkent offices of Interlink. Check out more at the CIA Factbook online.