I admire the poor. I'm sorry. They have a strength which we know

nothing of. They have a faith of which we know nothing. They have a relationship with God with which I'm jealous of.

Don't pity the poor, love them, learn from them. They have more to offer us than we to them.

Mark 1 & 2 (pt1)

The first couple chapters of the Gospel of Mark contain dramatic examples of belief and trust. In 1:16-18 Jesus spots Simon (Peter) and Andrew and simply encourages them to join Him. They immediately give up their entire lives. In 1:19-20 He spots John and James and calls them as well. They also give up their entire lives with what seems like little thought given to it. It`s like the idea of not doing it was ridiculous! In 2:14 Jesus spots Matthew and (a tax collector and sinner) and calls him; immediately Matthew gave up riches and social status to follow Him. What are we willing to give up?

These men forsook everything for Jesus. It didn't even appear as if they even took the time to count the cost, the decision was immediate. The material things they possessed were not as appealing as a life dedicated to Jesus. Why are we so reluctant to do the same? We make excuse after excuse to justify our complacency, while millions of people are secretly crying out for........love, acceptance, forgiveness, and many other things that can only truly be found in Christ. Jesus has given us the answer to these questions, and yet, here we sit, asking Jesus more questions. It's not so hard.

Simon, Andrew, John, James, and Matthew all had questions, but when Jesus spoke to them they know they had heard the answer. All the poeple we are in contact with everyday have questions, yet why don't we realize (or care) that their answer is lying (often dormant) within us. We need to grow up. We need to step out. We need to believe. We need to "get up and follow Him" (2:14).

St Petersburg/Санкт-Петербург

As you may have noticed, the last month or so has been removed from my blog. I will not get into the details as to why this has happened but it was necessary; unfortunate, but necessary.

So now I am in St Petersburg and have been accepted into a TEFL course here. St Petersburg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever had the pleasure of travelling to. It is amazing here. So, I try to do the 4 week TEFL course, and I also try to learn Russian!! Should be easy?!! Not really, I have learnt the alphabet and the language is crazy! Anyways, we'll see what happens.

And as far as my poll on the sidebar:

Where should I go after Armavir?

stay in Russia (11%)
back to Canada (44%)
Mozambique (44%)
Azerbijan (0%)
Well, I am staying in Russia for a spell. Thanks y'all.

6 yrs old, and back to Grade 3

Another week has flew by and it's amazing at how fast time actually slips away on us. Mother Teresa has said: Yesterday has gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Last friday was one of those 'one of a kind' days that you don't get many of in this life. I woke up early, as I had been invited by a friend of a friend to sit in with a grade 3 class at a local school in downtown St Petersburg to immerse myself in some Russian culture. Upon driving to the school I was kind of nervous and not knowing what to expect cause the entire day was to be in Russian and I was afraid that the kids would think it very uncomfortable to have me (a thirty year old) sitting in class with them. As soon as they seen me they ALL ran over and began practicing their limited english on me, and taking pictures of me, and shaking my hand, etc. It was hilarious. They offered their chairs to me, and their books during class. One little girl (Sasha) gave me 3 rubles for lunch. Another little girl gave me a snack bar to eat. Nastya even gave me her phone number!!? Over and over, they made me things, continually involved me in the class, went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and communicate with me, and shared the Gospel to me without using words. 3 of them even walked me to the door when the day was over. It was awesome. I loved the day. They even asked the teacher if I would return another day. And on thursday I will return to that class to participate in a field trip to a local art museum. I cannot wait.

In other events, I am now 6 years old. Yesterday marked a 6 year milestone of my walk with God. 6 years............. it's amazing how faithful and pastoral God is. For my birthday, Анюта (pronounced Annoota; I call her by the name Annushka though) took me around the city to see some of the sights. She took me to St Isaac's Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Blood; both of which were absolutely amazing. Twas a good weekend, to be sure.