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- TeamUfa
- We are a team of people trying to reach people in Ufa and Bashkortostan in Russia. It is no small task and we want your support!
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Living With Change
9:12 AM | Posted by
TeamUfa
The following comes from Tara Woodall on what it's like to be a mom here in Ufa, adjusting to a new culture, language, way of life, and raising kids at the same time. Thanks Tara for sharing your experiences with us!
I have always been someone who gets excited about a big change. I even tend to get bored when I have been in the same situation for very long. The fact that I like change so much is interesting to me because I am not always the most relaxed person. I am a perfectionist, and I don’t like thinking that I am not doing something well enough-- especially when it comes to being a mom. You can imagine the lessons I have learned coming to Russia for the first time with two small children!
Our third week in Ufa I thought I was adjusting pretty well, but my then 3-year-old daughter was faithful to give me a little more insight into the true state of my emotions. After leaving both kids (my son was 17 months) in the bedroom to play while I did housework for a few minutes, I came back to check on them (they had gotten way too quite) only to find a LOT of hair on the floor. I quickly realized that Rebekah had found the haircutting kit and had happily gone to work on herself (it took a year to grow back). I think she had just started on my son’s hair when I walked in the room. My tearful reaction to what is now a funny memory showed me that I was not as calm and cool as I hoped. I am thankful Rebekah doesn’t seem to remember my momentary meltdown.
Some other adjustment needs I experienced as a mom include realizing that I had to learn a new standard for dressing my children warmly (even when I didn’t consider it to be cold) in order to not get chided in public by strangers; realizing that shopping has to be done every day- preferably without kids- since everything must be carried home; and accepting that public transportation would become a part of every family outing or errand. Riding a tiny bus alone with two small children plus bags is always a last resort, so I have to plan carefully what I can do with the kids!
To adjust to life here I have had to accept certain changes in our lives. I have now accepted that I am not a bad mom to let my husband do the shopping most days, since he actually likes to shop and gets out more anyway. I have learned better how to plan ahead for the details of my week. I have learned how not to let fears get in the way of doing what I need to do. I am learning to let my kids have their own experiences in life with guidance but not as much worrying as before. Rebekah now attends Russian public kindergarten two days a week- it’s a stretch for her some days but she is just fine! Some of my “greatest” cultural adjustment victories are the days that I can take both kids out on a very cold day and not have a single babushka (grandmother) find a reason to chide me about keeping my kids warm! (It’s really a small thing, I know, but some days it’s just the encouragement I need.)
I say some of this lightheartedly, of course, but truly the adjustments have been many and none would have been possible without daily strength from the Lord (and much help from my husband). I have seen myself more clearly than ever during the past year, which has been painful at times but a very good experience. I hope I am a better mom than before because I have had to face my weaknesses and to realize that I will never be in control and will never have it all figured out. I still get excited about change, but I am also discovering a new appreciation for the familiar. Just being a mom keeps life interesting enough!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Visit to Uchali
The following comes from Chris on his visit to Uchali a few weeks ago.
Uchali is about 400 kilometers (a 5-hour drive) east-southeast of Ufa on the eastern side of the Ural Mountains. The population is approximately 40,000, predominantly Bashkir. There are approximately 200 known evangelical believers in Uchali, a small city with lots of manufacturing and refining work.
Andrei Dzuba, an Ufa believer, church starter, and former pastor, made the trip with me to Uchali to worship with the believers and encourage them. On the return to Ufa, we saw the beauty of God’s creation displayed in the snowy mountains and ruggedness of the glistening terrain.
A hilltop view of the city
The Baptist church we visited there has existed for a few years now, after believer Nadir Davletkildin and his family moved there from Ishimbai (two hours due south of Ufa) upon Nadir’s completion of a missional training program in Ufa about five years ago. An evangelical church from southern California has sent construction teams to assist with building a multi-purpose facility in Uchali during the past few years. Nadir’s family lives on the 2nd floor of the building, while the church body meets on the first floor. Several rooms are still unfinished, though the worship meeting room is fully functional, including a central heating-ac system. Andrei and I stayed the night in Nadir’s living room and two of the female believers joined us and Nadir’s family for lunch following morning worship on Sunday. Afterwards, Nadir gave us a short tour of the city.
Chris and Nadir
The church building
Andrei preaching during the service
Chris preaching
The church appears to be struggling because of various reasons. We need to pray for Nadir and his leadership as pastor of the church. We need to pray for several of the Uchali believers who have apparently been offended by other believers and are not active in the Baptist church. Having a nice facility is not a guarantee of success and effectiveness as a church body or missionality. There needs to be healing and accountability in the church body and a restoration of Jesus as the central figure and focus of His church. We need to pray that current Baptist leadership will be supportive and helpful to Nadir and the small fellowship of believers in Uchali. The church has great potential that is not being realized.
Chris with Nadir, his family, and some ladies from the church
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! New Year is the biggest holiday in Russia and in keeping with that, we were excited to welcome in 2011 with the rest of the city. Here are a few pictures from the evening.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
We're excited here about what God will do this year! Please consider committing to pray for this city in 2011. Pray for the people here and pray about how you could be involved. We would love to see you here in Ufa!
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