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.
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.
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6 comments:
Leon and I are praying for you! I've added your blog to my favorites :)
Nice blog page. Did you have some help or is google blogger design/user friendly? How'd you get the donation part up? May need to tell my brother. He may want to try that.
All the best...
The blog is fairly user friendly and provides basic formats, but I've also done a lot of design type things so I'd like to think I had something to do with it. :) I had help on the donation part. I don't want to post his info, but if you want to provide a name and email I could connect you.
Ember,
I love the blog! What a great way to keep in touch. I'll be checking regularly!
Much love,
deb
I love Ember.
I love Kazakhstan.
Ember - just wanted to say HI - love the blog! it's excellent! - we are just getting ours up as well and learning how to use it. I'm headed to Kstan at the end of November. Let us know how you are doing!
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