Erinochka, I have to hug you often now.

Tonight, I went to SMS club at church (a youth get-together sponsored by Salvation Church once a month). Nobody translated for me, which was actually kind of fun, because I understand so much more than I realize. If I have translation, though, I tend to tune out the Russian.

The theme tonight was about loneliness ("ah-dee-no-chest-va"). Loneliness is definitely something I've dealt with quite a lot while I've been here- mostly during the winter months. I'm surrounded by many friends, but sometimes, just living in a culture that is not your own makes you very lonely. My sad language skills thrust me into isolation, as does my limited knowledge of Ukrainian culture (I'm pretty convinced that I could live here for years and years and never fully understand things). However, God has taught me so much during the lonely times. Those dark and lonely winter months taught me so much about how God is truly my constant confidant and friend. I have gotten to the point where I seem to tell Him every thought, no matter how inconsequential. There were several days this winter when I was so overwhelmed by culture, so lonely without a fellow American, so depressed from the grayness and the snow and the ice, and just so...alone...that I would just cry. But, looking back, I can see that it was in those moments that I truly felt the reality of His presence.

So, during the loneliness talk tonight, I had a good time of reflection. Then, as if the Lord wanted to remind me how not alone I am, Ira came up and gave me a hug. This may not sound important, but she's not really a hugger, so I truly appreciated it. I hugged her back, and she said, "Erinochka, I have to hug you often now. I'm running out of time and know that after you leave, I'll want to hug you and you won't be here." It was such a wonderful reminder of the dear friends that I've been blessed with.

I'm uploading a video of a song that Maya and Slavik sang tonight. It's one of my favorites of the truly Russian praise songs. I hope you enjoy it!