Serving the Margins

Pink Shoes and A Party Dress

2011-09-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

While on the Metro this week, there was a little girl sitting across from me in a beautiful dress and coat with beautiful pink patten shoes. During the ride she was enthralled with the young men sitting next to her watching some video on a little screen that they held and shared between them. She was chattering with her mother along the way. We played a little game of peek aboo around passengers standing between us.

As the car was screeching to a halt before my stop, I leaned down and told her I liked her pretty pink shoes. She beamed with excitement and talked more with her mother. To my surprise they exited the metro the same stop I did and as I watched them walk away the little girl seemed to be dancing while walking with her mother.

It's fun to make someone happy, whether they are 2 or 82. As you are doing life today, look for one person that you can have an impact on. A simple compliment, a warm smile, whatever...

Perspective

2011-08-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

Today I was running a few errands and it dawned on me that when I was with a group of English speakers, everyone here assumed I couldn't speak or understand Russian. Today, by myself, I was reminded that I am expected to know and understand Russian... or Ukrainian... ;)

Going to the Post Office here is not my favorite place to go. I needed to pick up a letter which of course I went to the wrong office for - I always choose the wrong place. Apparently the letters are on the backside of the building. At least today I didn't bother them during their lunch break. That makes them particularly grumpy.

It feels good to be settling in again. Even the struggle with language is familiar enough to feel like home.

Jesus' Friends

2011-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

I just read the story of Lazarus again yesterday. There were several things that impacted me. First, these were Jesus' friends. It's one thing to think about the disciples. They were following him, watching him, learning from his every step. Then, you think about Jesus' friends. John 11:5 says, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." Lazarus had been dead for 4 days when Jesus arrives. Martha says, "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask". She affirms that she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God, and calls for Mary to join them. When Jesus sees Mary weeping, we learn that Jesus wept. Jesus prays to His Father and has the stone moved from the grave and says, "Lazarus, Come out!" He is bound by his grave clothes, but he comes out of the grave, alive!

So, going back to his friends. They know the sting and pain of losing someone they love. They also know the joy of resurrection! Do they remember this today? The day after Jesus is crucified? Do they expect His resurrection? These are the people Jesus hung out with when he needed some 'down time' or when he wanted to relax and have fun. Would I remember Lazarus coming out of the tomb the day after I saw my friend, and my Savior crucified? Did they remember the power? Or, did they think He was completely defeated?

The rest of the Story...

2011-04-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

I posted this note on Facebook: But, what does it mean to linger at the cross? Can I ever understand even a small, even tiny glimpse of the suffering Jesus endured by taking on the sin of the World? We, (Westerners), don't like to be uncomfortable. Does this make me uncomfortable? Why do I jump so quickly to Sunday?

...the rest of the story: I've been thinking this Easter Week about how difficult it is for us to linger at the cross. Our humanity wants to jump to the end of the story. After all, we know who wins! And, while I think it's great to celebrate that, I'm learning how important it is to understand Jesus' suffering so that I can fully understand and appreciate His triumph.

Part of it is being in a different culture as well. In Ukraine, you never wish anyone a happy birthday until the actual day. And, of course, you never greet anyone with "He is Risen!" until Easter Sunday morning, or the day after. (still a holiday)

So, my challenge to myself and to others this year is to stay at the foot of the cross until Sunday morning. Let the suffering sink in. And, use this time to pray for those who suffer around the world. I've been praying for those suffering in modern slavery this week. Jesus suffered greatly. He understands their pain and suffering. And, praise the Lord, He meets us all exactly where we are at. This week and always...

Bringing out the God Flavors in Everyday Life

2011-03-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

As I've been intently observing people's driving habits in preparation of driving myself in Ukraine, I've noticed that they often park anywhere. Literally. I wasn't particularly judgmental of this trait, just observant. I've also noticed that people have an uncanny awareness of the space of their car. They can fit through spaces that have only a few centimeters to spare on either side. They back up until you want to yell stop to perfect strangers before they hit the tree; and somehow they seldom hit anything!

Some of you know that this past Tuesday was International Women's Day. This translates to business being closed and most celebrating at home with their family. It also translates to very, very little open parking available. After picking up my flat mate, we headed to a friend's house to have dinner and play games. Upon arriving back at our apartment, it became quickly apparent that there was no parking to be found. The look on both of our faces as we realized that this meant me backing out of a very long, narrow spaces between cars crammed in on both sides was priceless. I refused to look at this as an option. Instead, I proceeded to turn around in this cramped situation which meant using the fee sidewalk space as turning ground. I then 'found' an open space on the children's playground and parked there until I could move the car in the morning.

As I maneuvered between the bush, the planter and the slide, our dajhournaya - little elderly woman who 'guards' our building just inside the entrance - watched intently as I parked. I sheepishly walked towards her, joking that she was going to chastise me for parking where children play. Instead she exclaimed that she had hung up the March 8 Women's Day Congratulatory Card that I had printed out and given to her as I left the building earlier in the day.

I realize that this entry may seem wordy and trite. I am sharing this because looking back, I am reminded of how much of my daily life is filled with the trite and mundane - the business of parking if you will. And, somehow, along the way, God allows moments when we often least expect it - to show Himself. Many times it is the things that we least expect that make an impact in someone's life. A card, a smile, a hug, listening,... acknowledging their value and worth and seeing them through God's eyes. My prayer is that I'll bring out the God colors and the saltiness of life to those that God brings across my path - wherever I am.

One of my favorite passages is Matthew 5:13 - 16. It is immediately following when Jesus gives us the beatitudes: Here's the passage from The Message:

13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

I am a stranger in a strange land...

2011-01-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

Living in a different culture, I am reminded daily that I am an outsider. It's not always blatant. It's not always uncomfortable. But, it is always in the back of my mind.

This morning I was riding a mashrutka - little yellow bus - to the Seminary with my friend Julie, also an American. We were speaking in English but surrounded by Ukrainians. As we were traveling, we both were thinking about how 'normal' everything has become. The buildings, the weather, the people, the language and even the drab winter days. Just as we are thinking this, the bus stops in the road and opens the door... Our stop is on the side of the road, about 100 feet in front of us. Julie looks at me with a childlike expression asking for direction or affirmation.

And, again, we are both quickly reminded... we are strangers in a strange land.

What jolts us into remembering that we are all strangers in a foreign land? As we journey towards our heavenly home, what does God bring into our everyday lives that serves as a reminder that we are not in our homeland?

Christmas Musings

2010-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

It is common to talk about the shepherds or the angels... But, the thing that really caught my attention this year is from Matthew's account of Jesus' birth. "Mary and Joseph took the baby to Egypt to fulfill the prophecy, ‘out of Egypt I called my Son.’" And, in contrast, I was reminded how reactionary Satan is. His response is one of great anger seen through Herod’s decree to kill all the male children born in Bethlehem – 2 years old and younger. The rage and anger seen in Herod is Satan’s response to the birth of the Savior of the World.

God is faithful. He is deliberate and He keeps His promises. Satan is reactionary. How many times do we see this throughout scripture? How often do we get caught up in the reaction of Satan and fray of the immediate rather than the deliberateness of God in our own lives? It is so easy to do. This year, may I focus on God's faithfulness and know that whatever circumstances, He is at work.

He wants my all...

2010-06-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

I just wrote this for an online course with ReachGlobal. I thought I'd share it.

He wants my all...

Matthew 28:18-20, a passage we all know well…”All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

In Matthew 25:34 – 40 Jesus states, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 22:36 – 40 The Pharisees ask Jesus, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”

Matthew 23:1 – 4 says, “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.’”

I’ll respond to these quotes one at a time:

"There are a number of mission leaders, particularly Americans, who are frightened that we want missionaries to give themselves to social-political work, which is none of their business and would distract them from their primary role in evangelism. I have no wish for missionaries to change their role. There is a real need for evangelists who are not engaged in holistic mission because their calling is evangelism. I don't criticize Billy Graham because he simply preaches the gospel and doesn't engage in social-political work—well, he does a bit, but not much—any more than we don't criticize the Good Samaritan for not preaching the gospel to the man assaulted by robbers. It's partly our existential situation that determines what we concentrate on, partly our vocation. Everybody cannot do everything, as I keep saying to myself."

Rev. John Stott from in an interview in Christianity Today 9/5/03

We are each uniquely created in the image of God. We have different strengths, gifts, abilities and thus weaknesses as well. There are some things we are more naturally drawn to and bent towards. However, is it a fair question to ask, as I become more Christ like and reflect my creator, do I become more balanced? Can I be an evangelist who is also concerned about holistic ministry? I may still use much or most of my time to be an evangelist…but I cannot simply walk by a person in need. Isn’t this practicing what I preach? I’m not being critical of Billy Graham or others. I have great respect for him and am thankful for his part in building God’s Kingdom. However, practically speaking, isn’t both speaking God’s love and serving in His love commanded of me from scripture?

I think it’s a dangerous divide when we start separating the two.

"John Stott sees evangelism and social concern as equal (independent) partners: This seems to detach ministry too much from the ministry of the Word. It opens the possibility of it standing on its own without the preaching of the gospel. I propose something else, an asymmetrical, inseparable relationship. We must be ever wary of collapsing evangelism into deed ministry as the social gospel did, but loving deeds are an irreplaceable witness to the power and nature of God's grace, an irreplaceable testimony to the truth of the gospel."

Rev. Timothy Keller

I love that, ‘asymmetrical, inseparable relationship’! One without the other is empty and pretentious, no matter how you divide them. The Pharisees are an example of people who preached with words but didn’t back it up with their lifestyle. James talks explicitly for the balance of faith and deeds. In James 2:26 he gives us such a clear picture, “As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

Backing up to the great commission in Matthew 28, if we all recall the many sermons preached on GO and make disciples… But, how would it transform each of our lives if we understood a clearer translation and the command to be, As you are going, make disciples, teaching others to obey… all under God’s authority! As I am going, as God brings people into my life, I am to speak God’s truth and love and show His love and truth as well. I am to support God’s ministry and build His Kingdom as I am going… As I am going makes going, sending, supporting with prayer and finances, telling people about what God has done and is doing in my life, and tangibly helping people with physical needs all fall into place. It’s completely all encompassing of my life. God is YAWEH. Everything that I could every need! In return, He wants my all. My all is that beautiful asymmetrical, inseparable relationship that Tim Keller refers to. It’s a true reflection of my King. It’s a daily struggle, but how can I respond any differently?

Crystal Clear

2010-05-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

There is a time of day, mid-evening actually, where all the colors are extra crisp and everything seems crystal clear. I've always loved this. Everything is super vivid.

I think this is how God sees our lives. We get caught up in the mire and mist of everyday. God sees the bigger picture, crystal clear!

Storm CLouds

2010-05-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

The storm clouds are moving in again this afternoon...I can hear the thunder in the distance. Yesterday it stormed on and off all day. It's fun to watch from inside; not so much fun when you are running from point a to point b.

The thing that struck me today was how green everything is. The beauty of that haze. The colors are crisp and the earth is fertile as it has just had a large glass of water.

I still look out the window or at my surroundings while walking and am struck that this is home now. It is differant but similar, familiar but new and friendly but cold. Today I thought about the storm clouds in my life. Some loud and thunderous; some quiet and dark; but, all bring new life. They somehow bring new light to my surroundings and breath new life into me each day.

Just as I'm thankful for the fruitfulness of the earth today, I'm happy for the fruitfulness in life that personal storm clouds bring as well.

Bread Basket

2010-02-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

As you travel outside of the United States, you realize that most of the world's diet depends heavily on bread. The whole anti-carb craze has not hit here like in the States. And, I also appreciate Jesus' words in Matthew more. Matthew 4:4 "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." and in Matthew 6:11, "Give us today our daily bread". The first reference is when Jesus is being tempted in the desert. He had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. The second is where He teaches us to pray.

In the US there are many things that I just do. I feel empowered in my own regard and am comfortable with my surroundings and have common language abilities. Often it is hard to rely on God. My head knows that my abilities, oportunities and everything comes from God, but when I get caught up in the busyness of the day it is sometimes easy to take God forgranted.

While in Ukraine, it is much easier for me to rely on God because I am not as used to or comfortable with everyday things and curcumstances. I depend on Him for safety and health. I rely on His provision through people's support. I know that I cannot make it here without Him. Every day I am conscious of my need for Spiritual daily bread.

So, a few weeks ago I was reading a random blog that I clicked on through another friend's link and I read about their bread basket. It took me a few minutes to catch on that it was where they stored all of their families bibles, journals and devotional materials. What a fabulous idea!! This inspired me on Wednesday to buy 2 identical bread baskets. One for bread made with flour and water that sits on the kitchen counter and one for my Bibles, journal and a couple of devotional books that I am reading that is in the living room. One of the first steps in making our new apartment my home!

One of those days!

2010-02-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

I should mention that this whole week I've been battling one of those head colds that lingers... doesn't really do anything but continues to be a dull ache and an anooyance. For the first two days, I laid pretty low, but can only tolerate that for so long... Perhaps it lingers because I walk around in 15 - 20 degree snowy weather. Oh well. It will end. Someday.

Yesterday I was ready to jump in the shower, turned on the water and this concoction of brown muddish substance sputtered out of the pipe! EWW! Jumped out of the way and moved on with the morning. Waiting to hear from the realtor about the apartment we fell in love with and want to rent.... Still waiting. Keep praying with us to land in the right apartment. I'm sure there are others out there we would love also. Just time and effort to be expended.

Somehow last night after a very good Russian Language class I got it in my head that I should be WAY farther in the process. Process is something I've never really been good at, by the way. I've been here 3 weeks. I have yet to meet anyone who 'masters' Russian in 2 years, let alone 3 weeks. :)

We got about 5 inches of snow yesterday so the ice is blanketed with lots of white stuff to cushion the falls! :) Actually, I've been fortuante, and diligent about using my 'stabilicers' - ice cleats on my boots and have managed to stay upright! I'm looking forward to spring.

God continues to teach me about balance. My life was incredibly busy immediately before coming to winter Ukrainian lifestyle. I'm learning to appreciate the moments and, I'm making some pretty awesome soups!

KarmaTube: Amazing Grace, by Wintley Phipps

2010-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

KarmaTube: Amazing Grace, by Wintley Phipps

A friend forwarded this to me. Every time I hear this song I remember the first time I went to a drug rehab center just outside of Kyiv. I was so overwhelmed with how much the people there understood God's grace and how little of it I could grasp.

This is a wonderful and powerful rendition of Amazing Grace. Remember how truly amazing God's grace is in each one of our lives today...

Two of my favorite people in the World!

2010-01-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Babushka's breaking up the ice with shovels

lots and lots of ice on the sidewalks

A few pictures of the ice and those trying to break it up!

2010-01-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

snowy Kyiv

Two Weeks

2010-01-29T02:40:00.001-08:00

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been in Ukraine for two weeks now. Most mornings it feels like two days, then once in a while like two years… I guess that feeling will last a while! It’s been brutally cold since my arrival, so I’ve had very little distraction from studying Russian. Last weekend I got so much accomplished in my lessons and memorizing things that my teacher said she’s going to start praying for more cold weather. Ha ha… please, no!

This weekend I will start the daunting task of looking for an apartment of my own! There seems to be quite a few to choose from, so it shouldn’t be too bad of a process. It also helps that my flat mate is a Ukrainian, so I am not nearly as easy of a target to be taken advantage of with her around and making the initial phone calls for me. (Thanks Marina!!)

Please pray with me that we’ll end up where God wants us. He knows the neighbors, the landlord, etc… And, for now, I trek back and forth through the ice and snow to language school.

video

2010-01-15T08:45:00.001-08:00

Settling in

2010-01-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday evening. Flights and travel went very well. As I begin to unpack and settle in to my new surroundings I think about what it means to call somewhere home. I feel comfortable here, but it still takes a while to get unpacked and have it feel like second nature. Time will help to settle me in...

I will post a video tour of my apartment. My videography skills aren't the greatest, but you'll get the general idea of where I live and I'm certain that my video skills will increase with time as well! Thanks for your prayers as I traveled. Now, please pray with me for diligence in learning Russian!

Milk expiration dates

2009-12-30T19:49:00.001-08:00

Tonight I stopped by Meijers to pick up some bread and milk on my way home. It's pretty surreal when you realize that the milk will expire 2 days after I have moved to Ukraine! It's a little overwhelming when you look at it that way too!

There are many things that as I am doing them I wonder if it is the last time... saying goodbyes and slowly starting to shift mentally while raising the last of my monthly support. It is a much more difficult process than I would have ever expected. It's a rollercoaster of emotions with the exhiliration of a dream coming true and at the same time also needing to close many chapters of life here.

Happy New Year! I am so blessed to have many people in my life that care deeply and love much!

What's for dinner?

2009-11-12T11:30:00.001-08:00

Last night I had dinner with a good friend and her youngest daughter. I've put together a photo album to walk through when talking with people about what I'll be doing in Kyiv. Even though they are very familiar with my tasks, I walked through the photos with them. At the end I asked if they had any questions.

"What do you eat in Ukraine?" It makes me smile, especially when kids have fun, every day questions... I told her I eat bread with butter and cucmbers for breakfast. Then her ears perked up when I told her you could buy or make pizza and there are 26 McDonald's in Kyiv! Many times on my way to language school I stop and get a cup of coffee and look over my Russian homework before walking into school at McDonalds.

Her eyes lit up as we talked about the 'familiar'. I'm always interested in how each one of us look for points of commonality wherever we are. There is comfort in familiarity. And, sometimes those breif encounters with the familiar gives us the energy and the inquisitiveness to seek the unfamiliar!

Who/What are the Margins?

2009-11-02T17:43:00.001-08:00

The margins are the fringe of society. It differs from culture to culture. In Ukraine it is the people that very few want to deal with. Kids who live on the street...Drunks...Drug addicts...People who are dying - both physically and spiritually. There are no really good numbers available to quantify these groups in Ukraine. The government would like to pretend that they are not dirtying up their society and from an onlookers perspective, are hopeful that 'they' will be eliminated through some sort of a natural cleansing process of sorts.

The margins are often people who live with a very close understanding of death. Tonight I went to the World Vision "Experience Africa" exhibit that is touring the country. You check in and get a headset. You then proceed to walk trough while listening to a story of a child from Africa. I fought back tears frequently as I was reminded that she understood the brevity of life. Her father died when she was 5 and then her mother became ill later. I don't want to ruin the experience for those who may go. I will say that the journey was powerful. Maybe in part because I can vividly see many in my mind who have been diagnosed with AIDS. When I hear a child's story from Africa I am reminded of Ukrainians that I know who have also waited in a clinic for test results. They stamped my hand positive when I placed it on a counter... as a part of an experience... I know people who in real life have been stamped with a red HIV + sign and live out the consequences daily.

I wanted to go through to hear another story. But, I couldn't quite do it back to back. I hope to make it back some other night this week. I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit the Africa experience to do so. It is being set up in different locations across America. This week it is at Fair Haven Ministries in Hudsonville daily from 10 am - 8 pm. Walk through and think about who the margins represent. Will you join me in serving the least of these in Ukraine in Jesus' name?

Leaning and Waiting

2009-10-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've been explaining to many that I have pushed back my departure date from early November to late December. This is challenging for me on several levels. First, in good old American fashion, it's extending the time line which is difficult for my personality... Second, I want to be there. I know I'll miss so many people and things, but that doesn't change my desire. Third, I've just never been very good at waiting... and so, I wait!

A friend's blog reminded me today that there are lots of good things about waiting too. It is not a state of complacency, but a time of deliberateness. And, that one can actually accomplish a lot while you wait. I've moved, am going to move again. Have sold most of my possessions and boxed up those that remain. Have been through several language, mission and cross cultural trainings. Have met a ton of new people and now continue to invite people to be a part of what God is doing in Ukraine through financial partnership.

We wait for bread to raise. For yeast to work. And then for it to bake. It's well worth the wait.

Now I wait for God's continued provision, for open doors and His direction. And I rest, knowing that this too will be worth the wait!

It went so different in my head!

2009-10-04T17:21:00.001-07:00

I had moved out of my house amazingly fast! Before I went to Ukraine for 2 weeks. There was one hitch. I kept 'stuff' in my office. The agreement was that I'd remove it 'when I got home'. Well, an afternoon here and a day there, turned into many, many hours of sorting through the mess that started there and then was only complicated when I added more 'stuff' from other areas in the house.

Finally! It is done. Everything is out. I brought a few things to my friends house to sort through. Today I was reading through old journals. I found the following written while I was in Mexico the summer of '99. I had just returned from a trip to Ukraine. It is so fun to look back and see how persistant God is and how involved He is in our lives. Let me share part of the entry:

From June 28, 1999 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himslf up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2

I need to share my heart today. I have said to many people since my cisit to Ukraine that I feel God has blessed me with 3 main ministries in my life: jr. high at Calvary, Ukraine and my job. Since my trip to Ukraine, I feel like many things have a sharper focus in my life. Often, I can't really explain it to people, but You are very real to me this month. I still do and say stupid things - but You are with me. You are tugging at my heart. I want to know how and why. I am seeking exactly what you want me to do. I don't want to take the easy road just because it's comfortable. I honestly and completely want to know what you wnat me to do. I am broken - emotionally, physically and spiritually! I know You desire a broken and contrite heart. I am waiting for Your direction... I need Your direction! Please guide me.

What is inspirational?

2009-10-03T19:55:00.001-07:00

Tonight I am wondering about what is inspirational? I went with a couple friends to see Julie and Julia. For those who haven't seen it, the movie is based on a true story of a woman who is turning 30 who is frustrated with her state of life so she decides to cook her way through Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in a year and blog each day about her experiences.

The movie also tells you the story of Julia Child and her husband while they live in France. She is concerned that she needs something to do, so she enrolls in French Cooking School. Obviously, this changes her life and it also impacts many others too.

As the movie was ending, I was thinking about Julia living in France and feeling like she had 'nothing to do'. And about the readers who followed Julie's blog for a year. So, this all begs the question: What/who inspires you? As I get ready to move to Ukraine, is my life inspirational to Ukrainians? To Americans that I talk with before I leave?

Cooking is wonderful. I love to cook! But, I pray that people are inspired through my life to see my creator...