My weekday mornings generally do not find themselves so relaxed and casually paced. Tuesday dawned quite early with clear blue skies, awakening the birds with sunlight so that, by the time I greeted the morn, their songs were half sung. Sleeping in to 8AM or beyond is still a bit strange for me, but since the school year ended on June 20^th, I have not often found a reason to be awake prior to that time. The mornings lost in sleep have been wonderful, as are the lazy afternoons spent with a good book or in the company of a friend.

The 2013-2014 school year at International School of Tomorrow in Moscow was, in a word, hectic. Between all the varied events strung out along the four quarters, the staff barely had time to take a break before diving back into the strong current of busyness. The final quarter of the year, lasting eight weeks, spun like a whirlpool with the success of student honour rolls at its center. Aiming to end strong, my fellow teachers and I moved into high gear with a great focus on aiding our students to reach honour roll status and claim their prizes at the Awards Ceremony in early June. By the time those eight weeks ended, many of us collapsed at our desks, stared at the student progress cards, and wanted to weep in relief. Our students had done well. However, as we celebrated success in weariness and joy, the voices of our students intruded into our contentment with two simple words: “Summer School.”

Thus our frenzied classroom existence began again.

Summer school lasted three weeks. Heading up a class for one-act plays, I introduced ‘improv’ (improvisation) games to the class of eleven students. They all seemed to enjoy the class. Halfway through I gave them all scripts to learn for next year, at which time we may be able to perform the play either for the school’s student body or at the next Regional Convention. The students had a great time getting into their parts. Their energy kept me afloat for those three weeks.

Now, sitting in my room in the midst of summer holiday, I still find it hard to believe an entire school year has finished. The last ten months fluctuated between the speed of a snail and a cheetah. One moment it is September, then December, and then January seems to extend for three long months, but then abruptly it’s May, and…. You see what I mean. Time, essentially, ran away from me.

As summer begins, I wait in anticipation for a great adventure to begin. Although some of my closest friends have already departed Moscow for their respective homes outside the Eurasian continent, I am still in Russia waiting with bated breath. You see, a golden opportunity arose that I could not pass up: The chance to return to South Africa for a visit. Having been away from a country that unexpectedly stole my heart three years ago, I have desperately wanted to return. I know God’s plans for me in Russia have not concluded as of yet, which is why this trip to South Africa is to only last for a month. I will leave Moscow this Friday evening and journey to England, where I will visit with friends for a few days, before continuing onward to Johannesburg, South Africa. While there, I will return to the mission base I volunteered at for two years and serve with my friends in the school and community. I will remain in SA for the remaining days of July and into August. On August 19^th, I will return to Moscow, Russia, for a second year.

The decision to remain in Russia was not an easy one for me. This year has been riddled with difficulties and personal battles, but I have learned much during my time here. When I did not feel Him leading me elsewhere, I knew that I should remain in the Russian soil in which He had planted me. Until He tells me otherwise, this is where I will remain.

The Lord is always good to see us through every moment, a fact I did not fully appreciate until I moved to Moscow. When even the smallest need, like buying shampoo, becomes a massive chore because you cannot read the label, God encourages you with a helpful friend who can. When students refuse to see you as the authority, God reminds you of His incredible patience with His own worldly children. When the constant noise and clutter and press of people are on the brink of sending you over the edge, God sends soothing words of wisdom to your memory from His holy book. No matter the circumstance, God is there in the moment if we only stop long enough to see and hear Him. I have many lessons more to learn, but most importantly, there are still people here who need the Lord. How can I serve them if I am not in the place God told me to be? He loves these people, and of all the people on earth who could fulfill this position for Him, He chose me. A personal mission from God? Yes, please! With these thoughts in mind, I move into the future with a determined step. This summer will be one of rejuvenation. When I return in the fall, I will be ready for a grand new adventure.

Many changes lie in store for next year, but with such a strong support base at home and a God that knows no boundaries, what could possibly stop me now?